The Walt Disney Company announced “Disney Celebrates America” today. This will be its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. It will include a new version of Soarin’, a 24-hour multi-platform broadcast, a significant donation to Blue Star Families, and more. This special celebration will begin on Veterans Day 2025 and culminate with festivities on the July 4, 2026 weekend. Throughout this celebration, Disney will showcase special programming, storytelling, and experience throughout the company to celebrate the USA’s remarkable journey, spotlight people and places that make the country so special, and also inspire patriotism.

Disney is known as a pillar of American storytelling, innovation and imagination. It will uses these talents to help bring the semiquincentennial to life. This will be done in ways that are distinctly Disney. This will by done by leaning into the dreams, stories, and optimism that Disney has brought to the lives of Americans and around the world for the last century since being founded by Walt and Roy Disney. Throughout this celebration, Disney will spotlight and celebrate the many vibrant communities and expansive landscapes as it encourages audiences and guests to discover the people and places that have shaped America for the last 250 years.

“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, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This celebration honors both a nation and a spirit that never stop dreaming about what’s next.”

Disneyland Resort & Walt Disney World Resort

At the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, Soarin’ will be changing to Soarin’ Across America. This version of the attraction will highlight the iconic landscapes and cityscapes found in the United States. This attraction will debut in the summer of 2026 at both Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort and EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Celebrates America Broadcast

The culmination of the celebration will be a 24-hour, multi-platfrom broadcast on the 4th of July weekend. Called Disney Celebrates America, this will highlight America’s 250th anniversary events nationwide. This broadcast will be found on Disney’s linear networks and streaming platforms, including Disney+, hulu, ABC, ESPN, Freeform, FX, and National Geographic. This will culminate with a special evening fireworks broadcast that comes from both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The daylong coverage will be led by David Muir, the anchor and managing editor of World News Tonight with David Muir. He will be accompanied by ABC News anchors and correspondents, ESPN commentators, and National Geographic Explorers who will be reporting from around the country for this once-in-a-lifetime presentation. There will also be top entertainers, athletes, and historiams coming together to spotlight the wonder, achievements, and dreams that define the America spirit.

More Celebrations

• 50 States in 50 Weeks – ABC’s Good Morning America will continue its 50 States in 50 Weeks series. This kicked off earlier this year and highlights people and places from across this great nation.
• America in Superlatives – National Geographic’s America in Superlatives will feature a range of National Geographic storytellers and photographers that highlight unique places and event from around the United States. This will offer surprising and inspiring stories that explore the different things that make America special. This will be shared across all of Disney’s platforms.
• America’s Team – A new SportsCenter segment called America’s Team will debut on ESPN. This will be a cross-country search to find out which team most embodies the USA. There will also be patriotic programming accross its flagship platforms. This will include exclusive live coverage of the 2026 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on the 4th of July.
• ABC News Studios – In June 2026, there will be a two-hour primetime special broadcast on ABC News Studios that will journey through the hear of the nation. This will showcase the real-life spirit of iconic locales like New Orleans and the heart of the American frontier that come alive in the lands of Disney Parks. This will connect audiences to the extraordinary people, places, histories, and traditions that make America unique.
• Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky – On the 4th of July weekend, Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky will be presented at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. This will be from July 3-5 at Disneyland at Disneyland Resort and Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
• Disney Consumer Products – Currently, there is a new military-inspired collection that is available at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Starting in May 2026, there will be more merchandise that celebrates Americana and this milestone anniversary. The new merchandise will be available for purchase at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and DisneyStore.com.

Veterans and Military Families

During the celebration, Disney will continue its legacy of honoring U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families. This is an ongoing committment that dates back to the founding of the company.

Blue Star Families

Disney will be making a $2.5 million donation that expands the longstanding relationship with Blue Star Families. This is to help strengthen military families across the country. This will includes unique events and experiences for Blue Star Families that are created by Disney. One of these will be a celebration marking the 25th “Blue Star Books” events. This brings military families together through the joy of reading and play.

Other Offerings

Throughout the celebration, Disney will also invite Military families across the U.S.A. to attend special movie screenings of new releases on military baseas and also in key markets throughout the country. ABC NEws will also provide live coverage of celebrations and activations that feature veteranas and active service members that are stations around the world. Disney will also cover other milestones throughout the anniversary year. In November, Disney Experiences will revealed the 2026 offers that will be available at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Cruise Line for eligible service members. Disney will also expand its use of the US Chamber Corporation Fellowship and Skillbridge programs, providing networking, professional training, and hands-on experience for military veterans entering the civilian workforce.

More of Disney Celebrates America

In the coming weeks, Disney will be sharing more about the festivities that will be offered during Disney Celebrates America. This will continue a long committment that The Walt Disney Company has had to the United States of America that dates back to its founders Walt and Roy Disney. Both serviced their country during World War I. Throughout the century-long history of The Walt Disney Company, it has continued to share stories of this country and also support those who serve, or have served. This is a committment that hasn’t wavered for over 100 years.

Daps Magic will continue to cover future announcements and events that are a part of Disney Celebrates America. What do you think of what has been announced so far? What are you most excited about? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!