MENUMENU
  • Podcast
  • Members
  • About
  • Get a Quote
  • Contact
  • Things We Recommend
  • Search
MENUMENU
  • Crowd Calendars
        • January 2020 Crowd Calendar
        • February 2020 Crowd Calendar
        • March 2020 Crowd Calendar
        • April 2020 Crowd Calendar
        • May 2020 Crowd Calendar
        • June 2020 Crowd Calendar
        • July 2020 Crowd Calendar
        • August 2020 Crowd Calendar
        • September 2020 Crowd Calendar
        • October 2019 Crowd Calendar
        • November 2019 Crowd Calendar
        • December 2019 Crowd Calendar
  • Parks
        • Magic Kingdom
        • Epcot
        • Disney World Tickets
        • Hollywood Studios
        • Slinky Dog Dash
        • Animal Kingdom
        • Typhoon Lagoon
        • Blizzard Beach
        • Disney Springs
        • Featured: Planning Tips for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
  • Resorts
        • On-Site
        • Off-Site
        • Disney World Value Resorts
        • Disney World Moderate Resorts
        • Disney World Deluxe Resorts
        • Disney World Villa Resorts
  • Dining
        • Dining Basics
        • Disney World Dining Plan Satuli Canteen
        • Disney Dining Plan
        • Animal Kingdom Disney World Dining Plan
        • Our top Table Service restaurants
        • Our top Quick Service restaurants
        • Guide to all Disney World character meals
        • Best restaurants for fireworks views
  • Planning and Tips
        • 6 Step Planning Process
        • Planning Basics
        • Big Thunder Mountain exterior
        • Disney World News
        • Disney Movie Magic
        • Trip Planning for Families
        • Special Needs
        • Money and Shopping
        • Downloadables
  • Other Destinations
  • Mobile
      • Podcast
      • Members
      • About
      • Get a Quote
      • Contact
      • Things We Recommend
      • Search

Celebrating the Fourth of July at Disney World

Share on pinterest
PIN
Share on facebook
FB
Home → Disney World Holidays → July → Celebrating the Fourth of July at Disney World
  • Heather Thomas
  • June 15, 2018
  • July 1, 2019
Flags on Main Street

Walt Disney World is famous for its firework spectaculars, so it is not surprising that they take their already amazing displays up a notch for the Fourth of July. But fireworks aren't the only way you're able to celebrate at the parks.

If you are lucky enough to find yourself traveling to Disney World for Independence Day, you'll have lots of ways to mark the holiday.

Check out your options for the Fourth of July at Disney World below!

In this article (click for table of contents)

  • Magic Kingdom
    • Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky
    • Special July Fourth Dance Parties
    • Liberty Square
    • Carousel of Progress
    • Special PhotoPass photo opportunities
  • Epcot
    • Illuminations: Reflections of Earth (with special patriotic finale)
    • Voices of Liberty
    • Patriotic Disney Characters
    • The American Adventure
    • Festive eats
  • Hollywood Studios
    • Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
    • Muppet Vision 3D
  • Other ways to celebrate the Fourth of July at Disney World
    • Electric Water Pageant
    • Woody's Roundup Barbecue Buffet at Disney's Contemporary Resort - New for 2019!
    • Fourth at the Fort
  • Tips for the Fourth of July at Disney World

Magic Kingdom

Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky

The main event at Magic Kingdom will be the spectacular "Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" fireworks display.

This display happens 2 nights (July 3 and July 4) and it begins at 9:15.

Want to see the fireworks but don't want to battle the crowds?

There are lots of places outside the park where you can catch it. During special displays like this one, however, the resorts frequently restrict beach access to resort guests so your best bet is to watch from the Transportation and Ticket Center dock.

Magic Kingdom fireworks views from the Transportation and Ticket Center

Special July Fourth Dance Parties

Don't let the fun stop with the fireworks! You'll also find special dance parties located in both Frontierland and Tomorrowland. These parties are always a lot of fun for all ages.

Liberty Square

Liberty Square is a permanent part of Magic Kingdom but it has special appeal during the Fourth of July.

There you can catch a showing of The Muppets Present...Great Moments in American History, check out the reproduction of the Liberty Bell (which was cast from the same mold as the original Liberty Bell in Philadelphia), visit the Hall of Presidents, or take in a meal at Liberty Tree Tavern (reservations needed).

Muppets Present Great Moments in History Fourth of July at Disney World

 

Carousel of Progress

There are 4 main "acts" in the Carousel of Progress, and each one depicts a time period and holiday:

  • 1900's (Valentine's Day)
  • 1920's (Fourth of July)
  • 1940's (Halloween)
  • 21st Century (Christmas)

carousel-of-progress-fourth of July

So, although this attraction is available year round, you can see why it has special significance on certain holidays, like Independence Day. It's just kind of fun to take a look back at the storybook versions of how families celebrated.

Plus, it's also a great place to cool off while you're waiting for the nighttime show!

Special PhotoPass photo opportunities

Only available on July 3 and July 4, these fun PhotoPass opportunities are a great way to commemorate Independence Day at Magic Kingdom.

Super-zoom shot and video

Location: East Plaza Garden
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This shot is available daily (weather permitting) but for the 4th of July you'll have the option to hold a specially-themed prop:

https://wdwprepschool.com/wp-content/uploads/459579051.mp4

 

Pluto prop

Location: near the Partners Statue in the hub
Hours: intermittent throughout the day

Pluto prop shot for 4th of July

 

Muppets Magic Shot

Location: Liberty Square
Hours: intermittent throughout the day

Muppets Magic Shot

 

Cinderella's Coach

Location: Fantasyland castle wall near Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Hours: intermittent throughout the day

Cinderella Coach photopass

 

Mickey bokeh shot

Location: on Center Street (near Uptown Jewelers)
Hours: after sundown

Mickey bokeh magic shot

 

Red, White, and Blue light painting opportunity

Location: behind Ye Olde Christmas Shop in Liberty Square
Hours: beginning at sunset

Light painting red white and blue disney

Epcot

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth (with special patriotic finale)

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is the signature nighttime show for Epcot and for select holidays during the year, a special ending is often added to enhance this already inspiring display.

But, with Illuminations ending on September 30 that means this will be the final showing of the 4th of July version of Illuminations. 

Illuninations will have a special red, white, and blue patriotic finale on July 4. This show starts at 9 pm.

Voices of Liberty

Voices of Liberty a cappella group entertains guests daily in the American Adventure Rotunda, but for the Fourth of July they take their show outside to the larger American Gardens Theatre.

Voices of Liberty is one of our favorite acts in all of Epcot, and listening to their renditions of traditional Americana songs is a perfect way to spend some time in the World Showcase.

You can check out their outdoor shows on July 4 at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00 pm.

Patriotic Disney Characters

On July 4 you'll find Disney Characters dressed up in their fancy Independence Day costumes greeting guests at The American Adventure.

The American Adventure

Located inside a large and elegant theater, this show combines audio-animatroinics, film, and music to take guests on a 30-minute journey through American history.

Covering key events from the landing of the Mayflower, to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, to the Great Depression, guests are treated to a dramatic re-telling of the American story.

The American Adventure is a permanent show in Epcot, but the history told here is especially fitting for the Fourth of July.

American Adventure

Festive eats

What would the 4th of July be without some tasty treats? Guests looking for a snack (or beverage!) will be able to find special Independence Day cupcakes and drinks including red, white, and blue sangria and Boom Berry Lemonade.

Hollywood Studios

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular

If you're looking for fireworks that are a little less traditional, you can find that over at Hollywood Studios.

star wars a galactic spectacular

Even though there aren't any special additions or finales, the nightly Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular will be shown.

This popular show transports guests on an interstellar journey as they watch the Star Wars saga play out in fireworks, lasers, and larger-than-life projections.

So while it isn't very Fourth of July-ish, it is a fun nighttime show. And if you want to see fireworks but are looking for crowds that will likely be less than those at Epcot or Magic Kingdom, your best bet will be here.

On July 4, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular will be shown at 9:30 p.m.

Muppet Vision 3D

Ok, this isn't really a Fourth of July-themed attraction BUT Sam Eagle does put on one of heck of "A Salute to All Nations, (but Mostly America)" in the grand finale.

And, considering the Fourth is usually pretty hot, you'll probably want a place to cool off and catching a showing of Muppet Vision 3D is a great way to do just that.

Other ways to celebrate the Fourth of July at Disney World

Electric Water Pageant

This is another thing that happens year-round at Walt Disney World but the nostalgia of the parade and its patriotic score make it especially fitting for the Fourth of July.

You can catch the Electric Water Pageant from the shores of The Seven Seas Lagoon at the following times:

  • Disney's Polynesian Village Resort – Beginning at approximately 9:00 PM
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (including Narcoossee's) – Beginning at approximately 9:15 PM
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Beginning at approximately 9:30 PM
  • Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground – Beginning at approximately 9:45 PM
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Beginning at approximately 10:10 PM; in instances when the Happily Ever After fireworks show takes place at 10:00 PM, the Electrical Water Pageant will begin shortly following its conclusion
  • Right outside the entrance of Magic Kingdom park – Beginning at approximately 10:35 PM (during Extended Theme Park Hours only)

Woody's Roundup Barbecue Buffet at Disney's Contemporary Resort - New for 2019!

Woody and buzz

Join Woody and the gang for games, crafts, and lots of barbecue goodness.

Available nightly July 4 - 6th, guests of all ages are invited for some "rollickin' good times".

Music (provided by everybody's favorite Mr. Microphone) will fill the space as guests have fun in the larger-than-life playset with some of your favorite characters like Jessie, Bullseye, Buzz Lightyear and of course, Woody.

In addition to music and food guests can participate in:

  • Trick Roping Demonstration
  • Camp-style Carnival Games
  • Toy Story Craft Station

And, as the night falls they'll be invited outside to view the fireworks (July 4th fireworks will be the special "Celebrate America - a Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" while the fireworks on the July 5 and 6 will be "Happily Ever After").

When and Where

  • Dates: July 4 through July 6
  • Time: 6:15 PM to 9:15 PM
  • Cost: $149 for adults (ages 10 and up) and $99 per child (ages 3-9) 
  • Location: Fantasia Ballroom at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Note: the check-in for the celebration will begin at 5:45 PM at the West Registration Counter in the Convention Center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Guests can book this fun new celebration online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE

Fourth at the Fort

Disney's Fort Wilderness is one of the best places to spend most holidays - including the Fourth of July!

Once again, you'll find several fun holiday-themed events taking place over there:

  • The Fourth of July 5K Run (July 3 at 7:00 am)
    • Pre-registration is available June 23-30 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Fort Wilderness Bike Barn
    • On-site registration begins at 6:30 a.m. 
  • Dog Parade (July 4 2-3 p.m.)
    • Location: Waggin Trails Dog Park
    • Pre-registration is available June 23-30 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Fort Wilderness Bike Barn
    • Registration at the Bike Barn on July 4 until 1 p.m.
  • The Great American Golf Cart Parade (July 4 at 4:30-5:30 pm)
    • Registration for this popular parade will be open June 23-30 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Fort Wilderness Bike Barn
  • The Fourth of July Beach Bash at Clementine’s Beach (July 4, 6:00-10:30 p.m.)
    • DJ, dancing, games, contests (like a watermelon eating contest!), and more
    • Guests will also have access to the Fort Wilderness food truck where they can purchase food, drinks, and snacks

Tips for the Fourth of July at Disney World

  • Magic Kingdom has been known to close because of crowds on the Fourth of July. If your plan is to be in that park, you'll want to arrive early and plan to remain there all day.
  • Try to watch the fireworks at Magic Kingdom on July 3 instead of July 4. The crowds will be slightly lighter and that frees you up to watch Illuminations (with the special patriotic finale) on the Fourth of July.
  • The fireworks at Magic Kingdom are extremely popular so if you have a large group or you are particular about your view, you'll want to snag a spot early (at least 60-90 minutes before they start).

MK-Fireworks-Viewing-w-New-Hub

  • July at Disney World is very hot and humid and afternoon storms are common. Be sure you plan ahead so you can handle the weather.
  • Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. And use sunblock.
  • Pack your patience. Heat + crowds at Disney World can lead to short tempers.
  • If you don't have reservations for meals, try to eat counter service meals during off-peak times. We recommend lunch by 11 and dinner by 4:30 to avoid the heaviest of crowds.

********

Do you have plans to spend the Fourth of July at Disney World? Let us know in the comments.

Read this next

Popular Related Articles

Related Posts:

  • 2019 & 2020 Disney Dining Plan (cost, best credits, and is it worth it?)
  • Complete guide to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
  • 100+ tips for your Disney World trip
  • How to get the Disney World resort room you want
  • Guide to all character meals at Disney World
  • Things that don't exist at Disney World anymore
  • Guide to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (2019 tickets now on sale!)
  • Complete guide to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

In this category

More Tips and Tricks

  • By Month
    • February
    • May
    • July
    • October
    • December
    • January
    • November
  • Disney World Holidays

Ready to book a trip for 2019 or 2020?

The handpicked team of agents at Perfect Story Travel can help you out. Fill out the info to get started!

4 Comments

  1. grace f June 18, 2018 Reply

    i am arriving on july 4 at 9:30 am, approx. getting at PO french quarter and eating lunch around 11-12, then we have ADR reservations at MK and fastpasses as well, starting 1:50-2:50. if we arrive in MK from 2-2:30, do you think we will be allowed in with park closures? we’re using WDW transportation as well. what else can we do to make sure we get into the park, as we still do want to eat at french quarter for lunch, as were only staying there for one night. i’ve also read stage 4 park closures haven’t happened on july 4 since many many years ago. please help!!!

    • Kat June 26, 2019

      You’ll be fine to enter the park. I usually show up around 4:30/5:00 on the 4th. Not allowed onto Main Street…but shuffled around to Tomorrowland. Park not closed but if you want the Main Street spot, you will need to get there early.

  2. Shannon K Wells June 15, 2018 Reply

    We will be there this year and are so excited!!! I am looking forward to seeing the fireworks and staying at the Beach Club resort! It will be amazing!!!

    • Sarah P July 1, 2019

      We’ll be at Beach Club for the 4th as well…so excited 😊

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Start here

  • Crowd Calendars
    • January 2020 Crowd Calendar
    • February 2020 Crowd Calendar
    • March 2020 Crowd Calendar
    • April 2020 Crowd Calendar
    • May 2020 Crowd Calendar
    • June 2020 Crowd Calendar
    • July 2020 Crowd Calendar
    • August 2020 Crowd Calendar
    • September 2020 Crowd Calendar
    • October 2019 Crowd Calendar
    • November 2019 Crowd Calendar
    • December 2019 Crowd Calendar
  • Parks
    • Magic Kingdom
    • Epcot
    • Hollywood Studios
    • Animal Kingdom
    • Typhoon Lagoon
    • Blizzard Beach
    • Disney Springs
    • Featured: Planning Tips for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
  • Resorts
    • On-Site
    • Off-Site
    • Disney World Value Resorts
    • Disney World Moderate Resorts
    • Disney World Deluxe Resorts
    • Disney World Villa Resorts
  • Dining
    • Dining Basics
    • Disney Dining Plan
    • Our top Table Service restaurants
    • Our top Quick Service restaurants
    • Guide to all Disney World character meals
    • Best restaurants for fireworks views
  • Planning and Tips
    • 6 Step Planning Process
    • Planning Basics
    • Disney World News
    • Trip Planning for Families
    • Special Needs
    • Money and Shopping
    • Downloadables
  • Other Destinations
  • Mobile

More Goodies

  • Podcast
  • Members
  • About
  • Get a Quote
  • Contact
  • Things We Recommend
  • Search

I just got back from a five night stay at Coronado Springs and had the best time! Even though I went during the busy season I barely waited in any lines and was able to do everything I wanted!

Jonathan C.

Meet us there


IG

FB

PI

TW

YT

EM

WDWprepschool.com is not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with, the Walt Disney Company.

Terms and Conditions

© 2019 PREP SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS, INC.

WDW PREP SCHOOL ON INSTAGRAM​

Instagram post 2195165576133294818_547098091 How to tour Hollywood Studios with an 8 a.m. scheduled opening:
✨
1.) Arrive by 6 a.m. if you want the shortest standby waits and Rise of the Resistance boarding group with a low number.Buses and Minnie Vans are NOT operating early enough to get you there by 6 a.m., so you would need to have your own car, Lyft, or walk to get there by 6.Have little ones? Uber Car Seat is an option as well.Arriving a bit later will likely still be ok, but increase your wait times and boarding group number slightly.2.) The park is likely to open way before the scheduled 8 a.m. time. The opening time was 6:26 a.m. for us this morning.Once open, you’ll scan your MagicBand/park ticket to enter, and then immediately open the app to snag a boarding group.Scroll through the pics for info on how to get a boarding group.3.) After getting a boarding group, it’s time to start riding rides. This order should allow you the shortest standby times:First hour: Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, Toy Story ManiaSecond hour: Rock n Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror (could also do Star Tours if you like)Third hour: Smugglers Run and hope that your Rise of the Resistance boarding group has been called so you can head there next (higher boarding group number? you can leave the park and come back when you’re called if you’d like).
✨
Of course, if you have a FastPass for a ride, you may want to skip that attraction (or ride it in the standby line and again later with FastPass).
✨
Keep in mind that characters and most dining won’t begin until park opening, so you’ll want to hit those after 8 a.m.Hopefully that helps those of you traveling over the next few weeks. What questions do you have? 📲Click the ribbon to save this post for future reference.#riseoftheresistance #hollywoodstudios
Instagram post 2193115991424601780_547098091 Here’s a recap of what we’ve learned about Hollywood Studios w/Rise of the Resistance so far:1.) 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲. This week it’s 6 a.m. (like today), and next week is likely to be 7:30.After that, we don’t know, but Flight of Passage has been available early for 2+ years, so it might continue for awhile (or not).
.
🚌 Transportation: buses will be running that early, but Skyliner won’t. It didn’t start until 8:00 today.2.) 𝙎𝙣𝙖𝙜 𝙖 𝙍𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙥 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙠. ALL members of your party must be in the park to get a boarding group.All groups were full by 8 a.m. today (an hour before official park opening!). Get there early to ride.According to sources, this virtual queue system will be in place for at least the next several weeks before Disney moves to using the FastPass system.3.) 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 (we were told “morning”), but there is no guarantee, especially as the ride goes down often.Our group ended up being called at 12:52.Once called, you have 2 hrs to return. No need to stay in the park. You can leave, get the notification, then return to Studios.4.) 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 which allowed us to go on all Toy Story Land rides, Rock n Roller Coaster, & Tower of Terror in 90 minutes w/no waits. No characters available during this time.5.) 𝙍𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙎𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝 & 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝘼𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 at Rise, but everybody must have a boarding group.Since everybody will be in a boarding group, we aren’t sure we see the value of Rider Switch for most, but it won’t hurt to snag it JUST in case.However, if the 1st members of your party enter toward the end of your boarding window, you will definitely want to snag a Rider Switch pass for the 2nd group to use.DAS varies in how it’s handled. Participants should inquire at the ride.
✨
WHEW. That’s a lot to take in.What questions do you have? #waltdisneyworld
Instagram post 2192428562363229697_547098091 Moved over to the Boardwalk Inn today where it’s looking as gorgeous as ever with Christmas decor everywhere you look. 😍
✨
(You know how Epcot looks its best during Flower and Garden Festival and it’s a tough transition to see the park without all the extras? So many resorts are like that with Christmas decor.)
✨
Lots more on my stories as we explore the hotel and Boardwalk area.
Instagram post 2191647241818984579_547098091 Hello from Galaxy’s Edge where we’ve been able to ride Rise of the Resistance multiple times (and we know what a privilege that is!).
✨
It is indeed an incredible new attraction and will be the star of Galaxy’s Edge. Answering questions about it in my Stories so feel free to follow along and ask us anything you want to know.
Load More... Follow on Instagram