When Disney announces its celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, we are all ears. For many families, Disney and its world of characters are as American as apple pie. The company founded by Walt Disney in 1923 has helped raise generations of children over the past century.
Disney Celebrates America for USA’s Birthday
From November 2025 to summer 2026, look for special programming and offerings from across The Walt Disney Company. Theme parks will relaunch a top attraction. Military families will enjoy special privileges. The whole world will be able to watch Independence Day events livestreamed from the source.
“Disney Celebrates America” commemorates the semi quincentennial — that is, the 250-year anniversary of United States independence. As champions of immersive storytelling, the Disney teams say they will celebrate the nation’s remarkable journey, spotlight the people and places that make this country so unique, and inspire patriotism in every generation.
Innovation and Imagination Key to Disney’s All-American Events
The company has released few details about specific events, but promises to focus on the dreams, stories, and optimism that have touched the lives of people across the country and around the world for the past century.
“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, CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “This celebration honors both a nation and a spirit that never stop dreaming about what’s next.”
Events begin Veterans Day, Nov. 11 and culminate on the July 4, 2026, weekend. Here are the top nine events to look forward to.
Two Places Where Soarin’ Around the World Stays Close to Home
Both Disney California Adventure and EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate this milestone year with a new immersive flight experience. Due to open in summer 2026, “Soarin’ Across America” promises to take guests on a domestic journey, highlighting some of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.
Do you remember the classic Soarin’ Around the World? That attraction used a 180-degree, 80-foot IMAX digital projection dome, plus scents and motion to transport guests over a landscape of global wonders. The original Soarin’ introduced millions of theme park goers to Australia’s Sydney Harbor, the Swiss Alps, South America’s Iguazu Falls, the Great Wall of China, Paris’ Eiffel Tower and much more.
Reflecting the special nature of Disney’s America at 250 celebrations, the new Soarin’ Across America turns its cameras inward to focus only on the United States. Graphics designed for the new ride highlight some of the nation’s most familiar icons, such as the Statue of Liberty, the American Bald Eagle and the American flag.
Independence Day Multi-Channel Blowout Disney Style
If you haven’t begun planning for July 4, 2026, celebrations at several sites, now is the time. Destinations such as Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia and several major cities are planning large civic events. Many are multi-day celebrations taking place in July 2026.
In both Anaheim and Orlando, as well as wherever you are, Disney’s own celebration will culminate on the July 4th weekend. Expect a 24-hour, multi-platform broadcast of nationwide events from the giant media company.
Disney Celebrates America showcases parades, local contests, live performances, celebrations and more across linear networks and streaming platforms. Whether you have Disney+, Hulu, ABC, ESPN, Freeform, FX or National Geographic, there will be a way to experience the coverage. The evening ends with a special evening fireworks broadcast from Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
David Muir, anchor and managing editor of “World News Tonight with David Muir,” leads ABC News anchors and correspondents, famous ESPN commentators and National Geographic Explorers reporting from across the country.
Disney guarantees top entertainers, athletes and historians will come together to spotlight the wonder, achievements and dreams that define the American spirit.
6 Other Disney Celebrates America Moments to Watch For
ABC’s “Good Morning America” will continue the 50 States in 50 Weeks series that highlights unforgettable places and people across the nation.
National Geographic’s America in Superlatives series will feature unique places and events from around the U.S. to explore what makes America special.
ESPN will premiere a new SportsCenter segment, America’s Team, a cross-country search to find out which team “most embodies the country” according to their announcement.
Expect exclusive live coverage of the 2026 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4.
ABC News Studios presents a two-hour primetime special next June that explores the real-life spirit of iconic locales like New Orleans and the American frontier featured at Disney Parks.
If you’re ready to book your theme park visit, the fireworks show “Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” plays July 3 to 5, 2026 at both Disneyland in California and Magic Kingdom Park in Florida.
Military Families Honored as Part of Disney Celebrates America at 250
Disney will continue its legacy of honoring U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families. They have made a $2.5 million donation to Blue Star Families to help strengthen military families across the country.
Look for many more dedicated events, pricing specials, and military-themed merchandise to be announced soon. For example, Disney Experiences will unveil 2026 offers in November. These cover Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Cruise Line vacations for eligible service members in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Always More to Come from Disney!
This is what we know so far: “Disney invites families everywhere to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate who we are, and imagine the extraordinary future we can create together.”
Remember that battlefields, historic sites, living history museums and monuments will be rolling out their commemorations of 250 years of American independence in the months to come. You might not be listening, but we will be.
We’ll share the best events as they unfold!
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