The Walt Disney Co. is set to mark America's 250th anniversary with a company-wide initiative titled "Disney Celebrates America." This extensive celebration will feature a variety of events, including a live concert in Nashville, special offerings at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, and a two-hour primetime special airing on ABC.
Central to the celebration will be a 24-hour multiplatform broadcast, led by "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir. This broadcast is scheduled to begin on Friday, July 3, 2026, and conclude on Saturday, July 4, 2026, taking viewers across all 50 states. The cross-platform coverage will extend to ABC, Disney+, Hulu, National Geographic, FX, Freeform, ABC News Live, ESPN, and ABC Owned Television Stations and affiliates. The broadcast will feature several prominent ABC News anchors, including 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, and "Prime" and "WNT Sunday" anchor Linsey Davis.
Prior to the 24-hour broadcast, on Monday, June 29, 2026, "20/20" anchor Deborah Roberts and ABC News national correspondent Will Reeve will co-host a two-hour primetime special titled "Disney Celebrates America: The Pursuit of Happiness." Roberts will report from Walt Disney World in Florida, while Reeve will broadcast from Disneyland Resort in California. This special is slated to air from 8-10 p.m. ET/PT across ABC, Disney+, Hulu, National Geographic, and ABC News Live.
At its theme parks, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World will introduce "Soarin’ Across America" at EPCOT and Disney California Adventure Park. Enhancements will include patriotic lighting on Spaceship Earth at EPCOT, special performances, festive decor, and limited-time merchandise, food, and beverages available in the lead-up to July 4. Disney Parks also plan to host community events and offerings that honor veterans and military families as part of the anniversary celebration.
Nashville, Tennessee, will host "Disney Celebrates America: Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash," featuring live musical performances and one of the largest fireworks and drone shows in the United States. The show will be accompanied by a live score performed by the Nashville Symphony.
Additionally, National Geographic and ABC News will collaborate to unveil a new list, “Seven Natural Wonders of America,” between now and July 4, highlighting significant natural locations across the country.
"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 for The Walt Disney Co. "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."