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Fourth of July at Disney World (fireworks, treats, & tips)

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Fourth of July at Disney World (fireworks, treats, & tips)

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 find lots of ways to mark the holiday.

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

What to Expect

First things first, as you can imagine, the 4th of July at Disney World will be busy – likely VERY busy.

In fact, our 4th of July trips have been some of the busiest of the summer as folks use the holiday to extend their vacations or long weekends.

And, we can’t forget to mention the heat.

You can just about guarantee that it will be h-o-t with July seeing average high temps around 90°F / 32°C.

In years past, park capacity limits might have come into play, but the Park Pass Reservation System has kind of eliminated that “problem”. As long as you have a Park Pass Reservation, you will get into the park you have selected.

If you couldn’t get the park reservation you wanted and were planning to Park Hop, it is important to note that Park Hopping is not guaranteed and is based upon availability.

There have only been a few times when Disney has restricted Park Hopping access, but it is a possibility that we might see it happen again at Magic Kingdom on the 3rd and/or 4th. That means you’ll want to show up as close to 2PM as possible if your goal is to hop there.

Tips for Surviving the Fourth of July at Disney World

  • 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 fireworks over at Epcot on the Fourth of July.
  • 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. And then hydrate some more.
  • Pack your patience. Heat + crowds at Disney World can lead to short tempers.
  • Visit less popular attractions or ones with low waits (especially if they are indoors!)
  • 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.
  • Mobile Order whenever possible, and do it early as spots can fill up.
  • 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 90 minutes before they start).
magic kingdom dessert parties

4th of July Fireworks at Disney World

You’ll have a couple of different options for fireworks on the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World:

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom will be extremely busy on the Fourth of July.

If possible, we recommend watching the Celebrate America! Fireworks here on July 3, which will then free you up to catch the special holiday fireworks over at Epcot on July 4.

Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky

  • Date(s): July 3 & 4
  • Time: 9:20

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

How to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from outside the park

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 if you aren’t staying at one of the monorail resorts, your best bet is to watch from the Transportation and Ticket Center dock.

magic kingdom fireworks map transportation and ticket center

Dance Parties

Disney loves a good dance party, so you can bet they won’t waste a holiday without throwing one (or 2!).

As the night falls, look for dance parties to kick off in both Tomorrowland at the Tomorrowland Stage and in Fronteirland near Country Bear Jamboree.

Other ways to celebrate the Fourth of July at Magic Kingdom:

Liberty Square

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

There you can 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).

hall of presidents

Carousel of Progress

Is Carousel of Progress a “classic”? Of course. But that doesn’t mean it can’t also have some *ahem* problematic elements.

There are 4 main “acts” in the Carousel of Progress, and each one depicts a time period and holiday all wrapped up in an oh so casually sexist way:

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

So, while the representations are all quite sexist, at least the attraction is air-conditioned, which can come in very handy during the hot and humid July weather.

carousel-of-progress-fourth of July

Magic Kingdom Festive Fourth of July Snacks & Treats

  • Location: Columbia Harbour House
  • Item Name & Description: Berry Shortcake: Shortcake topped with berries and whipped cream (New)
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes
berry shortcake fourth of july

  • Location: Casey’s Corner
  • Item Name & Description: Chicago-style All Beef Hot Dog: All beef hot dog, traditional “Chicago green” relish, pickles, and marinated diced tomatoes served on a potato bread bun (New)
  • Available: July 1 through August 1
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes

  • Location: Casey’s Corner
  • Item Name & Description: Chicago-style All Beef Hot Dog: All beef hot dog, traditional “Chicago green” relish, pickles, and marinated diced tomatoes served on a potato bread bun (New)
  • Available: July 1 through August 1
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes

  • Location: Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
  • Item Name & Description: Red Velvet Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich: Red velvet cookies, vanilla ice cream, and sprinkles (New)
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? No
red velvet cookie

Epcot

Harmonious with special Heartbeat of Freedom finale

  • Date(s): July 4th
  • Time: 9:20

It has been several years since we’ve seen special Fourth of July fireworks at Epcot, but it looks like they are back for 2022!

Here’s what has popped up on Disney’s website:

“Prepare for patriotism at is finest when Walt Disney World Resort commemorates Independence Day in the skies above EPCOT and Magic Kingdom park!”

The Heartbeat of Freedom finale has been shown before, but the last time was way back when Illuminations was still around.

Voices of Liberty

Voices of Liberty a cappella group entertains guests daily in the American Adventure Rotunda, but for the Fourth of July they *typically* 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.

The exact location for their performances on July 4th isn’t confirmed, but you’ll be able to check them out in either the Rotunda or on the American Gardens Stage at 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, & 5:00 PM.

Patriotic Disney Characters (not confirmed for 2022)

Historically, on July 4, you’ll find Disney Characters dressed up in their fancy Independence Day costumes greeting guests at The American Adventure. Now that characters have returned to more spots in the parks, we hope to see them back for the fun!

Other ways to celebrate the Fourth of July at Epcot:

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

Epcot Festive Fourth of July Snacks & Treats

  • Location: Connections Café
  • Item Name & Description: Fourth of July Liege Waffle: Brioche dough with pearl sugar (New)
  • Available:  July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? TBD
Fourth of July Liege Waffle

  • Location: Fife & Drum
  • Item Name & Description: The American Dream: Frozen Fanta Wild Cherry, vanilla ice cream, and Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry slushy
  • Available: Now through TBD
  • Mobile Order Available? No

  • Location: Sunshine Seasons
  • Item Name & Description: Red, White, & Blue Cake Pops: Red velvet cake pops (New)
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? No
Red, White, & Blue Cake Pops

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios doesn’t have a nighttime spectacular like Magic Kingdom or Epcot, but you can get a (very) small dash of patriotism at 1 attraction and with a collection of Independence Day treats:

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.

Is this a bit of a stretch to connect it to the holiday? Yes. Yes it is.

But 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.

Epcot Festive Fourth of July Snacks & Treats

  • Location: Backlot Express and Rosie’s All-American Café
  • Item Name & Description: Apple Pie Cupcake: Yellow cupcake filled with an apple pie filling, topped with salted caramel buttercream and cinnamon streusel, and garnished with rainbow silver sparkle, red, white, and blue Mickey ears
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes
apple pie cupcake

  • Locations: ABC Commissary and The Trolley Car Café 
  • Item Name & Description: Red, White, and Blue Raspberry Frangipane Bar: Frangipane layered with raspberry jam (New)
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes
Red, White, and Blue Raspberry Frangipane Bar

  • Location: Woody’s Lunch Box
  • Item Name & Description: Fourth of July Lunch Box Tart: Cherry pie filling, vanilla fondant, and star sprinkles (New)
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes
Fourth of July Lunch Box Tart

  • Location: Woody’s Lunch Box
  • Item Name & Description: Lunch Box Parfait: Blue raspberry gelatin, whipped cream, strawberry gelatin, fresh strawberries, and blueberries (New) 
  • Available: July 4
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes
Lunch Box Parfait

PhotoPass and Magic Shots

Keep your eyes out for these fun and festive Fourth of July-themed Magic Shots:

sam the eagle magic shot
Sam the Eagle Magic Shot in Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom
fourth of july Magic Shot
magic shot epcot
Fourth of July Magic Shot in front of The American Adventure in Epcot
Disney Springs fourth of july photo op

Photos can be purchased individually or added to your PhotoPass Memory Maker purchase.

Other ways to celebrate the Fourth of July at Disney World

Electrical 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 Electrical Water Pageant from the shores of The Seven Seas Lagoon at the following times (but check the My Disney Experience App the day of to confirm!):

  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Beginning at approximately 8:45 PM
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (including Narcoossee’s) – Beginning at approximately 8:35 PM
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Beginning at approximately 9:35 PM
  • Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground – Beginning at approximately 9:45 PM
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Beginning at approximately 10:05 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 10:25 PM
Electrical Water Pageant

Fourth at Disney’s Fort Wilderness

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, but note that access to the fort (aside from dining reservations) and activities listed below is usually restricted to Fort Wilderness resort guests only.

Beat the Heat Summer Scavenger Hunt (All Weekend – July 1 through 4)

  • 9:00AM-6:30PM
  • Clue Guide Pick-Up & Prize Redemption at the Bike Barn The Florida heat is upon us, and it’s up to YOU to solve the mystery on the different ways to stay cool for the summer. Complete numerous puzzles, riddles, and location-based tasks to receive a prize once the challenge is completed!

Patriotic Geocaching Challenge (All Weekend – July 1 through 4)

  • 9:00AM-6:30PM
  • Clue Guide Pick-Up at the Bike Barn Navigate the Campground with the compass app on your phone to find all of our Geocaches. Those who document all the codes before 5:00PM on Monday, July 4th will be entered to win a special prize.

Red, White, & Glow Pool Party (July 2 only)

  • 8:30PM at Meadow Swimmin’ Pool
  • Light up the night with our patriotic glow-in-the-dark pool party!

Glow in the Dark Slime ($) (July 2 only)

  • 6:00PM-6:45PM at the Bike Barn
  • Make glow-in-the-dark slime (costs extra)

Stars and Stripes Field Day (July 3 only)

  • 2:30PM-5:30PM at the Meadow Field & Meadow Swimmin’ Pool
  • It’s the ultimate team showdown, where you have the chance to bring your team to victory! All Guests will be teamed up to compete in a variety of field and poolside challenges. Bring the whole family, as everyone here will be a winner!

Golf Cart Extravaganza (July 4 only)

  • 4:30-5:30 pm
  • Staging Location at the Hitch-Unhitch Area
  • Judging Location at the Meadow Trading Post For information/sign-ups, visit the Bike Barn before 6:30PM Sunday, July 3

4th of July Beach Batch (July 4 only)

  • 6:30 to 9:30 pm at Clementine Beach
  • Let freedom ring! Join us as we celebrate America with an Independence Day Beach Bash! There will be a DJ, fun games, watermelon eating contest, dances, and more!

Other Resort Fun

No other resort goes as wild for the Fourth of July as Fort Wilderness, but you will likely find specially themed activities at your resort. Plus, you’ll find these treats, too:

  • Locations: Various pool bars
  • Item Name & Description: Sparkling Strawberry: Prosecco and strawberry puree garnished with a strawberry (New)
  • Item Name & Description: Stars and Stripes: Bacardi Raspberry Rum blended with flavors of coconut, pineapple, and raspberry puree topped with a float of blue curaçao (New)
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? No
Sparkling Strawberry
  • Locations: All-Star Movies (World Premier Food Court), All-Star Music (Intermission Food Court), All-Star Sports (End Zone Food Court)
  • Item Name & Description: Firecracker Push Up Pop: Layers of strawberry cake and lemon buttercream with sprinkles
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes

  • Locations: Art of Animation (Landscape of Flavors) and Pop Century (Everything POP)
  • Item Name & Description: Star-Spangled Cupcake: Yellow cupcake filled with watermelon basil curd with lemon buttercream and white chocolate stars (New)
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes
Star Spangled Cupcake

  • Locations: Beach Club (Beach Club Market) and Yacht Club (Market at Ale & Compass)
  • Item Name & Description: Berry Blast Trifle: Layers of strawberry mousse, blueberry compote, vanilla cake crumbles, and whipped cream (New)
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes

  • Locations: BoardWalk Inn (BoardWalk Bakery)
  • Item Name & Description: Freedom Cheesecake: Red velvet brownie base, vanilla cheesecake, sweet cream, crisp pearls, and white chocolate garnish (New)
  • Item Name & Description: Independence Day Cupcake: Cinnamon cupcake, apple pie filling, and vanilla mascarpone cream (New)
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes
Freedom Cheesecake

  • Locations: Caribbean Beach Resort (Centertown Market)
  • Item Name & Description: Caribbean Sticky Ribs: Orange-chili sticky spareribs with crispy tostones and a side of creamy mango slaw (New)
  • Item Name & Description: Firecracker Brownie: Graham cracker crust and chocolate chip fudgy brownie topped with a brown butter caramel mousse, popping candy, and chocolate décor (New)
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes

  • Locations: Caribbean Beach Resort (Spyglass Grill)
  • Item Name & Description: Firecracker Brownie: Graham cracker crust and chocolate chip fudgy brownie topped with a brown butter caramel mousse, popping candy, and chocolate décor (New)
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes
Fourth of July Fruit Tart

  • Locations: Contemporary Resort (Contempo Café)
  • Item Name & Description: Fourth of July Fruit Tart: Blackberry custard topped with fresh berries and a vanilla panna cotta popsicle (New)
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes

  • Locations: Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Gasparilla Island Grill)
  • Item Name & Description: Red, White, and Blue Cookie Sandwich: Vanilla-scented buttercream sandwiched between two gluten-free chocolate chip cookies (New)
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes

  • Locations: Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Gasparilla Island Grill)
  • Item Name & Description: S’mores Marshmallow Pop: Marshmallow pop enrobed in dark chocolate with graham crumble
  • Available: July 1 through August 29
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes

  • Locations: Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside (Riverside Mill Food Court and Sassagoula Floatworks)
  • Item Name & Description: Sweet & Spicy Ribs: Tender pork ribs with sweet & spicy BBQ sauce, cowboy beans, corn on the cob, and coleslaw
  • Item Name & Description: Firecracker Brownie: Graham cracker crust and chocolate chip fudgy brownie topped with a brown butter caramel mousse, popping candy, and chocolate décor (New)
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes
Sweet & Spicy Ribs:

  • Locations: Old Key West (Good’s to Go) and Saratoga Springs (The Artist Palette)
  • Item Name & Description: Fourth of July Layer Cake: Layers of red velvet cake with white and blue buttercream filled with a patriotic sprinkle surprise (New)
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes
layer cake

  • Locations: Riviera Resort (Le Petit Cafe and Bar Riva)
  • Item Name & Description: Patriotic Wave: The Mediterranean Wave with the addition of blue curaçao and hibiscus
  • Available: July 1 through 5 and July 14 through 17
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes
Fourth of July Firecracker
Patriotic Wave:

  • Locations: Wilderness Lodge (Roaring Fork)
  • Item Name & Description: Lemon Mousse Cake: Lemon cake and white chocolate lemon mousse with a blueberry compote center and chocolate star décor (New)
  • Available: July 1 through 4
  • Mobile Order Available? Yes

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

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Heather Thomas

grace f

Monday 18th of June 2018

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

Wednesday 26th of June 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.

Shannon K Wells

Friday 15th of June 2018

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

Monday 1st of July 2019

We’ll be at Beach Club for the 4th as well...so excited ?

Comments are closed.