Pictures from Saturday 7/2 around the Disneyland Resort. Highlights include the World of Color 4th of July pre-show, the new Paradise Gardens area at DCA, the All American College Band featuring Rick Baptist, construction shots, and my regular assortment of random shots as I roamed the parks.

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. It’s a day to celebrate our independence, spend time with friends and family, grill outdoors, playing games, watch fireworks and show our patriotism for the great US of A.

For many Guests at the Walt Disney World Resort, the place to be on July Fourth to ring in America’s birthday is the Magic Kingdom (what’s more Americana than Main Street U.S.A.?)

Fun retro look at the 1976 Disneyland celebration for America's 200th birthday and other interesting items from a newspaper from that day.

In celebration of Independence Day, Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Pod takes a look at the role Disney has played in America's history and the role that America plays in Disney's theme parks. It's the perfect way to feel all warm, fuzzy, patriotic, and Disneyfied inside! This episode was originally released on 7/4/06. Please note that the contest information at the beginning of the show is no longer applicable. (50:05) More at http://www.aaronwallaceonline.com

The Disneyland Resort — like every other American institution — will be celebrating the Fourth of July this upcoming weekend. If you’re planning a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth in the next few days, chances are the parks will be packed with crowds and baking hot. Here’s what to do so you can keep a smile.