Celebrating Fourth of July in Orlando

It’s probably stating the obvious when we say that America loves a party, but it especially loves a party for the Fourth of July, and it’s a great time to be in Orlando.

With the big annual shindig fast approaching, we thought it would be a good idea to highlight some of the essential ways you can enjoy this most American of celebrations, as well as appreciate the extra pizzazz that goes with it.

The first thing to know is most of the theme parks put on some extra glitter and glitz to mark the occasion. Some of them - notably SeaWorld and Disney - also make it into a multi-day event, so you have more than one opportunity to catch the event.

July the Fourth? Isn’t that Independence Day?

For the UK, we probably know it better as Independence Day, and that’s not because of the film. We are taught at school about the War of Independence, hence that is the reference that springs most readily to mind.

But, to most Americans, it is more that July the Fourth is the key date, and that tends to be the label by which it goes in the US.

It is one and the same thing, of course, so don’t be confused by the different terminology. July the Fourth IS Independence Day, and vice versa. It is just the cue for some serious party time, and it is fine to join in the fun and festivities, especially when it comes to the fireworks.

Did someone say fireworks?

Yes, there is no July the Fourth that doesn’t get marked with some major fireworks. If you know the US national anthem, you’ll know it includes the line:

”And the rockets’ red glare…”

And that is all the excuse they need to ramp up the red, white, and blue fireworks to maximum effect. Not only will there be major set-piece events at the parks and all the main civic centres, but there will also be roughly a billion rockets launched in gardens and parks across the country.

Therefore - and notably for our villa customers - don’t expect a quiet night in your neighbourhood if there are a lot of locals around. There WILL be fireworks, even if, technically, they are not allowed by local ordinance, and they WILL last well into the evening.

The day that can last all week

One obvious thing to point out is that, while there are extra festivities, that does also mean extra crowds, and the parks will be extremely busy pretty much all week, as it marks the height of the US summer holidays.

But, providing you are forewarned on this point, and you remember to pack some extra patience for the day, you should still be able to enjoy everything to the max.

And don’t worry if you can’t get to one of the parks on July the Fourth itself. Check out our listing below and you will discover some places make it a multi-night performance!

What happens where?

The important thing is to know all your options in advance, and that’s where we come in (with help from Visit Orlando.

The theme parks - notably at Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Legoland Florida - are your best bet for the large-scale pyrotechnic spectaculars, but don’t rule out a few others as well.

Here is this year’s line-up:

Disney’s Magic Kingdom: Get a double helping of Fourth of July spirit as the House of Mouse stages its big extravaganza on both July 3 and 4. Called “Celebrate America - A Fourth of July Concert In The Sky,” it launches at 9.20pm on both days, with fireworks over Cinderella Castle as well as around Seven Seas Lagoon in front of the park.

Disney’s Epcot Park: If you stay for the Epcot Forever night-time show, which starts at 9pm every evening, be sure not to leave when the show comes to an end as there is as extra, Fourth of July patriotic highlight afterwards, with more fireworks and special effects.

SeaWorld: Enjoy FOUR full days of SeaWorld’s Fourth of July Celebration as the park stages its big pyrotechnic show at 11pm on Jul 1-4 for a truly extended weekend’s enjoyment. The nightly Ignite show kicks things off, and then is followed by the Independence Day extra, with inspiring music synced to even more fireworks, plus fountain and laser effects.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort: From July 2-4, the skies above Lake Eloise fill with one of the park’s biggest fireworks shows of the year - which explodes into 3D LEGO bricks right before your eyes with special viewing glasses! - during Red, White & BOOM, which is included with park admission.

Lake Eola Park: Head to downtown Orlando for this annual tribute to the special day. Fireworks at the Fountain features live entertainment and family-friendly fun, plus food and beverages available from a variety of vendors from 4pm, culminating with a patriotic fireworks finale at 10pm.

The Promenade at Sunset Walk: Get the party started early this year at this Kissimmee hot-spot, with live music, street performers, a car and truck show and more. It’s all part of the Star Spangled 4-Day Celebration, which runs from June 30 to July 4, ending on Independence Day with a fireworks spectacular at 9.45pm.

Altamonte Springs: This final offering - on July 3, NOT July 4 - is a bit off the beaten tourist track but is well worth making the journey for, as it includes one of the biggest fireworks displays in central Florida. Hosted by the City of Altamonte Springs, about 25 minutes north of the main tourism districts, Red Hot & Boom invites you to enjoy live music, food and one of the best shows in town.

Have you ever visited one of the parks on Fourth of July? Tell us about your experience on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages… and don’t forget to interact with us on Pinterest and now TikTok too!