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Celebrating Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort

Thomas Smith

by , Editorial Content Director, Disney Parks

Fireworks Over Magic Kingdom

Last week, Erin shared a few special ways we’re celebrating July 4th at the Disneyland Resort. And of course, it’s the same at Walt Disney World. Along with our pyrotechnic shows, there will be a patriotic display at Magic Kingdom, a rock’n’roll spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a classic sky show at Epcot infused with an Independence Day finale. Here’s a closer look.

  • Magic Kingdom will present “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” This patriotic fireworks spectacular, paying homage to the hopes and dreams of America’s forefathers, will light the skies at 9 p.m. July 4 – and for guests who would like to begin the Independence Day celebration early, the show also will be presented July 3 at 9 p.m.


  • At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, traditional Fourth of July fireworks take on a different spin when Mulch, Sweat, and Shears perform for the all-new “Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration!” These resident landscapers – with serious rock and roll ambitions – take Disney guests on a musical road trip across America that will highlight each region’s contribution to rock and roll. Fireworks, lighting and special effects – backed by the driving live rock and roll of Mulch, Sweat, and Shears – combine to bring a new twist to celebrating Independence Day. Showtime July 4 is 9:45 p.m. Before or after the show, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can thrill to Disney’s Fantasmic!, performing July 4 at 9 and 10:30 p.m.


  • At Epcot, sky-watchers can check out “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” bursting high above World Showcase Lagoon. IllumiNations is a 14-minute spectacular during which pyrotechnics, lasers, water and music are all used to tell a story about the past, present and future of our planet. On the Fourth of July, the show will be enhanced with “The Heartbeat of Freedom,” an overture of traditional Americana themes displayed in a pyrotechnic and laser light event. The show is at 10 p.m.

Also at Epcot, you can hear a “Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert” and participate in meet-and-greets with Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross and Disney characters wearing their patriotic dress at American Adventure.

Are you celebrating with us?

Destinations: Walt Disney World Resort

Comments

  • Is there anywhere where you guys have posted a video documenting the Independence Day celebrations at Walt Disney World? I’d love to watch. 🙂

  • Everything I have read says to be at the Magic Kingdom early because it will fill up and be closed to anymore incoming people. What time is too late to arrive at MK? I’d appreciate any help.

  • Will there be special fireworks-viewing dining at the California Grill or ‘Ohana? The fireworks views from both of them are wonderful.

  • Planning on watching the fireworks from the Polynesian Resort beach on the 4th. Can’t wait.

  • I wish I was going! But everyone have a fantastic time!

  • Yes, we have started coming to WDW to be there on July 4th. Am so looking forward to next Monday. See you there.
    Suzanne, Sim and Judy

  • I am going to be at the parks on July 3rd 2011

  • I’ve been to WDW on the 4th of July and it is an awesome experience! To Susan – YES! The MK fills up early, early and is extremely crowed on the 4th but the Epcot show is fabulous also! A positive attitude will get anyone through the 4th of July at WDW.
    Note: DO NOT GO TO WDW FOR A HOLIDAY IF YOU DO NOT LIKE CROWDS OR WAITING IN LINE – IT WILL BE A GIVEN BECAUSE OF THE FANTASTIC SHOWMANSHIP!

    Love WDW and wish I could be there for this holiday!

  • We will be arriving at the DW the morning of the 4th…we made reservations for dinner in Epcot so we were going to go there on the 4th and to MK on the 5th. Do you think we’d be better off going to MK on the 4th? That’s our favorite park, but reports say that the park fills up early on the 4th and stops admitting guests. Are the EPCOT fireworks following the laser show as good????

  • I’ll be there! CANNOT WAIT!!!!

  • My favorite 4th of July spot is on the beach at the Polynesian Hotel. First stop, Captain Cook’s for the absolute best pork sandwich on property (newly changed a little, but still good once I get rid of that pesky cheese!) and a pineapple dole whip. Then time to relax on the beach and wait for the Electric Water Pageant. Then it’s time for fireworks. It’s awesome when they do them simultaneously over the lagoon and park, twice the show, not even half the crowd! Plus, the patriotic finale of the Electric Water Pageant is lit and the music is piped in. I love it!! I really hope they are doing it again this year. Best display on property hands down!

  • im going that week!! but i have a problem i wanna buy my tickets with my moms credit card…. can i pick them up anyway even if shes not going to the trip?? who i can talk to??
    i appreciate if someane can help
    thnx!

  • Yes! Cant wait!

  • We are there every year on the 4th! Love the Magic Kingdom fireworks!

  • This sounds super exciting!Thomas do you have to pay extra for this?

    • Nope. Fourth of July entertainment is included in park admission!

  • thanks for the update. Wish DHS had an actual fireworks show not one thats with Mulch, Sweat, and Shears…..

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