4th of July

[NH Disney Mom]

Hello
Just booked our first trip as DVC members for 6-29 thru 7-6 at BCV and was wondering what its like at Disney over the 4th of July? How are the crowds? What special things go on for that day? Etc.
Also while we are there my DH and I would like to go out to dinner just the two of us and was wondering what BCV has for babysitting for our two DS (ages 9-5). When we toured BWV last year our boys had a blast in a special play area/day care. Is there anything like that at BCV?

Thanks for yor help!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I've read that the 4th of July crowds are the worst, but the firework displays are the best ever. We never stayed over the 4th, we left on the 4th, and the crowds were not bad leading up to that day.

Bobbi

 

[Cruelladeville]

We are at BWV during the same time! We go down every year over the 4th, and the crowds are horrible every year!! You can't do anything at any of the parks due to the crowds--you are talking of a 2 1/2 hour wait if you can actually reach a ride to wait for. We have seen the Beach Boys and LeAnn Rimes there, but the crowds are so awful, and I am claustrophobic, so we don't go on the 4th anymore, except for the fireworks, which are spectacular. At Epcot you get double the fireworks--they do Illuminations, then shoot off another bunch. At Magic Kingdom they do the same thing, but the fireworks are all around you. If you plan to spend the 4th out of the parks, and just go in for the fireworks, you will be much happier. This year the 4th is a Sunday, so the locals will be there, too, which is much, much worse.

 

[DeDixie]

We stayed at the BCV July 4th 2003 and had a blast! We were so worried that we would not have a good time due to the heat and crowds, but we survived. We tood afternoon breaks and only hit the things we wanted, we went to the parks early and used fast passes. We had just as good of time as we do any other time of the year.

As for the 4th itself... We went to MGM for EE and rode RnR 3x in a row ( last time using a fp we got when we first got there). They we did some other attractions and stayed till around 1. The crowds were not bad at all -- actually it was pretty empty till close to noon. Then we went back and spent the day at the resort, SAB, quite pool, etc. We drove to the GF for dinner at Narcossi's (sp?) and had a GREAT meal, then watched the fireworks from the porch at the restaurant. They piped in the music and you could only watch from there if you had eaten there. They had security and we had to save our receipt as our meal finished about 30 min before. They were the best fire works. Then we walked to our car, drove back to BCV (no traffic cause there was NO WAY MK traffic could even start yet) put our doggie bags in the frig, changed our clothes, etc and headed down to the international gateway. We watched Illuminations fireworks (not a great view) and the extra 4th fw (good view) from the turn around in front of the international gateway. Then we walked home. It was a perfect day!

MK fireworks were at 9, Epcot were at 10.

 

[Ladygator]

Hi! We have never been to WDW during the 4th but my DH and I did go for NYE (without our kids) to celebrate our 10th anniversary. We stayed at the BCV. My suggestion for you would be to request an Epcot view on an upper floor. We lucked out and got a great view of Epcot and were able to watch the NYE fireworks from our balcony. We did not go to the parks on NYE because we didn't want to fight the crowds. If you are interested in eating at Shulas in the Dolphin your kids can stay at the kids club there for free while you eat. That will save you $10/hour per child plus they serve them dinner. I think they only allow 2 hours but your should be able to eat in that time or you could just pay for one extra hour. Also, the Beach Club has a kids club (Sandcastle Club) you can check out. Our kids love the Neverland Club at the Polynesian Hotel. My DH and I have eaten at Narcosses at the Grand Floridian while our kids stayed at the Neverland Club. Good luck with your planning.

 

[Wislodgers]

We went on the 4th for the first time this past summer. We stayed at the VWL and Animal Kingdom Lodge. We went to MK in the morning, but only stayed a couple hours. We went over to Fort Wilderness and went on the 4th of July Fireworks wagonride. The ride brought us down by the lake and they had the music for the fireworks piped in. We loved it! No crowds to fight afterwards and the view was great. I don't remeber the price, but I know it was fairly cheap, around $8 for adults and $6 for kids.

We were there a week and the weather was HOT, HOT, HOT!!! It was so hot out that the pools at midday were warm(not to mention crowded)!

We brought lots to drink to the parks, and after the 4th, the crowds were not as bad as we anticipated. We used fastpass or avoided rides if the wait was too long.

We enjoyed it and would like to go again on the 4th.

 

[The VWL Five]

How are the crowds after the 4th? Like the week after? We're going from the 4th - 16th splitting time between VWL and BCV.

We plan on going to the parks in the am, the afternoon at the resort pool and the pm at the parks. I assume that's what most people do. Correct?

 

[Cruelladeville]

Once the 4th is finished, the crowds aren't too bad. This doesn't mean empty, since I always go in summer, spring break, and Christmas, my opinion of the crowds may not be the same as your's, but you have a good plan. If you go to the parks in the am, then plan to hit the pools around noon or so, you have the right idea for summer. You can go back to the parks later in the evening for fireworks, and it will be much more fun than trying to brave that brutal afternoon sunshine.

 

[robinb]

The 4th of July fireworks at the MK cannot be beat! They are 360 degrees around you. Go! You won't be disappointed. I would make a PS at one of the sit-down restaurants since the MK will be very crowded. Go early in the morning and then return for your PS. Just make sure to leave enough time for the 9:00 pm FW .

As for your special meal ... there are kids clubs in most of the deluxe resorts. You can pick one close to where you are staying or close to where you are eating. Our 4 year old DD loved the Neverland Club at the Polynesian while we had dinner over at Victoria and Albert's in the GF. I think all clubs are about $10 per hour per child.

 

[The VWL Five]

Do you have to book the 4th of July wagon ride at Fort Wilderness? If so how and when? Seems like a great idea. I guess you can also see the fireworks from the VWL beach or dock. Anyone know for sure?

 

[Towncrier]

We'll be at BCV from June 27th through July 6th, so I hope we bump into you sometime during your stay. We were at BCV when they opened on July 1, 2002, but we checked out on July 4th and flew home. We saw lots of impressive fireworks from the airplane, but I really wish that we would have stayed one extra day to see the Epcot fireworks.

Since we are staying at BCV, is it worth the hassle to get over to see the MK fireworks or should we just be satified with spending our evening at Epcot? I lobbied for the BCV location over OKW simply for that reason. And unless someone can convince me otherwise, we'll be at Epcot on the evening of July 4th.

 

[Chim Chiminy]

I am curious too as to everyone's opinions on the fireworks. Epcot or Magic Kingdom?
I am certain MK will be stuffed to the gills with people, something I can handle but DH might not.
Also if we go early in the morning, leave for a break, then return for a PS at Crystal Palace or LTT will we be let back in if MK is at capacity?
I guess that would be a concern of mine. We are once again traveling with a large family group and I want the trip to go as smoothly as possible.

 

[NH Disney Mom]

I'm also torn on which park to go to for fireworks right now from what I've read it sounds like MK is going to be way to crowded. My DH won't go for that at all. Epcot sounds like it might be a safer bet and at least we won't be too far from where we are staying or if we have a good view maybe we will just stay at the room.

 

[MAC3]

Hi NH Disney Mom,

We usually go to WDW during the 4th, my experiences with it the last 2 times were this in 2002 we went into Epcot (figuring it would be safer like yourself). It was shoulder to shoulder. It was then we vowed not to go back into the park on that day. It is however a good time to go.

We love it, and have even found one day that the wait for rides in Epcot were minimal (I think it was 2 days before the 4th in 2002).....

It depends on you though, if you don't mind the crowds then give it a go. I personally thought it was too much!

Enjoy your trip & welcome to the Dis!
Lisa

 

[Wislodgers]

The wagonride is a first come first served, no ressies. They filled up three wagons, and could have sold more seats.

We went over to Pioneer Hall and just hung around until they started selling tickets. We had asked at the front desk of the Lodge what time tickets went on sale.

Have a fun trip!!