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8 Ways to Celebrate Fourth of July at Walt Disney World in 2025

This Fourth of July, Walt Disney World sparkles with star-spangled experiences for fireworks fans, foodies seeking festive treats, American history aficionados, and families looking for kid-friendly holiday activities for their Independence Day celebrations. Below are eight ways guests can celebrate July Fourth across the Most Magical Place on Earth.





 

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Kati Gauer:

Whether you’re a fireworks fanatic, a foodie chasing red, white and blue bites, or a history buff drawn to America’s story, – Independence Day at Walt Disney World has magic for every interest!

Here’s how to celebrate the Fourth of July at Disney World, with something for every kind of park-goer!

In celebration of July 4th, the iconic Spaceship Earth at EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla will be illuminated in bright red, white and blue colors at night. Credit: Mariah Wild/Disney

Fourth of July Fireworks at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT 

If you’re an entertainment seeker, boy does Walt Disney World know how to put on a patriotic nighttime firework show for you and your family to experience together this Fourth of July holiday!

1 – Magic Kingdom 

At Magic Kingdom, the fan-favorite “Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” returns! Available on July 3 and 4 at 9:20 p.m., this 360-degree fireworks show dazzles the skies above Cinderella Castle in red, white and blue!

The party doesn’t stop there, from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., you and your family can indepen-dance at DJ parties happening around the park in Frontierland, Cinderella Castle and Tomorrowland.

2 – EPCOT 

At EPCOT, families can gather to enjoy the awe-inspiring nighttime spectacular, “Luminous the Symphony of Us,” followed by a July 4-only edition of”Heartbeat of Freedom” – a sparkling grand finale blending pyrotechnics with tributes to America’s history.

While at EPCOT, make sure to bask in the glowing light of the iconic Spaceship Earth, which will be illuminated in bright red, white and blue colors at night on July 4, for all to enjoy!

For some daytime fun at EPCOT on July 4, enjoy special photo opportunities with your favorite patriotic pals Mickey, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n’ Dale at The American Adventure.

3 – Fourth of July Snacks For Foodies 

If you’re searching for delicious bites to delight your taste buds, you can find festive flavors across the resort from June 29 to July 5, including returning goodies and always-available fan favorites like the Barbeque Pulled Chicken Sandwich in Regal Eagle Smokehouse at EPCOT.

Credit: Disney
      • NEW! Patriotic Cake Bar: Vanilla chiffon combined with passion fruit, orange, and guava juice. Available at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs.
Credit: Disney
      • NEW! Caramel-Apple Pie Funnel Cake: Funnel cake with apple pie topping, caramel drizzle, and vanilla soft-serve. Currently available beyond July 4 at Epic Eats in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.




 

Credit: Disney
      • Berry Shortcake: Shortcake topped with mixed berries, whipped cream, and patriotic sprinkles. Available at Columbia Harbour House in Magic Kingdom.
Credit: Disney
      • Red, White and Blue Funnel Cake: Funnel cake topped with mixed berries, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and festive sprinkles. Available at Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom.
Credit: Disney
      • NEW! Red, White and Blue Waffle: Waffle topped with mixed berries, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and festive sprinkles. Available at Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom.
Credit: Disney
      • Red, White and Blue Slushy: Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry and Fanta Cherry layered with whipped cream and topped with popping candies. Available at Liberty Square Market in Magic Kingdom.




 

American Heritage Gallery at EPCOT. Credit: Disney/Elton Anderson

For History Buffs  

A Walt Disney World, America is honored year-round with popular attractions paying tribute to the country’s history, ideal for anyone drawn to America’s story – and the perfect way to commemorate America’s past, present and future on Independence Day.

4 – Witness the Daily Flag Retreat 

Be surrounded by the sounds of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and join in to witness the daily Flag Retreat at Magic Kingdom.

Since the park opened in 1971, this ceremony has honored the American flag each night as a celebratory tribute to U.S. Veterans. Military Veterans often participate in the ceremony, receiving heartfelt recognition for their service and sacrifice.

5 – Stroll Down Main Street   

Influenced by Walt Disney’s boyhood home of Marceline, Missouri, Main Street U.S.A. offers a nostalgic glimpse of a classic American town from the turn of the 20th century.

This vibrant Victorian backdrop invites you and your family to experience the renowned Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, charming horse-drawn carriages, and the spirited performances of the Main Street Philharmonic.

6 – Experience The American Adventure 

At EPCOT, The American Adventure in World Showcase comes alive with patriotic melodies performed by the legendary a cappella group, Voices of Liberty. On July 4, don’t miss their special performances of “Voices of Liberty: Echoing the Sound of America,” a powerful experience that fills the rotunda with soaring harmonies you and your family won’t want to miss!

Also in the space, you’ll find a captivating production of America’s story through 35 Audio-Animatronic figures that recount 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, and up to today, Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain guide you on this journey through time.

While you’re exploring The American Adventure, make sure to check out the American Heritage Gallery which is currently displaying “Creating Tradition: Innovation and Change in American Indian Art” – a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary artistic expressions from 40 different American Indian tribes.

For the Voices of Liberty performances, you can check the out My Disney Experience app for showtimes, which are subject to change.

7 – See the Portraits of Courage 

“Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors,” a special exhibit from the George W. Bush Institute, has been extended through 2026 at The American Adventure.

Reflecting President Bush’s personal commitment to military veterans and the 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.

View portraits 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.





 

Select Disney Resorts Collection hotels at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. embrace the spirit of summertime fun for the Fourth of July and all season long, featuring surprise character appearances, campfires, sing-alongs, marshmallow roasts, Movies Under the Stars, and children’s activities. Credit: David Roark/Disney

8 – Independence Day for Disney World Resort Guests 

If you’re looking for a relaxed way to spend the holiday, guests staying at select Disney Resort Collection hotels can embrace the spirit of summertime fun for Fourth of July and all season long, featuring surprise character appearances, campfires, sing-alongs, Movies Under the Stars and children’s activities. Alternatively, you and your family can enjoy an afternoon by the pool or leisurely boating on sparkling lakes and waterways.

Guests staying along the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake can end their day by enjoying the nightly Electrical Water Pageant. This star-spangled display of illuminated sea creatures including a patriotic grand finale featuring the American flag is the perfect way to end your day. You can find more information about special activities in your resort’s daily schedule.

From July 3 to July 6, you and your family can celebrate Independence Day in style with limited-time Fourth of July-themed Disney PhotoPass Magic Shots across Walt Disney World Resort. Get ready to strike a pose, because select PhotoPass locations throughout Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs will offer the perfect way to make your holiday memories sparkle!

The fun doesn’t stop on the Fourth of July; it’s Cool Kid Summer! Through September 1, Walt Disney World is the perfect destination for kids and kids-at-heart with new and limited-time summer magic, including DJ-fueled dance parties, surprise character appearances, hands-on activities and nonstop summer vibes.

Whatever way you decide to spend your Fourth of July, we know there is something for you and your family to enjoy together at Walt Disney World!

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.  

For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.



 

Chad & Cindy Nykamp

After years of multiple Walt Disney World vacations, Cindy and Chad's dream of living in Orlando came true in 2010. After friends and family made them their go-to-people for Walt Disney World advice, Cindy and Chad launched DisneyLists.com in August 2015 to share their knowledge and love of Disney. Chad and Cindy have been Disney World Annual Passholders for years, DVC members, together have raced more than 70 runDisney races, and particularly love cruising on the Disney Cruise Line. Chad and Cindy also regularly represent DisneyLists.com at Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line media events. While attending these events, they get an insiders view of all the new things that have come to Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line. These experiences have helped them gain knowledge and expertise they happily pass on to their followers. They still can't believe how lucky they are to have such an amazing opportunity and will continue to share Disney with anyone who will listen!
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