Celebrating Independence Day 2024 in Walt Disney World

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World for the Fourth of July this year? If so, you are in luck! As usual, there are lots of exciting and entertaining options available to make your holiday a magical one. Hereโ€™s the current lineup courtesy of Disney:


Patriotic hues of red, white and blue will sparkle as Walt Disney World Resort in Florida celebrates Fourth of July with a spectacular lineup of fireworks, food and festive entertainment.  

Here are several ways guests can celebrate the stars and stripes this Independence Day at Walt Disney World.  

โ€œDisneyโ€™s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Skyโ€ will light up the nighttime sky over Magic Kingdom Park with a booming nighttime spectacular. A simultaneous fireworks display over nearby Seven Seas Lagoon creates an unforgettable experience for guests in the park and nearby Magic Kingdom Resort Area hotels. This special fireworks show will take place July 3 and July 4 at 9:20 p.m. 

Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chiefโ€™s Tribute to Americaโ€™s Warriors is a special exhibit from the George W. Bush Institute that debuted June 9, 2024, at EPCOT. Reflecting President Bushโ€™s personal commitment to military veterans and ongoing work of the Bush Instituteโ€™s Veteran and Military Families Program, this extraordinary art exhibit brings together more than 60 vibrant oil paintings by President Bush 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. 

Magic Kingdom guests can dance the night away with DJs mixing tunes at a dance party in front of Cinderella Castle and throughout the park. 

Patriotic fireworks display, โ€œThe Heartbeat of Freedom,โ€ will follow the new nighttime EPCOT fireworks show โ€œLuminous The Symphony of Usโ€ on July 4 at 9 p.m. 

While visiting EPCOT, guests will be treated to the sounds of Americana as the legendary a cappella vocal group Voices of Liberty performs patriotic numbers in the rotunda of The American Adventure. Performances will take place throughout the day. 

Favorite Disney pals will be dressed for the occasion in their โ€œSpirit of โ€™76โ€ attire and meet with guests throughout the day at The American Adventure at EPCOT.  

In celebration of the holiday, the iconic Spaceship Earth at EPCOT will be illuminated in bright red, white and blue colors at night. Guests can bask in a patriotic glow that will reflect across World Celebration, which is part of the parkโ€™s recently completed multi-year transformation.  

For a limited time, Walt Disney World guests can dazzle their taste buds with all-new indulgences debuting this year across the resort and the return fan-favorites such as the Barbeque Pulled Chicken Sandwich available at Regal Eagle Smokehouse at EPCOT. More details to be announced in the July 4th Foodie Guide on the Disney Parks Blog being released June 25.  

Resort guests can celebrate in style with a special collection of merchandise featuring red, white and blue colors and patriotic Mickey Mouse. The Disney Americana Collection includes a Loungefly Mini Backpack and Ear Headband along with a variety of tees. Guests can discover these treasures for a limited time at World of Disney at Disney Springs, Emporium at Magic Kingdom, Creations Shop at EPCOT, Discovery Trading Company at Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and online at DisneyStore.com.  

Select Disney Resort hotels get into the spirit with classic summertime fun, from surprise character appearances, campfires, sing-alongs and marshmallow roasts to Movies Under the Stars and childrenโ€™s activities. Or just enjoy an afternoon poolside or a leisurely boating excursion on sparkling lakes and waterways.  

Guests staying in Disney Resort hotels on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake can cap off their day viewing the nightly Electrical Water Pageant. This cavalcade of sea creatures in lights includes a patriotic grand finale featuring the American flag and stars all in sparkling lights. More information about special activities is available in each resortโ€™s daily schedule. 

Inspired by Walt Disneyโ€™s childhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri, Main Street U.S.A. is a step back in time to a quintessential American town at the turn of the 20th century. The colorful Victorian setting is where guests can enjoy the famous Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, horse-drawn carriages and the high-flying revelry of the Main Street Philharmonic.  

Since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the daily Flag Retreat ceremony has retired the American flag for the night in a celebratory tribute to U.S. Veterans. Veterans often participate in the ceremony, receiving warm recognition for their service and sacrifice. 

Liberty Square Tree

Set in the Revolutionary War era, Liberty Square pays tribute to daily life in the original thirteen colonies. Guests can get up close to a replica of the Liberty Bell and meet all 45 different Presidents of the United States in the Hall of Presidents, a stirring show tracing the nationโ€™s history. A walk along the Rivers of America from Liberty Square through neighboring Frontierland reflects a journey through the countryโ€™s era of westward expansion.  

The American Adventure in World Showcase at EPCOT features a dramatic production including 35 Audio-Animatronic figures that retell pivotal moments and events throughout the countryโ€™s history. From the landing of the Mayflower to Valley Forge, the Civil War to the Great Depression all the way up to today, Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain guide guests on this trip through time.  


Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Families with Kids

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time, money, and your sanity:

Fireworks Spectaculars Return To Walt Disney World This Summer

Happily Ever After ReturnsIf you are traveling to Walt Disney World soon, there’s more great news to share. Disney announced this week the nighttime fireworks spectaculars will be returning to the resort on July 1, just in time for the Independence Day holiday weekend. If you’ve been missing “Happily Ever After” at Magic Kingdom and “EPCOT Forever” at EPCOT like I have, run don’t walk to get your park pass reservations. With the recent relaxation of mask restrictions at the parks, plus the announcement of the return of fireworks, expect crowd levels to rise throughout the summer months.

According to Disney:

A Disney tradition since 1957, fireworks shows are what Walt Disney called the perfect โ€œkiss goodnightโ€ at the close of a magical day, and this summer the skies above Disney theme parks will sparkle with color once more. Beginning in July, just in time for the nationโ€™s Independence Day celebrations, our incredibly popular nighttime fireworks spectaculars are returning to Disney parks!

At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, July 1 marks the start of nightly fireworks performances at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT. โ€œHappily Ever Afterโ€ Presented by Pandora Jewelry will transform Cinderella Castle with lights, projections and pyrotechnics, as moments from favorite Disney stories encourage you to grab hold of your dreams and make them come true. And as part of the ongoing transformation of EPCOT, โ€œEPCOT Foreverโ€ will produce a spectacle of fireworks, music and lighting effects over World Showcase Lagoon, highlighting the themes of innovation, exploration, imagination and celebration at the core of the parkโ€™s past, present and future.

To purchase theme park tickets and make park pass reservations to enjoy “Happily Ever After” or “EPCOT Forever, please click here to visit the official Walt Disney World Resort site. Hope to see you there!

Have you missed the fireworks? Which spectacular will you see first?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

First Look At Harmonious Coming Soon To Epcot

Throughout the next couple of years, Epcot is undergoing a massive transformation with new attractions, shows, dining, and experiences being added to the park. One of the most anticipated is the nighttime spectacular “Harmonious” that will follow the interim show “Epcot Forever” which replaced the beloved “IllumiNations.”

While I was sad to see “IllumiNations” go, I am excited to bid farewell to “Epcot Forever” and to see what “Harmonious” has in store for us. Here’s what Disney had to say about Epcot‘s new nighttime spectacular:

โ€œHarmoniousโ€ will bring to World Showcase Lagoon an innovative toolkit of massive floating set pieces that house a variety of show effects, including custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, colorful lights, lasers, pyrotechnics and more.

The show is a beautifully crafted nighttime dreamscape of Disney music and images, reimagined by diverse cultural musicians and artists from around the world. Itโ€™s a transformative experience, where we can discover how Disney music has the power to inspire and unite us all.

Take a peek at some behind the scenes footage of the creation of “Harmonious!”

Watch for “Harmonious” to premiere at Epcot in 2021!

501 WaysHeading to Disney World?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Are you excited to see Harmonious?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Christmas

Festive Fun Facts About Walt Disney World

No place does Christmas quite like Walt Disney World, and this year the resort has plenty of festive fun in store for resort guests. I am eagerly counting the days until my visits in anticipation of all of the seasonal experiences and decorations. Here’s a brief run down of some festive fun facts to get you in the holiday spirit, courtesy of Disney:

Magical holiday experiences and beloved traditions await Walt Disney World Resort guests during the most wonderful time of the year. Starting today, theme parks, resort hotels and Disney Springs come to life with holiday charm and excitement as dazzling dรฉcor and a flurry of fun immerse guests in a festive fantasy.

Check out these holiday fun facts and discover how Walt Disney World Resort becomes a winter wonderland!

Disney Parks Frozen Christmas Celebration TV SpecialWalt Disney World Resort

  • The Walt Disney World Holiday Services team provides dรฉcor for 780 locations within 41 different properties, including Disney theme parks, resorts, Disney Springs and recreation and shopping areas. The team also decorates Disney Cruise Line ships and Disney Vacation Club resorts in Florida and South Carolina.
  • 41 cast members work year-round to make the holiday transformation a reality, with an additional 119 cast members added during the installation period.
  • Dรฉcor installation begins Halloween night and is finished by Thanksgiving.

Magic Kingdom Park           

  • During the holidays, Magic Kingdom is home to 40 trees, 147 wreaths and 590 garlands that measure a total of 5,188 feet.
  • Guests can celebrate the season at Mickeyโ€™s Very Merry Christmas Party on 23 select nights from November 8 to December 22. This yearโ€™s celebration welcomes the dazzling new nighttime spectacular, โ€œMinnieโ€™s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.โ€
  • Tomorrowland Speedway joins in the merriment of Mickeyโ€™s Very Merry Christmas Party for the first time this year with a new holiday overlay that glimmers with thousands of lights and stylized dรฉcor. Itโ€™s one of Magic Kingdom attractions to feature holiday overlays.

Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdom

  • Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdom will celebrate the holidays in full for the first time in its history, with enchanting entertainment and dรฉcor in new locations.
  • 148 animal-inspired luminaries will cast a warm and festive glow throughout Discovery Island as a merry menagerie of 10 artisan-sculpted puppets resembling winter animals roam and interact with guests throughout the land.
  • 2,600 light bulbs will adorn the DinoLand U.S.A. water tower, giving the land a festive new look for the holidays.

Disneyโ€™s Hollywood Studios

  • The Christmas tree on Echo Lake is 65 feet tall, with a 25-foot-wide base.
  • Sunset Seasons Greetings at Disneyโ€™s Hollywood Studios includes 12 high-definition projectors used to visually transform the faรงade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel with holiday scenes.
  • 21 palm trees along Sunset Boulevard illuminate with programmable, color-changing LED fixtures.
  • Dinosaur Gertie is dressed in her finest holiday attire. Her hat is so big, four people could stand inside it!

Epcot

  • Epcot International Festival of the Holidays takes place November 29 through December 30 and celebrates holiday traditions from around the world through storytelling and music presented throughout World Showcase.
  • Holiday treats are also part of the festival, which includes 13 Holiday Kitchens serving more than 50 bites from around the world and 60-plus specialty
  • The Candlelight Processional will be performed 96 times at Epcot this holiday season with a 50-piece orchestra, mass choir and 12 different celebrity narrators.
  • The Candlelight Processional stage at America Gardens Theatre features Christmas trees that are each 18 feet tall.

Resorts

  • Guests will find a life-size holiday gingerbread house in the lobby of Disneyโ€™s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This elaborate 10-foot-wide,15-foot-long and 14-foot-tall structure is covered with more than 10,000 pieces of gingerbread and is the perfect place to pick up holiday sweets and treats.
  • Disneyโ€™s Contemporary Resort is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its iconic gingerbread Cinderella Castle. This 18-foot-tall display is crafted from more than 5,000 gingerbread shingles, 47 pounds of rolled fondant, 38 pounds of modeling chocolate and much more!
  • This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the Holiday Carousel gingerbread display at Disneyโ€™s Beach Club Resort. This life-size spinning carousel features 20 โ€œHidden Mickeys,โ€ Peter Pan-themed horses and handcrafted gingerbread shingles.
  • Disneyโ€™s Contemporary Resort is home to the tallest Christmas tree at Walt Disney World. This 70-foot-tall tree is adorned with 16,000 lights and more than 200 custom ornaments.
  • Disneyโ€™s Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to a 45-foot-tall tree featuring authentic African dรฉcor and reproductions of traditional African masks.

Disney Springs

  • Disney Springs is the epicenter of holiday shopping at Walt Disney World. Itโ€™s also the largest of all of the decorated Disney locations, with more than 2,000 pieces of individual dรฉcor, including a 45-foot-tall tree.
  • Each piece of dรฉcor was custom designed to fit the classic Florida town theme that carries throughout the entirety of Disney Springs.
  • Disney Springs is also home to the Christmas Tree Trail, a walk through wonderland featuring 23 unique Disney-themed trees.

Merry Christmas, and I hope to see you there!

501 WaysHeading to Disney World this holiday season?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World this holiday season?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks And More At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

If you love Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party like I do or if this is your first time experiencing the event, I bet you’re excited to check out the new Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. Beyond the new fireworks show, there is so much to enjoy all night long.

Here are just some of things to check out on party night courtesy of Disney:

The skies above Magic Kingdom Park will sparkle to life this holiday season as visions of fireworks dance in the air during an all-new nighttime show โ€“ย Minnieโ€™s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. Hosted by Minnie Mouse, the holiday extravaganza invites guests to come together in a celebration of heartfelt moments and the magic of Christmas. The show will be presented during Mickeyโ€™s Very Merry Christmas Party, which takes place select dates November 8 – December 22, and nightly December 23 – 29.

This holiday season will also see Magic Kingdom transformed into an enchanting wonderland with dazzling decorations, holiday treats, a shimmering ice castle and more. Holiday favorites include:

  • With glittery Cinderella Castle as its centerpiece, Magic Kingdom shines its brightest during the holidays. Guests will be swept into a magical scene of seasonal music, characters in their festive finery and fireworks bursting above. Duringย A Frozen Holiday Wishย stage show, Queen Elsa magically transforms Cinderella Castle with glistening ice.
  • Holiday Fireworks Dessert Parties are a sweet way to enjoy the new holiday fireworks. Offered nightly, each festive party includes seasonal treats and dazzling views of the new fireworks spectacular. Dessert parties are not included with theme park admission. For schedules, pricing information and reservations, please click here or call 407-WDW-DINE.
  • Each of the 23 nights of Mickeyโ€™s Very Merry Christmas Party will feature performances ofย Mickeyโ€™s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,ย A Totally Tomorrowland Christmasย andย Mickeyโ€™s Most Merriest Celebration stage show. Guests will also experience holiday enhancements to favorite attractions, such as Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise, and Mad Tea Party. Thereโ€™s also an all-new holiday show at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, and when you get behind the wheel at the Tomorrowland Speedway, youโ€™ll find yourself cruising a festive freeway filled with thousands of lights and stylized dรฉcor. Guests can also savor complimentary treats, discover event-exclusive merchandise and delight to a magical โ€œsnowfallโ€ on Main Street, U.S.A.
Dates in 2019 for Mickeyโ€™s Very Merry Christmas Party are:
  • November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24
  • December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22

Tickets for Mickeyโ€™s Very Merry Christmas Party start at $99 (plus tax) and can be booked by clicking here or calling 407-939-5277.ย 

Merry Christmas, and I hope to see you there!

501 WaysHeading to Disney World this holiday season?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help youย save time and money:

Are you excited to see Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!