Celebrate 4th of July at Disney World: Fireworks, Tips, Food and more!

Walt Disney World is one of the most popular summer destinations in the world! Celebrating Independence with Mickey and his friends on your solo trip can be lots of fun, but please know that the Disney World 4th of July crowds are truly unreal!

Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and Goofy Dress in their Patriotic Best for the 4th of July at Disney World.
Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and Goofy dress in their patriotic best to celebrate the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort. They appear for meet and greets at the American Adventure at Epcot for the holiday. (Amy Smith, photographer)

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Listen to the Full Disney World 4th of July Podcast Episode Below!

What to Know Before You Go to Disney World on Independence Day

Choosing to celebrate Independence Day at Walt Disney World is a unique way to enjoy this patriotic holiday; however, I do not recommend visiting this parks if this is your first visit.

Disney 4th of July Fireworks at the Magic Kingdom

If you still plan on doing Disney in July, you may have a few questions.

Is Fourth of July busy at Disney World?

If you’re a solo traveler, this one’s especially for you. Avoiding the Disney Holiday crowd (especially in July and December) means shorter lines and less traffic.

4th of July Fireworks at Disney World Magic Kingdom

For parents, this can be a bit tricky. Taking your kids to Disney World sounds like the best gift ever!

The only issue is every other mom and dad has the same exact idea.

So, be prepared to experience high wait times and lines everywhere throughout the parks. Lines even for something simple as having a bathroom break.

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Is Disney World Crowded in July?

This is one of the busiest times at Walt Disney World. Not only are most kids out of school, you have to deal with one of the major holidays in America, which is Independence Day.

The parks are opened much longer during July, but you still have to fight the crowds and the unforgiving Florida sun.

July Events at Walt Disney World:

Hipster Power Tip: Don’t forget to check out the festival 4th of July treats at Disney World on your visit.

July Days to Avoid at Disney World:

  • Independence Day Weekend (unless you don’t mind the crowds)
  • The Weekends
Review the Disney World Crowd Calendar
Disney crowd calendar. Best time to go to Disney World. Continue reading to learn how to celebrate Disney World 4th of July!

Read the full guide to picking the best days to visit Walt Disney World here!

What Should I Wear to Disney World in July?

Lightweight clothing such as shorts, leggings, comfy shoesa t-shirt, a hat, and sunglasses are all perfect for your trip.

Pixie Dust Disney World 4th of July red, blue, and white words on blackshirt. Continue reading to learn how to celebrate Disney World 4th of July!
Disney World 4th of July Shirt from Etsy Shop

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7 Tips to Conquer Disney World 4th of July Crowds

I know this goes against all my Disney tip advice, but if you’re trying to conquer the parks for the Fourth of July, then I have 7 tips to help you survive the crowds.

1. Map Out Day Before You Get to Disney World on the 4th of July

Mapping out your day is a good way to make sure you’re able to enjoy each must do item.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse red and blue formal wear

Route your path around the park in advance by downloading a map online or on your phone.

Disney one-day game plan itinerary
Download your Disney one-day game plan itinerary by clicking image!

Also, plan a route of attack and know what rides and attractions you want to experience. You can get your Disney World Itinerary for adults above!

Does Disney do anything for 4th of July?

Absolutely! Each year, Disney Parks have special entertainment and character meet-and-greets throughout the parks to celebrate Independence Day.

Disney fireworks show. Continue reading to learn how to celebrate Disney World 4th of July!

Below are the main Disney parks participating in this year’s holiday.

Magic Kingdom Independence Day Itinerary

Disney’s Celebrate America: A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky is a 15-minute 360-degree firework spectacular and one of the premiere firework displays in the nation.

This show will start around 9:20 p.m. on July 3rd and July 4th of 2023.

Fireworks at Disney World on the 4th of July. Continue reading to learn how to celebrate Disney World 4th of July!

You will also be able to catch Goofy, Donald and Pluto leading a procession down Main Street USA.

Disney Magic Kingdom Rear view of Cinderella Castle next to Sir Mickey Store

There will also be entertainment throughout the park and the U.S. Air Force is scheduled to conduct a special military flyover of Magic Kingdom Park at approximately 10:30 a.m. (weather permitting).

The Magic Kingdom Park Hours for the Fourth of July Festivities: July 3, 8 a.m.-12 midnight.; July 4, 8 a.m.-1 a.m. 

Epcot Independence Day Itinerary

Join Ben Franklin and other Disney characters in their patriotic costumes on the promenade near The American Adventure throughout the afternoon.

Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and Goofy Dress in their Patriotic Best for the 4th of July at Disney World.
Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and Goofy dress in their patriotic best to celebrate the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort. They appear for meet and greets at the American Adventure at Epcot for the holiday. (Amy Smith, photographer)

You can also listen to the Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert, with an expanded cast performing a patriotic salute including the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps and Disney Characters, on the American Gardens Theatre stage.

You’ll also enjoy some specialty foods welcoming the holiday such as red, white and blue cupcakes and other classic American dishes.

The night ends with a patriot-inspired version of Epcot’s Fireworks Show at 9 p.m.

Here are the EPCOT Park Hours for the Fourth of July Festivities: July 4, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. 

Hipster Power Tip: Don’t forget to check out the Electrical Water Pageant on the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake (near the monorail hotels). According to Disney, This cavalcade of sea creatures in lights includes a patriotic grand finale featuring the American flag and stars all in sparkling lights

Hollywood Studios Independence Day Itinerary

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios there is an out-of-this world presentation of Fantasmic! each night that you can’t miss. This show will start at 9:15 p.m.

Moana answers the call of the ocean in an all-new sequence as Fantasmic! Continue reading to learn how to celebrate Disney World 4th of July!
Fantasmic! Photo Courtesy of Disney Co.

2. Choose One Disney Park and Start Early

Independence Day at Walt Disney World is going to be super crowded and tortuously hot.

Animal Kingdom Tree of Life. Continue reading to learn how to celebrate Disney World 4th of July!
Animal Kingdom Tree of Life

You don’t want to have combat both the heat and the crowd.

This will make you so frustrated on your solo Disney trip and if you’re in a group, you guys may become snappy with each other.

So, sticking to one park and getting there right before the gates open is a must.

It is also very common to see the Disney parks reaching full capacity on Independence Day. I recommend to stay in the park all day, because even if you leave for a break there’s a chance you may not be able to get back in.

3. Take Frequent Breaks on Indoor Attractions

This is to help combat the heat while enjoy the festivities at Walt Disney World. Indoor attractions are also a good way to take a break from the jam-packed streets in the park.

And if it rains, which it most likely will, you’ll be in a covered area.

Magic Kingdom Indoor Attractions

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Epcot Indoor Attractions

Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios looking eerie. Continue reading to learn how to celebrate Disney World 4th of July!
Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror Ride

Hollywood Studios Indoor Attractions

Animal Kingdom Indoor Attractions

4. Book Your Genie+ Passes As Soon As You Can

If there’s any day that requires a Genie+/Lightning Lane Reservation, it is the 4th of July at Walt Disney World.

Genie Pass Walt Disney World Itinerary. Continue reading to learn how to celebrate Disney World 4th of July!

You’re going to want to be strategic in choosing your passes mixing top rides in with ones that have an indoor element.

Like stated before, you’re going to want ways to combat the Disney heat.

Here are the Best Disney Genie+/Lightning Lane Passes by Park

Guardians of the Galaxy at Epcot Walt Disney World Resort. Continue reading to learn how to celebrate Disney World 4th of July!
Magic Kingdom
Epcot

Hipster Power Tip: If you want to ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and haven’t received a Genie+/Lightning Lane reservation, get up early and knock it out first. Be sure that you’ve booked a reservation for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Hipster Power Tip: If you’re not able to get the coveted Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance pass, then get the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run pass and arrive at Hollywood Studios for rope drop to experience Rise of the Resistance first!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Hipster Power Tip: Get to Animal Kingdom early. Try to get a Genie+/Lightning Lane Pass for Avatar Flight of Passage and wait in the Na’vi River Journey standby line. 

5. Stay Hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated in the intense Florida heat felt at Walt Disney World.

You can avoid heat related illnesses such as, a heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rash by having proper hydration.

Free Water at Walt Disney World Epcot. Continue reading to learn how to celebrate Disney World 4th of July!
Remember that you can get a free cup of tap water at Walt Disney World.

The more your body sweats under the mentioned conditions, the more fluid you need to replace.

Listed below are some ways to stay hydrated at Walt Disney World:

  • Drink before you feel thirsty
  • Keep a Water Bottle with You to Refill throughout the day
  • Monitor your water intake
  • Avoid dehydrating beverages such as, alcohol, coffee, and soda
  • Drink cool fluids
  • Eat food high in water (fruits and vegetables)

Hipster Power Tip: Remember the most the significant amount of dangerous UVB rays occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. So, keep sunscreen on hand!

6. Visit Magic Kingdom on July 3rd

You’ll get to experience the same events taking place in the park on the Fourth of July as on the 3rd day too!

Disney Magic Kingdom Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse 50th Anniversary Topiary Best Way to Do the Magic Kingdom. Continue reading to learn how to celebrate Disney World 4th of July!

Activities Such As:

  • Patriotic fireworks and DJs hosting parties in Frontierland and Tomorrowland
  • Speciality holiday treats

Another reason to go to Magic Kingdom on July 3rd is that you’ll have a lesser crowd level than the 4th of July.

Fireworks Show at the Magic Kingdom. Continue reading to learn how to celebrate Disney World 4th of July!

This will allow you to choose another park on the 4th that won’t be as crowded as the Magic Kingdom.

7. Stake Your Fireworks Viewing Spot Early

You’ve made it through the heat AND the crowd!

Now it’s time to pick your favorite fireworks spot in the park and camp out until it’s time for the Independence Day spectacular show!

Happily Ever After Fireworks Show at Magic Kingdom Disney World 4th of July
Fireworks Show at Magic Kingdom Photo: Disney Co.

I recommend getting a spot at least an hour prior to the start of the show. Be sure to pick a location that will not have too much obstruction of the fireworks.

Disney Magic Kingdom Train station overlooking 50th Anniversary Sign. Continue reading to learn how to celebrate Disney World 4th of July!
Train Station at the Magic Kingdom

In the Magic Kingdom, I like to sit at the top of the train station.

It has a great view and it’s easy to get out of the park quickly because you’re already near the gate.

ORDER NOW to secure your Walt Disney World theme park ticket! GET MY TICKETS.

My Final Thoughts on Doing Disney World for the Fourth of July

Have fun and know that it’s going to be bananas at Disney.

Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort with Goofy dresses in his patriotic best.
Goofy dresses in his patriotic best to celebrate the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort. Goofy, along with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, appear for meet and greets at the American Adventure at Epcot for the holiday. (David Roark, photographer)

If you have a good spirit and welcome the excitement of the high-volume crowd level, then you’ll have a spectacular time on Independence Day.

Disney World 4th of July Crowds with fireworks Around Cinderella Caster Travel Guide.
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What about you? Do you think it’s silly to go to Walt Disney World on the 4th of July? Leave you answers below!

If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

Hoop Dee Doo Revue NikkyJ Dinner Show Disney World. Author bio of theme park expert Nikida Metellus.

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

(Original Article Date: June 2018/Updated July 3, 2023)

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