Disneyland and Disney World's Fourth of July celebration next year will be much bigger than it typically is in honor of our nation's 250th anniversary. This will include expanded fireworks shows for the holiday weekend, merchandise with anniversary items, and more!
A new initiative will soon kick off on both coasts at Disneyland and Disney World that will culminate in a special Fourth of July celebration next year. Disney shared this news alongside their announcement of the next iteration of Soarin', called “Soarin' Across America.” Keep reading for everything you need to know!
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Expanded Disneyland and Disney World 4th of July
The 4th of July fireworks show that happens every year at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, called “Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” will play during all three nights of the holiday weekend, from July 3-5. Usually, this fireworks spectacular is just shown on the 4th of July holiday itself at Disneyland and the 3rd-4th at Magic Kingdom.
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There will also be a new special military-inspired assortment now available at select locations across Disneyland and Disney World, while supplies last, as well as a selection of Americana merchandise dropping in May 2026. While Disney offers 4th of July merchandise every year, this year's assortment will include select items commemorating the 250th anniversary, available for purchase in stores and online at DisneyStore.com.
As we mentioned above, the anchor of this celebration will be the debut of the new Soarin' Across America in Disney California Adventure and EPCOT, highlighting the natural scenes and iconic cityscapes of the country.
These are expanded offerings from the typical 4th of July celebration at the parks. Disneyland's 4th of July celebration typically includes a fireworks show on the holiday only and a special flag retreat ceremony. In the past, themed foods and beverages were offered.
Disney World's 4th of July celebration is more extensive. It typically includes two fireworks showings on the 3rd and 4th at Magic Kingdom, as well as DJ dance parties, and a special fireworks display at EPCOT on the 4th of July holiday. Spaceship Earth at EPCOT is also illuminated in red, white, and blue. You can also typically enjoy special entertainment in EPCOT as well as special foods.
We anticipate that both of the parks will have all of their usual 4th of July offerings, but likely in an expanded form for the 250th anniversary celebration.
The Fourth of July weekend will take place in the context of an initiative Disney is launching called “Disney Celebrates America,” honoring America's past, present, and future in celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary. This celebration will begin Veterans Day 2025 and continue through the weekend of the Fourth of July in 2026. In their announcement of the celebration, Disney described how “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.”
“At its heart, America’s story is one of imagination, ambition, and possibility – the same ideals that have guided Disney since the beginning,” said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “This celebration honors both a nation and a spirit that never stop dreaming about what’s next.”
The celebration will culminate in a special July 4th weekend in 2026. There will be a special 24-hour, multi-platform broadcast, called “Disney Celebrates America,” that highlights America’s 250th anniversary events nationwide across Disney’s linear networks and streaming platforms, including Disney+, Hulu, ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN, Freeform, FX, and National Geographic, ending with a special evening fireworks broadcast from Disney World and Disneyland.
David Muir will lead the daylong coverage, joined by ABC News anchors and correspondents, ESPN commentators, and National Geographic Explorers reporting from across the country. The presentation will feature top entertainers, athletes, explorers, and historians.
More Disney Celebrates America Programming
In June 2026, ABC News Studios will present a two-hour primetime special showing how the real-life spirit of iconic locations like New Orleans and the American Frontier is brought to life in the parks, highlighting the “extraordinary people, places, histories, and traditions that make America unique.”
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ABC’s “Good Morning America” will continue its “50 States in 50 Weeks” series, highlighting people and places from across the U.S., which started earlier this year. Additionally, across all platforms, National Geographic’s “America in Superlatives” series will highlight a range of storytellers and photographers highlighting unique places and events from across the country. ESPN will premiere a new SportsCenter segment, “America’s Team,” which will be “a cross-country search to find out which team most embodies the country,” in addition to special patriotic programming across its flagship platforms, including live coverage of the 2026 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4.
Support of Veterans and Their Families
During the celebration, Disney continues its support of U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families with special events and partnerships.
Disney will expand its partnership with the nonprofit Blue Star Families with a $2.5 million donation, creating events and experiences, including a special celebration marking their 25th “Blue Star Books” event that “brings military families together through the joy of reading and play.”
Additionally, Disney shared that they will be doing the following during the celebration:
- Disney will invite Military families across the US to attend special movie screenings of new releases on military bases and in key markets throughout the US.
- ABC News will provide live coverage of celebrations and activations featuring veterans and active military service members stationed around the world. Disney’s platforms will cover additional milestones throughout the anniversary year.
- In November, Disney Experiences will unveil 2026 offers available at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Cruise Line for eligible service members in appreciation of their service and in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
- Disney will expand its use of the US Chamber Corporate Fellowship and Skillbridge programs, providing networking, professional training and hands-on experience for military veterans entering the civilian workforce.
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