Oogie Boogie Bash Adds Haunted Mansion Street Party
Get ready to socialize with some happy haunts! “Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party” is officially bringing the mansion’s most iconic moments straight to the streets of Disney California Adventure during Oogie Boogie Bash. Disney also shared other details for this year’s Halloween party.
Making its grand debut this year is “Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party.” This brand-new spectacle brings the iconic attraction to life with multiple show-stopping moments. Led by Madame Leota during a spirited séance, the swinging wake will feature ghostly dancers and ghoulish delights, inviting guests to join a ghastly good time that is sure to summon all 999 happy haunts. Because of ongoing construction throughout Disney California Adventure, this lively street party will temporarily replace the Frightfully Fun Parade for the 2026 season.
For those looking to upgrade their evening, the Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party is returning to offer premium viewing of the new street party. This year, the event boasts a brand-new menu of sweets themed after Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Reservation dates and additional details are set to drop on Disneyland.com later this summer.
You may also encounter not-often-seen villains and Disney characters dressed up for Halloween throughout California Adventure. And you won’t want to misstrick-or-treating along immersive treat trails and a selection of themed bites available just for the party.
Stroll through dreamlike scenes in Villains Grove, where Redwood Creek Challenge Trail will transform into an enchanted world inspired by Disney villains like the Queen of Hearts and Dr. Facilier.
At select times throughout the evening, Ichabod Crane hurries through California Adventure evading the sinister specter of the Headless Horseman astride his dark steed.
From thrilling rides and sweet treats to haunting decor and unique photo opportunities, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy!
Oogie Boogie Bash Dates and Ticket Details
This year, there are 33 nights in August, September, and October to attend Oogie Boogie Bash. Tickets will go on sale beginning June 18, 2026, no earlier than 9 a.m. PST, with pre-sale opportunities for select groups.
Oogie Boogie Bash Ticket On-Sale Dates
Inspire Magic Key Holders (limited amount of tickets for pre-sale): June 16, 2026
All Magic Key Holders (limited amount of tickets for pre-sale): June 17, 2026
General public: June 18, 2026
Sunday, September 27, will be a special Oogie Boogie Bash evening, reserved only for D23 Members, on sale June 16, 2026.
This after-hours party for all ages is the perfect opportunity to don an iconic costume, collect candy, and enjoy access to select attractions, often with shorter wait times. The event goes from 6 p.m. through 11 p.m. and admission includes entry to California Adventure three hours before the party officially begins, plus unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the party.
Are you planning on attending Oogie Boogie Bash this year?
Beat the Heat: The Ultimate Guide to Disney World’s Cool Kids Summer Snacks (All Under $10!)
Cool Kids Summer is officially here, which means it’s time to dance, play, and most importantly, snack your way through Walt Disney World! If you are a self-proclaimed foodie on a budget, you are in luck. Disney just dropped a lineup of limited-time sips, sweets, and savory bites that are totally kid-approved and entirely under $10. These treats make for the absolute perfect pit stops, whether you’re busy dancing with Jessie and her Toy Story pals at Magic Kingdom Park or making a major splash with Stitch over at Typhoon Lagoon.
Space Rangers of all ages have two stellar new galactic treats waiting for them at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies in Magic Kingdom. First up is the Zurg Overload Shake, a rich vanilla milkshake featuring a bright cherry coating, marshmallow whipped cream, sprinkles, and a signature chocolate piece. If you prefer something a bit more refreshing, the Space Ranger Float is a spectacular, vibrant swirl of lime DOLE Whip and vanilla soft-serve floating in Sprite and topped with green apple pearls. The sweet, tart combination of lime and green apple makes it an elite tier park refresher.
If your kids are obsessed with a certain famous Australian heeler family, the snacks at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are going to be a massive hit. You can head over to Eight Spoon Café or Pizzafari to grab Bluey’s Berry Lemonade, a frozen Minute Maid Lemonade packed to the brim with blueberry, blackberry, strawberry, and raspberry flavors. It is quite literally summer in a cup. While you’re hanging out at Pizzafari, you can also pick up the Wackadoo Fruit Freeze. This one is a frozen twist on Bluey’s beloved fruit salad, blended perfectly with Simply Fruit Punch and garnished with actual fresh fruit salad.
Over at EPCOT, you can take a breather between dance parties and stop by GRAB-N-GOOF for a total fan-favorite: Goofy’s Gone Fishing. This whimsical drink features a blue raspberry lemonade loaded with strawberry fruit juice-filled pearls and your choice of fun fish or shark gummy candies swimming inside.
Next-Level Theme Park Sweets
If you want to celebrate the summer with a playful, down-under inspired dessert, look no further than the Fairy Bread Cake at Pizzafari. This treat turns a classic Australian childhood staple into a vanilla birthday cake that is dipped in rich white chocolate, heavily coated in rainbow sprinkles, and served alongside a tart raspberry dipping sauce.
For something a little more mischievous and completely Goofy-approved, make your way back to GRAB-N-GOOF for the Gawrsh! Worms Everywhere Cake. This decadent little dessert is piled high with chocolate cake, smooth chocolate ganache, crunchy cookies and cream pieces, and plenty of gummy candy worms crawling out of the top. It’s messy, chocolaty, and belongs at the very top of your must-try checklist.
Savory Bites & Familiar Favorites
When you need a break from all the sugar and savory snacks are more your vibe, Disney has you covered with some heavy hitters. You can sink your teeth into the brand-new Chicken Goof-ups, which feature juicy, lightly breaded chicken breast bites paired with crispy fried cheese curds and a side of signature Goofy Sauce. If you are a cheese lover, you can double down with the Goof Troop Mac Snack, an ultra-satisfying order of fried macaroni and cheese bites served with warm marinara for dipping.
Don’t worry if you have some incredibly picky eaters in your crew, either. If you are just looking for comfort options that your kids already know and love, standard favorites like classic chicken strips, personal pizzas, gooey macaroni and cheese, golden fries, and fresh fruit cups are readily available in kitchens all across Walt Disney World properties. Make sure to snag a physical Cool Kids Summer map right when you walk into the parks to get a complete, easy-to-read list of all these go-to bites throughout your magical summer vacation!
Space Ranger Float Lands at Auntie Gravity’s and It’s a Refreshing Winner
The new Space Ranger Float has landed at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies in Tomorrowland, and it’s easily one of the best new summer treats at Magic Kingdom!
This float combines DOLE Whip Lime and vanilla soft-serve swirled together over Sprite, then tops everything off with green apple popping pearls, colorful sprinkles, and a chocolate medallion. The result is a sweet, tart, and incredibly refreshing drink that feels tailor-made for a hot Florida afternoon.
The lime DOLE Whip is the star of the show. It delivers a bright citrus flavor without being overpowering, while the vanilla soft-serve smooths everything out with a creamy finish. The Sprite adds just enough fizz to keep the float light and refreshing rather than heavy.
The green apple pearls provide little bursts of flavor throughout the drink. While the apple taste leans a bit artificial, they add a fun texture that fits perfectly with the playful space-themed presentation.
If you’re a fan of DOLE Whip, this is an easy recommendation. The combination of lime, vanilla, and Sprite works remarkably well, creating a float that’s both refreshing and flavorful without becoming overly sweet.
Chip and Co Rating: 6/7 🚀💚🍦
Perfect for: DOLE Whip fans, lime lovers, and anyone looking for a refreshing summer treat in Magic Kingdom.
Skip it if: You don’t enjoy citrus flavors or fruit-flavored candies.
New Filing Suggests Disney Lakeshore Lodge Will Be an All-DVC Resort
A newly filed legal document may have revealed some major details about Disney Vacation Club’s next Walt Disney World resort. According to a recently submitted Resort Use Plan, Disney Lakeshore Lodge appears poised to become a primarily, and possibly entirely, Disney Vacation Club property when it opens along Bay Lake in 2027.
The filing lists 45,552 timeshare weeks for the project. Based on standard Disney Vacation Club calculations, industry watchers estimate that translates to roughly 876 vacation villas. If those numbers hold true, the resort would contain significantly more DVC inventory than many fans originally expected when the project was first announced as Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge.
For years, many Disney fans speculated that the resort would operate as a mixed-use property similar to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, offering both traditional hotel rooms and Disney Vacation Club villas. However, the latest filing suggests Lakeshore Lodge could lean heavily toward DVC accommodations, potentially making it one of Walt Disney World’s most exclusive resort destinations for members.
The documents also reveal that Lakeshore Lodge has been designated as a Restricted Management Entity. For Disney Vacation Club members, that means resale contracts would likely carry booking restrictions similar to those already in place at Disney’s Riviera Resort, The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel. Owners who purchase points on the resale market would face limitations on where those points can be used throughout the Disney Vacation Club system.
Patriotic Mickey and Minnie Window Displays Return to Main Street U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom
As America gears up for its 250th birthday celebration, Magic Kingdom is already getting dressed for the occasion. New patriotic window displays featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse have appeared along Main Street U.S.A., adding a festive splash of red, white, and blue to the park ahead of Independence Day.
Located in the green-framed display windows outside the Emporium, the charming scenes feature vintage-inspired versions of Disney’s favorite couple surrounded by patriotic décor. Mickey is decked out in a classic green-and-pink outfit complete with a straw hat and a patriotic judge’s ribbon medal.
Around him, guests will find summertime sporting equipment, a gold trophy, and even a humorous scorecard showcasing competitions won by familiar Disney pals including Goofy, Pete, and Horace Horsecollar.
Across the way, Minnie Mouse takes center stage in a floral-filled display bursting with patriotic flair. Surrounded by red, white, and blue flowers, flags, parasols, and decorative fans, Minnie sports a matching medal and elegant summer attire that perfectly captures the nostalgic Americana theme. The displays pair beautifully with the patriotic bunting that has already been hung throughout Main Street U.S.A.
BoxLunch Drops a New Exclusive Minnie Mouse Rhinestone Bow Collection!
If your wardrobe has been feeling a little low on glitter lately, BoxLunch just dropped an exclusive new collection that is about to solve that problem real quick. The Pink Minnie Mouse Rhinestone Bow Collection has officially arrived, and it is the perfect mix of classic Disney nostalgia and full-on glam. Every piece features a gorgeous, textured polka dot embossing, sleek applique Minnie ears, and the star of the show, a dazzling rhinestone bow that catches the light just right.
First up, let’s talk about the absolute crown jewel of the drop: the Minnie Mouse Rhinestone Bow Figural Mini Backpack ($84.90). This isn’t just any Disney bag; it features an ultra-dreamy, iridescent applique of Minnie’s face that gives it a fun, modern edge. Combined with the 3D figural ears and that show-stopping rhinestone bow, it’s basically a walking statement piece. Whether you’re rope-dropping your favorite park or just heading out for brunch, this backpack has plenty of room for your essentials while keeping your outfit ten out of ten.
If you prefer to travel a little lighter but refuse to compromise on shine, the Minnie Mouse Rhinestone Bow Crossbody Bag ($64.90) has your name written all over it. It scales down the bulk but keeps all the attitude, rocking the same textured polka dots, applique ears, and sparkly bow. Plus, it comes with a super convenient adjustable strap, making it the ultimate hands-free companion for concert nights, shopping sprees, or casual park hopping.
Finally, you can’t complete the look without the matching Minnie Mouse Rhinestone Bow Wallet ($39.90). This compact beauty packs a serious organizational punch behind its snap closure (which is also topped with a rhinestone bow, obviously). Inside, you’ll find dedicated card slots, a clear ID sleeve for easy access, and a zippered coin pouch to keep your loose change from floating away. It pairs perfectly with the rest of the collection, proving that you can be organized and obsessed with glitter at the same time. Remember, this collection is a BoxLunch exclusive, so grab your favorites before they sell out!
Cinderella Castle Moat Refilling Signals End of Magic Kingdom Repainting Project
One of the most noticeable construction projects at Magic Kingdom is finally nearing its conclusion. Disney has officially begun refilling the moat surrounding Cinderella Castle, a major milestone that appears to mark the completion of the castle’s months-long repainting project.
Guests visiting Magic Kingdom this week can already spot water returning to portions of the moat around the iconic castle. Water was actively being pumped back into the basin on June 1, with several inches already visible along sections of the castle by mid-morning. The water has also begun spreading to other areas of the moat as Disney works to restore the castle’s familiar appearance.
The moat was drained earlier this year to allow crews easier access as they refreshed Cinderella Castle’s color scheme. During the project, Disney returned portions of the castle to a look closer to its original design while also completing maintenance work around the surrounding waterways. With the moat emptied, crews also took the opportunity to repaint the Tomorrowland entrance rockwork and perform other nearby refurbishment projects.
While the moat is not yet completely full, the process is well underway. It may still take several days before water reaches its normal operating level, but the return of the moat is a welcome sight for guests who have watched the project unfold over the past several months.
New Photos Reveal Tropical Americas Rising Above Construction Walls at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into the new Tropical Americas land is becoming harder to miss. During a recent visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we spotted significant new construction visible above the green construction walls, giving guests one of the clearest ground-level looks yet at the project’s progress.
Several newly constructed concrete block walls now tower above the perimeter fencing, marking one of the first major vertical construction milestones visible from guest areas. The structures appear to feature multiple doorways and window openings, offering a glimpse at the scale of the future buildings taking shape inside the expansion site.
Tower cranes continue to dominate the skyline over the construction zone, while crews were actively working atop the newly completed walls during our visit. From the guest walkway, visitors can now clearly see that the project is moving beyond site preparation and into the early stages of building construction.
The new structures are visible from several vantage points along the construction walls, with the Tropical Americas signage serving as a reminder of what lies ahead. While Disney has not identified every building currently under construction, the rising walls provide another exciting indication that the future home of Encanto and Indiana Jones is steadily becoming a reality.
Perhaps the most exciting part of these photos is that construction is finally beginning to break the horizon. For months, most of the work remained hidden behind walls and earth-moving equipment. Now, guests can actually watch the new land grow higher with each visit, offering a tangible preview of the massive transformation underway at Disney’s Animal Kingdom ahead of Tropical Americas’ planned 2027 opening.
Get a FREE Limited Edition Disney Moana Reversible Tote Bag at Pandora!
Calling all Disney fashionistas and charm collectors! If you’ve been looking for an excuse to upgrade your accessory game, Pandora just dropped the ultimate incentive. Right now, you can snag a gorgeous, limited-edition Disney Moana Reversible Tote Bag for absolutely free. All you have to do is pick up four select items from the stunning Disney Moana x Pandora Collection. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself to some new shiny things while scoring a major style bonus.
This isn’t just any standard gift-with-purchase canvas sack, either. The bag is an absolute tropical dream, sporting a vibrant floral pattern packed with beautiful blue and pink hues that practically scream island vacation. But the absolute best part? It’s completely reversible! Flip it inside out, and you get a whole second style featuring the distinct silhouettes of Moana, Maui, and everyone’s favorite sidekicks, Pua and HeiHei. It is literally like getting two adorable Disney bags for the price of none.
Ready to set sail and claim yours? You can grab this deal right now by heading over to the Pandora Store at Disney Springs to check it out in person, or you can skip the lines and shop the collection online from the comfort of your couch. Just make sure to act fast, limited-edition freebies like this have a habit of disappearing faster than Maui in hawk form!
Demi Lovato and the Camp Rock 3 Cast Ride Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
If you had Demi Lovato returning to Walt Disney World with a brand-new generation of campers on your 2026 pop culture bingo card, go ahead and claim your prize. The ultimate Disney Channel icon just swapped the Final Jam for Tomorrowland, and honestly, the nostalgia is hitting hard.
In a totally unexpected but completely brilliant crossover, Demi teamed up with the cast of the highly anticipated Camp Rock 3 for a chaotic and fun day at Magic Kingdom. The official Camp Rock Instagram account dropped a new reel to promote both the upcoming movie and the park’s Cool Kids Summer event, and it is safe to say the hype is officially real.
The video kicks off with Demi standing right outside Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, looking like she never left her Disney era. She hypes up the camera, saying, “Okay, first off, this is gonna be the best summer ever. And second, nothing can make me lose my… focus… What is that!?” Cue the perfect comedic timing as the new class of campers, including Hudson Stone, Lumi Pollack, Sherry Cola, and Casey Trotter, peek up at the ride’s marquee with pure curiosity.
From there, the clip cuts straight to the group losing all that focus to blast some targets on the recently revamped interactive ride. The best part? The whole thing is set to “Brand New Day” from Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, which is guaranteed to stick in your head for the rest of the afternoon.
While it’s a blast seeing Demi back in the Disney parks ecosystem, she is actually passing the torch this time around. For Camp Rock 3, she is stepping behind the scenes as an executive producer. Meanwhile, Joe, Nick, and Kevin Jonas are officially returning to the screen as Connect 3. The new storyline follows the brothers as they scramble to find a fresh opening act for their massive reunion tour after their original choice drops out. Naturally, they head back to where it all started to launch an epic new talent competition among the camp’s rising stars.
The movie is locked in for an August 2026 release on Disney Channel and Disney+, meaning we don’t have much longer to wait. Until then, the new cast is clearly living their best life and getting the ultimate Disney stamp of approval. Let the countdown to camp begin!
New Moana, Tangled, and Little Mermaid Create Your Own Headband Plushies Are Coming to Disney Parks!
Get your wallets ready because the absolute cutest theme park accessory trend is getting a major upgrade this summer. If you’ve been rocking the customizable headband look around the parks, you’re about to have a very hard time choosing your next lineup. Disneyland dropped a massive teaser on their Instagram Story confirming that a brand-new wave of Create Your Own Headband plushies inspired by Moana, The Little Mermaid, and Tangled are officially launching this June!
The lineup for this drop is stacked with fan favorites. For the Moana crew, you can snag Moana herself, her adorable sidekick Pua, the chaotic Heihei, and even a tiny, fierce Kakamora. If you are more of an under-the-sea fan, Ariel and Flounder are ready to join your collection. And for the Tangled stans, the Rapunzel and Pascal plushies are must-haves to mix and match. Because each character features handy Velcro straps on the bottom, you can easily swap them out depending on your park day mood or outfit.
If you happen to be visiting Walt Disney World right now, you might actually catch a head start on building your new look. Spotters have already seen Heihei, Pua, and the Kakamora making early appearances on the East Coast. Don’t worry if you’re a West Coaster, though the full collection is expected to be widely available at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World over the coming weeks.
As for pricing, Disney is keeping things consistent with their previous character drops. The base black headband is sold separately for $11.99, and each individual character plush will run you $13.99. Whether you want to pile four characters high like a crown or just let Pascal sit solo on your shoulder, these are going to be the hot items to track down on your next Disney trip!
Disney Unveils Phenomenal Lineup of Experiences for Disney Celebrates America Event
Today, The Walt Disney Company shared a spectacular lineup of television broadcasts, theme park events, and community initiatives for its upcoming “Disney Celebrates America” campaign, highlighting fresh details for a massive 24-hour multi-platform broadcast and a primetime special. This company-wide project marks the 250th anniversary of the United States by bringing together special programming, park activations, and unique storytelling across Disney’s entire portfolio of brands. For over one hundred years, Disney has played a significant role in American culture, highlighting the creativity, optimism, and endless possibilities that bring generations together. The new campaign embraces that enduring history while giving fans a chance to honor the country and its future.
“As our country marks this historic 250th milestone, ‘Disney Celebrates America’ allows us to honor the people, locations, and collective experiences that shape our national identity,” noted Ken Potrock, President of Major Events Integration for The Walt Disney Company. “By blending immersive park offerings with unprecedented television moments, Disney is inviting families everywhere to unite and celebrate America through meaningful reflection on our past and an inspiring look at the future we can build together.”
“Disney Celebrates America” comes to life through storytelling and experiences across the full breadth of The Walt Disney Company. 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.
Alongside a special edition of Good Morning America,World News Tonight with David Muir, and Nightline, curated segments include:
Disney Celebrates America: Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash is a one-of-a-kind live celebration with must-see performances by iconic artists and musical acts spanning multiple genres. In collaboration with the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and ITV America Nashville, hundreds of thousands are expected to gather in-person in the heart of downtown Nashville for this milestone event, which will also feature one of the largest fireworks and drone shows in the United States set to a live score by the GRAMMY® Award winning Nashville Symphony.
Countdown to America’s 250th reporting features rare access inside the Statue of Liberty with a once-in-a-lifetime tribute, produced in close partnership with the Consulate General of France in New York
GMA’s “50 States in 50 Weeks: America The Beautiful,” a culmination of the showcase series of the beauty of America’s land and people
Dawn of America tracing American history from colonial times through the Declaration of Independence
A look at the brave U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families who have helped defend their country for two and half centuries
America Expands Westward highlighting America’s growth through a cross-country adventure including broadcasts from Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder with celebrations from Ketchikan, Alaska
Innovation and Invention presenting a special look at the birth of Hollywood cinema, the history of American fashion, the space race, and more
Wonders of America, a special collaboration between ABC News anchors and National Geographic Explorers
The Wonders of America broadcast segment will feature the newly announced “Seven Natural Wonders of America,” a list created in collaboration between National Geographic and ABC News, highlighting the extraordinary and awe-inspiring locations across the country that represent the beauty of the United States of America. The first wonder revealed today on Good Morning America was the Hawaii volcanoes, with six more sites to be revealed on the Fourth of July during the broadcast with on the ground reporting from ABC News talent. National Geographic will further explore the nation’s stories through an expansive summer storytelling package across print, digital, and social platforms launching June 16.
ESPN’s flagship news and information program, SportsCenter, will present a special two-hour edition live on ABC on July 4 from 2-4 p.m. PT/5-7 p.m. ET, celebrating the people, moments, and stories that have shaped American sports culture. Co-hosted by Kevin Negandhi and Christine Williamson, the program will feature live reports from SportsCenteranchors across the country alongside original storytelling, historical retrospectives, and talent-driven segments from ESPN’stop personalities. Coverage will include features on iconic American sports moments and the enduring cultural impact of sports in America, complemented by essays and SC Featured storytelling.
ESPN.com will feature “AMERICA 250 Road Trips: A journey though the mystery and majesty of sports,” a five-day series of stories to mark America’s 250th anniversary on July 4. Five ESPN reporters followed a custom road trip to explore how sports shaped the country’s identity. The visual-heavy presentations will include maps, illustrations, photography, videos, and graphics.
Coast-to-Coast Celebrations at Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort
Soarin’ Across America, now open at EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort and debuting July 2 at Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort in Southern California, is a reimagined flight experience that takes guests on a breathtaking journey across the United States, spotlighting a tapestry of the nation’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes in a uniquely Disney way, including more than a dozen locations such as the New England coastline, Mount Rushmore, Washington, D.C., New York City, Grand Canyon West, and more. Created by Walt Disney Imagineering, fans will enjoy this all-new experience brought to life with the elements that they know and love from this attraction—the flight, sights, scents, and a new arrangement of the iconic Soarin’ score by composer Bruce Broughton.
We just got a first look at the BRAND NEW Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT! 🇺🇸✈️😭Disney built this entire all-new version to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, and the new scenes are absolutely breathtaking. It kicks off with an Artemis rocket launch sequence, takes you from the Statue of Liberty to the Grand Canyon, and ends with patriotic fireworks right over Spaceship Earth! 🎆❤️🤍💙 It officially opens on May 26th, but catching these early previews was unreal. Who is ready to fly across the USA? 🙋♂️ #epcot#waltdisneyworld#soarinacrossamerica#disneyparks#disneynews
National Geographic adds to the attraction experience with photography and trivia integrated into the queue for Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT. At Walt Disney World, as fans wait to board the attraction, their knowledge is put to the test with an all-new trivia challenge entitled The Soarin’ Challenge Across America. Utilizing the theme of superlatives, these questions invite guests to learn which state is “Most Likely to Reach for the Stars” or “Most Likely to Strike Gold.” Whether enjoying fun facts inspired by beloved National Geographic titles or admiring stunning photography curated from the National Geographic archives, fans of all ages can find something to discover while preparing to take to the skies.
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.
During Los Angeles Fleet Week at Disneyland Resort on May 21, 2026, more than 100 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen participated in the event, which included special performances from Navy Band Southwest, a U.S. Navy flyover during a special flag retreat ceremony, and more. An American flag flown over Disneyland Resort was presented to U.S. military leaders as a token of Disney’s appreciation of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ 250th anniversaries. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse also debuted their all-new patriotic attire, dressed in their best red, white, and blue to join in the celebration of an incredible milestone. With vibrant colors and iconic details, the new ensembles are a perfect nod to America’s enduring story.
At Disneyland Resort, West Coast offerings include special flag retreat ceremonies honoring veterans, themed décor along Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Park and Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure, limited-time entertainment, and specialty food and beverage offerings. Additional opportunities to celebrate over Fourth of July weekend include a pre-show fireworks tribute ahead of World of Color, the return of the Celebrate America! fireworks spectacular, patriotic themed attire for the Dapper Dans, military band performances, and a celebratory cavalcade honoring America.
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.
Disney’s commitment supports a wide range of experiences and programs throughout the anniversary year, including the 25th Disney and Blue Star Books in Washington, D.C. at the Library of Congress, which brought over 500 military children and family members together through the joy of reading and play, including thousands of donated Disney and National Geographic books. Through the years, Disney has donated more than 370,000 books to enrich military families. Families received welcome kits that were assembled by Disney VoluntEARS and participated in additional activities including story time and character moments with Belle from Beauty and the Beast (1991) in the largest library in the world. Other character appearances included Buzz Lightyear and Woody from Toy Story (1995), Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Sophia the First.
Disney also hosted a special film screening of Lucasfilm’s Star Wars:The Mandalorian and Grogu (now in theaters) with plans for a screening of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 (debuting June 19) for military families, as well as other events across the country that support families when they need it most. Throughout May, during National Military Appreciation Month, Disney and Blue Star Families worked together to create meaningful moments for military families across the country. This collaboration with Blue Star Families demonstrates Disney’s ongoing commitment to honoring and uplifting those who serve in uniform and their loved ones.
Additional Experiences Nationwide
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.
