Tips For Surviving A Star-Spangled Independence Day At The Magic Kingdom

Guests visiting the Magic Kingdom for Independence Day should be prepared for a star-spangled party. The 4th of July is one of the busiest days of the year at Disney Parks, and the Magic Kingdom frequently reaches capacity and experiences phased closures. If this is your destination for the evening's red-white-and-blue panoramic fireworks extravaganza you're going to need to plan.


Tips For Surviving A Star-Spangled Independence Day At The Magic Kingdom


Get ready to spend your day in the throng enjoying live entertainment, scrumptious treats, and patriotic pageantry. Catch Miss Piggy, Kermit, Fozzie Bear and friends as they reenact famous great moments in American history in a whimsical way during "The Muppets Present ... Great Moments in History." Dance it out with DJs spinning tunes at a Hoedown Throwdown in Frontierland, and an out-of-this-world Galactic Gathering in Tomorrowland.

It all leads up to the main event "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" is one of the biggest shows that Walt Disney World puts on with "booming fireworks orchestrated to patriotic melodies showering the Magic Kingdom sky on both July 3 and July 4 at 9:15 p.m."


The Muppets Present ... Great Moments in History

• Pack your day bag with purpose. You'll need to replenish sunscreen, a poncho to stay dry, a water bottle, and quick dry snacks. Personally I include a wide brimmed hat, cooling towel, and my own first aid kit.




• Arrive at the Magic Kingdom early in the day, and if you have your heart set on a spot in the hub for fireworks, plan on staying through until park closing.




• Consider watching the show from outside of the Magic Kingdom after a day in the Park. There are some fantastic waterfront viewing locations at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. While you still can't just walk up and have a good spot, they are considerably less crowded than the Magic Kingdom.




• Visit the most popular attractions early in the day, and use your FastPass' strategically if you plan on getting in more than a couple of rides. Read our previous Top 5 Tips to Make the Most of Walt Disney World's FastPass+ System.




• Take shelter from the mid-day sun and crowds with breaks in air-conditioned spaces. This is a great time to visit the Hall of Presidents, Carousel of Progress, Country Bear Jamboree, Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, and Mickey's Philharmagic.




• Drink plenty of water! Bring a refillable bottle along and fill it up with free ice water from any Magic Kingdom quick service restaurant. Staying Hydrated in the Florida Sun




• Finding the perfect place to view the show can be somewhat of a challenge. Consider claiming your spot for the show several hours before it happens. I guarantee that before the show begins you will be shoulder to shoulder with your neighbors.




• Vendors will be selling lots of light up souvenirs! Stop at the dollar store and buy your own glow necklaces, you'll look just as festive as the next guy and your wallet will thank you.

An Afternoon Retreat At The Hall of Presidents


Most of all take it slow and listen to your body. There will be crowds, things will go wrong, the heat and humidity will make you question your sanity. If you realize these things before heading to the park and you've planned for them all that's left to do is relax and have a wonderful time.

Oh hey! One last thing - fans at home can join in the Independence Day celebration in 2019 by viewing a special July 4 live stream of the dazzling fireworks display on the Disney Parks Blog.