‘Disney Celebrates America’ Initiative Starts Veterans Day 2025 for Nation’s Semiquincentennial. The Walt Disney Company has released their upcoming plans for our Nations 250th Birthday or semiquincentennial.
Highlights include “Soarin’ Across America“, the new ride overlay at Epcot and Disney California Adventure, 24-hour, multi-platform broadcast titled “Disney Celebrates America” on July 4, 2026, culminating in the airing of “Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” from Disneyland and Walt Disney World, plus The Walt Disney Company’s $2.5 million donation to Blue Star Families. More will be released in the future from Disney Parks and Experiences, along with Disney Connsumer Products.
Disney Parks posted today: “Through heartfelt storytelling, experiences, and meaningful support for veterans, military families, and communities, Disney will shine a spotlight on the people, places, and moments that make our nation special—a tradition of honoring and uplifting others that’s been part of Disney’s story for more than a century.
As America’s preeminent storyteller, Disney will help bring the semiquincentennial to life by celebrating the dreams, stories, and optimism that have inspired generations. From sports and entertainment to travel and tourism, Disney encourages families everywhere to explore, learn and discover the diverse lands, and vibrant communities that make up our shared story.”
“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, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This celebration honors both a nation and a spirit that never stop dreaming about what’s next.”
What can fans and guests expect for ‘Disney Celebrates America’?
Soarin’ Around America – Disney Experiences announced this morning that a new Soarin’ Across America attraction overlay is coming to Epcot here at Walt Disney World, and in Disney’s California Adventure Park in California. The ride Soarin’ Around the World will become Soarin’ Across America to celebrate the 250th Birthday of the United States of America.
Fireworks Schedule Expansion – The standard Magic Kingdom fireworks show, “Disney’s Celebrates America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” will run for three consecutive nights instead of the typical two. Walt Disney World Resort will increase its Independence Day programming for the 250th anniversary of the United States. Also announced is the expansion of Disney World’s 4th of July fireworks with a national broadcast from the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland.
Disney and Veterans & Military Families – Disney is strengthening its longstanding relationship with Blue Star Families through a $2.5 million donation dedicated to supporting and strengthening military families nationwide. The partnership will continue to host unique events, including a special celebration for the 25th “Blue Star Books” event, which promotes reading and play among military families. Disney Consumer Products has just released an updated version of their ‘‘Mickeyflage’ Honor merchandise line that guests visiting the parks can purchase.
More Cross-Company Moments and Activations:
ABC’s “Good Morning America” will continue its popular “50 States in 50 Weeks” series, which kicked off earlier this year, highlighting unforgettable places and people across the nation.
National Geographic’s “America in Superlatives” series will feature, across all platforms, a range of National Geographic storytellers and photographers highlighting unique places and events from around the United States, offering surprising and inspiring stories that explore what makes America special.
ESPN will premiere a new SportsCenter segment, “America’s Team,” a cross-country search to find out which team most embodies the country, plus special patriotic programming across its flagship 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 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 beloved lands of Disney Parks, connecting audiences to the extraordinary people, places, histories, and traditions that make America unique.
Expanding beyond Independence Day, the beloved fireworks show “Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” will play across all three nights of the holiday weekend, July 3 – 5, at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Park.
Disney Consumer Products will once again honor our nation’s heroes with a new special military-inspired assortment now available at select locations across Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, while supplies last. In addition, debuting in May 2026, an array of Americana merchandise, including select items commemorating America’s milestone anniversary, will be available for purchase at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and DisneyStore.com.
