Hey there, Rachel!
Welcome to planDisney. I love that you are already in planning mode for your summer trip! There are so many experiences to enjoy at Walt Disney World Resort, some advance planning will certainly help you make the most of your stay.
I'm happy to report that you will be able to enter and leave the parks to suit your schedule on the day of your visit. I'd just like to mention that in addition to your one-day ticket, you'll also need to make a
Theme Park Reservation. Tickets that include the
Park Hopper Option will give you even more flexibility to visit multiple parks on the same day. At this time, Park Hopping begins at 2 p.m. but you won't need to make additional reservations for the second park you plan to visit.
While the
Hours & Events Calendar isn't available for July just yet, you'll be able to view the parade and entertainment schedules there as your visit approaches.
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is currently scheduled for noon and 3 p.m. at Magic Kingdom Park through February 4th. Disney Enchantment also appears on the calendar for an 8:30 p.m. showtime through mid-March. This evening fireworks show will be replaced by my personal favorite "Happily Ever After" in April, but the nightly performance schedule has yet to be published. Keep an eye on the calendar for the most up-to-date information for dates closer to your trip.
As far as my personal recommendations for best viewing spots, I don't think there is anything more magical than being front and center on Main Street, U.S.A, for both fireworks and parades. The evening fireworks performances at Magic Kingdom Park feature some spectacular projections on Cinderella Castle that are best-viewed head-on. I usually like to find a spot near the Partners Statue or around the hub, and enjoy a classic Mickey Pretzel with cheese while I wait.
You can watch the Festival of Fantasy Parade from a similar spot to grab photos of the floats with Cinderella Castle as the backdrop. Another great option is finding a spot along the parade route in Frontierland. The parade steps off between Splash Mountain and
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe so you'll be among the first to see the magic unfold before the parade heads down Main Street, U.S.A. towards the
Walt Disney World Railroad train station.
Rachel, please stop back and
visit me with any more planning questions you may have. I'd be happy to help make sure your vacation is full of the most magical memories.
The magic is calling,
Amy