Walt Disney World celebrates the 4th of July with two fireworks shows in Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, plus a list of specialty food items available at the parks and hotels. Walt Disney World’s 4th of July fireworks spectaculars are one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday.
I have spent the 4th of July at Walt Disney World and enjoyed the fireworks on this popular holiday, so I have the best tips on how crowded the parks are on the holiday, plus the best tips on watching the fireworks and enjoying any seasonal activities.
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Is Walt Disney World Crowded On the 4th of July Weekend?
Disney World on the 4th of July can draw crowds just like any other holiday, especially since holidays equal time off work, so families tend to use this time to spend it going to Disney! The good news is that summer at Disney World has become more manageable in recent years as guests seem to prioritize the more popular holidays like Halloween and Christmas. But you can still plan on regular tourist crowds attending Walt Disney World in the summer.
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So many wrongly assume Walt Disney World will be empty and think many people will be celebrating the 4th of July at home rather than at the parks. While this may be true for some locals, Walt Disney World is a popular tourist destination and the 4th of July is a popular time to travel.
According to our Walt Disney World crowd calendar, both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are expected to have above normal crowd levels for the 4th of July and the following Saturday. Most of these crowds will begin to materialize for the fireworks shows in the evening at both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, so it’s best to arrive early so you’re not stuck in long lines at the entrance gates. Plan on spending the day at the parks so you can relax during the day enjoying the magic and be prepared to stake your viewing spot when the time comes.
Disney World Magic Kingdom 4th of July Fireworks
The Disney World fireworks show “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky!” is not a missable experience! This spectacular fireworks show was created just to honor America to celebrate the 4th of July. This year the fireworks show will be shown both July 3rd, July 4th, and July 5th in Magic Kingdom. Enjoy a patriotic-themed music score along with a fantastic display of fireworks and castle projections with an American theme, with some red, white, and blue mixed in. The fireworks are scheduled for 9 PM.
On the 4th of July, Magic Kingdom is open until 10 PM. In past years, these years were extended, but currently the schedule is listed as the park hours operating as normal.
From 7 PM to 10 PM, guests can also enjoy themed dance DJ parties happening around the park in Frontierland, Cinderella Castle, and Tomorrowland.
Magic Kingdom 4th of July Fireworks Viewing Tips
Due to the projections shown on the castle, the best viewing spot for the fireworks is directly in front of the castle. Since this is the prime viewing location, you can expect this spot to fill up quickly! For a typical fireworks show, this spot starts filling up more than an hour in advance. For the Disney World 4th of July, I would keep an eye on the area in front of the castle a few hours before show time, so you know when you should grab your spot. If it were me, I would plan on saving my spot three hours in advance if I wanted this view!
The hub in front of Cinderella’s Castle offers a lot of space, so if you don’t get the front row viewing of the Disney World 4th of July fireworks show, you will still have a great view further back. Fireworks in Magic Kingdom are designed to be seen from the hub (the area where you can find the Walt Disney and Mickey statue- the Partners statue!) and Main Street, U.S.A. The closer you can be to the castle, the better. You can read more about our viewing tips for seeing fireworks at Walt Disney World in our Magic Kingdom fireworks guide.
Disney World 4th of July EPCOT Fireworks
The patriotic fireworks display “The Heartbeat of Freedom” will follow the show Luminous “The Symphony of Us” at EPCOT. You can see these performances on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th at 9 PM. “The Heartbeat of Freedom” is a sparkling grand finale blending pyrotechnics with tributes to America’s history. See everything you need to know about EPCOT fireworks in our guide.
Spaceship Earth will also be illuminated in bright red, white, and blue colors on July 4th in honor of the holiday.
On the 4th of July, EPCOT will be open until 9PM, so all of the special entertainment starts at park closing. If you don’t like crowds, EPCOT is a great choice to enjoy a fireworks show as Magic Kingdom will be far more crowded.
Disney World EPCOT 4th of July Entertainment
There will be several entertainment offerings for the 4th of July at EPCOT. Special photo ops will be available with Mickey, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale at The American Adventure pavilion in the World Showcase.
The a cappella group Voices of Liberty will perform patriotic songs in the rotunda of The American Adventure, including special performances of “Voices of Liberty: Echoing the Sound of America.”
Guests can see the special exhibit from the George W. Bush Institute, Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors, honoring veterans at the American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT. The exhibit features over 60 paintings by President Bush of service members and veterans who have served since 9/11.
President Bush has come to know these veterans personally since leaving office. You can see details about the Portraits of Courage exhibit in our full article on when we got to see the debut of this exhibit at EPCOT.
This was originally announced to be a 12-month exhibition, but now it has been extended through 2026.
Disney World 4th of July Patriotic Experiences
American Pavilion in EPCOT
Enjoy an all-American funnel cake and take in the American Adventure Show! This show features 35 audio-animatronic figures, projections on a 72-foot screen, and patriotic songs as it tells the story of America with guides Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain. The show features the landing of the Mayflower, Boston Tea Party, winter at Valley Forge, Declaration of Independence, Civil War and the Great Depression. Famous historical figures featured in the show include Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, Thomas Jefferson, Chief Joseph and Teddy Roosevelt.
Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom
The Hall of Presidents features all of the US presidents in audio-animatronic form with each once moving or speaking in acknowledgement with the highlight of the show being Abraham Lincoln as he rises from his chair to give the Gettysburg Address.
Flag Retreat in Magic Kingdom
Each day at Walt Disney World you have the chance to view The Flag Retreat Ceremony at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. which is one of the ways that Disney honors our past and current military members. The Flag Retreat happens daily around 5PM. Guests are asked to join in the Pledge of Allegiance before the Flag Retreat begins, followed by a chorus of “God Bless America” with the crowd removing their hats and putting their hands over their hearts. Current service members and veterans are invited to come stand by the flag during the ceremony. The Color Guard lowers the flag while the National Anthem is performed. After the ceremony, the Color Guard and cast members have a short procession down Main Street, U.S.A.
Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom
This classic Walt Disney attraction follows the history of technology throughout the 20th century through a distinctive American lens. This nostalgic show is a fan favorite, but is also a nice nod to American history and Walt Disney himself.
Walt Disney World 4th of July 2026 Food Guide
Sam Eagle Bucket (Limit two per person, per transaction; available while supplies last)
- Coming soon to Walt Disney World Resort
Disney World has several themed treats available across its resort hotels and theme parks, as well as a new Sam Eagle popcorn bucket. We will break down all of these new offerings by location below.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Available starting June 15
Location: Scat Cat’s Club Café and Lounge
New! Fourth of July Beignets: Cinnamon sugar-dusted beignets with marshmallow sauce and apple pie filling
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Available starting June 15; mobile order available
Location: Contempo Cafe
New! Fourth of July Cake: Strawberry and lemon mousse and confetti cake covered in a hard chocolate shell
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Available starting June 15; mobile order available
Location: The Mara
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Available starting June 15
Location: Barcelona Lounge
Disney’s BoardWalk
Available starting June 15
Location: BoardWalk Deli
New! Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake: Vanilla sponge, strawberry filling, chantilly cream, and white chocolate pinwheel
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Available starting June 15
Location: Kona Island
- Chocolate-covered Bacon
- Pineapple Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake, DOLE Whip Pineapple flavored cheesecake, and pineapple buttercream with white chocolate décor
Available starting June 15
Location: Capt. Cook’s
Pineapple Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake, DOLE Whip Pineapple flavored cheesecake, and pineapple buttercream with white chocolate décor
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Available starting June 15
Location: Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
New! Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Mug: Available with choice of alcoholic beverage, while supplies last
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Available starting June 15; mobile order available
Location: Beach Club Marketplace
Mickey Cupcake: Mickey cupcake with frosting
Available starting June 15
Location: Beaches and Cream Soda Shop
Available at Various Locations Throughout the Resort
Mickey Cinnamon Roll: Available at the following locations:
- Carousel Coffee at Disney’s BoardWalk
- Le Petit Cafe at Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Primo Piatto at Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Barcelona Lounge at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Trail’s End Restaurant at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- The Market at Ale & Compass at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Beach Club Marketplace at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- The Artist’s Palette at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Good’s Food to Go at Disney’s Old Key West
Red, White, and Blue Cake Pop: Blueberry and vanilla swirl cheesecake (New); available at the following locations:
- Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Roaring Fork at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Primo Piatto at Disney’s Riviera Resort
- The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Trail’s End Restaurant at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Artist’s Palette at Disney’s Saratoga Resort & Spa
- Good’s Food to Go at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Centertown Market
Disney Springs
Available starting June 15
Location: The Ganachery
EPCOT
Currently available
Location: Sunshine Seasons
New! S’morin’ Across America Milk Shake: S’mores milk shake, toasted marshmallow, graham cracker, and Soarin’ hang glider
Available starting June 15; mobile order available
Location: Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue
New! Sam Eagle Star-Spangled Shortcake: Vanilla cake with strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, whipped cream, star sprinkles, and a Sam Eagle chocolate coin
Magic Kingdom Park
Available starting June 15; mobile order available
Location: Columbia Harbour House
Berry Shortcake: Shortcake topped with mixed berries, whipped cream, and patriotic sprinkles
Available starting June 15; mobile order available
Location: Sleepy Hollow
Red, White, and Blue Funnel Cake: Funnel cake topped with mixed berries, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and festive sprinkles
Red, White, and Blue Waffle: Waffle topped with mixed berries, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and festive sprinkles
Red, White, and Blue Slushy: Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry and Fanta Cherry layered with whipped cream and topped with popping candies (Non-alcoholic)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Currently available; mobile order available
Location: Rosie’s All-American Cafe
New! Red Velvet Riveter: Red velvet cake with fudge filling topped with cream cheese icing, ginger streusel, star sprinkles, and a chocolate piece
Walt Disney World Resort 4th of July Activities
The Disney Resort Hotels will be hosting 4th of July activities, including surprise character experiences, campfires, sing-alongs, marshmallow roasts, Movies Under the Stars, and children’s activities. Be sure to check your resort’s schedule on the 4th of July to get an idea of what will be offered.
At hotels along the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake—Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (including Narcoossee’s), Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort—you can see the Electrical Water Pageant featuring a patriotic grand finale of the American flag and stars.
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