4th of July--- what to Do?

[okstate_angel]

We are going to be in Anaheim from July 1-8... I'm assuming its not a good idea to go near the parks on the 4th itself. Does anyone have suggestions as to what we should do on that day/evening? I've looked at possibly going up to the Aquarium of the Pacific and watching the fireworks, but that's a 30 minute drive in non holiday traffic, would that be nuts? Any suggestions would be welcomed!
TIA

 

[Cheshirecatty]

I don't have suggestions for other things, because when we are at the Resort, we tend to "stay put", but we go over July 4th, and the morning and early afternoon there are great---especially if you can get there before opening!

It's the later afternoon/evening you have to watch out for(we always go back to our Hotel around 4:00pm or 5:00pm), because large/massive crowds are arriving, and trying to secure spots for the Fireworks!

 

[SMD]

I don't think it's crazy to drive to Long Beach, even if there's additional holiday traffic. What is crazy is trying to get there in the afternoon and expecting there to be parking or a prime spot for the fireworks in the marina. Or to leave 1 hour before you have to be there and then have something unexpected happen en route and you're late. Look into what's happening in the area on that day and see what your plan would have to be to make it work.

 

[spacemermaid]

Knott's is super-fun (and nowhere near as crowded as Disneyland) on July 4th. They have a fireworks show at around 9-10 pm; it takes about 15 minutes to drive there from the Park if there's traffic.

 

[Cheshirecatty]

Knott's is super-fun (and nowhere near as crowded as Disneyland) on July 4th. They have a fireworks show at around 9-10 pm; it takes about 15 minutes to drive there from the Park if there's traffic.

I did not know this---Thanks so much for the information!

We haven't been to Knott's in years, but if it's much less crowded for fireworks there, that just might be worth checking out---along with Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant(YUM)!!!

 

[okstate_angel]

Yes thank you! That is definitely something to consider

 

[superlarz]

I would just go to Disneyland. Unless you have been there on the 4th for fireworks before, it may be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

 

[DaveNinja]

I thought i remember hearing that last year on the 4th it was surprisingly uncrowded. It was worse on the 3rd and 5th

 

[okstate_angel]

I heard that they are starting the 4th of july fireworks on the 1st.. .would they be different on the actual 4th?

 

[Cheshirecatty]

The fireworks they show on July 1st--3rd, are almost the same as what you get on the fourth, just a shorter show---they extend it for July 4th, with some added special effects, music, etc. We didn't feel like we missed a ton by watching it before the 4th, but that's just our opinion!

 

[Vintage Mouseketeer]

I thought i remember hearing that last year on the 4th it was surprisingly uncrowded. It was worse on the 3rd and 5th

This is true, but with the 4th being on a Friday I have a feeling it maybe a bit more busy this year.

 

[Albertan mom]

We are there July 1-6, and have a 5 day hopper.
We are trying to figure out when to do Disney/CA, when it will be least busy.

We can watch the 4th Fireworks show from July 1-3 if we don't go the 4th.

What is it like in CA on the 4th? Any less busy?

 

[DDhunter]

We are going to be in Anaheim from July 1-8... I'm assuming its not a good idea to go near the parks on the 4th itself. Does anyone have suggestions as to what we should do on that day/evening? I've looked at possibly going up to the Aquarium of the Pacific and watching the fireworks, but that's a 30 minute drive in non holiday traffic, would that be nuts? Any suggestions would be welcomed!
TIA

We have actually done both the Aquarium of the Pacific and Disneyland on the 4th. The traffic getting out of Long Beach was a NIGHTMARE, the worst traffic jam I have ever been in. I enjoyed it but would be unlikely to ever go back and do it again.

We did Disneyland twice on the 4th (going again this year) and while it was more crowded than a "normal" day, it wasn't that bad. Also, this year they aren't selling blockout day tickets to passholders who are blocked that day. My guess is that will really help with crowds.