4th of July at Walt Disney World – Fireworks – Characters – Food – Patriotism. This will be our fourth 4th of July here at Walt Disney World, and every year we say to ourselves we are staying home to avoid crowds, but the draw of being physically in the Parks celebrating America’s Independence is a huge draw. There is something special about celebrating the birth of America, surrounded by others who love our country and want to put politics off to the side and just enjoy the day.
In just a few weeks, red, white and blue will sparkle brightly as Walt Disney World Resort celebrates the Fourth of July with a spectacular lineup of fireworks, food and festive entertainment guaranteed to have you singing about the stars and stripes all the way home!
Here are 11 top ways to celebrate Independence Day at Disney World.
1. Fireworks Over Magic Kingdom Park
“Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will light up the nighttime sky over Magic Kingdom Park with a booming nighttime spectacular.
A simultaneous fireworks display over nearby Seven Seas Lagoon creates an unforgettable experience for guests in the park and nearby Magic Kingdom Resort Area hotels. This special fireworks show will take place July 3 and July 4 at 9:20 p.m.
2. Be inspired by Veterans Portraits in The American Adventure at EPCOT
Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors is a special exhibit from the George W. Bush Institute that debuted June 9 at EPCOT.
Reflecting President Bush’s personal commitment to military veterans and ongoing work of the Bush Institute’s Veteran and Military Families Program, this extraordinary art exhibit brings together more than 60 vibrant oil paintings by President Bush of service members and veterans who have served in military uniform with honor since 9/11 and whom the President has come to know personally since leaving office.
3. Party at Magic Kingdom Park
At Magic Kingdom, you can dance the night away with DJs mixing tunes at a dance party in front of Cinderella Castle and throughout the park.
4. Heartbeat of Freedom following Luminous The Symphony of Us at EPCOT
Sensational patriotic fireworks display, “The Heartbeat of Freedom,” will follow the new nighttime EPCOT fireworks show Luminous “The Symphony of Us.” Performances will take place July 3 and 4 at 9 p.m.
5. Voices of Liberty Harmonies at EPCOT
While visiting EPCOT you’ll be treated to the sounds of Americana from the legendary a cappella vocal group Voices of Liberty. The renowned singers perform patriotic numbers throughout the day in the rotunda of The American Adventure.
6. Special Photo Ops with Patriotic Disney Pals
Get your cameras ready! Some of your favorite Disney pals – dressed for the occasion in their “Spirit of ’76” attire – will meet guests throughout the day at The American Adventure in EPCOT.
7. Spaceship Earth at EPCOT Glitters in Red, White and Blue
In celebration of the holiday, the iconic Spaceship Earth at EPCOT will be illuminated in bright red, white and blue colors at night. You can bask in a patriotic glow that will reflect across World Celebration, which is part of the park’s recently completed multi-year transformation.
8. Food That’s Worth a Salute
For a limited time, Walt Disney World guests can dazzle their taste buds with all-new indulgences debuting this year across the resort and the return of fan-favorites such as the Barbeque Pulled Chicken Sandwich available at Regal Eagle Smokehouse in EPCOT.
More details to be announced in the July 4th Foodie Guide that will be released on the Disney Parks Blog June 25.
9. Gear Up with Disney Americana Collection
Celebrate the holiday in style with a special collection of merchandise featuring red, white and blue colors and patriotic Mickey Mouse. The Disney Americana Collection includes a Loungefly Mini Backpack and Ear Headband along with a variety of tees.
You can discover these treasures for a limited time at World of Disney at Disney Springs, Emporium at Magic Kingdom, Creations at EPCOT, Discovery Trading Company at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and online at DisneyStore.com.
10. Celebrate at Disney Resort Hotels
Select Disney Resort hotels get into the red, white and blue spirit with classic summertime fun, from surprise character appearances, campfires, sing-alongs and marshmallow roasts to Movies Under the Stars and children’s activities. Or just enjoy an afternoon poolside or a leisurely boating excursion on sparkling lakes and waterways.
Guests staying in Disney Resort hotels on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake can cap off their day viewing the nightly Electrical Water Pageant.
This cavalcade of sea creatures in lights includes a patriotic grand finale featuring the American flag and stars all in sparkling lights. More information about special activities is available in each resort’s daily schedule.
11. Commemorate the Spirit of America Every Day
America is honored year-round at Walt Disney World, with popular attractions that pay tribute to the country’s history.
Stroll Down Main Street
Inspired by Walt Disney’s childhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri, Main Street, U.S.A., is a step back in time to a quintessential American town at the turn of the 20th century. The colorful Victorian setting is where guests can enjoy the famous Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, horse-drawn carriages and the high-flying revelry of the Main Street Philharmonic.
Witness the Daily Flag Retreat
Since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the daily Flag Retreat ceremony has retired the American flag for the night in a celebratory tribute to U.S. Veterans. Veterans often participate in the ceremony, receiving warm recognition for their service and sacrifice.
See History in Liberty Square
Set in the Revolutionary War era, Liberty Square pays tribute to daily life in the original thirteen colonies. Guests can get up close to an authentic replica of the Liberty Bell and meet all 45 different Presidents of the United States in a stirring show tracing the nation’s history inside the Hall of Presidents. A walk along the Rivers of America from Liberty Square to neighboring Frontierland is a journey through the country’s era of westward expansion.
Experience The American Adventure
The American Adventure located in World Showcase at EPCOT features a dramatic production including 35 Audio-Animatronic figures that retell pivotal moments and events throughout the country’s history. From the landing of the Mayflower to Valley Forge, the Civil War to the Great Depression, Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain guide guests on this trip through time.
Note that to experience any in-park offerings, guests must have valid theme park admission and may need a theme park reservation depending on type of admission and date of visit. The ability to visit a theme park is subject to the park’s capacity limitations.
