Disney will heartily celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a company-wide, national celebration beginning on Veterans Day and culminating with a 24-hour, multi-platform broadcast on July 4, 2026.
The Fourth of July telecast will air on Disney+, Hulu, ABC, ESPN, Freeform, FX and National Geographic and will conclude with fireworks coverage from Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort. Coverage will be led by “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir, along with hosts and personalities from ABC News, ESPN and National Geographic.
“At the heart of the American story is a story of imagination, ambition and possibility. Those are the same ideals that have guided Disney from the beginning,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger. “This celebration honors both our nation and our spirit of never stopping to dream of what’s next.”
In addition to the 24-hour broadcast, Disneyland and Disney World will launch the “Soarin’ Across America” attraction in summer 2026, taking guests on an immersive new flight experience above the nation’s most beautiful landscapes and cities.
“Good Morning America” will continue its “50 States in 50 Weeks” series, National Geographic will launch its “Best of America” show and ESPN will debut a new segment on “SportsCenter” titled “America’s Teams” that will find out which team best embodies America.
ABC News Studios will air a two-hour primetime special connecting America’s most iconic city with the Disney Parks. Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Park will host special Fourth of July fireworks shows from July 3rd to July 5th. Disney Consumer Products will also launch an assortment of new military-inspired merchandise and memorabilia.
Continuing its tradition of supporting military families and veterans, Disney will donate $2.5 million to Blue Star Families, host movie screenings on military bases and create special offers throughout the Disney experience for military members.
