Independence day

Independence Day Celebration – Walt Disney World Resort

Published on December 11, 2016 in Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

As with any Disney experience, Independence Day celebrations throughout Walt Disney World Resort parks will not disappoint! And if you are thinking about celebrating the Independence Day holiday at Walt Disney World Resort, now is the time to confirm your resort reservation.

If you plan to experience the holiday celebrations I highly recommend planning for both July 3 and July 4 to be sure to see it all!

“Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” is a special fireworks display above Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom Park presented on both July 3 and 4 at 9 p.m while Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrate only on July 4.

At Magic Kingdom Park, in my opinion, the best spot to view the fireworks from is the hub in front of Cinderella’s Castle. “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” is a spectacular celebration of freedom with a dazzling stage show and an astonishing fireworks display choreographed to music! The park stays open late so after fireworks you can plan to enjoy dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant or Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen – remember to make your advance dining reservations!

Just a quick note about viewing areas – when viewing from the hub area in front of the castle, you can see the stage show as well as the fireworks above. You can also experience the spectacular fireworks show from all around Magic Kingdom Park as well as from the resorts around the Magic Kingdom Park area. If you happen to be close to the Fantasyland area, you can get a great view of the fireworks overhead, the Beast’s Enchanted Castle is a good location to view from too. These areas are less crowded and you can hear the music and see the fireworks show, you just won’t be able to see the stage show.

Both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot will also offer Independence Day fireworks and celebrations only on July 4th. Each park will display their normal “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks” and “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” and each will include the addition of an all-American grand finale celebrating the United States of America. Epcot’s Independence Day fireworks display is typically at 10 pm and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is typically at 10:15 pm so you would not be able to experience both… In my opinion, the all-American grand finale at Epcot is simply AMAZING (I may have even cried a little)!! And, – if you are lucky enough to experience a little bonus pixie dust – once the Epcot fireworks end, depending on where you are viewing from, stick around for a bit because you just might be able to clearly see Disney’s Hollywood Studios fireworks display, which is also spectacular!

And even though Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park does not offer any special Independence Day festivities, don’t skip a visit to this park – it also offers exciting experiences to explore. Many store and restaurant fronts have been refurbished and you can enjoy a quick service lunch at Harambe Market. Harambe Market is an outdoor marketplace with African-inspired street food at four walk-up windows and plenty of shaded seating. Offerings include Grilled Chicken Skewer and Sausage Fried in Curried Corn Batter, both come with a light Roasted Broccoli and Tomato Salad. Also offered are ribs and a beef kabob flatbread.

An Independence Day celebration at Walt Disney World Resort is definitely a magical experience. Crowd levels are typically higher, but my experience has been lighter than anticipated. And while it is hot during the day, it is bearable. Just remember to take breaks often, drink water and look for inside experiences available at all parks. I highly recommend the July 4th holiday as a good time to visit Walt Disney World Resort!

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