We Know What Disney Fans Will Be Doing on January 1st!

By Colette Langley Leave a Comment

The Rose Parade is an iconic New Year’s Day tradition, and if gorgeous, floral-covered floats, marching bands, and equestrian units aren’t good enough reasons to convince you to tune in to the parade, maybe this announcement will change your mind! Disney just announced its participation in the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade with its “Disney Celebrates America” entry.

Disneyland Park

The parade is happening in just a few days! On January 1st, 2026, Disney will participate with a vibrant entry designed as a “patriotic tribute to the nation’s 250th anniversary.” We can’t wait to see this year’s parade and Disney’s entry!

Disney’s procession will be led by a Disneyland vehicle carrying Mickey Mouse and friends. The car will be adorned with patriotic décor and red, white, and blue flowers. Mickey and friends will also be joined by more than 50 U.S. military veterans who are now Cast Members, along with their families!

©Disney

Each of the flowers chosen for the car holds significance for military veterans. Red poppies, which are recognized as a symbol of remembrance for fallen military personnel, will be featured. As well as rosemaries, blue irises, white lilies, chrysanthemums, and red roses to “express love, honor, and appreciation for veterans everywhere.

©Tournament of Roses

Bob Iger said that The Walt Disney Company was proud to participate in this year’s Tournament of Roses Parade. “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.”

Disneyland 50th Anniversary Float (2019) ©Disney

You can catch the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1st, beginning at 11 AM ET on ABC. It will be a two-hour broadcast hosted by ESPN SportsCenter anchors Kevin Negandhi and Hannah Storm, and reporter John Naber. We are always keeping our eyes peeled for the latest Disney news, so you always know what’s happening! Stay tuned to DFB for more.

4 Disney World Rules That No Longer Work in 2026

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Will you be watching the Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1st? Let us know in the comments!