The United States of America is having its 250th anniversary celebration this year and Disney is all in when it comes to festivities! That’s quite a milestone! Disney just revealed a huge lineup of special broadcasts, park experiences, and community events as part of “Disney Celebrates America” leading up to the nation’s 250th birthday. The company wide celebration will feature brand new programming, activations, and storytelling across Disney’s biggest brands and businesses, including an all new 24 hour multi-platform broadcast and primetime special. For generations, Disney has celebrated the spirit of America through imagination, optimism, and storytelling that brings people together. “Disney Celebrates America” continues that tradition while giving fans of all ages a chance to celebrate the country’s past, present, and future in a uniquely Disney fashion.
“As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, ‘Disney Celebrates America’ is our way of honoring this historic milestone by celebrating the people, places, and shared moments that define who we are,” said Ken Potrock, President of Major Events Integration, The Walt Disney Company. “Through immersive and creative park experiences and unprecedented broadcast moments, Disney invites everyone to come together and celebrate America in a truly meaningful way by reflecting on where we’ve been and imagining the extraordinary future we can create together.”
Broadcasting Rundown-
On June 29, ABC will air a 2-hour primetime special entitled Disney Celebrates America: The Pursuit of Happiness hosted by 20/20 co-anchor Deborah Roberts from Walt Disney World Resort and national correspondent Will Reeve from Disneyland Resort. From Main Street, U.S.A. and its turn of the century nostalgia to Tomorrowland where the nation lifts its gaze to the future, each stop will play host to true tales of American “firsts.” In this coast-to-coast event, Disney Parks and attractions are the portal through which America’s greatest stories, triumphs, and traditions are celebrated. The special will air from 8-10 p.m. PT/ET.
Beginning the evening of July 3 and continuing through July 4, ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ESPN, and National Geographic will present an unparalleled 24-hour, cross-platform broadcast spanning ABC, Disney+, Hulu, National Geographic, FX, Freeform, ABC News Live, ESPN, and ABC Owned Television Stations and affiliates. Led by World News Tonight anchor David Muir and featuring anchor Diane Sawyer, Good Morning America co-anchors Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan, Nightline co-anchors Juju Chang and Byron Pitts, 20/20 co-anchor Deborah Roberts,Prime anchor and World News Tonight Sunday anchor Linsey Davis, The View co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hostin, and Sara Haines along with more of the ABC News team and talent, the expansive programming event takes viewers across all 50 states to explore the people, places, and defining moments of the nation’s 250-year history. Featuring live celebrations, immersive storytelling, performances, and reporting from locations across the country, the broadcast delivers a comprehensive, daylong tribute to America’s past, present, and future.
Along with special editions of Good Morning America, World News Tonight with David Muir, and Nightline, Disney’s “Celebrate America” lineup will feature live events, special reports, and stories highlighting the nation’s history, culture, and innovation.
Highlights include “Disney Celebrates America: Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash,” a massive live concert event with performances from major artists, plus one of the country’s largest fireworks and drone shows. Other featured segments will spotlight the Statue of Liberty, America’s natural wonders, military families, westward expansion, sports culture, Hollywood history, fashion, and the space race.
ESPN will also join the celebration with a special live edition of SportsCenter on July 4 and a new “America 250” road trip storytelling series on www.espn.com exploring how sports helped shape the country.
Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort-
Soarin’ Across America is now open at EPCOT and arrives July 2 at Disney California Adventure, taking guests on an amazing flight across iconic U.S. landmarks including the New England coastline, Mount Rushmore, Washington, D.C., New York City, and the Grand Canyon. The reimagined attraction features updated visuals, scents, and a new arrangement of the classic score by composer Bruce Broughton.
National Geographic is also part of the experience at EPCOT, adding interactive trivia and stunning photography to the queue inspired by America’s landscapes and history.
The celebration will continue across Walt Disney World with patriotic lighting on Spaceship Earth, special performances from Voices of Liberty, the beloved Electrical Water Pageant, as well as themed décor along Main Street, U.S.A., character experiences, and limited-time merchandise, food, and beverage offerings throughout the resort. Additional activities include flag retreat ceremonies, performances by the Dapper Dans and Main Street Philharmonic, an extended run of the Portraits of Courage exhibit honoring post-9/11 veterans through Fourth of July weekend, and more. Fans can head to Disney Springs for festive décor, plus special performances from the United States Air Force Band of the West.
Disneyland Resort is also celebrating with themed décor, special entertainment, character appearances, patriotic lighting, fireworks, military band performances, limited-time food and merchandise, and tributes honoring veterans and service members throughout Fourth of July weekend.
Honoring Veterans and Military Families
Throughout the celebration, Disney is continuing its longstanding commitment to honoring U.S. service members, veterans, and their families, a legacy that has been part of the company’s story since its earliest days. As part of “Disney Celebrates America,” Disney is expanding its relationship with Blue Star Families through a previously announced $2.5 million commitment to help strengthen military families and communities across the country, creating unique moments of connection and celebration powered by Disney. The Walt Disney Company has proudly supported Blue Star Families for over a decade in their work helping U.S. military families across the country.
But Wait There’s More-
From themed activities onboard Disney Cruise Line to a Sam Eagle merchandise collection featuring the beloved patriotic character from The Muppets available in select Disney Stores and on DisneyStore.com, there will be many opportunities for fans to join in on the celebration. Disney will continue the countdown to America’s 250th anniversary in the coming months, with even more ways to celebrate on Fourth of July weekend.
There is so much happening when it comes to Disney celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary, there’s something for everyone! It’s exciting and overwhelming, we can’t wait! Stay tuned to The Main Street Mouse for additional news and coverage! Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and TikTok for daily Disney magic!
You may also enjoy- New Locations Revealed for Soarin’ Across America
Mouse Fan Travel® an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, has been planning and creating magical Disney vacations since 2005. Their mission is to provide premium service and expert advice to help you get the most for your vacation time and dollar. Their Disney Travel Agents operate with the highest degree of integrity and will handle your family vacation, reunion, honeymoon, corporate incentive trip or getaway, as if it were their own. They pride themselves on expertly representing and advocating for you – their client.
The next time you and your family are planning a Disney vacation, visit Mouse Fan Travel for your no obligation quote or to answer any Disney vacation questions you may have. Are you looking for a beach vacation, tour or cruise to destinations across the globe? Visit MEI-Travel for exceptional expertise with ZERO agency fees.