Get ready to celebrate the 4th of July at Disneyland or just bring some Disney magic to your 4th of July celebrations? I’ve got tons of ideas for to celebrate at Disneyland Resort and for making a memorable celebration at home.
In 2019, 2021 and 2023 we celebrate the 4th of July at Disneyland as a family. While many might be scared off by the crowds we’ve always found that week to be a great time to visit. Here’s what our Disneyland 4th of July has looked like in past years. In 2019 we celebrated on property:
- Checked into the Disneyland Hotel early morning for family photos around the beautiful property
- Had breakfast at Goofy’s Kitchen
- Got settled in our poolside cabana for the day
- Enjoyed the parks on the 5th and 6th
On the Fourth of July at the Disneyland Hotel we had a ton of perks!
- Enjoyed poolside Dole Whips and other amazing food
- Met with Disney Characters roaming the hotel, enjoyed a ton of 4th of July freebies like Mickey ice cream bars, freshly baked cookies, face paint, caricatures, candy and games
- Checked into our room and unpacked while the kids and my husband still enjoyed swimming and watching TV in our cabana
- Changed and got ready for dinner at Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney
- Watched fireworks from the rooftop pool deck of Paradise Pier Hotel with live music and food
In 2021 we had our extended family with us and a large group:
- Checked in Cambria Hotel and spent the day at the water park
- Enjoyed breakfast in our hotel room and the nearby places to eat
- Headed to the Parks on the 5th and 6th
In 2023, we have yet another extended family 4th of July planned and can’t wait to share more soon!
Table of Contents
Disneyland 4th of July Tickets
In the past, getting inside Disneyland on the 4th of July was one of the hottest tickets in town. This day regularly saw Disneyland reach capacity. But now that we have reservations, it’s be easier to get into the parks and keep crowds under crazy-capacity levels. But it’s also best to keep your expectations in check—it will be busy, especially on Main Street during fireworks.
When you’re going to Disneyland on the 4th of July—or any time of year—grab your discount tickets here.
It’s very important to get your tickets and theme park reservations as soon as you know you’re going because it is such a popular time of year.
The Best Disneyland 4th of July Shows
Entertainment for summer and the 4th is seriously non-stop. And in 2023, you’ve got new options like Rogers: The Musical sharing the story of Captain America and World of Color ONE. I share all about my favorite Disneyland shows here.
I also love listening to the live music and jamming out to a fourth of July concert at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. It’s a perfect spot to listen, dance and sing along even for those who do not have a park ticket. Want more live performances at Downtown Disney—check out Splitsville for dining and dancing.
Where to Watch Disneyland 4th of July Fireworks
Disneyland fireworks are a must! On the 4th of July, it’s even more of a must-do. If you’re not going inside Disneyland for the 4th of July, here’s a list of my favorite places to watch.
Best Places to Watch Fireworks Outside Disneyland
- The esplanade in-between Disneyland and California Adventure Park, the fireworks will be high above in the sky and easily visible.
- The FIFTH Rooftop Restaurant and Bar (Grand Legacy at the Park)
- Rise Rooftop Lounge (Westin Anaheim)
- Top of the V (Viv Anaheim, formerly Radisson Blu)
- Your Harbor Blvd Hotel, Courtyard has a particularly good view
Best Places to Watch Fireworks Inside Disneyland
For those of you inside Disneyland on July 4th, I recommend one of the off-the-grid places to view fireworks to avoid the huge crowds on Main Street. Yes, you’ll still have crowds but it hopefully won’t be as dense.
- I love reserving a place to sit at Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace. I have done this VIP treatment in 2019 and 2023 (although not for the 4th) and loved it. I can only imagine how magical and patriotic it is for 4th of July! This is especially good for groups who want to get away from the crowds down below.
- Need a lower price or freebie option for fireworks? There’s plenty of other ways to enjoy Disneyland’s 4th of July fireworks all around the resort. I’ve listed the best spots for watching fireworks here.
I usually choose over by “it’s a small world” myself because the projections there are so fantastic and clear.
Disneyland 4th of July Merch
I am a sucker for Americana merchandise. I just love sporting the red, white and blue during the 4th of July. Those colors evoke a sense of summer, freedom, warm weather, baseball and beaches—all the things I love.
Coordinating family shirts, light up Mickey necklaces and Disney American Minnie Mouse ears, I am all about it.
Shop all the Americana Disney merchandise here.
There are so many cute things you can get before your trip or do some shopping at Downtown Disney when you arrive.
Disney 4th of July Movies
Feeling all kinda of patriotic but need to relax a little? Grab a spot on the couch and indulge in these Disney Plus movies and shows. There’s plenty to do and see even when you’re not on Main Street or Buena Vista Street.
Disney Plus 4th of July Marvel Movies
- Captain America The First Avenger (PG-13) the first of the Captain America series details how Captain America came to be.
- Captain American The Winter Solider (PG-13) set in our nation’s capital of Washington, D.C., Captain America teams up with Black Widow for a powerful showdown.
- Captain America Civil War (PG-13) if you could do this all day, you’re gonna want to watch these three in order. Nothing more American than that.
Disney 4th of July Movies Americana Themes
- The Adventures of Huck Finn (PG) is the tale of Huck Finn who as a runaway along the Mississippi River and the friendship he makes along the way.
- Davy Crockett King of the Wild Frontier (PG) the American folk hero and also the namesake of the canoes the circle Rivers of America at Disneyland Park.
- Diary of a Future President (PG) future President of the United States diaries her journey in middle school including the highs and lows of life in 6th grade.
- The Finest Hours
- First Kid (PG) is the 90s throwback featuring a secret service agent tasked with following around the President’s rambunctious teenage son.
- National Treasure (PG) w’re talking about stealing the Declaration of Independence, with all kinds of American history intertwined into the film.
- National Treasure 2 Book of Secrets (PG) is the sequel that ups the game and this time they’re kidnapping the POTUS.
Which ones did I miss in this category or any others?
Disney 4th of July Sports Movies
- The Greatest Game Ever Played (PG) has a way of bringing a patriotic feel to the story of an amateur golfer who wins the U.S. open.
- Miracle (PG) highlights the unlikely gold medal victory of the US hockey team in the 1980 olympics including the story of Herb Brooks.
- Remember the Titans (PG) set in the 1970s an African American football coach works to create a winning
- The Rookie (G) what’s more American than baseball? This movie tells the story of a high school coach getting a second chance at the big leagues.
Disney 4th of July Documentaries
- America’s Heart & Soul (PG, but I’d say some elements are more PG-13) This documentary is a celebration of our nation through the voices of people all over the country. The middle of it sees some interesting characters but there are some really good heart felt stories here.
- American’s National Parks (TV14) explore “American’s best idea” and feel like you’re right there at some of the countries most beloved national parks. Want to visit them in real life? It’s a great way to travel this summer.
- Into the Grand Canyon (PG) watch as two colleagues explore the Grand Canyone by foot and see an inside look at places most never see.
How will you celebrate 4th of July this year with a little Disney flare? Will you be in Disneyland on the 4th of July or joining in nearby for fireworks, food and shopping?
