Fireworks have been a tradition at Disneyland since 1957, and the resort typically pulls out all the stops for its annual Fourth of July fireworks show. After a year of being closed for COVID-19, many people are excited to see the fireworks return, especially for the independence day holiday.
Disneyland park
This year, the Disneyland fireworks will perform at 9:30 pm. Disney’s new fireworks show is called Mickey’s Mix Magic with Fireworks. Typically Disney will perform the standard choreographed fireworks show and then will follow that up with a special “Salute to America” show on the Fourth of July. They aren’t advertising the Salute to America this year, so we might just see the typically fireworks show and not anything that is specifically designed for the holiday. But at least there will be fireworks. That’s something we haven’t had for quite a while.
The theme park is still ramping up operations after the long COVID-19 closure, so a few of our favorites are not being offered this year. Fantasmic remains closed and there won’t be a parade. Disneyland does have a special 4th of July concert planned featuring the 1st Marine Division Band, but that’s the only special entertainment that they are advertising at this time.
Disney California Adventure park
Disney does not have any special Fourth of July entertainment planned at Disney’s California Adventure this year. But if you’re at the theme park, check out the new Avengers Campus which just recently opened. It has a few special shows like the Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off and The Amazing Spider-Man performance.
The “World of Color” show has not yet returned since the theme park reopened after the extended COVID-19 closure. Disneyland is the best place to be if you want to see special events for the Fourth of July.
What are the fireworks like?
This year’s fireworks show will be a bit different from previous years. The Mickey’s Mix Magic show features upbeat dance music combined with projections, lights, and lasers to give a dance party feel. The projections, lighting effects, and lasers are visible on Main Street U.S.A, on the Rivers of America, and in front of “it’s a small world.”
What is the best place to watch the Disneyland fireworks
To get the best experience, you will want to be on Main Street U.S.A. so that you can see the projections along the buildings. We recommend standing about halfway down Main Street so that you can see Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Matterhorn in the distance, but still get the full effect of the projections along the buildings. If you have small children with you, but aware that Main Street usually becomes very congested during the fireworks and it will be difficult for them to see. Most parents end up putting their kids on their shoulders or holding their children so that they can get a better view.
Standing in front of “it’s a small world” is another great vantage point. You can see the lights and projections on the front of “it’s a small world” and the fireworks launch from just behind ToonTown. The fireworks feel bigger and brighter when you’re this close to the launch area.
The third area is along the Rivers of America, where the Fantasmic show usually would take place. Disney will display the fireworks’ projections on the Fantasmic water screens. The Fantasmic light towers will be used to provide special lighting and lasers. This area will likely be less crowded than the other two spots, but will still offer a great viewing area.
Its a misconception that you can only see the fireworks by standing directly in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. The castle forecourt is usually crowded, and with the format of the show, you will actually want to be further away from the Castle in order to see the lights and projections along Main Street.
Of course, anywhere that you can see the sky is technically a fireworks viewing area. You’ll want to be inside Disneyland to hear the soundtrack. But the fireworks are still fun to watch even if you happen to be outside the theme park.
After a year without Disneyland, we’re excited for the traditional fireworks to return!
