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Many people are starting to plan their trips to Disney World for the 4th of July since it’s only 113 days away! Keep in mind the parks will be pretty crowded on this holiday so you will want to plan accordingly. So, what are the “Must Do’s” if you are traveling to Walt Disney World for July 4th?
Check them out below!
- Have a plan! All of the parks will be extremely busy. In the past the parks have reached capacity and guests were turned away- even those with dining reservations inside the closed park. You need to decide which park you want to visit for the 4th, arrive early and plan to stay the whole day. Don’t park hop and don’t return to your resort for a break, a swim or a nap. If you do, you may not get back in the park! If you are a Disney Resort guest, you are guaranteed entry into a park, but it may not be your park of choice! Again, arrive early and stay all day.
- Choose your park wisely! Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios will have special events and firework shows planned for July 4 (see below). That will be the only difference from a regular, busy day at the parks. If you aren’t interested in the Patriotic spin on the nighttime shows, choose the park that has your favorite attractions.
- Familiarize yourself with the park you choose. Crowds will be at a peak. Lines will be long. Fastpasses may run out early in the day for the most popular attractions. Decide which attractions are top on your families list and do those first- grabbing a Fastpass when possible. Know where the different shops are and secure those “must have” souvenirs early in the day. Know where your dining reservations are located so you don’t waste time wandering the park looking for the restaurant. You can download free customized park maps from Disney to help prepare.
- Know when and where the shows, parades and fireworks will happen. Know that the park is going to be crowded. That means the shows, parades and fireworks will also be crowded. Pick out your “spot” for viewing these early in the day. No later than 30 (maybe even 45) minutes prior to the event, secure your “spot.”
Here is a recap of events that happened in 2011 for the 4th of July. These may change for 2012, but this will help give you an idea of what to expect and which park would best fit your families needs and wants.
- Magic Kingdom– At the Magic Kingdom, you can view a special “Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” fireworks show followed by the nighttime parade. If you choose the Magic Kingdom, don’t forget to celebrate the 4th by visiting the Hall of Presidents, eating at Liberty Tree Tavern and celebrating our past by strolling through Liberty Square!
- Epcot– At Epcot, you need to spend time at the America Pavilion! Here you will be able to see characters dressed in their American Attire along with Betsy Ross and Ben Franklin. You can also see the Voices of Liberty perform on the American Gardens Theatre stage along with the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps. Illuminations, Epcot’s nighttime laser and fireworks show, will feature a patriotic finale.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios– At DHS, you can see the group Mulch, Sweat, and Shears perform a Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration! They will showcase music from across America highlighting what each region has contributed to Rock and Roll including fireworks, lighting and special effects. You can also make plans to see Disney’s Fantasmic! later that night.
- Animal Kingdom- Traditionally, there have been no special 4th of July activities planned for this park.
- Downtown Disney– While this is not a “park” there have been special fireworks and concerts at Pleasure Island in past years.
If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World for July 4th, I hope you have a fantastically patriotic time!
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4th of July is one the most awsome times to visit Disney, I will be there this year on the 4th and can’t wait
Thank you for the great information!
SO glad we can go when it is not so busy!! 🙂