The 4th of July is literally right around the corner, and if you are going to be at Walt Disney World during this busy busy time you need to be prepared! Expect heat and high crowds, but don’t let that stop you from having fun. After all, you are at the happiest place on earth!
The first thing you are going to need to know is that it is going to be HOT HOT HOT! So you should plan accordingly. Dress your children in light weight clothing and bring sunscreen! If you are a packer bring plenty of cool drinks in the park and if you don’t want to pack a cooler get a free ice water at any counter service location frequently! I recently wrote about some great Summer Activities at Walt Disney World that you can check out HERE! Most of those activities are centered around beating the heat! If you have small children you can also take a break from the parks in the baby care center in each park! They are air conditioned and even have their own potty!
The next thing you should consider are crowd levels! The 4th of July is one of the busiest times at Walt Disney World, so as long as you know that ahead of time you will be alright! My recommendation is to pick out your top 5 Must Do’s at the park you are choosing to visit and do those first and early! That way as the crowds pick up during the day you wont be terribly disappointed if your favorite ride has a 2 hour wait and you have a cranky baby! I frequently hop around the park doing my favs first, its kind of fun not seeing the park in a traditional circle. You could also head to the parks early, do your favs and then head out for a fun day in the pool at your resort! Try something different. It might end up being the best day!
Next you should know what is going on and when! Here is a rundown of the events going on – please note that all shows and times are subject to change so make sure you check that day with a Cast Member!
- Magic Kingdom will present “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” This patriotic fireworks spectacular, paying homage to the hopes and dreams of America’s forefathers, will light the skies at 9 p.m. July 4 – and for guests who would like to begin the Independence Day celebration early, the show also will be presented July 3 at 9 p.m.
- At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, traditional Fourth of July fireworks take on a different spin when Mulch, Sweat, and Shears perform for the all-new “Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration.” These resident landscapers – with serious rock and roll ambitions – take Disney guests on a musical road trip across America that will highlight each region’s contribution to rock and roll. Fireworks, lighting and special effects – backed by the driving live rock and roll of Mulch, Sweat, and Shears – combine to bring a new twist to celebrating Independence Day. Showtime July 4 is 9:45 p.m. Before the show, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can catch Disney’s Fantasmic!, performing July 4 at 9 p.m.
- At Epcot, you can check out “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” bursting high above World Showcase Lagoon. IllumiNations is a 14-minute spectacular during which pyrotechnics, lasers, water and music are all used to tell a story about the past, present and future of our planet. On the Fourth of July, the show will be enhanced with “The Heartbeat of Freedom,” an overture of traditional Americana themes displayed in a pyrotechnic and laser light event. The show is at 10 p.m.
