A Disney Fourth Of July

The Fourth of July was always one of my favorite holidays as a kid. We frequently got together with neighbors for a block party. Our neighborhood was on top of a mountain, so we also had a relatively decent view of our town's annual fireworks display. With all of this going on, I would also find time to go back home and watch the Walt Disney World Fourth of July special on TV. I remember Marc Summers (from "Double Dare") and Tempestt Bledsoe (from "The Cosby Show") hosting the event in 1989, which included a look at Disneyland's newest attraction, Splash Mountain (this segment featured Marc Price, Skippy from "Family Ties").

Disney and the Fourth of July go together very well. Many people agree, as I noticed on an extremely crowded childhood Walt Disney World July 4th visit (we did that once and never again).

During the early 2000s, The Disney Catalog released an extensive line of great Star-Spangled Mickey Mouse items.

This particular Stars and Stripes Mickey design is my favorite.

I think this is one of the best Mickey and Minnie Bean Bag sets I've ever seen. Too bad I don't own any of this merchandise.

The people at the Disney Catalog came up with just about any item you could use on the Fourth of July (and some you never would have thought about).

If you saw something you liked in the Disney Catalog, chances were good that it would eventually go on sale. Except when you really liked something and waited, and it was gone forever.

Did you ever think about having Star Spangled Mickey Mouse bedding? The Disney Catalog sure did!

Some people have Halloween stuff out all year, and some folks are Christmas junkies. Be different and be a Fourth fanatic.

A Mickey Quilt is perfect for those chilly July nights.


This Classic Mickey image is one of the most famous, with a patriotic theme.


Mickey never worries about what his ears look like from different angles, because they always look the same.

It's American Pie-Eyed Mickey Mouse.


You can even take Patriotic Mickey tailgating.

When you have your next party, take away that "Go Away" doormat and switch it with this Mickey one. Your guests will bring you better food.


Don't forget to put out the Mickey Mouse Chip Bowl.

I bet Mickey prefers Nacho Cheese Doritos over regular tortilla chips.


Uh-oh, there's a mouse in your picnic basket!

No worries, it's Mickey. He's one of the few mice welcome in homes around the world.


Serve up your Fourth of July barbecue and potato salad with Patriotic Mickey flatware.

Beer and fireworks can often make a Fourth of July that nobody will forget. Especially if you have a video camera on hand.


Dish out the baked beans and corn on the cob on American Tradition Mickey plates.

Enjoy some homemade ice-cream in All-American Mouse Frosty Mugs.


Don't forget the watermelon and (m)ice tea.

Be sure to save room for dessert. I bet Mickey would appreciate some cheesecake.


Store more favorite treats in a rockin' Mickey Jukebox Cookie Jar.

The "songs" on this Jukebox are pretty funny. Check out "I'm Goofy Now" sung by Dippy Dog.


If you want to get dressed up for the Fourth, you have all sorts of options.

Add some Star Spangled Mickey flair to whatever you wear.

These pins are collectible or wearable. Once you wear them, they are no longer Mint In Package, and are worthless to collectors.

What time are the fireworks? With this watch you'd know. If it had numbers on it.


Don't forget your sweatshirt on that cool July evening.

Remember to put clothes on your dog, too. Dogs appreciate clothing covering their fur on a hot summer day, right?


Get all patriotic with all sorts of accessories.

Depending on where you live, you might need a Denim Jacket on a brisk July day.


It's time for the Parade of Patriotic Disney Characters.

Stars and Stripes Buzz Lightyear is in charge of the fireworks, and Uncle Sam Mickey is the Master of Ceremonies.


Tigger really wanted to play Uncle Sam, too.

I don't know why, but I think Uncle Sam Tigger is hilarious.


At the height of the bean bag craze, beanies were made of just about anything you could think of. Including Paul Revere Mickey and Betsy Ross Minnie.

Yes, Goofy wanted to be Uncle Sam, too.


In 1975, Mickey, Donald and Goofy led "America on Parade" at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

This event celebrating the American Bicentennial featured giant "It's A Small World"-like characters representing Uncle Sam, Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross and more.


The 1989 "Spirit of America" Parade seen on Walt Disney World's Fourth of July TV special (the one with Marc Summers and Tempestt Bledsoe) had a segment featuring Winnie the Pooh characters at the beach. Tigger was seen surfing a giant wave.

The TV special featured a parade with dancing scarecrows, The Country Bear Jamboree, a giant showboat, and a Dumbo character (perhaps it was filled with helium?) flying high in the sky.


It would not be Disney and the Fourth of July without the fireworks, would it?

Celebrate year-round with one of the coolest lamps ever made, designed by artist Jody Daily.

Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July!