Orlando - 4th July Fireworks

Question

Hey everyone,

I’m in the middle of planning our holiday for July, and I’m a bit stuck on what to do for the 4th of July.

There will be 5 adults and 3 kids in our group, and we’re arriving in Orlando on the 3rd, so we’re thinking of keeping the 4th quite relaxed with something like:

- A trip to Walmart to pick up some supplies for the house

- A chilled-out afternoon at the house

- Dinner out somewhere nice

- Then heading out to watch the fireworks

Our park tickets don’t start until the 5th, so the theme parks are off the table that day. One idea I was considering is heading to Fort Wilderness beach it looks like a good spot where the kids could play and we could all watch the fireworks in the evening. Plus I would imagine that this wouldn't be just as busy so getting an uber home would be much easier than the likes of Lake Eola.

Has anyone done this before? I’d love to hear about your experience or if you’ve got any other suggestions for a fun but laid-back 4th of July, I’m all ears!

Thanks in advance! 🇺🇸✨

Answer

Planning a relaxed 4th of July in Orlando sounds like a great idea, especially since your park tickets start on the 5th. Keeping it low-key with some errands, a chill afternoon, and a nice dinner followed by fireworks is a perfect way to enjoy the holiday without the park crowds.

Here are some options and tips for your day:

Walmart or local grocery run: Picking up supplies in the morning is smart. Try to go early to avoid crowds, as the 4th can be busy for grocery stores. You could also check Target or Publix if they are closer to your accommodation.
Relaxing at the house: Spending the afternoon at your rental gives everyone a chance to unwind after travel. Consider pool time if your place has one, or simple yard games for the kids.
Dinner out: Orlando has plenty of restaurants suitable for families. For a 4th of July vibe, you could look for places with patios or lakeside seating. Popular options include:

Disney Springs restaurants (like T-Rex Cafe or Rainforest Cafe) — lively and family-friendly
Lake Buena Vista area dining — offers convenient access to Disney resorts for fireworks later
International Drive restaurants — plenty of choices, including seafood and American cuisine

Watching fireworks:

Fort Wilderness Beach is a great idea if you want a more relaxed, family-oriented spot. You can watch the Disney fireworks from the beach, and it tends to be less crowded than places like Lake Eola or downtown areas. Other tips:

Arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach, especially if you have kids who may want to play beforehand.
Bring blankets or beach chairs for comfort.
Consider packing some snacks or a light picnic to enjoy while waiting for the fireworks.
Uber or Lyft pickup from Fort Wilderness is generally easier than downtown, but still plan ahead as demand will be higher than usual.

Other laid-back options for the 4th of July in Orlando:

Drive to a Disney resort with a view of fireworks — some resorts like the Polynesian offer good vantage points, but check if non-guests can access the area.
Lake Eola Park — central, but crowded; good if you want a more public celebration atmosphere.
Neighborhood 4th of July parades or small local fireworks — sometimes easier for families with younger kids.

Overall, your plan sounds excellent: Walmart run in the morning, relaxing at the house, dinner out, and then heading to Fort Wilderness Beach for fireworks. This balances a festive 4th with low stress, giving the kids room to play and the adults a chance to enjoy the evening without battling massive crowds.