Theme Park Scope

If you’re planning to celebrate Independence Day at Walt Disney World, it’s time to start making those park plans.

Walt Disney World has officially released the showtimes for its special Fourth of July fireworks presentations at both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, and there’s a surprise this year: guests will be able to enjoy the patriotic spectaculars for three nights instead of two.

The extended schedule gives guests more opportunities to experience some of the most impressive fireworks displays Disney offers all year.

At Magic Kingdom, guests can enjoy Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky on July 3, 4, and 5.

The patriotic fireworks spectacular will begin at 9 PM each night.

Guests should also note that Happily Ever After will not be performed on July 3, 4, or 5, as the Fourth of July spectacular will replace Magic Kingdom’s regular nighttime fireworks presentation during those evenings.

The special show is known for featuring enhanced fireworks, patriotic music, and one of the largest pyrotechnic displays of the year at Walt Disney World.

Over at EPCOT, guests will once again be able to experience Heartbeat of Freedom, the park’s annual Independence Day fireworks finale.

For 2026, Heartbeat of Freedom will be presented on July 3, 4, and 5.

The evening begins with the regularly scheduled performance of Luminous: The Symphony of Us at 9 PM, followed immediately by Heartbeat of Freedom at approximately 9:15 PM.

The patriotic tag has become a fan-favorite tradition at EPCOT thanks to its massive fireworks finale surrounding World Showcase Lagoon.

Traditionally, Walt Disney World has offered its Independence Day fireworks on July 3 and July 4. This year’s addition of July 5 performances at both parks gives guests an extra opportunity to experience the holiday entertainment while potentially avoiding some of the largest Fourth of July crowds.

Disney has also updated park hours around the holiday weekend as anticipation builds for one of the busiest travel periods of the summer.

Planning a Fourth of July Visit?

If experiencing Disney’s patriotic fireworks is on your Walt Disney World bucket list, you’ll want to arrive early. Both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are expected to see some of their highest attendance levels of the year during the Independence Day holiday weekend.

The good news? With three nights of special entertainment now scheduled, guests have more flexibility than ever when deciding when to visit.

Be sure to keep checking back with Theme Park Scope for more Walt Disney World news, Fourth of July updates, fireworks schedules, entertainment announcements, and the latest happenings from around the parks.