Disney will celebrate the 250th anniversary of America by participating in the 2026 Tournament of Roses. The procession includes Mickey & Friends, as well as over 50 veterans who now serve as Disney Cast Members.
“The Walt Disney Company announced its participation in the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena with its “Disney Celebrates America” entry, designed as a patriotic tribute to the nation’s 250th anniversary. This entry celebrates the country’s semiquincentennial in uniquely Disney ways, leaning into the dreams, stories, and optimism that have touched the lives of people across the country and around the world for the past century.
Mickey & Friends will lead the procession in a Disneyland vehicle, which will be decorated with red, white, and blue flowers. More than 50 veterans who now serve as Cast Members and their families will join them.
Each of the vibrant flowers on the car holds significance for military veterans. They include the red poppies widely recognized as a symbol of remembrance for fallen military personnel, dating back to World War I. Other flowers featured in Disney’s entry include rosemaries, blue irises, white lilies, chrysanthemums, and red roses to express love, honor, and appreciation for veterans everywhere.
“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,” said CEO Bob Iger. “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.”
ABC will broadcast live coverage of the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, on January 1, beginning at 11 a.m. ET. The two-hour broadcast will be hosted by ESPN SportsCenter anchors Kevin Negandhi and Hannah Storm, both returning to the event, along with longtime reporter John Naber.
Kermit the Frog was already announced for the Mississippi Tournament of Roses parade float.
Learn more about Disney’s extensive celebration of America’s 250th anniversary here. Soarin’ Across America has an opening date for EPCOT and California Adventure. Watch this behind-the-scenes look for the making of the attraction.
Will you be tuning in for this parade on January 1? Let us know in the comments or on social media.
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