July 4th Celebrations in Epcot

A few years ago I was fortunate to be in Walt Disney World during the 4th of July. At that time, I had the privilege of seeing the special Voices of Liberty Concert. I knew that this year, I wanted to see them again.

Some of my friends wondered why I would go to Epcot on July 4th. Didn’t I know it would be packed? Um, yes, I do; as any of the major holidays are. But I don’t go for the attractions, I go for the special entertainment and extras. And, if you visit with that in mind, and don’t worry about what rides you’ll get on or how long the waits are, you can have a truly amazing time.

I wandered over to World Showcase around 10:30am. The park was waking up and folks were coming in. I decided to walk around and eventually make my way to the American Gardens Theater.

As you can see, the day began with blue skies, white puffy clouds and looked to be gorgeous.

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At the Land pavilion, the Kidcot station was celebrating the 4th of July with vegetable displays and festive coloring for the kids!

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As I made my way towards World Showcase, I saw this brand new topiary of Phineas and Ferb, no doubt to celebrate “Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure” game.

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The Voices of Liberty!

On to World Showcase. I arrived at the American Adventure about 11:40am and a small line had already gathered for the concert. I gladly took my place in line, in the sun, in the heat, because I just had to see this performance!

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In case you don’t know who these folk are, let me explain a tiny bit. The Voices of Liberty are an a capella singing group, that perform several times a day in the rotunda of the America Adventure pavilion. They bring “Americana” to life! Throughout the year you can listen to them sing musical numbers from Oh Susanna and Yankee Doodle to Battle Hymn of the Republic and America the Beautiful.

These very talented singers perform in multi-part harmony, and their voices are their instruments. During the holiday season they perform as the Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers, and sing a variety of Christmas songs as well as some Hanukkah music. To see/hear them best, sit on the floor outside the red circle — being right under the dome really amplifies their wonderful sound.

On the 4th of July, they move outside to the American Gardens Theater where they perform the absolute best show in their repertoire. Ok, some might argue the Candlelight Processional is their best – but they are just a part of that moving experience. On July 4th it’s only the Voices of Liberty. Words really do not do this fine group justice.

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Their show is a special tribute to America! They fill the stage with their red and blue costumes and fill the air with melodies that bring you back in time.

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Songs like Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA, Golden Dreams, and an American medley.

There is also a special tribute to the armed forces with a melody of songs from each of the branches.

Even Mickey, Donald and Goofy join them on stage!

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And if the show weren’t enough to garner a standing ovation, their finale, the Star Spangled Banner – as you’ve never heard it sung before — is the ultimate!!! As I listened to them sing, I knew it was so worth standing in line in the heat. Tears welled in my eyes as I watched and listened. Everyone rose to their feet – how could you not?!

Here is a short clip of the grand finale!

And they leave to a thunderous standing ovation!

WOW!

Immediately following, the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corp had a special show!

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I wandered over to see when Betsy Ross might be performing (as she had in recent years) but was informed she wasn’t available this year. Characters were out in the patriotic gear making for great photos.

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At the Kidcot station you could pick up an Independence Day pamplet which included a Discover America “Scavenger Hunt”. It was fun for kids and adults!

By now it’s well after 1pm and I wanted to visit the Tangierine Cafe (Morocco) for lunch.

Unfortunately, the sky had gotten quite dark and it was obvious a storm was moving in. I hurried back to the resort. As I reached the International Gateway boat dock the rain had begun. The Cast Member explained the boats would not run in severe thunder storm weather so we might be there for a while. I put my legs in gear and got back to the Boardwalk just as the skies opened up!

I took advantage of the air conditioning and caught up on some work in the room. Around 6:30pm the storm had cleared and I went back to Epcot to see IllumiNations and the special 4th of July tag.

Nearing International Gateway, I got a text from a friend who was waiting for the Sounds of Summer Concert by Slippery When Wet, a Bon Jovi tribute band. I joined them for the 7:45pm concert.

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Afterwards we headed to the front of World Showcase, where other friends were holding space for us to watch IllumiNations. Along the way we were treated to a beautiful sunset.

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I stopped by a kiosk near Mexico to purchase water and after waiting in quite a long line, got the last bottle they had (I wanted several).

We are all set now between the two Tower Shops with about 90+ minutes to wait..

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We were on the far side of the photo you see above. The closest area to the lagoon was closed off due to fallout from the fireworks. This was a very smart idea because even where we stood, we were “rained” on a few times. If you stand in this area for IllumiNations and the wind comes your way – be sure to have a hat and/or glasses on. Also, this location is extremely close to the barges so you will definitely feel the heat! It is also a VERY loud area to stand and ear plugs for little ones or yourself may be warrented.

Time passed fairly quickly as folks I knew turned out to be all around where we stood – it was great catching up.

At 9:45pm (15 minutes before the Epcot show) we were treated to a fantastic view of Disney’s Hollywood Studios fireworks. All that was missing was the music! In fact at one point at the end, I thought IllumiNations was going to begin before the Studios finished. But, the timing was perfect to go from one to the next.

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IllumiNations!!! I was excited as I had not seen this show before. It is the regular IllumiNations with a special holiday tag at the end. It did NOT disappoint!!!!!

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Then the holiday “tag” began, highlighting the American Adventure. There were special graphics on the globe and great music to enjoy the fireworks show!

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Following this segment, there was a huge barrage of fireworks above and the crowd yelled with approval!

Thus ended a most wonderful, patriotic day in Epcot!

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10 Replies to “July 4th Celebrations in Epcot”

  1. DEB,
    THANKS FOR THE AWESOME COVERAGE! I LOVE YOUR WEBSITE. HAVE NEVER BEEN TO DISNEY ON JULY 4TH. THANK YOU!

  2. We were also there and missed the concert due to rain. We decided to watch tha American Adventure and the whole group sang a special pre show. It was great to hear a part of the cocert. They are awesome! We were on the other side of Mexico for the fireworks. They were stupendous!

  3. Hi Deb! We were there as well yesterday. This is our second year we come to WDW for Fourth of July and you’re right, entertainment first and rides/attractions second.

    Unfortunately, we planned to watch the 3pm Voices of Liberty show and were bummed because it got rained out 🙁 We loved it so much last year and made the trip to Epcot only for that. I definitely think it is the best Fourth of July entertainment, with the Celebrate America fireworks at Magic Kingdom a close second. Glad you got to enjoy it!

  4. Deb, does Voices of Liberty have a CD of just the 4th performances? I’d like to hear them do some of the more modern tunes, as we have one of them with the songs they perform usually in the American Adventure….then again this problem could always be solved by going down the 4th next year! Thanks for the recap of this year’s EPCOT celebration!

  5. Deb, we were right next to you in front of the building to your left. It was by far the most fantastic fireworks show I’ve ever seen in all my years of going to WDW. Even though the winter Holiday tag is so sentimental and touching, this one was special in celebrating America in such a wonderful way!

    We also saw and did all the same things you did and agree with all of your thoughts!! It was truly a wonderful day! I wish we would have seen you to say hello, maybe next time!

    One special thing happened to us, we got to ride in the elevator at the American Adventure with Chip and Dale when we were going up to get to the disabled seating area. It was a riot being with the two of them in a small elevator! Thanks!

  6. Hello Deb! Nikki and I were also at the VOL concert yesterday in our best 4th of July regalia – too bad we didn’t spot you. We took a break during the storm and enjoyed the fireworks at MK last night. The crowd levels at Epcot were nothing compared to the Hub between 7 and 9pm but the fireworks were well worth it. Cheers!

  7. Great seeing you last night while waiting for IllumiNations to begin, Deb. And you’re right, that finale was nothing short of phenomenal. Best fireworks finale I’ve EVER seen!!