If you’ve ever dreamed of watching fireworks light up the sky in a way that’s truly one-of-a-kind at Walt Disney World, mark your calendars—because EPCOT is officially bringing back one of its rarest nighttime shows for the Fourth of July.
It’s a treat guests only get once a year, and yes, Disney has now confirmed it’s happening in 2025.
Let’s just say… this isn’t your average fireworks display.
A Once-A-Year Spectacle Returns
For guests spending Independence Day at EPCOT, the usual evening finale, Luminous: The Symphony of Us, will get a patriotic upgrade. As confirmed by Disney via the My Disney Experience app, this year’s Fourth of July celebration will include the return of Heartbeat of Freedom, a stunning fireworks show that plays immediately after Luminous wraps up on July 4.
This performance is truly rare—you won’t catch it during EPCOT’s festival seasons, during spring break, or even on New Year’s Eve. It only happens once a year, making this a “blink and you’ll miss it” kind of moment. With booming fireworks, red-white-and-blue lighting, and a score that celebrates America’s spirit, Heartbeat of Freedom is the perfect finale to your holiday night.
Patriotic Flair All Around EPCOT
It’s not just the sky that’ll be dressed up for the Fourth. Spaceship Earth gets into the spirit too, glowing in red, white, and blue as the sun sets. Over at The American Adventure pavilion, Mickey, Goofy, and even Pluto usually appear for limited-time meet-and-greets in their vintage “Spirit of ’76” colonial-style outfits—one of the coolest character looks of the entire year.
These special appearances are always a fan favorite, and lines can get long, so it’s smart to arrive early if snapping a photo with Mickey in his tricorn hat is on your holiday bucket list.
What Else to Expect Across Walt Disney World
While EPCOT is delivering one of the most unique nighttime experiences, there’s no shortage of Fourth of July festivities across Walt Disney World. Over at Magic Kingdom, the holiday spirit stretches across two nights (July 3 and 4), with Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky, replacing Happily Ever After at 9:20 p.m. both nights.
The 14-minute fireworks show features patriotic music, special projections on Cinderella Castle, and the kind of crowd-pleasing grandeur Disney is famous for. The park will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., giving guests plenty of time to soak in the festive décor and snack on Fourth of July-themed treats from the Main Street Confectionery.
Unfortunately, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios won’t be putting on their own fireworks displays this year. But if you’re looking for fireworks, Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are where you’ll want to be.
Don’t Forget the Merch
Of course, Disney wouldn’t celebrate a holiday without a fresh batch of exclusive merchandise. This year’s Fourth of July offerings include a red, white, and blue Pandora charm and a limited-edition Mickey Americana Lug bag that’s already drawing interest from collectors. These items are available throughout Walt Disney World, but just like the fireworks tag, they won’t stick around long.
And while Disney hasn’t released the full Fourth of July food guide yet, it’s safe to expect some holiday-themed treats to show up around the parks and resorts. If past years are any indication, think star-spangled cupcakes, red velvet desserts, and even drinks inspired by the American flag.
Pro Tips for July 4 at EPCOT
If you’re heading to EPCOT on the Fourth, a few tips can help you make the most of the day:
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Arrive early: EPCOT opens at 9:00 a.m., and the crowd levels will build as the day goes on.
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Grab a viewing spot early: Luminous starts at 9:00 p.m., and Heartbeat of Freedom follows immediately after. Many guests claim their spots hours in advance.
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Keep an eye on Test Track: One major ride you won’t be riding on July 4 is Test Track, which remains closed until July 22 for its major overhaul.
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Stay hydrated and cool: Florida summers are no joke. Take breaks indoors, use mobile ordering for food, and pace yourself.
One Night. One Show. A Disney Memory That Lasts.
While there’s always something magical about spending a holiday at Disney, there’s something even more special about being in EPCOT for Heartbeat of Freedom. The blend of EPCOT’s global celebration with a heartfelt tribute to America truly makes this experience stand out.
So if you’re wondering whether it’s worth braving the July heat for a single fireworks show, the answer is simple: absolutely. It’s rare, it’s patriotic, and it’s pure Disney magic—confirmed.
The post The Most Underrated Fireworks Show at Disney World Is About to Return appeared first on Inside the Magic.
