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.
Celebrating the 4th of July at Walt Disney World is a popular choice amongst locals and tourists alike so you can see higher crowd levels on the 4th of July as everyone comes out to see the fireworks.
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 4th of July Weekend?
Disney World on 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.
Some 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 popular tourist destination and the 4th of July is a popular time to travel.
You can expect reasonable crowds at Disney World 4th of July. 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 your viewing spot when the time comes.
Disney World Magic Kingdom 4th of July Fireworks
Disney World has not yet confirmed details for its 2025 4th of July fireworks, but you can see details from last year below for the typical showtimes.
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 and will be shown both July 3rd and July 4th at 9:20 PM 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.
On the 3rd and 4th of July, Magic Kingdom's park operating hours will be extended. On July 3, the park will be open from 8 am to midnight. On July 4, the park will be open from 8am – 1 am.
Disney 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 usual 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 two hours in advance!
The hub in front of Cinderella's Castle offers a lot of space so if you don't get the front row viewing to 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.
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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 4th at 9 pm. In the past, this spectacular fireworks show featured patriotic music and a massive fireworks display! See everything you need to know about EPCOT fireworks in our guide.
On the 4th of July, EPCOT's park operating hours will be 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Disney World 4th of July Entertainment
The Disney World 2025 4th of July entertainment has not yet been announced, but you can see details from last year below for an idea of the offerings you can typically expect.
There will be several entertainment offerings for the 4th of July at Disney World, including:
- At Magic Kingdom during the 4th of July celebration on July 3rd and 4th, DJs will be mixing tunes throughout the park.
- At EPCOT, the a cappella group Voices of Liberty will perform patriotic songs in the rotunda of The American Adventure
- Characters dressed in “Spirit of '76” outfits will greet guests throughout the day at The American Adventure
- Spaceship Earth will be illuminated in red, white, and blue at night
- 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 a taste 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.
4th of July Merchandise
The Disney World 2025 4th of July merchandise has not yet been announced, but you can see details from last year below for an idea of the offerings you can typically expect.
For the 4th of July, you can shop a special collection of merchandise featuring red, white, and blue and patriotic Mickey Mouse. The Disney Americana Collection features a Loungefly Mini Backpack and Ear Headband as well as a variety of tees. These will be available for a limited time at World of Disney at Disney Springs, Emporium at Magic Kingdom, Creations at EPCOT, Discovery Trading Company at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and online at DisneyStore.com.
Portraits of Courage at EPCOT
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 new exhibit at EPCOT.
This was originally announced to be a 12-month exhibition that began last June, so we anticipate it might not be available for the 2025 Disney World 4th of July celebration, but we will watch for news to see if it is extended.
Disney World 4th of July Patriotic Attractions
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.
Liberty Square Riverboat in Magic Kingdom
Take a ride around the Rivers of America in this 19th century themed paddleboat.
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 regardless but also is a nice nod to American history and Walt Disney himself.
Walt Disney World 4th of July Food Guide
The 2025 Disney World 4th of July foods have not yet been released, but you can see last year's offerings for an idea of what to expect.
Walt Disney World released their 4th of July food guide including returning favorite food items and new options like the Fourth of July cupcake (pictured above) and a themed funnel cake at Sleepy Hollow.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus (Available July 1 through 5; mobile order available)
- Fourth of July Cupcake: Strawberry cake with blueberry compote, red, white, and blue vanilla icing, white chocolate Mickey-shaped decoration and gold star sprinkles (New)
Magic Kingdom Park 
Liberty Square Market (Available June 30 through July 6)
- Red, White, and Blue Slushy: Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry and Fanta Cherry layered with whipped cream and topped with popping candies (New)
Sleepy Hollow (Available June 30 through July 6; mobile order available)
- Red, White, and Blue Funnel Cake: Funnel cake topped with mixed berries, vanilla ice cream, and festive sprinkles (New)
EPCOT 
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (Available June 30 through July 7; mobile order available)
- Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sandwich with house-made pickles, coleslaw, and an onion ring on a brioche roll
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
PizzeRizzo (Available June 30 through July 31; mobile order available)
- Mickey Apple Pie Cupcake: Yellow cupcake filled with apple pie filling, topped with salted caramel buttercream and cinnamon streusel, and garnished with rainbow silver sparkle and red, white, and blue Mickey ears
Woody’s Lunch Box (Available June 30 through July 31; mobile order available)
- 4th of July Lunch Box Tart: Cherry pie filling topped with vanilla fondant and star sprinkles
Disney Springs
Amorette’s Patisserie (Available now through July 8; mobile order available)
- Fourth of July Minnie Mouse Dome: White chocolate and strawberry mousse with vanilla chiffon cake and glaçage (New)
The Ganachery (Available now through July 7)
- Stars and Stripes Minnie Chocolate Piñata: Dark chocolate shell filled with popping candy-chocolate bark (New)
Disney Resorts Collection Hotels
Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Contempo Café and Gasparilla Island Grill (Available June 30 through July 6; mobile order available)
- Fourth of July Cheesecake: Strawberry bavarois, lemon cheesecake, and blueberry chiffon cheesecake (New)
Available at Various Disney Resort Hotel Quick-Service Restaurants (Available June 30 through July 6; mobile order available)
- Red, White, and Brownie: Red velvet-brown butter brownie with cream cheese icing, graham streusel, and caramel (New); Available at the following locations:
- Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach 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
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- Disney World Dining Guide: Food Options, Budget Tips, Restaurant Guides
- Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
- Disney World Cheapest Hotels
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Dining Review
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