10 Fun 4th of July Events in Orlando (Independence Day)

Is there a better place to celebrate Independence Day than the amusement capital of America? Of course, we are talking about Orlando in sunny Florida.

Orlando is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the USA, along with New York City and Los Angeles. It’s official nickname is “The City Beautiful,” it is also known as “O-Town.”

As you know Orlando is famous for its theme parks, but did you know that its first theme park was Gatorland, which opened in 1949. Its main attraction was a 15-foot gator which was said to be the biggest in the world. Unfortunately, it doesn’t feature on this list. But if you have free time it’s worth a visit.

How and where can you celebrate the introduction of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, in Orlando? Keep reading to find out. But if Orlando, isn’t your “thing” scroll down to the bottom as we have some exciting alternatives for you.

This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase items via affiliate links PreParture makes a small commission at NO extra cost to you.

The PreParture App is available to download at the Google Play Store and the App Store. Download it today to start plotting your Orlando adventure.

How can you celebrate Independence Day 2019, in Orlando?

1) Hollywood Studies, Walt Disney World

Hollywood Studios will once again play host to the night time show Fantasmic at 9:00PM. While it is worth a watch, it is not exclusive to Independence Day. This special performance is inspired by the Disney movie Fantasia and it displays a battle between the good and bad of the most popular Disney animations.

PreParture App address: 351 S Studio Dr., Lake Buena Vista 32830

BUY NOW:  Walt Disney World® Theme Park Tickets & Save Up to $60 off Gate Prices 

 

2) Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Orlando

Are you a Disney Vacation Club Member? Or do you know someone who is? You could celebrate Independence Day from the Top of the World Lounge in the Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Tickets are $99/person and include an epic sky-high view of the nearby fireworks and a buffet of small bites and desserts.  The event takes place at 19:30–21:30PM

PreParture App address: 4600 North World Dr., Orlando, FL 32830

3) Universal Studios at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Studios will be celebrating America during a special 3-day event from July 4^th to 6^th. The festivities will take place each day, from 5pm until 10pm. Access is available to everyone with a standard park ticket, or park to park ticket. Celebrations include live music in Music Plaza, from 5pm until the pyrotechnic show at 9:00PM, followed by Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration at 9:45PM in Central Park.

PreParture App address: 100 Universal City Plz, Universal City 91608

BUY NOW: Universal Orlando Resort Tickets (Buy 2 Days, Get 3 Days Free)

If you are travelling with kids these posts are a must read: How to Entertain your Kids at the Airport and Epic Travel Games to Prevent Boredom on Long Journey’s

4) SeaWorld Orlando

4th of July at SeaWorld Orlando will be different to many other days of the year. The fireworks of Sea World are included in the park ticket, alternatively you can purchase a $60/person ticket which includes the Electric Ocean Show and reserved seat for the fantastic firework display afterwards.

PreParture App address: 7007 Sea Harbor Dr, Orlando 32821

BUY NOW: SeaWorld Orlando Tickets, Save Up To 45% 

5) Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Disney’s Magic Kingdom, will be holding the annual “Disney Celebrates America” Fourth of July Concert at 9:15PM. Expect beautiful colours, lights and epic pyrotechnics.

PreParture App address: 1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista 32836

BUY NOW:  Walt Disney World® Theme Park Tickets & Save Up to $60 off Gate Prices 

 

6) Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World

Hollywood Studios is celebrating the global success of the famous George Lucas franchise with Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. This 15-minute extravaganza starts at 9:30PM and is filled with lights, lasers and includes the best scenes and moments of the Star Wars universe. It’s an unmissable eve for every Jedi in training!

PreParture App address: 351 S Studio Dr., Lake Buena Vista 32830

7) EPCOT, Walt Disney World

You MUST schedule a visit to Epcot’s current night-time spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, as it will be closed at the end of the summer. Then it will be gone forever. However, it doesn’t have to be on July 4^th.

PreParture App address: 200 Epcot Center Dr, Orlando 32821

BUY NOW:  Walt Disney World® Theme Park Tickets & Save Up to $60 off Gate Prices 

 

 

8) Typhoon Lagoon, Walt Disney World

Typhoon Lagoon at Disney have an epic evening event available on selected nights until August 24^th. Get your swimsuit out and enjoy the water fun at their H2O Glow Nights, $59/person.

PreParture App address: 1145 East Buena Vista Boulevard, Orlando 32830

9) ICON Park, International Drive

ICON Park, International Drive, will be hosting Light Up I-Drive, from 4PM until 10PM. The festivities will include a pyrotechnic light show, celebratory food and drink, live entertainment, fun lawn games and of course incredible views on the 400-foot high experience The Wheel. The fun will continue on July 5^th, from 4PM until midnight.

PreParture App address: 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

BUY NOW: Admission for The Wheel and Park, with over 35% off

 

10) Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Finally, if you choose to visit Animal Kingdom for 4^th of July you can enjoy a water show, Rivers of Light: We Are One, which starts at 9:00pm. Arrive in advance for the best seats.

PreParture App address: Conservation Way, Bay Lake 32830

Travelling to Orlando may include a long flight, depending on where you live. We have a 
helpful post for you, check it out before you depart, How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight.

4th of July Alternatives to Orlando

If Orlando isn’t your “thing” check these other celebrations happening across the USA:

• Time Out give a 4^th of July Guide to New York City.
• Discover Los Angeles shares local events to enjoy Independence Day in L.A.
• Boston Harborfest are sure to be pulling out all the stops this 4^th of July.
• Find out what you can do in your red, white and blue in New Orleans.