Disney Parks shared a new behind-the-scenes look at the U.S. Air Force Reserve flyover that took place over Walt Disney World for Independence Day, with a few familiar toys joining the flight crew.

Eyes in the Sky for Fourth of July

The new behind-the-scenes video highlights the July 4, 2026 flyover performed by the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing from Patrick Space Force Base. The flyover traveled over Magic Kingdom and EPCOT as part of Walt Disney World’s America 250 celebration.

In the video, Alec, a frequent vocal performer for Walt Disney World events and announcements, is seen in the bottom half of the frame recording his introductory segment for guests in attendance for the July 4 flyover. In the top frame, we see crowds gathered along Main Street, U.S.A. for the event before cutting to aerial views from the aircraft above Walt Disney World.

At the close of his introduction, Alec turns to us and turns the spotlight to a special look from the perspective of crews about the flyover’s lead aircraft, the HC-130.

The flyover formation featured one HC-130 Combat King II aircraft flown by the 39th Rescue Squadron and two HH-60 Jolly Green II helicopters flown by the 301st Rescue Squadron, all part of the 920th Rescue Wing. In the aerial footage, one of the helicopters can be seen flying alongside the larger aircraft as Magic Kingdom appears below. The formation crossed over Magic Kingdom and later EPCOT in a southward direction.

It turns out, as this behind-the-scenes video reveals, Disney also added a playful promotional tie-in to the event by bringing Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and Jessie toys aboard the aircraft.

In several photos shared by Disney Parks on X, the three Toy Story characters are seen posed inside the cargo bay of the aircraft, waving toward a flight crew member, while another image shows Woody, Buzz, and Jessie lined up across the cockpit dashboard while a crew member points toward the controls.

Buzz Lightyear also appears in the video itself, positioned near the open aircraft ramp as Magic Kingdom can be seen far below.

The Toy Story inclusion comes shortly after the release of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, which opened in theaters on June 19, 2026 and has broken several box office records since its preview period.

Walt Disney World has hosted several military flyovers for major patriotic celebrations over the years, including previous Fourth of July events at Magic Kingdom. Disney Parks also recently shared a broader look at the history of military flyovers at Disney Parks, dating back to Disneyland’s opening day in 1955 and continuing through the America 250 celebration.

You can check out the full video from Disney Parks on Instagram below:

What do you think of Buzz, Woody, and Jessie taking flight over Walt Disney World? Let us know on social media.

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