The Walt Disney Company has announced a comprehensive celebration to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, beginning on Veterans Day 2025 and culminating over the July 4, 2026 weekend. The initiative, titled “Disney Celebrates America,” will feature special programming and experiences across Disney’s brands and businesses.
Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, said: “At its heart, America’s story is one of imagination, ambition, and possibility – the same ideals that have guided Disney since the beginning. This celebration honors both a nation and a spirit that never stop dreaming about what’s next.”
As part of the festivities, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will launch “Soarin’ Across America” in summer 2026. This new version of the Soarin’ attraction at Disney California Adventure Park and EPCOT will showcase various American landscapes and cityscapes.
A key highlight will be a 24-hour multi-platform broadcast event during the July 4th weekend. The broadcast—also called “Disney Celebrates America”—will air on networks including Disney+, Hulu, ABC, ESPN, Freeform, FX, and National Geographic. David Muir from ABC News will lead coverage alongside other anchors and correspondents from ABC News as well as ESPN commentators and National Geographic Explorers.
Additional programming includes ABC’s ongoing “50 States in 50 Weeks” series on “Good Morning America,” National Geographic’s “America in Superlatives” series featuring stories from around the country, a new SportsCenter segment called “America’s Team” on ESPN with patriotic content including live coverage of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th, and an ABC News Studios two-hour primetime special highlighting American locales such as New Orleans.
Fireworks shows titled “Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” are scheduled for all three nights of Independence Day weekend at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Park.
Disney Consumer Products will offer military-inspired merchandise at select locations within Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort while supplies last. In May 2026, Americana-themed products commemorating the anniversary will be available for purchase at these resorts as well as online through DisneyStore.com.
The company is also expanding its support for veterans by donating $2.5 million to Blue Star Families to strengthen military families nationwide. Events include special movie screenings for military families across U.S. bases and key markets; live coverage by ABC News featuring veterans; new offers for service members at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Cruise Line; continued participation in US Chamber Corporate Fellowship and Skillbridge programs to assist veterans transitioning into civilian careers; as well as a milestone Blue Star Books event focused on reading for military families.
More details about upcoming activations related to “Disney Celebrates America” are expected to be released soon.
“At its heart, America’s story is one of imagination, ambition, and possibility – the same ideals that have guided Disney since the beginning,” said Robert A. Iger. “This celebration honors both a nation and a spirit that never stop dreaming about what’s next.”
From its founding days onward, The Walt Disney Company has emphasized storytelling that brings people together while celebrating American values.
