“Disney Celebrates America” July 4 Show; Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States
After celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, Disney is preparing the confetti cannons for 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 themed products related to America’s Sesquicentennial.
The celebration will culminate on July 4th weekend with a 24-hour multi-platform broadcast, Disney celebrates Americahighlighting America’s 250th birthday events nationwide across Disney’s linear networks and streaming platforms, including Disney+, Hulu, ABC, ESPN, Freeform, FX and National Geographic, culminating with a special evening of fireworks broadcast from Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
David Muir is expected to lead the day’s coverage. The company is billing it as “a unique presentation featuring leading artists, athletes and historians – all coming together to shine a light on the wonders, achievements and dreams that define the American spirit.”
The company also announced an all-new version of its Soarin’ experience at Disney California Adventure Park in California or EPCOT in Florida. Offering an “aerial adventure across the United States,” it was featured in a video starring Patrick Warburton.
Other offers include:
- ABC’s “Good Morning America” will continue its popular “50 States in 50 Weeks” series, launched earlier this year, spotlighting unique places and people across the country.
- National Geographic’s “America in Superlatives” series will feature a lineup of National Geographic storytellers and photographers exploring unique places and events across all platforms across all platforms.
- ESPN will premiere a new SportsCenter segment, “America’s Team,” a cross-country search to discover which team most embodies the country, as well as special patriotic programming across its flagship platforms, including exclusive live coverage of the famous 2026 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4.
- In June 2026, ABC News Studios will present a two-hour primetime special that travels across the country to places like New Orleans and the U.S. border tied to Disney Parks lands.
- Extending beyond Independence Day, Disneyland and Magic Kingdom’s fireworks display “Disney’s Celebrate America!” – A 4th of July Concert in the Sky” will take place over three nights of the holiday weekend, July 3-5.
- Disney Consumer Products is offering a special new military-inspired assortment at select locations throughout Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Additionally, beginning in May 2026, a range of Americana products, including a selection of items commemorating America’s milestone birthday, will be available for purchase at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and DisneyStore.com.
Disney will also offer deals specifically for veterans and military families.
They will include:
- Disney will invite military families across the United States to special screenings of new films on military bases and in key markets across the country.
- ABC News will provide live coverage of celebrations and activations featuring veterans and active military personnel stationed around the world.
- In November, Disney Experiences will unveil 2026 offerings available at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Line for eligible military personnel in appreciation of their service and in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
- Disney will expand its use of the US Chamber Corporate Fellowship and Skillbridge programs, providing networking, job training and hands-on experience to veterans entering the civilian job market.
