Fourth of July Celebrations at Disney World in Orlando, Florida

Where else could you possibly want to spend the Fourth of July other than at the happiest place on earth? Yes, that's right, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Though there is constantly a celebration taking place at the parks of Disney, there are extra happenings for the July 4th weekend. The one thing to remember though is that you are getting much more than just a fireworks celebration so expect to pay the regular admission prices to enter the parks. A one day pass to one park is $71.00 for everyone ten and older. Depending on what plans you make for the celebration you may want to consider purchasing what is called a "park hopper" addition for an additional $42.00 that allows you access to the other parks on the same day you purchase your ticket for and goes down in price, as the admission does, when you purchase more than one day tickets.

If your day is going to be spent at the Magic Kingdom then a world of wonder awaits your children, assuming you bring them with you. The park will be open on July 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Enjoy the "Share a Dream Come True Parade" at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. while your kids are not yet tired and overly cranky and if they had some extra sugar, return for the "SpectroMagic" Parade which occurs twice at 10:30 p.m. and again at 12:30 a.m. where all your favorite characters and floats are illuminated with a half million lights. Surely a sight to put a smile on the entire family's faces. After spending a wonderful day seeing all the attractions of this magical park, finish off your Fourth of July with the "Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks" which begin at 9:00 p.m. Not too late to get a last family outing before the kids fall fast asleep.

An option for the adults, who like me, may be lucky enough to already have your kids grown and out of the house and you're looking for some adult style fun for the weekend, then check out Pleasure Island in Downtown Disney where you can party until you puke for an admission of around $25. Well, try not to drink that much otherwise you won't enjoy the celebration while your head is stuck in a commode. If you can manage to curtail yourself long enough you can hit all the dance clubs or enjoy the street party and live entertainment here until the late-night fireworks show begins.

Epcot will also host events for the Fourth of July and the hours are extended for this holiday weekend. Future World, a high-tech park where you can ride Mission: Space, climb inside Spaceship Earth, learn about technology, past, present and future and will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. There's also the World Showcase which opens from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and displays culture and cuisine from other nations such as China, Mexico and Norway among others. Stay into the evening when "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" lights up the sky at 10:00 p.m. where 1,100 pyrotechnic bursts light up the sky and the Earth Globe moves across the lagoon with curved LED displays of the continents and a laser show to surely please. An extra special event going on right now is the Summer Concert Series and for the Fourth of July weekend you can catch Bjorn Again which is a tribute to the greatest band of all time. That's right folks, it's ABBA. The shows are held at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and the last at 7:45 p.m. which leaves you plenty of time to grab some dinner and make it to the light show. (By the way, I was just kidding about the "greatest band of all time" because we know that title is actually saved for A Flock of Seagulls.)

If you're still reading this after my Flock of Seagulls comment, which I was also just kidding about, then there is another park, Disney's Hollywood Studios, with more things to do for the July 4th weekend. The park will be open during July 1st through the 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. where you can enjoy the new spectacular Disney Block Party Bash Parade which is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. Something you certainly shouldn't miss is the Fantasmic! show at 10:30 p.m. where Mickey Mouse, in all his grandeur, wards off villains in a wild show of dancing water, animations, lasers, music and of course, fireworks and other surprises throughout the show. Prior to that show you can catch the 9:00 p.m. Fourth of July fireworks celebration. Wow, two different fireworks shows for the price of one.

Universal Studios will also be hosting a fireworks display combining three displays into a single show which you'll be able to see from all over the resort. The fireworks will be from Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk, filling the sky with a spectacular light show. The show will start at approximately 9:50 p.m. from all three locations simultaneously and choreographed to music. Universal CityWalk will feature an all-American cookout with live entertainment and games for the kids. Characters will be strolling amongst jugglers, stilt-walkers and more. For a cost of $10 you can get a place in a preferred viewing area when the fireworks begin at 10:00 p.m. If you're looking to spend some more bucks this weekend for some extra special fun, then for $100 per person you can get reserved seat at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville's second floor balcony, a cocktail buffet with a carving station. The party here starts at 9:00 p.m. and includes a three-hour premium open bar until midnight where you can get your Margarita served in a souvenir glass and get Lei'd.

Last, but certainly not least, would be a trip to Seaworld in Orlando for the Fourth of July weekend. A one day ticket here for adults is $67.95 plus tax and $57.95 for kids ages 3 - 9. Spend the day enjoying the rides and exhibits, catch a couple shows such as "Shamu Rocks America" which will have a patriotic appeal to them for this special weekend. The park will be open on July 4th until 11:00 p.m. with special showings of "Mystify" which is a light and fireworks show.