4th of July ?'s

[nicolepdonnelly]

Hi all you disboard experts!
The Details-
We are taking our 1st DVC trip June 28th-July6th
2 adults 3 kids 14,13,10
AKV Concierge
My dilema
what to do about the 4th of July and fireworks.

I've searched the boards and have seen the warnings regarding avoiding MK due to crowds, so we were thinking of doing the Polynesian review dining show and heading down to the beach for the fireworks.
Will that work?
What have you done in the past, what would you suggest.
Thanks in advance for your info!

 

[5forDiz]

This past July 4th we went over to BW in early evening, ate dinner at ESPN Club & then enjoyed all the BW activities - there was lots going on : jugglers, magicians a DJ & lots of folks dancing on the Village Green ( many riding around on surrey bikes ) - everyone having a really great time. We were able to see MK fireworks in distance across Crescent Lake and Epcot's over ESPN and DHS over Jellyrolls we could see really well. If you do decide to go to BW definitely wait at least an hour when fireworks are done to leave the resort because traffic will be extremely heavy with everyone exciting parks, other resorts, etc. There is still plenty to do there afterwards ( ice cream, BW bakery, Beaches & Cream at BCV, nice to stroll around lake and visit other resorts, etc. )

Our kids like this resort area because they like to walk around and do some exploring on their own too in gift shops, video games at ESPN, etc.

Have fun

 

[Disneymom2266]

We were there last year for the 4th, at MK, the only problem were the crowds AFTER the fireworks,Mainstreet was packed like sardines. My suggestion would be, if you are going there, to just wait it out after fireworks till crowds die down, then go to the exits. Maybe you can go on some more rides,etc. The entire day though, wasnt as busy at the parks as it has been some times weve been. Have a great time. I heard seeing wishes from Poly beach is spectacular also!

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

Were there last July 4th. They have the special fireworks show on the 3rd & 4th , so on the 3rd we took a bus from SSR - MK, monorail over to Poly, walked thru the hotel to the beach and watched the fireworks from the beach. It was really great, they play the music that you hear at the MK. They also launched fireworks from the island in the middle of the lagoon that mirrored the fireworks in the MK. Afterward we walked to the poly bus stop and within 5 minutes a bus to DTD showed up. Took that to DTD walked around a bit before walking back to SSR.

On the 4th we went to AK. A great choice on the 4th, since they have no fireworks most people don't go there. Between getting there early and fastpasses we never waited more than 15 minutes for anything.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I would definitely go to the MK on the 3rd, and partake in the BW activities on the 4th, going into Epcot via the back entrance if it's opened.

Bobbi

 

[snowbunny]

We had dinner at 'Ohana on the 4th last year and saw the fireworks from there. Spectacular! the kids can go over the windows for a good view and they pipe in the music.

Fair warning, the Poly was an absolute zoo that night, traffic was terrible (we drove up from AKV), and they were not even letting cars in without a confirmed ADR. They had a list and were checking. So make a reservation and leave extra time.

 

[Greyhound22]

We were at MK 2 years ago w/ 4-6 year old girls then. NEVER EVER AGAIN. My girls are very well behaved (aren't everyones) - they were fine. I thought I would divorce my wife by about 11 p.m. We were still at the park and it took 1 1/2 to get to our car. Last year we went to AK (crowds were not bad at all) for the day and got back to the resort (not Disney) for fireworks. Watched them from the balcony. We saw approx. 5 different shows. Now, we are DVC owners and will be at AKV for the 4th. I am planning on staying by the pool all day and watching from anywhere but MK. Too much stress for a "vacation".

 

[Bob Price]

I thought I would divorce my wife by about 11 p.m. ".

 

[parlay]

If you love fireworks, it just isn't the same from the beach at the Poly. And I agree with other posters that it is the Crowds afterwards that are the worst. I see from the age of your kids that strollers are not an issue - I personally think that navigating strollers thru the aftercrowds was the Worst part of our trip. If you take your time afterwards, wait it out on a bench or in a store, it makes things less stressful!

 

[danielle782001]

Never thought of going to AK in the morning of the 4th....Great idea...Thanks for sharing...

We were thinking of avoiding all parks during the day on the 3rd, 4th and 5th...And going to MK in the late afternoon on the 3rd for their special fireworks and DHS on the 4th...Any thoughts on this plan?

 

[nicolepdonnelly]

Thanks so much for all the great ideas and tips! I knew I could count on you all!

 

[evaready51]

We were at WDW last 4th of July, ate at O'Hana's. We went down to the beach at 6:00PM and already there were hardly any seats. We waited 3.5 hours for fireworks. As it got closer to the fireworks time more and more people wanted to muscle in on were we were sitting.

The fireworks and show were spectacular BUT never again will we go. It took us almost 2 hours to get back from the Poly to SSR. This year will be hanging aroudn DTD.

 

[bnhasak]

We are going June 28-July3 and were going to take DS to MK on the 28th. Would that be a really bad day to go?

They have EMH that night.

Any opinions are really appreciated!

 

[disneydawn6]

We have DVC at the Boardwalk Villa and cash reservations for both the BWV (if we don't want to move and the Poly concierge (if I want to move for the 3rd and forth of July. Where do think would be better to stay. I've been to WDW on NYE and stayed at both places. Do they have the DJ on the green at the BWV for July 4th also?? Decisions Decisions. We also spent Dec 31 at AK at their were no lines. Maybe the same but for sure need to see my fireworks.......

 

[spiceycat]

tried July 4 just once before - might be doing it this year.

if so - going to try for the same plan - went to Epcot first - saw the fireworks - then got on the monrail - went to the Polyn - saw the fireworks and EWP - then waited a little longer - then went to the MK.

sometimes on really crowded nights - the CM open up the back gate - so you can get to Tomorrowland without too much trouble.

that say that year most of the guests were leaving the parks.

really want to stay at BLT on July 4 one year. No problems with WDW transportation....You can walk back from the MK.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

We are in WDW each July 4th for about 10 days and have been for years. We take between 12-14 of us and we always get multiple rooms at the POLY and as others have said, the place is a zoo.

However, the location is great for Fireworks. We spend the 4th (And sometimes the 3rd) at the Volcano Pool that entire day and evening and enjoy the atmosphere and the ability to not have to rush back to the Monorail, car, bus, etc.

 

[marvali]

We will be at AKV - Kidani from June 28-July 6th, so maybe we will see you there. As for the 4th of July fireworks, we don't plan to be anywhere close to MK or Epcot due to the crowds.

Has anyone tried timing the ferry boats to MK about the time the fireworks start? I think it would be a great way to view them during the boat ride. Then immediately take the ferryboat back and beat the crowds getting out of there.......

 

[snowbunny]

Has anyone tried timing the ferry boats to MK about the time the fireworks start? I think it would be a great way to view them during the boat ride.

Won't work; I'm pretty sure they hold the ferries at the docks during the fireworks.

 

[Greyhound22]

We're planning on staying at Kidani for the 4th. Does anyone know if we will be able to see fireworks from there? If so, which ones. If not, where would be the best spot (avoiding the mass of humanity). Thanks

 

[nicolepdonnelly]

Speaking of Kidani, can Jambo house guests visit that cool pool over there and will it be ready when Kidani opens?