Disney World is going to be hosting the Department of Defense for the latter’s annual Warrior Games event next year, 2024.

There are some cross-overs that are iconic because of how unlikely they feel, and Disney is an expert at them. In its media, Disney Channel nailed the art of cross-overs with interweaving its shows. Now, there’s a different kind of “cross-over” coming to Walt Disney World that some might not have seen coming.

The US Department of Defense meets The Walt Disney Company.

In a Facebook post earlier this week, the Department of Defense revealed “A little early gift for all,” in that they would host the next Warrior Games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The games will run from June 21 to 30, 2024.

What are the Warrior Games?

Per the official website, “The Department of Defense Warrior Games is an annual event, first held in 2010, that celebrates the resiliency and dedication of wounded, ill, and injured active duty and veteran U.S. military service members.”

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It’s interesting to note that this isn’t the first Warrior Games held at the Central Florida Disney theme park. Thousands have flocked to the Disney Resort previously for these games: for example, 2022 saw the Warrior Games being hosted at the Orlando Disney theme park as well.

“From June 21-30, 2024, U.S. Army Training & Doctrine Command will host the Department of Defense Warrior Games bringing together hundreds of wounded, ill, and injured active duty and veteran military members to compete in adaptive sports as part of their recovery journeys,” the Warrior Games wrote on their website.

“2024 is the 14th anniversary highlighting the exceptional physical skills and mental toughness of wounded, ill and injured service members representing the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and U.S. Special Operations Command.” They added.

Fans who would like to watch the games should know that almost all events of the Warrior Games are open to the public, and constitute sports like wheelchair basketball, cycling, indoor rowing, and sitting volleyball.

Disney and the Military

Disney has done its fair share to honor the service of the armed forces. There is a Disney military discount on Disney Park tickets for military service members. In addition, Disney also introduced a 4-Day, 5-Day, or 6-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket with the Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus option (which was formerly called the Disney Military Promotional Ticket) for visits to Disney World in 2024.