Disney Restricts Access to Magic Kingdom Resort Hotels During Fourth of July Fireworks

Fourth of July weekend is upon us, which means fireworks, especially if you plan on spending Independence Day at the Walt Disney World Resort. This year, Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky returns to Magic Kingdom, with showings on July 3 and 4 at 9:20 p.m.

For those who can’t make it to the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT will offer a special salute to America on July 4. After Luminous, the Symphony of Us, there will be a special Heartbeat of Freedom, a sparkling grand finale blending pyrotechnics with tributes to America’s history. Spaceship Earth will also be decked out in red, white, and blue to celebrate America’s 249th birthday.

However, for Disney fans who can’t get into Magic Kingdom for the fireworks and are hoping to watch from one of the monorail resort hotels, there are new restrictions in place that could prevent some Disney World guests from viewing the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom Resort Hotels. Here’s what you need to know.

Magic Kingdom Resort Fireworks Viewing Rules

With two nights to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks, some of the resort hotels have different rules for July 3 and July 4, so pay close attention to the dates and rules for each hotel.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort does not restrict who can view fireworks on July 3. However, on July 4, only guests with wristbands will be allowed into the viewing area.

Four wristbands will be distributed to each resort hotel room on Thursday evening. Guests needing more than four wristbands must go to guest services to get more.

Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows restricts its viewing area to guests staying in the tower. Similarly to the Polynesian, guests will receive wristbands for July 4 on Thursday evening.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa have no restrictions on who can view the fireworks on the properties. For guests who cannot get into Magic Kingdom, these two resorts may be the best options for getting a good spot to view the fireworks show.

However, at Bay Lake Tower, the viewing area is reserved for Disney Vacation Club members only. Guests must scan their MagicBands for entry.

If you plan on heading to Magic Kingdom this weekend, get there early and find a good spot to watch this year’s fireworks show.

Have you been to Disney World during the Fourth of July? Let us know in the comments.