Celebrating Independence Day: Walt Disney World Sparkles with Patriotic Fanfare this Fourth of July

The Most Magical Place on Earth salutes America’s birthday in high style with festive entertainment and pageantry

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (June 18, 2024) – Patriotic hues of red, white and blue will sparkle as Walt Disney World Resort in Florida celebrates Fourth of July with a spectacular lineup of fireworks, food and festive entertainment.

Here are eleven-plus ways guests can celebrate the stars and stripes this Independence Day at Walt Disney World.

1. Fireworks over Magic Kingdom Park

“Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will light up the nighttime sky over Magic Kingdom Park with a booming nighttime spectacular. A simultaneous fireworks display over nearby Seven Seas Lagoon creates an unforgettable experience for guests in the park and nearby Magic Kingdom Resort Area hotels. This special fireworks show will take place July 3 and July 4 at 9:20 p.m.

2. NEW: Be inspired by Veterans Portraits in The American Adventure at EPCOT

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 throughout Magic Kingdom Park

Magic Kingdom guests can dance the night away with DJs mixing tunes at a dance party in front of Cinderella Castle and throughout the park.

4. Heartbeat of Freedom following Luminous The Symphony of Us at EPCOT

Patriotic fireworks display, “The Heartbeat of Freedom,” will follow the new nighttime EPCOT fireworks show “Luminous The Symphony of Us.” Performances will take place July 4 at 9 p.m.

5. Voices of Liberty harmonies at EPCOT

While visiting EPCOT, guests will 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. Special photo opportunities with patriotic Disney pals

Favorite Disney pals will be dressed for the occasion in their “Spirit of ’76” attire and meet with guests throughout the day at The American Adventure at EPCOT.

 

7. Spaceship Earth at EPCOT glitters in red, white and blue

In celebration of the holiday, the iconic Spaceship Earth at EPCOT will be illuminated in bright red, white and blue colors at night. Guests can bask in a patriotic glow that will reflect across World Celebration, which is part of the park’s recently completed multi-year transformation.

8. Food that’s worth a salute

For a limited time, Walt Disney World guests can dazzle their taste buds with all-new indulgences debuting this year across the resort and the return fan-favorites such as the Barbeque Pulled Chicken Sandwich available at Regal Eagle Smokehouse at EPCOT. More details to be announced in the July 4^th Foodie Guide on the Disney Parks Blog being released June 25.

9. Gear up with Disney Americana Collection

Resort guests can celebrate in style with a special collection of merchandise 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. Guests 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 Theme Park and online at DisneyStore.com.

10. Celebrate at Disney Resort Hotels

Select Disney Resort hotels get into the 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.

Guests staying in Disney Resort hotels on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake can cap off their day viewing 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. More information about special activities is available in each resort’s daily schedule.

11. Commemorate the spirit of America every day

America is honored year-round at Walt Disney World, with popular attractions that pay tribute to the country’s history.

Stroll Down Main Street 
Inspired by Walt Disney’s childhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri, Main Street U.S.A. is a step back in time to a quintessential American town at the turn of the 20th century. The colorful Victorian setting is where guests can enjoy the famous Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, horse-drawn carriages and the high-flying revelry of the Main Street Philharmonic.

Witness the Daily Flag Retreat
Since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the daily Flag Retreat ceremony has retired the American flag for the night in a celebratory tribute to U.S. Veterans. Veterans often participate in the ceremony, receiving warm recognition for their service and sacrifice.

See History in Liberty Square
Set in the Revolutionary War era, Liberty Square pays tribute to daily life in the original thirteen colonies. Guests can get up close to a replica of the Liberty Bell and meet all 45 different Presidents of the United States in the Hall of Presidents, a stirring show tracing the nation’s history. A walk along the Rivers of America from Liberty Square through neighboring Frontierland reflects a journey through the country’s era of westward expansion.

Experience The American Adventure
The American Adventure in World Showcase at EPCOT features a dramatic production including 35 Audio-Animatronic figures that retell pivotal moments and events throughout the country’s history. From the landing of the Mayflower to Valley Forge, the Civil War to the Great Depression all the way up to today, Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain guide guests on this trip through time.

Note that to experience any in-park offerings, guests must have valid theme park admission and may need a theme park reservation depending on type of admission and date of visit. The ability to visit a theme park is subject to the park’s capacity limitations.  

Guests can visit DisneyWorld.com for more information about planning their Fourth of July celebration at Walt Disney World Resort.