Celebrate Independence Day at Walt Disney World

With the Fourth of July right around the corner, we though we’d share some of the patriotic celebrations that Walt Disney World has in store for the Independence Day celebrations ahead! We’re going to grab a hot dog at Casey’s Corner to get started, so now that we’re set, let’s begin!

1) Nighttime Fireworks over Magic Kingdom

The nighttime sky over the Magic Kingdom will light up with patriotic splendor with the arrival of “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” on July 4 and 5. A simultaneous fireworks display over nearby Seven Seas Lagoon creates an unforgettable experience for Guests both in the park and at the nearby Magic Kingdom Resorts. This special fireworks show will begin at 9:20 p.m.

2) Visit the new Veterans Portraits exhibit in EPCOT’s American Adventure

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, 2024, 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 Time!

Dance the night away in the Magic Kingdom to the vibrant sounds of a DJ dance party in front of Cinderella Castle and throughout the park.

4) “Heartbeat of Freedom” will follow “Luminous: The Symphony of Us” at EPCOT’s World Showcase Lagoon

A patriotic fireworks display, “The Heartbeat of Freedom,” will be shown after the evening presentation of “Luminous: The Symphony of Us” on July 4, which begins at 9 p.m.

5) The Voices of Liberty

While you’re in EPCOT, you’ll be treated to the sounds of Americana as the legendary a cappella vocal group Voices of Liberty performs patriotic numbers in the rotunda of The American Adventure. Performances will take place throughout the day.

6) Smile!

Special photo opportunities with patriotic Disney pals, all decked in their best “Spirit of ’76” attire, will take place the day at The American Adventure at EPCOT.

7) Spaceship Earth Will Put On a Patriotic Show

In celebration of America’s birthday, the iconic sphere of Spaceship Earth will be lit up in sparkling reds, whites, and blues in a breathtaking Beacon of Magic nighttime spectacular.

8) It’s All About the Food!

For a limited time, you can dazzle their taste buds with all-new indulgences debuting this year across the resort! You can also enjoy old favorites such as the Barbeque Pulled Chicken Sandwich at Regal Eagle Smokehouse at EPCOT.

9) Shop Til You Drop

Gear up with the Disney Americana Collection, 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 Shop at EPCOT, Discovery Trading Company at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and online at DisneyStore.com.

10) Go Resort Hopping

Several Disney Resort hotels will be getting into the patriotic 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. If you’re staying at one of the Magic Kingdom resorts, you can enjoy the nostalgic charm of 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.

11) Don’t Forget, You Can Celebrate America’s Independence All Throughout the Year!

From the turn-of-the-century charm of Main Street U.S.A. and the Daily Flag Retreat to the colonial charm of Liberty Square and the American Adventure, you’ll find plenty of ways to explore the history of the United States. You can get see the replica of the Liberty Bell and meet all 45 different Presidents of the United States in the Hall of Presidents, or take a stroll along the Rivers of America from Liberty Square through Frontierland, embarking on a virtual tour through the countries era of westward expansion. (Hint, take a look at all the numbers on the buildings! Those just aren’t random address numbers, those represent the years of the era that you are currently walking through!)

Independence Day at Walt Disney World is sure to be a festive, stirring experience for young and old alike! And don’t forget, you can top it all off with a good old fashioned ice cream cone at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street U.S.A, it doesn’t get more American than that!

Catch up on Summer Fun in Walt Disney World with the new Summer issue of Celebrations Disney Magazine!

Immerse yourself in the magic of Disney with features and pictorials on:
• Summer Fun at Walt Disney World
• The BoardWalk and BoardWalk Inn Resort
• Disney Parades Throughout the Years
• Percy Jackson
• Wayback Machine: The World of Motion
• Top Ten Facts About the Dreamfinder

• and Much More!!