Disney Launches 'Disney Celebrates America' for the U.S. 250th Anniversary

The Walt Disney Company launched "Disney Celebrates America," a sweeping multi-platform initiative running from Veterans Day 2025 through the July 4, 2026 weekend to honor the United States' 250th anniversary. Highlights include an extended Portraits of Courage exhibit at EPCOT through July 4th, the debut of Soarin' Across America at two parks, a 24-hour July 4th broadcast across Disney's networks, and a $2.5 million donation to Blue Star Families. Every Disney brand — from ABC and ESPN to Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line — is participating in the yearlong celebration.

The Walt Disney Company launched "Disney Celebrates America," a sweeping company-wide initiative honoring the United States' 250th anniversary from Veterans Day 2025 through the July 4, 2026 weekend. The celebration encompasses an extended veteran art exhibit at EPCOT, a patriotic float in the 137th Rose Parade, the debut of Soarin' Across America at two parks, a 24-hour July 4th broadcast, and a $2.5 million donation to Blue Star Families. Every Disney brand and platform — from ABC and ESPN to Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line — is participating.

Portraits of Courage Extended Through July 4th Weekend

The Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors exhibit has been extended through the weekend of July 4, 2026, at the American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT. The collection features more than 60 vibrant oil paintings by former U.S. President George W. Bush, depicting post-9/11 service members and veterans the former president came to know personally after leaving office. The exhibit debuted at EPCOT in June 2024 and has drawn widespread interest from visitors around the world.

Shilo Brooks, president and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, called the extension an honor: "Recognizing the sacrifice and endurance of veterans, service members, and their families is a pivotal part of commemorating the 250 years of our nation's history."

Marine Veteran Sees His Portrait for the First Time

One of the veterans featured in the exhibit, Dave Smith, served as a U.S. Marine Corps Corporal from 2003 to 2007, including combat tours in Iraq with 1st Battalion, 4th Marines. Dave and his family visited EPCOT on Presidents' Day to see his portrait for the first time. Dave shared that adjusting to civilian life had been challenging and emphasized that veterans should not shy away from seeking mental health support. He described his portrait as a symbol of all those who stood with him — friends, volunteers, supporters, and family.

"To stand there with my family at Disney, looking at a portrait of me painted by a President of the United States, is incredibly humbling," Dave said. "I'm deeply honored — but more than anything, I'm grateful: grateful to have served, grateful to have healed, and grateful to share this moment with my family, knowing the best chapters of our lives are still being written."

The 137th Rose Parade: A Patriotic Disney Entry

Disney kicked off the celebration at the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California on January 2, 2026. A Disney Celebrates America parade entry featured the Main Street U.S.A. Horseless Carriage from Disneyland carrying Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, adorned with patriotic décor and flowers carrying symbolic significance for military veterans — including red poppies (a symbol of remembrance dating to World War I), rosemaries, blue irises, white lilies, chrysanthemums, and red roses.

More than 50 U.S. military veterans now serving as Disney cast members marched alongside the float with their families, representing Disney's longstanding "Heroes Work Here" veteran hiring initiative. Disney also announced a $2.5 million donation to Blue Star Families as part of the event, honoring the legacy of Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both served during World War I.

Soarin' Across America and Coast-to-Coast Park Celebrations

Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will both celebrate the semiquincentennial with the Summer 2026 opening of Soarin' Across America, an updated flight experience for the beloved Soarin' attractions at Disney California Adventure and EPCOT. The new film takes guests on a breathtaking journey across the country's natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.

The festivities will culminate on the July 4th weekend with a 24-hour, multi-platform broadcast called "Disney Celebrates America," airing across Disney+, Hulu, ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN, Freeform, FX, and National Geographic. The broadcast will end with a special fireworks presentation from Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. David Muir, anchor and managing editor of "World News Tonight with David Muir," will lead the daylong coverage alongside ABC News correspondents, ESPN commentators, and National Geographic Explorers reporting from across the country.

Cross-Company Programming and Activations

The celebration extends across every corner of The Walt Disney Company:

• ABC's "Good Morning America" continues its "50 States in 50 Weeks" series highlighting places and people across the nation.
• National Geographic's "America in Superlatives" series features storytellers and photographers exploring what makes America unique.
• ESPN will premiere a new SportsCenter segment, "America's Team," plus 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 primetime special connecting real American locales to beloved Disney Parks lands.
• The fireworks show "Disney's Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" will run across all three nights of the July 3–5 holiday weekend at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Park.
• Disney Consumer Products will release an Americana merchandise collection — including items commemorating America's milestone anniversary — debuting in May 2026 at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and DisneyStore.com.

Veterans, Military Families, and Expanded Support

Disney's support for the military community is central to the initiative. The $2.5 million donation to Blue Star Families will fund unique events and experiences — including a special celebration marking the 25th "Blue Star Books" event, which brings military families together through reading and play. Additional programming includes special movie screenings on military bases, live ABC News coverage featuring veterans around the world, 2026 Disney discount offers for eligible service members at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Cruise Line (to be announced in November), and expanded use of the US Chamber Corporate Fellowship and Skillbridge programs to help veterans enter civilian careers. More details on all Disney Celebrates America activations are expected in the coming weeks. Learn more about Disney's legacy of support for veterans at impact.disney.com.