4th July in Orlando....what would you do???

[udnylad]

Hi Folks

This year we are going to be in Orlando on the 4th July...dashed work rota to thank for that.

Myself, DW, DD (9) and DS(7) will be staying on I Drive.

We are wondering if you have any recommendations of what to do on the big day??? Any do's or dont's?? I have been asked if shopping an option i.e. will the shops be open?

 

[Crazy Hakim]

Staying on I-Drive......
I was going to suggest that you don't miss IllumiNations at Epcot, which will feature an additional presentation of Patriotic Fireworks after the normal show, but you will be faced with a lot of traffic getting back to your hotel.
FYI, everything at Disney will be open, SOP, I would assume that most of the traps along I-Drive will also be open.

 

[mhingher]

Whatever you do, don't go into a park... they were ridiculously crowded last year. I would spend some time at the pool, maybe some shopping on I Drive or DTD. You can visit one of the monorail resorts and watch the fireworks at the MK from there... Believe me, that would be much better than what I went through... we were watching from the end of Main Street, near the entrance to tomorrowland... and it took an hour to get out of the park!

 

[Magic2000]

We've been to Disney a couple of times for 4th of July - including last year!! We had a great time; crowds weren't that bad. Definitely use fast pass!!!

We usually spend 4th of July in Epcot! The extra fireworks show is spectacular!!! Definitely not to be missed!!!!!

Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[Sollenberger]

We have gone on the 4th many times (I think 5 in all) and find that MK is the place to STAY AWAY from. We love Epcot and the crowds are managable. Relax and stroll out at leisure to miss the big exodus though. We have also done the staking out a good spot hours beforehand and found people walking up last minute and pushing their way in with us - last time we just stopped where we were and watched instead and found that to work better (we did not push in on anyone else though - stayed back and still had a great view and time)

 

[udnylad]

Hi Folks

Thanks for the advice.
Sounds like Epcot is the best place, unless anyone has a better suggestion??

 

[Praise2Him]

2 years ago we stayed around the resort at the pool during the day of the 4th. Then about 4:00 we went over to MGM and ate a quick bite and watched the parade. We stood in the middle of the main street right inside the entrance to watch the fireworks. We really wanted to see them there because I think they only do them once or twice a year. They were fantastic! Then we left and walked quickly to Epcot to see the fireworks there. We went in the International Gateway and made it around to Canada before they started. It was really crowded - we were about 10 - 12 people back in the crowd, but could still see pretty well. It was totally worth it...they were awesome!!! Then, just to cap off the night, we rode the monorail to the MK. The fireworks were over, of course, but we just wanted to say we'd been to 3 parks in one day! We got there about midnight when everyone was leaving (they were open until 2 am, I think). We rode a few rides and then left. It was fun, but exhausting! LOL I definitely recommend seeing both MGM & Epcot, if you can, though.

 

[bucky1023]

I was there last year and we went to Epcot during the day, ate dinner at the Cape May Clam Bake (Beach Club) and watched the fireworks from our hotel room in the Contemporary. I was with my mom (who has knee problems) and my niece and two nephews. After hearing about MK being very crowded I didn't want to drag everyone around when we had the perfect view.

 

[arubalisa]

Has anyone braved TL on the 4th??