“Disney Celebrates America” July 4th; Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States’ birthday
After celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, Disney is setting up confetti cannons to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
The company today announced special programming across its networks, special offers for veterans and military families at its U.S. parks and cruises, and special themed merchandise tied to America’s Bicentennial.
The celebration will culminate on the Fourth of July weekend with a 24-hour multi-platform broadcast, Disney celebrates Americahighlighting America’s 250th Anniversary events across the country across Disney’s linear networks and streaming platforms, including Disney+, Hulu, ABC, ESPN, Freeform, FX and National Geographic, and concluding with a special evening broadcast of fireworks from Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
David Muir is set to lead coverage throughout the day. The company describes it as “a once-in-a-lifetime presentation featuring leading artists, athletes, and historians – all coming together to highlight the wonders, accomplishments, and dreams that define the American spirit.”
The company also announced a brand-new version of the Soarin’ Experience at Disney California Adventure Park in California or EPCOT in Florida. It offers an “aerial adventure across the United States”, presented in a video featuring Patrick Warburton.
Other offers include:
- ABC’s “Good Morning America” will continue its popular “50 States in 50 Weeks” series, which began earlier this year, highlighting unique places and people across the country.
- Across all platforms, National Geographic’s “America in Excel” series will feature a group of National Geographic storytellers and photographers exploring unique places and events from across the United States.
- ESPN will feature a new SportsCenter segment, “America’s Team,” a cross-country search to find out which team best embodies the country, as well as national specials across its major platforms, including exclusive live coverage of the 2026 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4.
- In June 2026, ABC News Studios will present a two-hour prime-time special that travels across the country to areas such as New Orleans and the U.S. border associated with the lands in Disney parks.
- Expanding beyond Independence Day, Disneyland and Magic Kingdom’s “Disney’s Celebrate America! – 4th of July Concert in the Sky” fireworks display will be displayed on all three nights of the weekend, July 3-5.
- Disney Consumer Products is introducing a special new military-inspired collection at select locations across the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Additionally, debuting in May 2026, a collection of Americana merchandise, including select items celebrating America’s landmark anniversary, will be available for purchase at the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and DisneyStore.com.
Disney will also have shows specifically for veterans and military families.
It will include:
- Disney will invite military families across the United States to special movie screenings of the new releases at military bases and in key markets across the country.
- ABC News will provide live coverage of ceremonies and activities featuring veterans and active military service members stationed around the world.
- In November, Disney Experiences will unveil 2026 offers available at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Line to eligible service members in recognition of their service and in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
- Disney will expand its use of the U.S. Chamber’s Corporate Fellowship and Skillbridge programs, providing networking, career training and work experience for military veterans entering the civilian workforce.