In a surprise move, the “Celebrate America!” Fourth of July fireworks will be shown over more dates during Independence Day 2026 weekend at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Here dates and details, along with an early look at what to expect from the holiday on both coasts.
This news comes as part of the “Disney Celebrates America” announcement, which covers the ways that the company is joining a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States (or the Semiquincentennial–rolls right off the tongue!).
“Disney Celebrates America” kicks off on Veterans Day 2025 and continues through the Fourth of July 2026 weekend, bringing together different parts of Disney to honor America’s past, celebrate the present, and inspire its future. Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland will feature heavily in “Disney Celebrates America,” and one such way is the fireworks shows at the parks over Independence Day. Here are more details from Disney’s announcement…
As America’s preeminent storyteller, Disney will help bring the semiquincentennial to life by celebrating the dreams, stories, and optimism that have inspired generations. From sports and entertainment to travel and tourism, Disney encourages families everywhere to explore, learn and discover the diverse lands, and vibrant communities that make up our shared story. (Coincidence or curious choice of words that “Spaceship Earth: Our Shared Story” was the name of the shelved 2020 ride reimagining?!)
“At its heart, America’s story is one of imagination, ambition, and possibility – the same ideals that have guided Disney since the beginning,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This celebration honors both a nation and a spirit that never stop dreaming about what’s next.”
To mark the occasion, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate coast-to-coast, anchored by the Summer 2026 opening of Soarin’ Across America, an immersive flight experience aboard the beloved Soarin’ attractions at Disney California Adventure park and EPCOT. Soarin’ Across America will take guests on a breathtaking journey, highlighting some of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.
“Disney Celebrates America” will culminate over the weekend of July 4, 2026 with a 24-hour, multi-platform broadcast that highlights the United States Semiquincentennial events nationwide across Disney’s linear networks and streaming platforms, including Disney+, Hulu, ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN, Freeform, FX and National Geographic, ending with a special evening fireworks broadcast from Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
David Muir, anchor and managing editor of “World News Tonight with David Muir,” will lead the daylong coverage and be joined by ABC News anchors and correspondents, iconic ESPN commentators, and National Geographic Explorers reporting from across the country for this one-in-a-lifetime presentation featuring top entertainers, athletes, explorers, and historians – all coming together to spotlight the wonder, achievements, and dreams that define the American spirit.
As part of the United States Semiquincentennial celebration, the beloved fireworks show “Disney’s Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” will play across all three nights of the holiday weekend, July 3-5, 2026, at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom.
There will be other special events and offerings as part of “Disney Celebrates America” with relevance to Walt Disney World and Disneyland fans:
- In June 2026, ABC News Studios will present a two-hour primetime special that journeys through the heart of our nation – where the real-life spirit of iconic locales like New Orleans and the American frontier comes alive through the beloved lands of Disney Parks, connecting audiences to the extraordinary people, places, histories, and traditions that make America unique.
- Disney Consumer Products will once again honor our nation’s heroes with a new special military-inspired assortment now available at select locations across Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, while supplies last. In addition, debuting in May 2026, an array of Americana merchandise, including select items commemorating America’s milestone anniversary, will be available for purchase at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and DisneyStore.com.
- In November of this year, Disney will unveil 2026 discounts available at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Cruise Line for eligible service members in appreciation of their service and in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
For those unfamiliar with “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky,” the fireworks show is usually performed on July 3-4 at Magic Kingdom, replacing Happily Ever After on those evenings. So really, this is an extension of one night–July 5, 2026.
The castle park fireworks show is really impressive–at least at Walt Disney World. (We were rather whelmed our first time seeing it at Disneyland after years of experiencing it at Magic Kingdom; the ‘blessing of size’ definitely pays off on pyro!) The Walt Disney World version features perimeter pyro and a simultaneous fireworks display over Seven Seas Lagoon to create the effect of 360-degrees of fireworks. It is nothing short of amazing, and every fan should experience Independence Day at Walt Disney World at least once.
This actually isn’t the first time that Disney has extended the “Celebrate America!” fireworks. As part of Limited Time Magic, the fireworks show was performed for the full week (July 1–7, 2013) at both Magic Kingdom and Disneyland. We visited Walt Disney World for a portion of that week and saw “Celebrate America!” four times. It was great to experience the nighttime spectacular with lower crowds, but that has since become the new normal.
For reference, EPCOT also typically has Fourth of July fireworks. The Heartbeat of Freedom tag occurs after the Luminous: Symphony of Us fireworks on July 4th.
This features fireworks launched from around World Showcase and barges in the lagoon for a blockbuster, earth-shaking finale offering a Salute to All World Showcase Nations, But Mostly America. Luminous followed by the Heartbeat of Freedom typically takes place July 4th at 9 p.m.
Last year, Magic Kingdom has park hours extensions July 3rd (9 am to 11 pm) and July 4th (8 am to 11 pm). There were no park hours extensions at EPCOT for Independence Day. We would expect a repeat of that for 2026.
Ultimately, just wanted to bring this all to your attention if you’re already planning ahead for Summer 2026. Beyond an added showing of the “Celebrate America!” fireworks, we’d expect extra Independence Day entertainment in 2026. Full details have yet to be announced, but we’ll cover them in our Fourth of July 2025 Survival Guide.
At minimum, this should cement dates to visit Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, making the latter the obvious choice for July 4th. As much as we enjoy “Celebrate America!,” the Heartbeat of Freedom tag fireworks are more wow-inducing and EPCOT is the better overall experience. Back when we were Florida locals, EPCOT was always our go-to park for Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. It’s hard to beat for a patriotic party!
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Disappointed that Disney removed the surprise extended hours and unprecedented “Heartbeat of Freedom” tag? Or did you always suspect it was a goof-up? Have you ever visited Walt Disney World for the Fourth of July? Would you ever do it? Have any additional tips for making the most out of the experience, or regarding which fireworks shows to see? Do you agree or disagree with our advice? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
