Walt Disney World 4th of July Food & Activities Guide

At Walt Disney World, every day is a good day for a fireworks finale, but especially the 4th of July. Disney World is an undeniably magical place to celebrate Independence Day—and not just because of the pyrotechnics. 

From all-American cuisine, including some limited-time dishes, to entire attractions inspired by the United States’ humble beginnings, there’s no shortage of patriotic fare and activities to enjoy. So, get your sparklers ready and don your best red, white and blue as we go over all the ways you can party this Fourth of July at Walt Disney World. (Updated June 27, 2023)

How to Have a Blast This Fourth of July at Walt Disney World

4th of July is one of the most popular (AKA busiest) times of the year to visit Walt Disney World, and with good reason. For many, it wouldn’t be Independence Day without cookout classics like burgers, BBQ and hot dogs, a glittering Fourth of July fireworks show, good times with family and friends and, of course, a healthy dose of patriotism. 

Believe it or not, you’ll find it all at the massive Central Florida resort. If you’re hoping to celebrate July 4th with a bang this year at The Most Magical Place on Earth, keep reading for the many holiday-friendly food and activity offerings available for 2023. 

Walt Disney World 4th of July Attractions & Entertainment

If you’re anything like us, one of the highlights of the 4th of July is having fun with family and friends, and there’s a whole lot of fun to be had for Independence Day at Disney World. The sprawling resort is jam-packed with everything from patriotic attractions to nighttime entertainment offerings like campfires and, of course, Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky, the fireworks show at Magic Kingdom Park. 

But, that’s not all. It’s also crawling with people. Be aware that the 4th of July crowds are big, especially at Magic Kingdom. In fact, prior to Disney World Park Pass Reservations, the park would often fill up before noon. 

So, keep in mind that if you want to watch Magic Kingdom’s Fourth of July fireworks, you will need to have a reservation or plan to watch the show from outside the park, as park hopping will likely be unavailable. 

Disney World Fourth of July Fireworks

For some, there’s no better way to celebrate life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness than with a few colorful explosions. Happily, one of Walt Disney World’s most impressive fireworks displays, Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky, will be making its glorious return to Magic Kingdom in 2023. 

Along with a stirring soundtrack of patriotic tunes, this thrilling nighttime spectacular also dazzles guests with 360 degrees of fireworks and features over 1,500 shells launched from multiple points around the park’s perimeter. 

Don’t have a reservation for the 4th of July at Magic Kingdom? That’s ok! Magic Kingdom officially has two showings of Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky on July 3 and 4, both at 9:20 PM. Or, brave the crowds and do some resort hopping around the Magic Kingdom Resort Monorail Loop to catch the show, no park ticket needed. 

Alternatively, you can also head over to Epcot for Epcot Forever, the park’s new nighttime spectacular. With a thrilling combination of fountains, lights, lasers and pyrotechnics, it’s still a fitting way to end your July 4th. Showtimes are at 9 PM nightly. 

Patriotic Attractions & Entertainment at Disney World

Walt Disney was very patriotic. So, it’s no wonder that you’ll find more than a few nods to the Great American Experiment sprinkled around The Most Magical Place on Earth. Needless to say, if you’re going to be doing the 4th of July, Disney-style, here are a few attractions and entertainment offerings that shouldn’t be missed.

Magic Kingdom

• The Hall of Presidents – A 25-minute stage show celebrating the history of the United States of America, starring a cast of 45 Audio-Animatronic presidents
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress –A time-traveling, 21-minute Audio-Animatronic stage show through the decades and some of the 20th century’s greatest technological developments, set in a revolving theater

Epcot

• The American Adventure – A 30-minute Audio-Animatronic stage show about some of America’s greatest moments, featuring a soaring soundtrack
• Voices of Liberty – Live vocal performance featuring stunning, multi-part harmonies and a moving playlist of patriotic songs, held throughout the day at the American Adventure Pavilion in World Showcase 

Family Fun at Disney World Hotel Campfires & Movies Under the Stars

Camping is a favorite pastime for many families on the 4th of July, but you don’t need to be staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground to spend some time in the great outdoors. Campfires are held in the evenings at Disney World’s deluxe, deluxe villa and moderate resorts, and you can even roast marshmallows on the crackling fire for your very own s’mores. 

Then, if one is available, stick around for a Movie Under the Stars. Completely free, they’re a great way to end a long day in the parks spent fighting the July 4th crowds and a unique activity for your Independence Day celebration.  

Disney 4th of July Dining – Special Menus & Independence Day Restaurant Picks

No July 4th is complete without a buffet of all-American eats. And since most of the festivities take place outside, this patriotic holiday is all about food that would be right at home at a backyard barbecue or picnic in the park. 

Fortunately, with a Walt Disney World 4th of July, there’s no need to skip out on grilled burgers, saucy ribs and desserts decked out in red, white and blue. Whether you’re on the prowl for a filling meal or craving something sweet, Disney’s got you covered with a selection of seasonal dishes, plus some Fourth of July-ready restaurants. 

Please note that no special Fourth of July menu items are available at Magic Kingdom Park or Animal Kingdom Theme Park. 

Limited-Time 4th of July Menu Items

Epcot

Connections Café | World Celebration  

Available July 4 only

• Fourth of July Liege Waffle – Brioche Dough Waffle with Pearl Sugar and Patriotic Sprinkles

Fife & Drum Tavern | The American Adventure Pavilion

Available now

• The American Dream – Frozen Fanta Wild Cherry, Vanilla Ice Cream and Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry Slushy

Sunshine Seasons | The Land Pavilion  

Available July 1 through 31

• Fourth of July Shake – Red Velvet Shake with Whipped Cream, Red Velvet Cake Pieces and Independence Day Toppings 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Backlot Express | Echo Lake  

Available July 1 through 31

• Mickey Apple Pie Cupcake – Yellow Cupcake stuffed with Apple Pie Filling, topped with Salted Caramel Buttercream and Cinnamon Streusel and garnished with Red, White and Blue Mickey Ears

Woody’s Lunch Box | Toy Story Land

Available July 1 through 31

• Fourth of July Lunch Box Tart – Flaky Pastry filled with Cherry Pie Filling and topped with Vanilla Fondant and Star Sprinkles

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Walt Disney World Hotel Pool Bars and Lounges

Available June 30 through July 9

• Red, White and Blue Gin and Tonic – Empress 1908 Gin, Tonic Water and Cranberry and Pomegranate Juices (New!)
• Red, White and Blue Colada – Bacardi Raspberry Rum blended with Coconut, Pineapple and Raspberry Puree and topped with a Blue Curaçao Float

Disney’s All-Star Resorts

World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court and End Zone Food Court

Available through August 31, Mobile Order offered

• Sweet Summertime Favorites – Hot Dog Eclair with Chocolate Buttercream, Iced Sugar Cookie “Fries” and Raspberry Dipping Sauce

Disney’s BoardWalk

BoardWalk Deli and Carousel Coffee

Available June 27 through July 4

• Freedom Cheesecake – Red Velvet Brownie Base, Vanilla Cheesecake, Sweet Cream, Crisp Pearls and White Chocolate Garnish
• Independence Day Cupcake – Cinnamon Cupcake, Apple Pie Filling and Vanilla Mascarpone Cream

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill

Available July 1 through 31, Mobile Order offered

• Star-Spangled Brownie Bar – Graham Cracker Crust and Chocolate Chip Fudgy Brownie topped with Brown Butter Caramel Mousse, Popping Candy and Patriotic Chocolate Décor

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Contempo Café 

Available July 1 through 8, Mobile Order offered

• Fourth of July Fruit Tart – Blackberry Custard topped with Fresh Berries and a Vanilla Panna Cotta Popsicle

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Good’s Food to Go

Available June 27 through July 4

• Fourth of July Layer Cake – Layers of Red Velvet Cake with White and Blue Buttercream filled with a Patriotic Sprinkle Surprise

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside

Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory and Riverside Mill Food Court 

Available July 1 through 31, Mobile Order offered

• Star-Spangled Brownie Bar – Graham Cracker Crust and Chocolate Chip Fudgy Brownie topped with Brown Butter Caramel Mousse, Popping Candy and Patriotic Chocolate Décor

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Le Petit Café 

Available June 27  through July 4

• Patriotic Top Hat – Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with Morello Cherries on a Riviera Brownie (New!)

Bar Riva

Available June 30 through July 14

• Patriotic Wave – The Mediterranean Wave (Frozen Blend of Vodka, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto Liqueur, Pineapple and Agave) with the addition of Blue Curaçao and Hibiscus

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

The Artist’s Palette

Available June 27 through July 4, Mobile Order offered

• Fourth of July Layer Cake – Layers of Red Velvet Cake with White and Blue Buttercream filled with a Patriotic Sprinkle Surprise

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Roaring Fork

Available June 27 through July 4, Mobile Order offered

• Lemon Mousse Cake – Lemon Cake and White Chocolate Lemon Mousse with a Blueberry Compote Center and Patriotic Chocolate Stars

Other Disney World Dining Options for Independence Day

While winter holidays like Christmas feature sprawling meals with all the fixings, July 4th keeps things fresh and fun, cooking up casual, often handheld bites like hot dogs, BBQ, burgers and sandwiches. Talk about a delicious interlude from the summer sunshine!

Searching for somewhere to get your Fourth of July food fix? Since you can’t fire up the grill, make your way to one of the Walt Disney World restaurants below for hearty helpings of classic American cuisine.

Quick-Service Restaurants

Fourth of July favorites like burgers and hot dogs aren’t just an Independence Day institution. They’re also quintessential theme park fare. For a quick, easy and affordable meal worthy of your patriotic celebration, check out one of these quick-service restaurants at Walt Disney World. 

Magic Kingdom

• Casey’s Corner – Fan-favorite hot dogs smothered in toppings like chili and cheese or Chicago-style favorites like relish, tomatoes, onions and mustard

• Columbia Harbour House – Light dishes perfect for hot summer days like lobster rolls and a plant-based crab cake sandwich

Epcot

• Connections Eatery – Creative burgers and other American cuisine with a global twist

• Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue – BBQ inspired by the United States’ regional barbecue styles and juicy burgers on a garlic toast bun in a patriotic setting

Hollywood Studios

• Dockside Diner – Light bites inspired by a day at the ballpark, including hot dogs loaded with mac & cheese (and bacon!) or apple-braised sauerkraut and onions
• Fairfax Fare – Hearty bowls with all the fixings, like barbecued beef brisket with bacon, corn chips and queso on top of mashed potatoes
• Rosie’s All-American Café – Fourth of July favorites like burgers, hot dogs, salads and a plant-based lobster roll 

Animal Kingdom

• Flame Tree Barbecue – Smokehouse classics like ribs, pulled pork and smoked chicken with saucy baked beans, fan-powered breezes and waterfront views

Disney Springs

• B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. – State-inspired spins on hot dogs (think New York pastrami or a Spam-sprinkled ode to the Hawaiian Islands), as well as some more worldly versions
• D-Luxe Burger – Giant, juicy burgers served with hand-cut fries and artisanal shakes
• The Polite Pig – Orlando-based modern BBQ joint with Floridian flair

Table-Service Restaurants

Looking for something heartier or more quality time with some of your favorite people and foods? From quintessentially American meals to all-you-can-eat family-style feasts, exercise your liberty and celebrate Independence Day with one of these Walt Disney World table-service restaurants. 

Magic Kingdom

• Liberty Tree Tavern – While not typical July 4th fare, it doesn’t get any more American than a full Thanksgiving Day dinner

Hollywood Studios

• 50’s Prime Time Café – Comfort food favorites just like grandma used to make, including crispy fried chicken and tender pot roast, served in a playful, homey setting
• Roundup Rodeo BBQ – Saucy, smoky barbecue with cookout-ready sides in a Toy Story-inspired setting
• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant – Inventive burgers and more classic dishes served car-side at an old-school drive-in theater

Disney Springs

• The Boathouse – Upscale seafood, heritage steaks and beachy sandwiches in a waterfront setting
• The Edison – Huge portions of elevated American-style dishes such as burgers, ribs and tomato soup with grilled cheese
• House of Blues Restaurant & Bar – Southern food favorites like BBQ and fried chicken with a soulful soundtrack

Disney World Hotels

• Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Diner food favorites like burgers, sandwiches and loaded tots along with some of Disney World’s most iconic ice cream
• Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – All-you-care-to-enjoy family-style skillets loaded up with barbecued meats and classic sides

Well, my fellow Americans, that’s everything on offer this 4th of July at Walt Disney World Resort. Have you had a chance to enjoy the Fourth of July fireworks at The Most Magical Place on Earth? Let us know in the comments! Then, learn how to take your travel budget further with our discount Disney World tickets.