Fourth of July at the Theme Parks

2012 Event Info
Plan on spending the holiday at a theme park? Then here's the line up for Wednesday, July 4, 2012's events at each of the parks:

Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom will present “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” This patriotic fireworks spectacular, paying homage to the hopes and dreams of America’s forefathers, will light the skies at 9 p.m. July 4 – and for guests who would like to begin the Independence Day celebration early, the show also will be presented July 3 at 9 p.m.

Epcot
At Epcot, sky-watchers can check out “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” bursting high above World Showcase Lagoon. IllumiNations is a 14-minute spectacular during which pyrotechnics, lasers, water and music are all used to tell a story about the past, present and future of our planet. On the Fourth of July, the show will be enhanced with "The Heartbeat of Freedom," an overture of traditional Americana themes displayed in a pyrotechnic and laser light event. The show is at 10 p.m. In addition, Epcot guests may lend their ears to "Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert" and meet with Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross and Disney characters adorned in patriotic dress at American Adventure.

Hollywood Studios
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, traditional Fourth of July fireworks take on a different spin when Mulch, Sweat, and Shears perform “Rockin’ 4^th of July Celebration”! These resident landscapers – with serious rock and roll ambitions – take Disney guests on a musical road trip across America that will highlight each region’s contribution to rock and roll. Fireworks, lighting and special effects – backed by the driving live rock and roll of Mulch, Sweat, and Shears – combine to bring a new twist to celebrating Independence Day. Showtime July 4 is 9:45 p.m. Before the show, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can enjoy Disney’s Fantasmic!, performing July 4 at 9 p.m.

Animal Kingdom
You're out of luck for special 4th of July fireworks here. Park closes at 7pm.

Theme park hours on July 4 (subject to change without notice): Magic Kingdom, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Epcot, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Source: wdwnews.com


SeaWorld
SeaWorld is adding some extra celebratory fun to their already energy-packed Summer Nights for July 4th. 
"In addition to Summer Nights special nighttime shows, an extended set of Reflections fireworks will blast off starting with a special pre-show at 9:30 p.m. at Bayside Stadium. An extraordinary performance by the Navy Band Southeast’s Wind Ensemble, a 40-piece band performing a variety of popular music ranging from traditional marches and patriotic fare to classical favorites and Broadway hits, kicks off the festivities. The celebration ends with the awe-inspiring Reflections fireworks and fountains show at 10:30 p.m. that include an extended set including an honorary tribute to the United States."
Source: SeaWorld

SeaWorld Hours Hours: 9am-11pm

Universal Orlando Resort
After contacting Universal's PR department regarding any special events, shows or activities, we were told "we don't have anything specific to the holiday". We will update this information if something new comes up.

We have an update. There will be 3 performances by the band Nerd Ranger today taking place at the Music Plaza Stage (beneath Rockit) at 5:45, 7:00, 8:15pm. These guys are funny - yes, they actually dress as nerds and perform covers of songs as well as their own material. 
 
Islands of Adventure's Hours: 8am-9pm
Universal Studios's Hours: 9am-10pm


Alternate Option: Downtown Celebration
Looking for that home-town, old-fashioned 4th of July? You might want to transport back in time and visit Disney's previously owned 'perfect' town. Here you will find "An All-American Salute to Cinema". Live music, free admission and parking might sound good to your wallet too. For the full event schedule, see their site here. 

-----::: Comments, Suggestions & Tips :::-----

If you plan on partying at a theme park on the 4th, understand that you will not be alone, but with about a million other like-minded park-goers. The Magic Kingdom is by far the worst as far as crowd levels - the park quite often hits capacity around 4pm or so, and if it does hit capacity, they won't let anyone in after that. If you absolutely must spend your holiday in this park, you have to get there early and not leave all day. Not our cup of tea. Next - Epcot. Slightly better here as it's a larger park capacity wise. It still will be just about the busiest you will ever see it. People will be camped out early for the 'best spot' for Illuminations later. We've even seen scores of hot folk napping out in the grassy patches. This park will not likely ever hit capacity, so squeeze in – there's room for one more! On the other hand, Hollywood Studios is usually a much more "managable-but-crowded" day at the park. 

Downtown Disney – We have not heard about anything special taking place here. Considering half this area (RIP Pleasure Island, *sniff*) is dead at night anyway, I don't know why they'd bother. Will update if we hear otherwise.

SeaWorld – We have yet to experience 4th of July at this park, but we may be attending this year. Similar advice though, get there early and be prepared for the heat and crowds. We do enjoy the DJ booths they have entertaining during the regular Summer Nights event, so we think it'll keep the crowd even more energized throughout the night.

Universal Resort – We've spent a few July 4ths between the two parks here. A few years ago we took in a Blue Man Group show and got out just in time to catch the old Cinesphere show. We then waited out the masses leaving the park by having a cocktail or two at CityWalk. (Waiting out the crowds here is highly recommended by us - one year it took nearly 2 hours to get out of the parking lot to I-4).  

If you do decide to brave the masses and go out, put on your patience pants (actually, go for the patience shorts) and remember to enjoy yourself and have a good time!

From all of us at Party Through The Parks, Happy 4th of July!