Disney’s Celebrate America 2023 - July 3 / Magic Kingdom [4K/60fps]

In 2008, Walt Disney World unveiled a new fireworks show for the 4th of July holiday, becoming yet another in the grand tradition of bespoke seasonal fireworks shows. “Celebrate America - a 4th of July Concert in the Sky” is usually held over 2 days due to popular demand, supplanting its regularly scheduled spectaculars.

“Celebrate America” was created to…well, celebrate America, its legacy, and the traditions that hold to this day. The old familiar folk songs, deep cuts, and all the bells and whistles are on full display, as well as perimeter fireworks flanking the sides and back of the park (on the Seven Seas Lagoon). The show is also seen in Disneyland; its version has received visual updates in the form of its trademark projection mapping tech (since 2017). Upon its return in 2022, changes were made in response to the Walt Disney Company’s ongoing mission of inclusion. Narrator switches, script changes, and a couple songs snipped away. And while the show remains devoid of modern projection mapping, new lighting effects can be seen.

On a personal note, it’s understandable that this year, and for the last several, many feel there’s nothing worth celebrating about America. As an LGBTQ+ minority, I completely share in that anger and frustration (and that could be called an understatement).

The thing we have to remember with America is, despite what certain people believe, in no way is this country perfect. But our constitution details this as one of its missions: “to form a more perfect Union.” This country was borne of rage. We just have to make sure this rage we carry now propels us to heights beyond our wildest dreams. We can be better. (With this understood, any comments that turn political will be removed.)