“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 of The Walt Disney Company.
A Celebration of Storytelling and Spirit
Through heartfelt storytelling, immersive experiences, and community outreach, Disney will shine a spotlight on the people and places that define the American spirit. The celebration continues Disney’s long tradition of honoring service members, families, and communities who make the country thrive.
As the preeminent storyteller of imagination and optimism, Disney will bring the semiquincentennial to life across every corner of its creative empire — from parks and television to consumer products and streaming platforms.
Soarin’ Across America Takes Flight
Anchoring the celebration is the Summer 2026 debut of “Soarin’ Across America,” a new version of the beloved attraction coming to both EPCOT and Disney California Adventure.
This new film will take guests on a breathtaking flight across the nation’s most iconic landmarks. From majestic mountains and historic cities to America’s natural wonders. The experience promises to showcase the beauty and diversity that define the country. Blending Disney’s world-class visuals with a soaring patriotic score.
A 24-Hour Disney Broadcast for the 250th
The celebration will culminate on July 4th weekend 2026 with “Disney Celebrates America,” a 24-hour multi-platform broadcast. The Broadcast will span Disney+, Hulu, ABC, ESPN, National Geographic, FX, Freeform, and Disney Channel.
Hosted by David Muir, anchor of World News Tonight. The live event will feature ABC correspondents, ESPN commentators, and National Geographic Explorers reporting from across the country. Expect special performances, patriotic tributes, and fireworks spectaculars from both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort — all part of one unforgettable Independence Day presentation.
More Ways Disney Will Celebrate
Beyond the broadcast, Disney’s brands will deliver unique tributes to the nation’s creativity and diversity:
- ABC’s “Good Morning America” will continue its “50 States in 50 Weeks” series.
- National Geographic’s “America in Superlatives” will highlight extraordinary places across the country.
- ESPN will launch “America’s Team,” exploring which team best embodies the national spirit, and feature special July 4 coverage of the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.
- ABC News Studios will release a two-hour primetime special connecting America’s history to the stories told across Disney Parks.
- Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky returns at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom July 3–5.
Our Perspective: Small Changes, Big Impact
We recently blogged about how small updates at Disney Parks can make a big impact — like the Starlight Parade traveling in the opposite direction of traditional parades and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure moving from 3D to 2D. These subtle changes show how even the smallest updates can redefine the guest experience.
But what we didn’t see coming was something much bigger — a complete celebration for America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. The announcement of Soarin’ Across America is a welcome surprise. My only hope is that the new footage remains 100% real. There’s too much natural beauty across this country to replace with CGI or digital enhancements.
This new celebration also brings back memories of the Walt Disney World Fourth of July television specials from the late 1980s and early 1990s — the last of which was fittingly titled Celebrate America. You can find every one of those specials right here on Sam’s Disney Diary.
Reflecting on the American Dream
For more than a century, Disney has told stories that capture the imagination, ambition, and optimism. The heart of the American dream. “Disney Celebrates America” invites families everywhere to reflect on where we’ve been. Celebrate who we are, and imagine the extraordinary future we can create together.
- The celebration begins Veterans Day 2025 — and builds to a spectacular nationwide finale on July 4, 2026.
