The Fourth of July is always one of the biggest celebrations of the summer at Walt Disney World, but this year feels even more special. As the country marks America’s 250th birthday, Disney is rolling out several returning traditions along with patriotic entertainment, exclusive food, limited-time merchandise, and special performances across the resort.Credit: DisneyWhether you’re spending the holiday inside the parks or relaxing at one of Disney’s hotels, there will be no shortage of ways to celebrate. Here’s a look at everything happening during the Independence Day festivities.Magic Kingdom Brings Back Its Signature Fourth of July FireworksThe centerpiece of the celebration returns to Magic Kingdom with Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky. The patriotic fireworks spectacular will light up the skies at 9:00 p.m. on July 3, July 4, and July 5, giving guests multiple opportunities to experience one of Disney’s most popular seasonal nighttime shows.Credit: DisneyBecause of the special presentation, Happily Ever After will not be performed on those three evenings, making the holiday fireworks the featured nighttime entertainment instead.The celebration doesn’t stop after sunset. Throughout the day, Main Street, U.S.A. embraces the holiday with patriotic decorations and live entertainment. Guests can watch the traditional Flag Retreat Ceremony, enjoy performances by the Dapper Dans dressed for the occasion, and hear patriotic music from the Main Street Philharmonic throughout the park.Visitors staying around Seven Seas Lagoon can also catch the nightly Electrical Water Pageant, which includes its familiar patriotic finale as it sails past the Magic Kingdom area resorts.EPCOT Celebrates Throughout the DayEPCOT also gets into the holiday spirit with entertainment that continues from morning until night.Following Luminous: The Symphony of Us, guests will once again see the return of Heartbeat of Freedom at 9:00 p.m. on July 3, July 4, and July 5. The patriotic fireworks finale has become a favorite among longtime Disney fans and provides an even bigger ending to EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular.The festivities continue beyond the fireworks. Spaceship Earth will feature patriotic lighting each evening, while Voices of Liberty will perform special holiday shows from July 3 through July 5. On Independence Day itself, guests can also enjoy exclusive Echo performances inside The American Adventure pavilion.Credit: Erica Lauren, Inside the MagicThe Portraits of Courage exhibit honoring post-9/11 veterans has also been extended through the holiday weekend, giving guests additional time to experience the display.Disney has also teased special character appearances, which traditionally include Mickey Mouse and several of his friends wearing their patriotic Spirit of ’76 costumes near The American Adventure.Soarin’ Across America ReturnsOne attraction fits perfectly with the Independence Day celebration.Guests visiting EPCOT can once again experience Soarin’ Across America, which recently returned for a limited engagement. Instead of flying around the world, riders soar over iconic American destinations, including the Statue of Liberty, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. The attraction adds another patriotic experience to an already packed holiday weekend.Credit: DisneyDisney Springs Gets in on the FunEven guests without a theme park ticket can join the celebration.Disney Springs will feature patriotic decorations throughout the shopping and dining district, along with performances by the United States Air Force Band of the West on both July 3 and July 4.Credit: EMLpotography, FlickrBetween the entertainment, shopping, and restaurants, Disney Springs offers another way to celebrate America’s birthday without entering one of the four theme parks.Limited-Time Food Arrives Across Walt Disney WorldHoliday celebrations at Disney almost always come with specialty snacks, and this year’s Fourth of July lineup includes plenty of festive treats.Guests will find patriotic desserts throughout Walt Disney World, including themed cakes, cupcakes, cheesecake, shakes, beignets, chocolate creations, and other seasonal offerings available at select parks, Disney Springs, and several Disney Resort hotels.Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a colorful dessert to finish your meal, there will be no shortage of red, white, and blue options throughout the weekend.Exclusive Merchandise ReturnsAlongside the food, Disney is also bringing back limited-time Fourth of July merchandise.Guests can shop patriotic collectibles throughout the resort, including Sam Eagle-inspired merchandise and the popular Sam Eagle popcorn bucket while supplies last. Seasonal apparel and other Americana-themed souvenirs will also be available during the holiday celebration.Special Air Force Flyover PlannedOne of the newest additions to this year’s festivities takes place long before the fireworks begin.Weather permitting, the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 920th Rescue Wing from Patrick Space Force Base will perform a ceremonial flyover beginning around 10:30 a.m. on July 4. The aircraft are expected to pass over both Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, giving guests an extra patriotic moment during the holiday.Disney Resort Hotels Join the CelebrationThe parks aren’t the only places getting involved.The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin has announced special Fourth of July activities for guests, while Disney says additional resort hotels may also offer their own holiday entertainment throughout the weekend.Credit: Inside The MagicGuests staying at Disney Resort hotels are encouraged to check with the front desk or recreation schedule after arriving to see what activities are available during their stay.A Packed Fourth of July WeekendFrom fireworks and patriotic concerts to live entertainment, seasonal food, exclusive merchandise, and even an Air Force flyover, Walt Disney World has filled the holiday weekend with plenty to experience.Many of these offerings are only available from July 3 through July 5, making Independence Day one of the busiest weekends of the summer. Whether you’re watching fireworks over Cinderella Castle, ending your night with Heartbeat of Freedom at EPCOT, shopping at Disney Springs, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere around the resorts, there are plenty of ways to celebrate America’s 250th birthday at Walt Disney World.The post Walt Disney World Launches Its Biggest Fourth of July Celebration in Years appeared first on Inside the Magic.