2008 Fourth of July Events at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida

For generations, the word Disney has been synonymous with magical family fun. So, if you're looking to plan a magical Fourth of July holiday, what better destination than Walt Disney World in Orlando? Disney World is full of magic and fireworks every night of the year, but on the Fourth of July, they take it one step further!

Most Fourth of July events, parties and fireworks displays are included in the price of admission. Certain hotels offer better views of the fireworks displays than others, so be sure to inquire about your particular hotel before booking, especially if you don't want to fight the crowds at the park during the fireworks displays. Below is a breakdown of all the Independence Day fun to be had at the parks - and why you won't want to miss it!

The Magic Kingdom

Date: July 4, 2008

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Website: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/calendar

On the Fourth of July, the Magic Kingdom offers extended admission times for guests, totaling seventeen hours of the best rides, shows, eateries and attractions around! After carousing through the world's most famous amusement park all day, enjoy the sparkling spectacles of the Magic Kingdom's Fourth of July celebration. First off is the "Fantasy In The Sky" fireworks display at 9:00 p.m. followed by the traditional "SpectroMagic" parade. The whole family will leave happy and dazzled by the Magic Kingdom's impressive displays.

Epcot Center

Date: July 4, 2008

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Website: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/calendar

Epcot Center features tons of educational and awe-inspiring fun, and a rocking good time for the Fourth of July! After checking out popular rides such as "Soarin'", enjoy a performance by Bjorn Again, an ABBA tribute band. Then find your spot for the amazing "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth" show - one part education and two parts fun! This fireworks and skylight display features more than 1100 pyrotechnic bursts, laser light effects and the Earth Globe which floats across the lagoon and shows Wonder of the World on its LED screens.

Disney's MGM Studios

Date: July 4, 2008

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Website: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/calendar/

MGM Studios celebrates the art of cinema and, on July 4^th, our nation's birth. Find out how movies come to life while exploring this beloved Disney theme park on the Fourth of July. Be sure to bring your kid's to the all-new Block Party Bash, a parade featuring trampolines, special stunts, acrobatics and more than 20 of your kid's favorite Disney Pixar characters. When the sun sets, don't miss the Fourth of July fireworks at 9:00 p.m. The special Independence Day fireworks will be followed by the popular Fantasmic show at 10:30 p.m.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Park

Date: July 4, 2008

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Animal Kingdom is an awe-inspiring place to explore, from the wild safari rides to the interactive live shows. If you're headed there on the Fourth of July, you'll probably want to make your way to another park towards evening. Although there is much to see and do at the Animal Kingdom, there are no special Fourth of July events planned there in 2008.

Downtown Disney

Date: July 4, 2008

For special Independence Day fun, don't miss the party going on in Downtown Disney. Downtown Disney is known for its hip fun and great shopping, but it is also a great place to celebrate the holiday. This street party features live entertainment and an impressive fireworks display over Village Lake at the end of the evening. There will even be a dance party at the Dock Stage in the Marketplace.