July 4th MK vs Epcot

[Rgonzalez79]

The wife and munchkin are going out of town for a few days so I have July 4th all to myself. Understanding that crowd levels will be absolutely INSANE, which park fireworks are more worth the hassle, Magic Kingdom or Epcot?

Are the shows completely different from Wishes and Illuminations?

Would Animal Kingdom or even Hollywood Studios be considered an option?

Thanks folks

 

[Shellyb84]

We've seen both Wishes (on the 3rd, same show) and Illuminations on the 4th. They do the same show as usual but add on the holiday show at the end. They're both amazing, but if I had to pick just one I would choose Wishes. I don't know that AK or HS do anything special for the 4th.

 

[Oswin]

If you have the ability, I would see MK's on July 3 (it's not Wishes at all - it's a totally different show) and Illuminations at Epcot on July 4 (they add in a special finale for July 4 that is probably the loudest, most in my face fireworks set off I've ever seen). They're both worth viewing if you're able to do it. AK will probably be the least busy park on July 4 but there will be no fireworks there for it. Last year Hollywood Studios did have July 4 fireworks, but so far there hasn't been any word from Disney as to whether or not that will happen again this year.

 

[Rgonzalez79]

We've seen both Wishes (on the 3rd, same show) and Illuminations on the 4th. They do the same show as usual but add on the holiday show at the end. They're both amazing, but if I had to pick just one I would choose Wishes. I don't know that AK or HS do anything special for the 4th.

Thanks Shelly

 

[Shellyb84]

If you have the ability, I would see MK's on July 3 (it's not Wishes at all - it's a totally different show) and Illuminations at Epcot on July 4 (they add in a special finale for July 4 that is probably the loudest, most in my face fireworks set off I've ever seen). They're both worth viewing if you're able to do it. AK will probably be the least busy park on July 4 but there will be no fireworks there for it. Last year Hollywood Studios did have July 4 fireworks, but so far there hasn't been any word from Disney as to whether or not that will happen again this year.

I was thinking MK's was Wishes with the add on, but guess I was just thinking of Illuminations. I agree, Illuminations on the 4th was very impressive!!

 

[mm1971]

I've never been on the 4th so this is just a thought. We have in the past watched Illuminations, then jumped on the monorail over to MK for Wishes in the same night. I didn't look at the schedule, but if they are at different times and you are by yourself and can travel quickly maybe do both?

 

[Shellyb84]

I've never been on the 4th so this is just a thought. We have in the past watched Illuminations, then jumped on the monorail over to MK for Wishes in the same night. I didn't look at the schedule, but if they are at different times and you are by yourself and can travel quickly maybe do both?

MK show is at 9, Illuminations is at 10. This is assuming the weather cooperates. There's no way to get out of MK and back to Epcot and get anywhere close to WS to watch Illuminations in that amount of time. Would be nice though!

 

[maxiesmom]

MK show is at 9, Illuminations is at 10. This is assuming the weather cooperates. There's no way to get out of MK and back to Epcot and get anywhere close to WS to watch Illuminations in that amount of time. Would be nice though!

How about if you watched Wishes from near the flag pole, walked to the Contemporary, and caught a taxi to Epcot?

 

[ChimCher-ee]

I've been in both parks on the 4th but have never seen MK's fireworks - - I've had to leave because the crowd level by mid-afternoon was just oppressive.

On the other hand, crowds were much more tolerable in Epcot, more space to move in. I'd see 4th of July Illuminations (with the spectacular ending PP mentioned) again, absolutely.

So I'd say the fireworks you can actually stay to see are the ones to choose!

 

[Alesia]

How about if you watched Wishes from near the flag pole, walked to the Contemporary, and caught a taxi to Epcot?

You would still need a teleporter.

There is no way to get out of MK (even if you're right by the train station,) get to a cab, make it through the horrendous traffic, get to Epcot, and wedge your way back to the world showcase in 45 minutes.

 

[need2travel]

We're doing Illuminations on the 4th, I reserved a FP for it because I figure the park is going to be so crowded. Can anyone tell me where the FP viewing area is exactly? I read that the best view of the July 4th Illuminations is if you are in a sightline w/ the American Pavilion. Does the FP viewing area give a good view of that pavilion? Thanks!

 

[Oswin]

We're doing Illuminations on the 4th, I reserved a FP for it because I figure the park is going to be so crowded. Can anyone tell me where the FP viewing area is exactly? I read that the best view of the July 4th Illuminations is if you are in a sightline w/ the American Pavilion. Does the FP viewing area give a good view of that pavilion? Thanks!

The FP+ viewing area for Illuminations is directly facing the American Pavilion.

 

[3MFamily]

If you have the ability, I would see MK's on July 3 (it's not Wishes at all - it's a totally different show) and Illuminations at Epcot on July 4 (they add in a special finale for July 4 that is probably the loudest, most in my face fireworks set off I've ever seen). They're both worth viewing if you're able to do it. AK will probably be the least busy park on July 4 but there will be no fireworks there for it. Last year Hollywood Studios did have July 4 fireworks, but so far there hasn't been any word from Disney as to whether or not that will happen again this year.

So if I have the Wishes Dessert Party booked for 7/3 will the party be for the MK 4th of July show instead?

 

[Oswin]

So if I have the Wishes Dessert Party booked for 7/3 will the party be for the MK 4th of July show instead?

Yes. It will be the July 4 fireworks. From the wishes dessert party, I'm not sure if you'll be able to see all the perimeter fireworks, but the July 4 fireworks have amazing fireworks in every direction around you if you're standing in front of the castle.

 

[AquaDame]

We've seen both Wishes (on the 3rd, same show) and Illuminations on the 4th. They do the same show as usual but add on the holiday show at the end. They're both amazing, but if I had to pick just one I would choose Wishes. I don't know that AK or HS do anything special for the 4th.

Is epcot hard to get into as you get later into the evening...? Does it tend to close due to capacity on the 4th?

 

[Oswin]

Is epcot hard to get into as you get later into the evening...? Does it tend to close due to capacity on the 4th?

No it's not. Last year, we walked in well after 6 pm with no wait for bag check or at the turnstiles. It was nowhere near capacity last year on July 4.

 

[AquaDame]

No it's not. Last year, we walked in well after 6 pm with no wait for bag check or at the turnstiles. It was nowhere near capacity last year on July 4.

Awesome, thank you! We have FP+ for illuminations but I was worried we might not be able to get back in after a pool break since the parks are at a 10...!

 

[3MFamily]

Yes. It will be the July 4 fireworks. From the wishes dessert party, I'm not sure if you'll be able to see all the perimeter fireworks, but the July 4 fireworks have amazing fireworks in every direction around you if you're standing in front of the castle.

Thanks! I am really looking forward to this now!

 

[Shellyb84]

Is epcot hard to get into as you get later into the evening...? Does it tend to close due to capacity on the 4th?

It was crowded but not to capacity last year. We went around 6 or so, ate dinner, and staked out a spot in Canada around 9:00 for Illuminations.

 

[Regan117]

We are doing the dessert party on the 4th at MK just to be out of the crowds.