I love Independence Day! The Fourth of July is perfect for parades and fireworks. Where else would you want to be than Walt Disney World Resort? If you're planning a trip to Disney World, you'll want to be prepared ! Here is the schedule for July 4 activities:
Magic Kingdom
- Park hours: 8:00 AM-1:00 AM
- "Disney Dreams Come True" parade: 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM
- "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks: 9:00 PM
- "SpectroMagic" parade: 10:30 PM and 12:30 AM
The Magic Kingdom will also host a very special ceremony. More than 1,000 immigrants from dozens of countries will realize their dream of becoming United States citizens during a Naturalization ceremony that morning in front of Cinderella's Castle. Scheduled highlights:
- The Oath of Allegiance administered by Director of USCIS Emilio Gonzalez
- Keynote address by U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla.
- The national anthem performed by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan
- Recognition of Estefan and her husband Emilio as outstanding "Americans by Choice" for being exemplary naturalized citizens
- Performance of "God Bless the U.S.A." by singer Lee Greenwood
- Fly-over by a squadron of U.S. Air Force F-15s
Gee whiz, I sure wish that I could be there!
Epcot
- Park hours: 9 AM-10 PM
- "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" spectacle of lights, music and fireworks: 10:00 PM (one hour later than normal)
Disney-MGM Studios
- Park hours: 9:00 AM-10:00 PM
- "Disney Stars and Motor Cars" parade: 3:00 PM
- 4th of July fireworks: 9:00 PM
- "Fantasmic!" nighttime spectacular of dancing water, dramatic music, breathtaking animation, lasers, fireworks and surprises: 10:00 PM
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Park hours: 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
- "Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Expedition" parade: 4:00 PM
Tips for Enjoying the Fourth of July
All of the theme parks at Walt Disney World will be very crowded and I'm sure the temperatures will be scorching! Be sure to drink plenty of water, and use every crowd-avoiding technique possible:
- Arrive early! Get to the gate at least 15 minutes for the official opening time. Put your fast-walking shoes on, and ride as many popular attractions as early as you can.
- Get FASTPASS tickets for your must-do activities as early in the day as possible... especially Soarin' at Epcot, Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom.
- Plan to spend the entire day in one park. It's quite possible that admissions will be closed because the park has reached its capacity. I wouldn't risk trying to park hop. You might not be allowed in the other park!
- Plan to "chill out." Spend time sitting on an out-of-the-way bench. Have a cold beverage. Try some of the "A-ticket" attractions... you know, those that are overlooked and under-appreciated.
You know, I'm getting to be a big fan of the special concerts at Epcot. They started out as add-ons to other special events, like the Flower and Garden Festival and the International Food and Wine Festival. 
Performing daily at the USA Pavilion, the Voices of Liberty are one of my favorites at Epcot. Dressed in colonial costumes, the eight-part a capella chorus performs patriotic and folk songs throughout the day. They usually perform in the rotunda of The American Adventure. Take a seat on the floor for the best acoustics. 
