Hi Bob!
The fourth of July at Walt Disney World is a truly amazing experience. My family has made it a tradition to experience this holiday in Disney style every year.
The Walt Disney World theme parks are open on July 4th, but will to be honest with you. This holiday is one of the busiest days of the year to visit. The parks get crowded and since it's in July, it's hot and humid. Magic Kingdom hosts some of the most impressive fireworks displays of the year for July 4th, so if you're brave enough to manage the crowds, you're in for a great show. The good news here is that the same fireworks show is presented on July 3rd as well, so I suggest saving Magic Kingdom for the 3rd and hitting another park for July 4th. Special note: Magic Kingdom has been known to reach capacity throughout the day on July 4th, so if you're planning on celebrating in park, plan to be there all day.
Check out this
Disney Parks Blog article detailing events from July 4th, 2018 to get an idea of what you may see for this year's holiday extras.
We love the activities our Resort hotel provides during July 4th. We always stay at
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, a Disney Vacation Club Resort. My kids look forward to the watermelon eating contest each year as well as carnival-type games provided by the Resort. Since these two Resort hotels face Magic Kingdom Park, we choose to watch the amazing fireworks from our hotel room if we have a theme park view. Be sure to check the activities flyer when you check in to your hotel.
Stop back by if you have additional questions for planning your holiday.
Have a magical day!
Leslie