The Walt Disney Company is joining a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary with a new initiative called “Disney Celebrates America.” Kicking off on Veterans Day 2025 and continuing through the July 4, 2026 weekend, this celebration will bring together Disney’s beloved brands and platforms to honor America’s past, celebrate the present, and inspire its future.
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.”
Disney Celebrates America
February 18, 2026: Portraits of Courage Extended Through the 4th of July Weekend in Honor of America’s 250th Anniversary
As part of “Disney Celebrates America,” a company-wide celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, we’re excited to announce that the Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors exhibit will be extended through the weekend of July 4, 2026, at the American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT.
Throughout the celebration of our country’s semiquincentennial, Disney will continue our legacy of honoring U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families — a commitment that has been part of our story since the founding of our company more than 100 years ago.
Since its debut in June 2024 at EPCOT, the Portraits of Courage exhibit has drawn many visitors with more than 60 vibrant oil paintings by former U.S. President George W. Bush, portraying post-9/11 service members and veterans. The exhibit honors their courage and resilience and showcases the George W. Bush Institute’s Veterans and Military Families program.
Marine Veteran Visits His Portrait at EPCOT
Mr. Bush formed a connection with veterans in this art exhibit, including Dave Smith who served as a U.S. Marine Corps Corporal from 2003 to 2007 including combat tours in Iraq with 1st Battalion, 4th Marines. Dave brought his family to EPCOT to see his portrait for the first time this week —appropriately enough on Presidents’ Day!
Following his time in the military, Dave shared that adjusting to civilian life was challenging and emphasized that veterans should not shy away from seeking help with mental health if needed. Dave believes asking for help is not weakness. It is the foundation of strength.
Dave shared that his portrait symbolizes those who stood with him abroad and at home: friends, volunteers, supporters, and especially family, whose strength and love helped him readjust. He said these paintings also embody the steadfast support of loved ones — including his wife — during difficult times.
Dave is grateful to have received some valuable support and is thriving today. He is especially appreciative of the support he received from the Bush Institute. The one thing he never anticipated was that one day, a U.S. President would honor him with something as special as painting a portrait of him. This recognition helped mark the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
“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. 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.”
“It is an honor for the Bush Center and the service members depicted in the Portraits of Courage exhibit to share their stories with the millions of visitors to the American Adventure pavilion at Disney’s EPCOT,” said Shilo Brooks, president and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. “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.”
January 2, 2026: Disney Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary in 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade
Disney kicked off the new year in the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California with a “Disney Celebrates America” parade entry, designed as a patriotic tribute to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Not even the rain could stop this vibrant entry that celebrated the country’s semiquincentennial in uniquely Disney ways, leaning into the dreams, stories, and optimism that have touched the lives of people across the country and around the world for the past century.
Leading the procession was the Main Street U.S.A. Horseless Carriage from Disneyland carrying Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse adorned with patriotic décor and red, white, and blue flowers.
They were joined by more than 50 U.S. military veterans who now serve as Disney cast members and their families, symbolizing our company’s deep appreciation for those who have served our country and now help create magic for millions. Disney has a long tradition of hiring military veterans through our “Heroes Work Here” initiative and we were honored to recognize and celebrate their service as part of our “Disney Celebrates America” entry in this storied parade.
The selection of the flowers on the vehicle held special meaning for those who serve our country in uniform.
The Disneyland vehicle was adorned with patriotic decor and red, white, and blue flowers – each holding significance for military veterans. Featured blooms include red poppies which are widely recognized as a symbol of remembrance for fallen military personnel dating back to World War I. Other flowers featured in Disney’s entry include rosemaries, blue irises, white lilies, chrysanthemums, and red roses to express love, honor, and appreciation for veterans everywhere.
Participating in the Rose Parade this year was an opportunity to honor Walt Disney’s enduring love of country and our century-long support for those who serve — a legacy that began with Walt and Roy O. Disney’s contributions during the First World War and continues today.
As part of this celebration, it was an honor to highlight U.S. military veterans working across the company as well as our expanded support for military families — including a $2.5 million donation to Blue Star Families.
You can learn more about Disney’s extensive celebration of America’s 250th anniversary here.
October 20, 2025: Soarin’ Across America and More
To mark the occasion, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate coast-to-coast, anchored by the Summer 2026 opening of Soarin’ Across America, an immersive flight experience aboard the beloved Soarin’ attractions at Disney California Adventure park and EPCOT. Soarin’ Across America will take guests on a breathtaking journey, highlighting some of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.
The celebration will culminate on the July 4th weekend with a 24-hour, multi-platform broadcast, “Disney Celebrates America,” highlighting 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 Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. David Muir, anchor and managing editor of “World News Tonight with David Muir,” will lead the daylong coverage and be joined by ABC News anchors and correspondents, iconic ESPN commentators, and National Geographic Explorers reporting from across the country for this one-in-a-lifetime presentation featuring top entertainers, athletes, explorers, and historians – all coming together to spotlight the wonder, achievements, and dreams that define the American spirit.
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.
Veterans, Military, and Families
Throughout the celebration, Disney will continue its proud legacy of supporting U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families – a commitment that has been part of the company’s story since its founding.
Disney is also expanding its long-standing partnership with the nonprofit Blue Star Families with a $2.5 million donation to help strengthen military and veteran families across the country. As part of this, Disney and Blue Star Families will continue to create unique events and experiences, including a special celebration marking our 25th “Blue Star Books” event, which brings military families together through the joy of reading and play. And that’s just the beginning! Additional support includes:
- 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.
To learn more about Disney’s legacy of support for veterans and military families, click here.
More information on these and additional Disney Celebrates America activations, programming, and offerings from across the company will be released over the coming weeks.
Disney has been telling the remarkable story of America and Americans for more than 100 years. As we come together for this celebration, Disney invites families everywhere to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate who we are, and imagine the extraordinary future we can create together.
