Disney Parks is marking America's 250th anniversary with a slate of new attractions, entertainment, food, and special events across both coasts during Fourth of July weekend and beyond.
The centerpiece is a reimagined version of Soarin' called Soarin' Across America, which opens at Disney California Adventure on July 2. The ride features new scenes of American landscapes, a fresh musical score by composer Bruce Broughton, and a new scent experience. Starting July 16, guests in the Disney California Adventure queue can play The Soarin' Challenge Across America, a National Geographic-inspired trivia game accessible via QR code that tests knowledge about all 50 states. At EPCOT, similar trivia questions will be displayed throughout the queue.
What's Happening at Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom will debut "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky," a new fireworks show, while EPCOT will feature "Heartbeat of Freedom," a grand finale after "Luminous The Symphony of Us." Patriotic touches throughout the resort include special lighting on Spaceship Earth, performances from the Voices of Liberty (with exclusive sets on July 4), the Electrical Water Pageant, Main Street decor, character experiences, and limited-time merchandise and food.
The U.S. Air Force Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing will perform a flyover at 10:30 a.m. on July 4 (weather permitting) over Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Additional activities include flag retreat ceremonies, performances by the Dapper Dans and Main Street Philharmonic, and an extended run of the Portraits of Courage exhibit honoring post-9/11 veterans. Disney Springs will host special performances from the United States Air Force Band of the West on July 3 and 4.
What's Happening at Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure will feature themed decor, special entertainment, and a celebratory cavalcade honoring America from July 3-5. Disney California Adventure will also get a pre-show fireworks tribute before World of Color. The Dapper Dans will wear patriotic-themed attire, and military bands will perform across the resort through July 5, 2026. Flag retreat ceremonies and limited-time food and beverage offerings round out the celebration.
Limited-Time Food and Drinks
Both resorts are rolling out red, white, and blue-themed treats for the holiday weekend. Here's a sampling:
Magic Kingdom: Head to Sleepy Hollow for a Red, White, and Blue Funnel Cake or Waffle (mixed berries, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and festive sprinkles). Liberty Square Market offers a Red, White, and Blue Slushy (Fanta Blue Raspberry and Cherry layered with whipped cream and popping candies). Columbia Harbour House has a Berry Shortcake with patriotic sprinkles.
EPCOT: Try the Sam Eagle Star-Spangled Shortcake or The 1776 Historic Refresher at Regal Eagle Smokehouse. Sunshine Seasons features the S'morin' Across America Milk Shake (s'mores, toasted marshmallow, and graham cracker).
Disney's Hollywood Studios: Rosie's All-American Cafe offers the Red Velvet Riveter, a red velvet cake with fudge filling, cream cheese icing, ginger streusel, and star sprinkles.
Disneyland Park: Refreshment Corner has a Rocket Soda (blueberry with vanilla sweet cream and orange candy), and there's an Apple Pie Dip available near Town Square and Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Disney California Adventure: Smokejumpers Grill serves a Red, White & Blue Punch. Willie's Churros offers an Apple Pie Churro, and Clarabelle's Hand-Scooped Ice Cream has a 250th Celebration Dipped Mickey Bar.
Both resorts are also selling a limited-edition Sam Eagle novelty bucket (limit two per person while supplies last).
Merchandise and Cruise Line Specials
Disney Store is offering limited-edition Americana merchandise, including patriotic t-shirts, sweaters, and totes, available now at the parks and on DisneyStore.com.
Disney Cruise Line is celebrating on select Fourth of July weekend sailings with performances of the national anthem, character dance parties, themed food and drink, special Magic Shots photos, and festive towel animals. Select sailings will also feature fireworks at sea. Additionally, Disney Cruise Line is offering a $250 onboard credit per reservation for active U.S. military personnel on select Disney Wish and Disney Dream sailings throughout 2026.
Beyond the Parks
Disney's broadcast platforms will air 24 hours of America's 250th anniversary programming across ABC, Disney+, Hulu, National Geographic, FX, Freeform, and ESPN starting the evening of July 3 through July 4. Good Morning America will broadcast live from the Disney Wonder in Alaska from June 30 onward.
