Disney and Blue Star Families came together to create an unforgettable afternoon for hundreds of military families at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, celebrating service, sacrifice, and the power of community through the magic of Disney. What began as an exclusive screening of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 quickly became an emotional day filled with beloved characters, special surprises, and a heartfelt thank you to the families who support America’s service members every day.
The highlight of the event came when Josh D’Amaro, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, surprised every family in attendance with complimentary tickets to Disneyland Resort, creating memories that will last long after the movie ends.
A Magical Afternoon for Nearly 500 Military Families
Hosted in partnership with Blue Star Families, the special event welcomed nearly 500 military children and family members for an advance screening of Toy Story 5.
The celebration featured appearances by Woody and Buzz Lightyear, exclusive Toy Story 5 giveaways, and a special video greeting from members of the film’s cast. Throughout the afternoon, families enjoyed an atmosphere focused on connection, appreciation, and the Disney magic that has brought generations together.
Then came the biggest surprise of the day.
Josh D’Amaro took the stage to announce that every family attending the event would receive tickets to Disneyland Resort as a gesture of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
A Partnership That Continues to Make a Difference
The event builds on nearly 15 years of partnership between Disney and Blue Star Families, an organization dedicated to supporting military families through community programs, educational initiatives, and family-focused experiences.
Over the years, the collaboration has included programs such as Blue Star Books, family events, volunteer projects, and unique Disney experiences designed to strengthen military communities across the country.
As part of its nationwide Disney Celebrates America initiative honoring America’s 250th anniversary, The Walt Disney Company has also committed $2.5 million to Blue Star Families. The funding will help expand programs that strengthen military family well-being while creating additional opportunities for families to connect and thrive.
Recognizing the Sacrifices of Military Families
Blue Star Families CEO and co-founder Kathy Roth-Douquet emphasized the importance of recognizing the often-unseen sacrifices military families make every day.
She noted that events like this do far more than provide entertainment—they create meaningful opportunities for military families to build community, strengthen relationships, and feel appreciated for their service to the nation.
Josh D’Amaro echoed those sentiments, saying:
“For decades, Disney has honored U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families. We’re proud to continue that legacy with Blue Star Families by creating moments that bring military families together, help them make lasting memories, and show the appreciation they so deeply deserve.”
Supporting Those Who Serve Behind the Scenes
According to Blue Star Families, supporting military families plays a critical role in military readiness, recruitment, and retention.
The organization’s annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey continues to highlight challenges including frequent relocations, extended family separations, spouse employment, and maintaining a sense of community throughout military life. Programs that foster connection and provide meaningful experiences help ease many of these challenges while strengthening the overall well-being of military families.
Since its founding in 2009, Blue Star Families has grown into a nationwide organization serving more than 1.5 million military-connected individuals each year through research, advocacy, local chapters, and community-building programs.
Disney Continues a Legacy of Honoring Military Families
The Camp Pendleton celebration is one of several events Disney and Blue Star Families are hosting throughout 2026. Additional initiatives have included the largest Blue Star Books event ever held at the Library of Congress, special appearances at MacDill Air Force Base, military family events connected to American Idol and The Mandalorian & Grogu, as well as volunteer service projects at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
For nearly a century, Disney has recognized the dedication of America’s military community, a tradition that dates back to company founders Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney, both of whom served during World War I.
This special Toy Story 5 screening was more than a movie event—it was a celebration of the families who stand beside those in uniform every day. Through unforgettable surprises, meaningful partnerships, and moments of genuine appreciation, Disney and Blue Star Families reminded hundreds of military families that their sacrifices are seen, valued, and deeply appreciated. And thanks to a little Disney magic, their next adventure will continue at the Happiest Place on Earth.
About Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation’s largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A “blue star family” is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts.
About The Walt Disney Company
For more than 100 years, Disney has been committed to bringing happiness to kids and families around the world. Disney proudly supports veterans, active-duty service members, and military families through community partnerships, employment initiatives, and experiences that recognize their service and sacrifice. To learn more about Disney’s legacy of support for veterans and military families, click here.
About Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5
The toys are back in Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, and this time it’s Toy meets Tech. Woody (voice of Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (voice of Tim Allen), Jessie (voice of Joan Cusack) and the rest of the gang’s jobs are challenged when they come face-to-face with Lilypad (voice of Greta Lee), a brand-new tablet device that arrives with her own disruptive ideas about what is best for their kid, Bonnie. Will playtime ever be the same? Toy Story 5 is directed by Academy Award® winner Andrew Stanton, codirected by Kenna Harris, produced by Lindsey Collins, p.g.a., and written by Stanton and Harris from a story by Stanton. The film features the original song “I Knew It, I Knew You” – performed by Taylor Swift and written and produced by Swift and Jack Antonoff – along with an original score by Oscar® winner Randy Newman, who returns to score his fifth Toy Story feature. Toy Story 5 is rated PG and is now playing in theaters.
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