Celebrating the Fourth of July at Disney World

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!

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.

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).

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)

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:

Pluto prop

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

Muppets Magic Shot

Location: Liberty Square
Hours: intermittent throughout the day

Cinderella’s Coach

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

Mickey bokeh shot

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

Red, White, and Blue light painting opportunity

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

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.

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.

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!

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).

• 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.

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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

With 15+ years planning Disney World trips, Heather joined WDW Prep in 2014 to help others plan for their own families. As the WDW Prep Editor, she travels monthly to stay current and has helped propel the site to millions of views per year. Email Heather

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