The Walt Disney Company joined the nation’s 250th
anniversary festivities with a new initiative, “Disney Celebrates America," being celebrated at both Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando and Disneyland in Anaheim.
The celebrations began on Veterans Day, 2025 and continue through Independence Day weekend in 2026, shining a spotlight on the people,
places and moments that make our nation special.
“At its heart, America’s story is one of imagination,
ambition, and possibility—the same ideals that have guided Disney since the
beginning,” Robert A. Iger, Chief
Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement. “This
celebration honors both a nation and a spirit that never stop dreaming about
what’s next.”
Portraits of Courage Extended
“Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to
America’s Warriors” exhibit will extend through the weekend of July 4, 2026, at
the American Pavilion at Disney World's EPCOT.
Since its debut in June 2024, the exhibit has highlighted
more than 60 vibrant oil paintings by former U.S. President George W. Bush,
portraying post-9/11 service members and veterans, honoring their courage and
resilience, and showcasing the George W. Bush Institute’s Veterans and Military
Families program.
2026 Tournament of Roses Parade
Disney kicked off the new year in the 137th Rose
Parade in Pasadena, California, with a “Disney Celebrates America” entry.
The Horseless Carriage from Disneyland carried Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse through the parade. Adorned with red, white and blue flowers and patriotic
décor, the parade entry was joined by more than 50 U.S. military veterans who now
serve as Disney cast members and their families, representing Disney’s long
tradition of hiring military veterans through their “Heroes Work Here”
initiative.
Soarin’ Across America
Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney Resort will celebrate America’s
coast-to-coast, anchored by the Summer 2026 opening of Soarin’ Across America,
an immersive flight experience at Disney California Adventure Park and EPCOT.
More moments and activations include:
- ABC’S Good Morning America will continue its “50
States in 50 Weeks” highlighting unforgettable places and people across the
nation.
- National Geographic's “American in Superlatives”
series features a range of National Geographic photographers and storytellers
offering unique looks at America throughout history.
- ESPN will premiere a new SportsCenter segment,
“America’s Team,” a cross-country search for the team that most embodies the
country, along with special patriotic programming across its flagship platforms.
- In June 2026, ABC News Studios will present a
two-hour primetime special that journeys through the heart of our nation—where the real-life spirit of iconic locales like New Orleans and the American
frontier comes alive through the lands of Disney Parks, connecting audiences to
the extraordinary people, places, histories, and traditions that make America
unique.
- Expanding beyond Independence Day, the fireworks
show “Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” will be displayed July 3-5 at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Park.
Veterans, Military and Families
Disney is expanding its long-standing partnership with the
nonprofit Blue Star families with a $2.5 million donation to help strengthen
military and veteran families across the country. Unique events and experiences
will include special movie screenings. ABC News will feature veterans and active-duty service members stationed around the world. At the same time, Disney Experiences offers special offers for military and veteran families at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Cruise Line.
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