4th Of July 2017 Fireworks: Florida Theme Park Shows

TAMPA, FL — Florida’s theme parks are preparing to pull out the stops in honor of America’s 241st birthday. From Tampa’s Busch Gardens to the Orlando area’s Walt Disney World, each park has its own lineup of special events, including fireworks meant to mark 4th of July 2017.

Some theme parks have special events running up to and beyond the Fourth of July. Others have added holiday-specific events to their calendars. Here’s a roundup of when some of the state’s bigger parks intend to light up the night skies in honor of the red, white and blue:

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Tampa’s Busch Gardens kicks off its “reimagined Summer Night” on June 16. That means park guests will get to enjoy special nighttime parties and entertainment, along with extended hours. The park intends to remain open until 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Summer Nights runs through Aug. 6.

On the Fourth of July, the park plans to take the Summer Nights fun a few steps beyond with a free concert and grand finale fireworks display. Details are as follows:

• The Actual Bank Robbers will take the Gwazi Stage at 8:30 p.m. A live Summer Nights dance challenge is also planned.
• The fireworks grand finale gets under way at 9:30 p.m. in Gwazi Park. The show features an “all-new patriotic medley in honor of Independence Day,” Busch Gardens promises.

The park will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the Fourth of July. For more information about the Fourth of July celebration, Summer Nights or Busch Gardens in general, visit the park’s website.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

Visitors to the Magic Kingdom will find a special patriotic-themed fireworks show is set to light up the night on both July 3 and 4. A time for the “Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” is not readily available, but last year’s shows began at 9 p.m. both evenings.

For more information about Magic Kingdom tickets, visit Disney online.

Legoland

The Winter Haven theme park for Lego lovers of all ages is kicking off its “Knight Lights” celebration just in time for the Fourth of July. The special promotion takes place on select days and nights throughout July, including July 4.

Knight Lights includes meet-and-greets with Lego characters, a live stage show, scavenger hunts and dance parties. On the Fourth of July, the park intends to put on “a spectacular themed fireworks show over Lake Eloise to end the night.”

For more details, visit Legoland Florida Resort online.

Epcot

Epcot intends to give its “IllumiNations” Reflections of Earth” show a special spin on July 4. “Enjoy an enhanced take on this iconic Epcot experience featuring a stunning fireworks display that celebrates the planet’s past, present and future—along with something spectacular planned to highly Independence Day,” the park posted on the Disney website.

IllumiNations lights up the sky near the World Showcase Lagoon with a typical start time of 9 p.m.

For more information about Epcot, including ticket details, visit the park’s website.

SeaWorld

SeaWorld Orlando plans to light up the sky over its Bayside Stadium starting at 10 p.m. July 4.

“Enjoy a fireworks and fountains spectacular, bringing the brilliance of the sea to the sky above,” the park’s website says. The fireworks show is included with regular park admission.

To find out more about visiting SeaWorld Orlando, visit it online.

Editor’s note: This list will be updated with Fourth of July plans at other Florida theme parks when information becomes available. Be sure to check back.

Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay