Disney Celebrating America runs to July 4, 2026

Published on Oct 20, 2025, 4:52 pm CDT

3 min read

Key points

Program runs Nov. 11, 2025 to July 4, 2026.
Soarin' Across America debuts in summer 2026.
24-hour July 4 broadcast ends with bi-coastal fireworks.
Military families get special events and 2026 offers.
David Muir leads daylong ABC News coverage.

The Walt Disney Company will mark the United States semiquincentennial with "Disney Celebrating America," a cross-company program running from November 11, 2025 through the July 4, 2026 weekend. Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort anchor the celebration with a new Soarin' Across America film in summer 2026, while ABC News plans a 24-hour broadcast culminating in fireworks from both coasts. For travelers, the timeline signals heavier demand around summer 2026 and added value for eligible military families as offers roll out in November.

Disney Celebrating America at Disneyland and Disney World

Disney says the celebration spans storytelling, park experiences, and broadcast events, capped by a daylong July 4, 2026 presentation led by David Muir and ending with evening fireworks from Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The resorts will debut Soarin' Across America at Disney California Adventure Park and EPCOT in summer 2026, showcasing U.S. landscapes and cityscapes with the attraction's signature flight, score, and scents. Disney will also stage "Disney's Celebrate America! - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" across July 3-5, broadening the holiday window for parkgoers.

Latest developments

Disney outlined veteran-focused initiatives as part of the program, including a $2.5 million Blue Star Families donation, special screenings and base events for military families, and November announcements of 2026 offers at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Cruise Line for eligible service members.

Analysis

For travelers, the headline is timing. With Soarin' Across America arriving in summer 2026 and a 24-hour national broadcast on July 4, the peak window will cluster from mid-June through the July 4 weekend. Secure park reservations and hotel stays well ahead of normal lead times, especially if you want Independence Day fireworks. The expanded July 3-5 schedule should slightly spread crowds, so consider July 3 or July 5 for an easier viewing experience. Eligible military families should watch for November pricing and ticket details, then book spring or early summer 2026 to maximize availability. If you plan to split a bi-coastal trip, align flight times to preserve evening hours, when celebration entertainment is most concentrated.

Final thoughts

"Disney Celebrating America" positions summer 2026 as a marquee season at both resorts, with Soarin' Across America as the signature draw and an Independence Day broadcast that ends in synchronized fireworks. If the holiday is on your list, treat it like a once-a-decade event and plan around the Disney Celebrating America calendar.