Fireworks, festivities, music and merriment are pretty much standard in the theme park capital of the world. Seldom does a day go by without a flashing light at SeaWorld, a sparkling costume at Disney World or an electrifying street party at Universal. To commemorate the federal holiday, however, the parks put together all kinds of special festivities and entertainment in typical louder than life Orlando theme park style. The parades become that much louder, the fireworks that bit brighter, the nights last even longer and the buzzing energy becomes an attraction in its very own right.
Fourth of July holidaymakers, here's a guide to celebrating American independence in Orlando's biggest theme parks.
Disney's Magic Kingom
Watch 'Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky' for a traditional Independence Day celebration at the Magic Kingdom. This sensational firework display pays homage to the hopes and dreams of America's forefathers by lighting up the sky. For those who wish to celebrate their Independence Day a day earlier at Disney for whatever reason, this is the only Disney Independence Day celebration that takes place a day before the 4th of July.
Watch 'Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky' on the 3rd and 4th July at 9pm.
Disney's Epcot
Enjoy an enhanced version of ' Illuminations: Reflections of the Earth. The usual fourteen minute dazzling pyrotechnic, laser, water and music show tells the story of the past, present and future of the planet. The Fourth of July special features The Heartbeat of Freedom, an overture of traditional Americana themes displayed in a pyrotechnic and laser light event.
Catch the enhanced Fourth of July 'Illuminations: Reflections of the Earth' anywhere in the park that has a clear view of the World Showcase Lagoon at 10pm.
Epcot guests can also enjoy the patriotic ' Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert' and participate in a meet and greet with Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross and and Disney characters donning their patriotic attire.
The concert takes place at Epcot's American Adventure at 12:30 p.m, 1:45 p.m and 3:00 p.m on the 4th of July.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
If you'd prefer an Independence day that's a bit more rock 'n' roll head to Hollywood Studios for the 'Rockin' 4th of July Celebration' performed by Disney's resident street band Mulch, Sweat and Shears. The concert will take you on a metaphorical road trip, stopping off at all tof the regions of America that contributed to American Rock 'n' Roll. Mulch, Sweat and Tears will rock out against the backdrop of fireworks, lighting and special effects.
For the first time ever experience Independence day through the journey of Rock 'n' Roll at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
The 'Rockin' 4th of July Celebration' begins at 9.45 p.m on the 4th of July.
SeaWorld and Busch Gardens
'Reflections' at SeaWorld and Busch Garden's Firework Finale
If you happen to be in SeaWorld on Independence day hang around for the 4th of July enhanced firework show, Reflections. The show features an amazing water fountain firework display against the sounds of a patriotic musical score. Alternatively, if you happen to be in Tampa, Busch Gardens will be celebrating the 4th of July with a firework finale shown after the acrobatic Kinetix show at Gwazi.
Watch Reflections show over the lake from Bayside Stadium at 9.45 p.m on the 2nd, 3rd, & 4th July.
Watch the Busch Gardens Firework Finale in the Gwazi film at 9.30 p.m on the 2nd, 3rd, & 4th July.
To guarantee your entry to the park of your choice for the holiday festivities we would advise you to arrive early in the morning and spend the entire day at your chosen park. Independence Day is one of the busiest days of the year at the theme parks and once they reach capacity they will unfortunately turn potential park goers away at the gate.
Happy Fourth of July!
