We’ve had a look at what’s going on and these are our favourite 4th of July events in Orlando in 2024.
American Independence Day is a time when millions of US citizens fly the American flag, to commemorate the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776. It’s also a time when Orlando comes alive with endless parties, parades and star-spangled celebrations!
Along with numerous events happening at the theme parks, excellent and cheaper alternatives include barbecues, firework displays and fun runs. If you’re celebrating Independence Day in Orlando and are looking for the best places to head, read on for the most anticipated Orlando 4th of July events. Make your time away extra special and celebrate in style, with a stay in one of our beautiful 4th of July Orlando villas. Kitted out with private pools, themed kids rooms, games rooms and a plethora of big kid amenities too, like gyms, sports bars, summer kitchens with wet bars and BBQs, golf simulators and putting greens, and even state-of-the-art home theaters and bowling alleys, our luxury Orlando vacation rentals set the scene for a one-of-a-kind 4th of July you’ll always remember!
Disney World 4th of July
Independence Day in Disney World is often the best time of the year to catch the parks’ biggest and best fireworks shows. With patriotic firework displays at Magic Kingdom and Epcot, the 4th of July promises to be extra special.
4th of July at Magic Kingdom
For those seeking some context to the 4th of July celebrations, head to Magic Kingdom. There you’ll be able to visit The Hall of President, for a 25-minute tour on the fascinating stories of the U.S. presidents. There’s also an optional self-guided tour available too, if you’d like to take in historical U.S artefacts and replicas. Those seeking out a moment of patriotic pride should head to Main Street afterwards, for the daily The Flag Retreat at 5pm. Guests can pledge allegiance to the flag as it is lowered, overlooked by a veteran in attendance, who is specially selected for the honor. Those wanted to re-energize afterwards should head to the numerous DJ dance parties to celebrate 4th of July and which will also take place in Magic Kingdom. In the evenings of the 3rd and 4th July from 9:20pm Magic Kingdom will be hosting its “Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” fireworks display. Prepare to enjoy an illuminating show of pageantry, with patriotic themed music to accompany the fireworks and themed castle projections. There will also be plenty of patriotic treats available throughout the park, including themed refreshments and plenty of new merchandise. Be sure to look out for your favorite characters who will be wearing their fourth of July finest!
EPCOT 4th of July events
Another fantastic showcase of 4th July events in Orlando will be taking place at EPCOT. Live vocals from the live cappella group Voices of Liberty will be performing by the American Adventure rotunda from the best-loved hits from the American songbook. Families looking for a fun educational journey into American history can visit EPCOT’s American Adventure show. Around the park too, patriotic 4th of July vibes will be in the air. The iconic Spaceship Earth at EPCOT will also be illuminated red, white and blue for the 4th of July, whilst the nightly “Heartbeat of Freedom” fireworks display from 9pm promises to top off a star-spangled trip to the parks.
Those looking to continue the celebrations after-hours will adore entertaining from our luxury villas in Orlando – home to summer BBQ kitchens, private pools, epic games rooms and more!
Universal Studios
Families heading to Orlando will also be in for a treat if visiting Universal Studios. Where both the park and its popular Universal CityWalk are hosting family-friendly 4th of July celebrations. Universal Studios will be offering numerous character meets from the likes of “Despicable Me”, “Madagascar” and more, along with patriotic street performers and an enthralling 4th of July fireworks display. Visitors will also be able to experience plenty of upbeat live music, and a DJ set at both Universal Studios and CityWalk – so wear your dancing shoes!
Legoland
Lego fans heading to Orlando for 4th of July shouldn’t miss Legoland’s annual “Red, White & Boom” celebration on 4th of July. This ‘Awe-Summer’ event includes star-spangled Lego-themed activities such as Lego builds and a must-see immersive 4th of July fireworks display, which (with the help of special viewing glasses) explodes into 3D Lego bricks! There’ll also be a fun DJ Dance Party and patriotic time limited sweet treat to look forward to.
Celebrations at Old Town Kissimmee
Bring the whole family for a laid-back day of lively celebration in Kissimmee Old Town. Enjoy the buzzing streets and live music from the band Rocktown, as they perform on the Old Town Main Stage from 6-10pm. Topped off by a free firework display over the Old Town, Kissimmee promises a fun atmosphere all around.
Orlando 4th of July Fireworks 2024
If you’re not up for the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, there are loads of other events going on around Orlando. And what’s more, many of them are totally free. Here are some of the most exciting firework displays to check out over the fourth of July weekend in Orlando.
Disney’s “Celebrate America – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky!”
Located: Walt Disney World – Magic Kingdom
For a spectacular 4th of July, the 14-minute long “Celebrate America – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” fireworks display over Cinderella’s Castle on Main Street U.S.A is sure to impress! Enjoy them on July 3 and July 4, and enjoy a fun family celebration together.
Disney’s “Heartbeat of Freedom”
Located: Walt Disney World – EPCOT
Those enjoying EPCOT can savor some patriotic treats whilst taking in the equally magical and intense 5-minute long “Heartbeat of Freedom” fireworks display. With plenty of high impact and pageantry to look forward to a 4th of July spent at EPCOT is not easily forgotten!
Universal’s 4th of July
Located: Universal Studios
Watchable from anywhere in the park, the “Fourth of July Celebration” display offers a special take on the 4th of July celebrations, with fireworks to illuminate the night time skies. Set against a backdrop of the park and illuminated flag-themed Spaceship Earth, the evening time here promises to feel extras special over 4th of July.
Fireworks at the Fountain
Located: Downtown Orlando – Lake Eola Park
One of Orlando’s biggest and best 4th of July fireworks displays takes place downtown at Lake Eola Fountain in Eola Park. The family-friendly festivities begin from 4pm, with a firework finale set to a live patriotic performance by the Orlando Concert Band getting started at around 9:10pm. The party gets going well before the night skies are illuminated though, with live music and family entertainment, food and beverage stalls. If you’re not yet comfortable attending in-person events, you can stream the whole event online!
Old Town Kissimmee 4th of July Celebrations Fireworks
Located: Over Old Town Kissimmee
This free Orlando fireworks display for 4th of July promises to put a star-spangled feel in your step. Kicking off from 9pm, the entire family will enjoy celebrating in the relaxed and beautiful Old Town Kissimmee community.
“Star Spangled Celebration”
Location: Sunset Walk
Hosted by Old Glory Beer and starring DFALC, this free day and night event at Sunset Walk promises to celebrate America to its fullest. Enjoy live concert music from DFALC and take in the patriotic firework display to celebrate Independence Day. With free parking too, this local event really promises to be a fun and popular event.
The City of Winter Garden “Party in the Park”
Location: Newton Park on Lake Apopka, Winter Garden
Soak up endless preshow entertainments and one of Central Florida’s best firework shows at the annual City of Winter Garden’s “Party in the Park”. Enjoy the family-friendly activities and live music entertainment from 6pm, followed by a spectacular firework display from 9:15pm over Lake Apopka.
“Thunder on the Ridge”
Located: Lake Eva Park, Haines City
As Polk County’s best-loved 4th of July fireworks display, you can expect big things from “Thunder on the Ridge”. Making a bang since 1998, Central Florida residents and visitors alike can enjoy soaking up the patriotic celebrations from 4 – 9pm.
Orlando Park BBQs for 4th July
For many, the 4th of July means it’s time to light up the BBQ! There are so many beautiful parks in Orlando with picnic tables and grills for barbecues. Some of the nicest ones include Cypress Grove Park and Wadeview Park in the central area of Orlando; Downey Park and Moss Park in east Orlando; Bill Frederick Park in west Orlando and Wekiwa Springs in Apopka. Simply pack what you need and head down to one of the parks for an afternoon of eating, drinking and celebrating.
Those looking to entertain from the comfort of their Orlando villa for 4th of July will find our collection of vacation rentals ideal. Packed with summer kitchens, poolside lanais, fire pits and with optional BBQ rentals, they set the scene for a fun and memorable 4th of July getaway.
“Happy Fourth of July!”
