President Ronald Reagan was sworn in for his second term on January 20, 1985. However, severe cold weather forced Washington, D.C., to cancel the outdoor inaugural parade for the first time. Over 50 High School Marching Bands had accepted invitations to march during that canceled parade. The temperature dropped to 7°F, with wind chills reaching -25°F, making conditions unsafe for attendees and performers.
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
Disney Steps In: A Historic Collaboration
Determined not to let the event fade, Disney executives saw an opportunity. They collaborated with the White House to create a substitute parade at EPCOT Center in Florida. The event occurred on Memorial Day, May 27, 1985, at the American Adventure Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase. This was a unique move—the only time EPCOT hosted a non-Disney event at the American Adventure.
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
A Parade Like No Other
The parade featured 20 of the original 50 high school bands scheduled for the canceled Washington, D.C., event. Robyn Carter and Judd Hambrick hosted the live broadcast, including appearances by Disney CEO Michael Eisner and President Ronald Reagan himself. President Reagan, joined by First Lady Nancy Reagan, addressed the young musicians, praising their dedication and resilience.
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
A Presidential Salute at EPCOT
Reagan expressed gratitude during his remarks, emphasizing the event’s symbolic nature. He noted that bringing the parade to EPCOT perfectly represented unity and innovation—core American values. The collaboration between the U.S. government and Disney created a memorable moment in EPCOT’s history.
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
Watch the Full Parade
✨ Experience the historic event for yourself! ✨ Watch the entire 1985 Ronald Reagan EPCOT parade, featuring band performances, presidential appearances, and the unique backdrop of EPCOT’s American Adventure
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
The Presidents Inaugural Bands Parade – Ronald Reagan EPCOT Center (1985)
