Planning to spend Independence Day at Disneyland? 4th of July can be a great time to visit The Happiest Place on Earth. Whether you’re hoping for all-American dishes, patriotic music or colorful fireworks, there’s something for everyone. So, wave those stars and stripes proudly as we break down everything on offer for the Fourth of July at Disneyland Resort. (Updated June 27, 2023)
Visiting Disneyland Resort for Your July 4th Celebration
Without a doubt, one of the most popular—and, as a result, busiest—times to go to Disneyland is during the holidays. While most people think of The Happiest Place on Earth as a must-go destination during Halloween and Christmas, the Fourth of July is also a downright magical time to visit Disneyland. (As long as you don’t mind fighting the crowds, that is.)
From limited-time desserts bedecked in red, white and blue to a patriotic fireworks spectacular, and possibly even some special decorations, there’s a whole host of things available to help you celebrate Independence Day at Disneyland and California Adventure.
Just keep in mind that with Disneyland’s Park Pass Reservation System in place, you won’t be able to just waltz into the parks without some pre-planning. Fortunately, the Downtown Disney District is home to some delicious dining perfect for your 4th of July visit, with no spendy park ticket or hard-to-come-by Magic Key Pass required.
Fourth of July Dining at Disneyland & Disney California Adventure Park
It wouldn’t be the 4th of July without a smorgasbord of American-style eats. Fortunately, along with some seasonal treats available only for the holiday, guests can choose from an array of restaurants offering tasty dishes that would be right at home at any Fourth of July celebration.
Although there are a couple of exceptions, most of the limited-time menu offerings are on the sweet side. So, we recommend you stick to one of the Disneyland restaurants dishing up tasty American cuisine for lunch and dinner and save the star-spangled sweets for dessert.
As for the main course, there is a buffet of options when it comes to quintessential American food worthy of your Independence Day at Disneyland, whether you’re craving cookout classics like burgers, hot dogs and BBQ, light sandwiches made for a day at the beach or cozy comfort food favorites just like grandma used to make.
Special 4th of July Menu Items
Disneyland Park
Jolly Holiday Bakery Café | Main Street, U.S.A.
Available July 1 through July 4, Mobile Order offered
- Fourth of July Donut – Cotton Candy Icing Donut filled with Strawberry Compote and topped with Red, White and Blue Whipped Topping and Sprinkles (New!)
Plaza Inn | Main Street, U.S.A.
Available July 4 only
- Fourth of July Dining Package – Slow-roasted BBQ Pork, Fried Chicken Thigh, Smoked Sausage, Watermelon Wedge, Small Corn on the Cob, Broccoli Salad, Sharp Cheddar Mac & Cheese, Bread Roll, Specialty Dessert and Specialty Beverage (New! Reservations strongly encouraged, kids version available)
Disney California Adventure Park
Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream | Buena Vista Street
Available June 30 through July 5, Mobile Order offered
- Red, White, and Blue Sundae– Strawberry and Blueberry Sorbets topped with Fresh Strawberries, Blueberries, Whipped Cream, and Patriotic Sprinkles in a Waffle Bowl (New!)
Disneyland Resort Hotels
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
The Coffee House
Available June 30 through July 9, Mobile Order offered
- Red, White and Blue Cupcake
Downtown Disney District
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes
Available June 30 through July 4
- Red, White and Blue CakeShake – Vanilla Shake featuring a Vanilla-Frosted Rim with Red, White and Blue Sprinkles topped with a Fourth of July Cake, Whipped Cream, Red, White and Blue Sprinkles and a Cherry
Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs
Available July 4 only
- Fourth of July Mozzarella Dog – Red, White and Blue Mozzarella Cheese dipped in Batter, rolled in Panko Crumbs, fried, rolled in Sugar and served with Sriracha Dipping Sauce (New!)
Resort-wide
Available at Various Locations at Disneyland Resort including Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, Pooh Corner, Trolley Treats, Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff, and Marceline’s Confectionery
Available June 30 through July 4
- Fourth of July Apple – Granny Smith Apple dipped in Caramel with Marshmallow Ears, enrobed in Blue- and Red-colored White Chocolate, striped with White Chocolate and sprinkled with Sugar Stars
- Fourth of July Marshmallow Wand– Marshmallows dipped in Caramel, enrobed in Blue- and Red-colored White Chocolate, striped with White Chocolate and sprinkled with Sugar Stars
- Fourth of July Cereal Treat – Mickey-shaped Cereal Treat enrobed in Blue- and Red-colored White Chocolate, striped with White Chocolate and sprinkled with Sugar Stars
- Fourth of July Cake Pop
Other All-American Eats for Independence Day at Disneyland Resort Restaurants
Quick-Service Restaurants
Disneyland Park
- Harbour Galley in Critter Country – Light bites made for hot summer days, such as lobster rolls, tuna salad sandwiches and a watermelon salad
- Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country – Downhome American-style eats with plenty of Southern charm like BBQ chicken salad, loaded fries and onion rings and Mickey beignets
- Plaza Inn in Main Street, U.S.A. – Filling comfort food classics, including pot roast and fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, served in a fast-casual setting
Disney California Adventure Park
- Award Wieners in Hollywood Land – Fully loaded hot dogs, French fries and funnel cake fries with fun and flavorful toppings
- Corn Dog Castle in Paradise Gardens Park – All-American (AKA deep-fried) eats on a stick
- Flo’s V8 Café in Cars Land – Diner food favorites inspired by famed Route 66, including burgers, fried chicken and a club sandwich
- Smokejumpers Grill in Grizzly Peak – Hearty handhelds like burgers and chicken sandwiches served with a side of California history
Downtown Disney District
- Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes – Fast-casual eatery with a sprawling selection of over-the-top burgers and shakes tricked out with creative toppings and mix-ins
Disneyland Resort Hotels
- GCH Craftsman Grill – American-style dishes like hand-crafted sandwiches and a Hot Dog of the Month, along with some global-inspired offerings
Table-Service Restaurants
Disneyland Park
- River Belle Terrace in Frontierland – Classic American fare with Southern flair, from Warm Pimento Cheese & Biscuits to Burnt Ends Grilled Cheese and Open-Faced Blackened Catfish
Disney California Adventure Park
- Lamplight Lounge in Pixar Pier – All-American favorites with a California twist, including handheld classics like burgers and sandwiches as well as heartier dishes like roasted chicken and pork chops, served in a Pixar-inspired setting
Downtown Disney District
- Ballast Point Brewing Co. – Upscale bar food like burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, salads and more washed down with locally brewed craft beer
- Splitsville Luxury Lanes – Classic bowling-alley bites with elevated flavors like burgers and salads, along with unexpected offerings such as sushi
Must-Do Attractions & Entertainment for Fourth of July 2023 at Disneyland Resort
So, what else can you do in honor of the Fourth of July at Disneyland Resort besides eat? Surprisingly, a whole lot! From quintessential attractions and special entertainment with all-American credibility to a glittering fireworks finale, you’ll find it all at The Happiest Place on Earth.
Disneyland Fourth of July Fireworks & Other Nighttime Spectaculars
No 4th of July is complete without a fireworks show – and that goes for Disneyland, too. Luckily, guests at The Happiest Place on Earth can choose from two different patriotic displays, a full fireworks spectacular at Disneyland Park and a short, pyrotechnic preview at Disney California Adventure Park.
At Disneyland, you’ll be proud to be an American watching Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky. The longest of the resort’s 4th of July nighttime spectaculars, the Fourth of July Concert in the Sky mixes ooh- and ahh-inspiring fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle with inspiring patriotic music.
Unfortunately, unlike at Walt Disney World, this pyrotechnic ode to the stars and stripes is only shown on the Fourth of July. So, if you can’t snag a park reservation, be prepared to watch snippets of the show from outside the park. The show takes place at 9:30 PM on July 4, 2023.
For the best views of A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky, try to find a spot in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, on Main Street, U.S.A. between the Main Street Train Station and Central Plaza, in front of “it’s a small world” or in Frontierland along the Rivers of America.
While Disney California Adventure doesn’t offer a full fireworks show for the Fourth of July, it does have a petite, patriotic pre-show before the first showing of World of Color, starting at 9:00 PM on July 4, 2023.
While the mellowest of Disneyland’s nighttime spectaculars doesn’t normally feature fireworks (it uses a kaleidoscope of fountains and vibrant lighting instead), the World of Color – 4th of July Tribute kicks things off with a bang, thanks to a special pyrotechnic display set to an America-inspired soundtrack.
America-Inspired Disneyland Resort Attractions & Other Entertainment for July 4th, 2023
Walt Disney once said, “I get red, white and blue at times.” So, while food and fireworks are highlights of any Fourth of July celebration, it’s no wonder they aren’t the only ways you can pay homage to the United States at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park this Independence Day – including a Walt Disney original.
If you’re heading to The Happiest Place on Earth for Fourth of July 2022, don’t miss these America-lovin’ Disneyland attractions and special entertainment offerings.
Disneyland Park
The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln in Main Street, U.S.A.
A 15-minute stage show starring an Audio-Animatronic version of our 16th president, this true Disney treasure premiered for the very first time at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. After the show, learn more about another great American in the attraction’s current Frederick Douglass exhibit.
Flag Retreat Ceremony in Main Street, U.S.A.
Though held daily, this poignant ode to the Stars & Stripes and Armed Forces is a must for the Fourth of July. Listen to patriotic tunes performed especially for July 4th by the 1st Marine Division Band and honor current and former military members as the flag is retired for the evening.
Held daily at 4:30 PM
Disney California Adventure Park
Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land
While not particularly patriotic, it doesn’t get more American than a nostalgic road trip down Route 66 (or, in this case, through Ornament Valley and the quaint town of Radiator Springs.
Rogers: The Musical in Hollywood Land
Making his big on-stage debut, Steve Rogers, better known as Captain America, is taking to the Hyperion Theater for a limited run for Summer 2023. During this one-act musical, he will regale guests—in show-tune form—with tales of his humble beginnings to his time leading the Avengers, with a little help from the likes of Nick Fury and Peggy Carter.
Held daily Tuesday to Saturday most weeks at 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM (starting June 30, virtual queue available)
Live Performances by Five & Dime on Buena Vista Street
Tap your toes to live jazz performances in Carthay Circle, from the big-band flavor of the ‘20s and ‘30s, with an assist from Goofy.
Held daily at 11:45 AM, 12:45 PM, 1:45 PM, 3:15 PM, 4:15 PM, and 5:15 PM
Well, my fellow Americans, what are you hoping to do for the Fourth of July at Disneyland and California Adventure? Have you celebrated Independence Day at The Happiest Place on Earth? Let us know in the comments! Then, exercise your liberty to save some cash with our discount Disneyland tickets.
