What to do on the Fourth of July?

[figmentofmyown]

We were in Orlando for the 4th of July holiday two years ago and after spending most of the day at Epcot, we weren't able to get into the Magic Kingdom as planned (it was too crowded and only accepting guests staying on Disney property). We ended up watching fireworks from the front porch of a restaurant.....
We'll be there for the holiday again this year . I need recommendations.....what should we do?! Should we go to a park again? Is there something worthwhile going on elsewhere in Orlando? Has anyone ever gone to Celebration for the 4th? Anything at Universal? We're a family with teens and young adults, if that helps.
Finally, do locals tend to crowd the theme parks or water parks that day because they have a day off? Part of me wonders if a day at Aquatica would be the best bet, but that wouldn't be much fun if half of Orlando and its suburbs is there, too.....
Please help me plan!

 

[dblr]

Last year we did Typhoon Lagoon, it was a little overcast with light rain but did clear up, crowds were not that bad, we decided to stay away from the main parks,plus we had dinner reservstions @ Ca. Grill for dinner and got to watch the fireworks from there.

 

[beccasmom]

I can tell you that if you head to the MK, plan to stay there. If you leave, you may not get back in, resort guest or not.

Particularly if the weather is nice, the MK will be mobbed. The fireworks show is wonderful, but only you can decide if you want to deal with those crowds. When we were younger, it was a great party; now, not so much.....

Epcot may be a better idea if only because it is so large.

I can't speak to Universal activities, but I bet they're pretty crowded too....

 

[pooh2001]

EPCOT can handle large crowds on holidays.
Make an ADR for lunch and dinner !
You will want a nice place to eat with A/C on July 4th,

A 'cheap' lunch would be at Picabu's CS in the Dolphin - it is right off the boat dock - make a left after you walk into the Dolphin, do not go up the stairs, and it has A/C. Not on a food plan, but you can feed a family of 4 for under $50, If you have an AAA card - you can get 20% off your food billl at Picabu's and no reservations needed or allowed.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=465

The Dolphin Fountain is also a great place to eat - located just before Picabu's and you cab get the AAA 20% discount.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=327

The boat from EPCOT to the Dolphin is a nice 15 minute ride. You can also walk to the Dolphin from EPCOT - it is just past the YC/BC.

 

[figmentofmyown]

Based on what I'm reading here, I think we'll either do a water park or Epcot in the daytime. Celebration has an 80s theme this year, with a concert by A Flock of Seagulls, so that'll be our nighttime entertainment- we'll leave the parks entirely, like we did last time, but this time it's planned! Thanks for the input.