Disney is kicking off Fourth of July weekend with an expansive lineup of experiences, performances, and broadcast moments as part of “Disney Celebrates America,” a company-wide initiative honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary. Starting today, the festivities will include coordinated nationwide celebrations and activations across Disney parks and entertainment platforms — bringing together storytelling, live events, and community engagement.
Coast-to-Coast Celebrations at Disney Parks
Guests at Walt Disney World Resort will experience a full slate of patriotic offerings throughout the holiday weekend, including:
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Performances by Voices of Liberty and the United States Air Force Band of the West
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Celebrate America! Fireworks and DJ dance party, plus the beloved Electrical Water Pageant and patriotic enhancements to Luminous
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Iconic Spaceship Earth lighting in red, white, and blue
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A July 4 flyover by the U.S. Air Force Reserve over Magic Kingdom and EPCOT beginning at 10:30 a.m. ET (weather permitting)
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An extended run of the Portraits of Courage exhibit honoring post-9/11 veterans
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Festive décor, entertainment, and limited-time merchandise offerings across the resort as well as themed character experiences
At Disneyland Resort, the celebration begins today with the debut of Soarin’ Across America at Disney California Adventure Park — a reimagined attraction showcasing the country’s natural beauty and landmarks. To enhance the experience of the attraction, guests can enjoy a National Geographic trivia game integration in the Disneyland Resort app beginning July 16.
Throughout the weekend, guests can also enjoy:
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World of Color pre-show fireworks and the return of the Celebrate America! fireworks spectacular
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An enhanced flag retreat ceremony on July 4
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A star-spangled cavalcade featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in new patriotic attire
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Performances from U.S. military bands across the resort and themed entertainment, including patriotic looks for the Dapper Dans
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Limited-time food, beverage, and merchandise offerings and park-wide décor
Disney Cruise Line will bring the celebration to sea with themed dining experiences and onboard festivities, expanding the holiday experience beyond parks and into destinations worldwide.
Unprecedented Broadcast Coverage
Beginning the evening of July 3 through July 4, Disney will present a 24-hour, cross-platform broadcast spanning ABC, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, National Geographic, FX, Freeform, and ABC News Live, with coverage from all 50 states. Anchored by David Muir and featuring talent from across Disney’s platforms, the programming includes live celebrations, performances, and reporting from locations nationwide — offering a sweeping, daylong tribute to America’s people, places, and defining moments.
Special programming includes a live Nashville celebration featuring major musical performances and one of the country’s largest fireworks and drone shows, alongside immersive storytelling segments exploring American history, innovation, natural wonders, and military service. Additional highlights include a special two-hour SportsCenter on July 4 celebrating American sports culture as well as a new digital series on ESPN.com about the mystery and majesty of sports. Together, these moments create a seamless connection between live events on the ground and storytelling broadcast to audiences nationwide.
A Unified Celebration Across Disney
The Fourth of July weekend highlights the power of Disney’s company-wide storytelling — bringing together parks, media networks, platforms, and experiences to deliver a fully connected celebration. It reflects Disney at its best and the magic that happens when every part of Disney moves as one, turning a single weekend into a celebration the whole country can share.
