The Walt Disney Company has announced plans to take part in the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade with a special entry honoring a major national milestone. Disney’s parade entry, titled “Disney Celebrates America,” will serve as a patriotic tribute to the United States’ 250th anniversary, also known as the semiquincentennial.
Set to roll through Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2026, Disney’s entry will blend classic characters with meaningful symbolism. Leading the procession will be a Disneyland vehicle featuring Mickey Mouse and friends, decorated with red, white, and blue floral accents. Joining them will be more than 50 U.S. military veterans who now work as Disney cast members, along with their families. The moment highlights Disney’s long-standing appreciation for military service and the veterans who continue creating magic for guests every day.
The floral design itself carries special meaning. Red poppies, long associated with remembrance of fallen service members since World War I, will be prominently featured. Additional flowers such as rosemaries, blue irises, white lilies, chrysanthemums, and red roses were chosen to represent honor, love, and gratitude toward veterans across all branches of service.
Disney says the parade appearance also reflects Walt Disney’s own love of country and the company’s century-long support of military families, dating back to the First World War efforts of Walt and Roy O. Disney. As part of the broader anniversary celebration, Disney is expanding its military support initiatives, including a $2.5 million donation to Blue Star Families.
The Walt Disney Company is proud to participate in the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade as part of our ‘Disney Celebrates America’ initiative honoring our nation’s 250th anniversary. Both Disney and the Tournament of Roses Parade have long celebrated the spirit of America and the people who make it extraordinary – including our service members, veterans, and their families. By featuring our own veteran cast members, we’re excited to kick off the year at this iconic event and share the Disney magic that connects generations. ~Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company
Beyond the parade, Disney plans a year-long celebration of America’s 250th anniversary across its platforms. This includes special events at U.S. theme parks, patriotic fireworks during the 4th of July weekend, new attractions such as Soarin’ Across America, and themed programming across ABC, National Geographic, and ESPN.
ABC will air live coverage of the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade beginning at 11 a.m. ET, with returning hosts Kevin Negandhi, Hannah Storm, and reporter John Naber guiding viewers through the celebration.
