4th of July

[Lyndylou]

been to disneyworld at all different times of year but this time will be first for 4th July. I've heard its the busiest time of year so any hints or tips on best park/shows/parades would be brill.

 

[colleen costello]

Hi there! We were there July 4th 2 summers ago, and got to stay at Beach Club Villas on the day it opened. The trip was fun but yes, the World was quite busy. We had planned to go to the MK on the 4th but a CM at the Beach Club front desk suggested we do otherwise. She had worked the previous 4th and described the "sea of bodies" that actually prevented her leaving the park after her shift was over. That did NOT sound fun, so we instead just relaxed and swam on the 4th. We made a dinner reservation at the Poly that night and watched the amazing fireworks from there. They are shot off from all around Bay Lake so you see the whole show from the MK resorts. It was amazing! We went to the MK the next morning and it was very manageable -- I guess everyone else was recovering from the day before!

Folks here have posted that the other parks (I specifically recall Epcot being mentioned) are not near as busy on the 4th. Hope this helps with your planning! Also, the DVC resorts usually have some activities planned. Old Key West (we were there by the 4th) had games by the main pool.

 

[allforpooh]

We have been there twice on the 4th, both times were crowded but tons of fun. Since we usually get up and go to the parks early we are back at the resort by noon or 1, swim/relax until later in the day. We always have a PS and usually go to Epcot for the fireworks. Since its a Holiday the hrs are pretty long and you will have plenty of time to do what you want to do.
Denise

 

[TDC Nala]

The busiest time of the year is Christmas, followed by Easter.

But July 4th is pretty busy, too.

 

[caskar]

We have been there four times for the 4th. Busy - yes, but we had fun. We didn't go to MK any time as we have heard horror stories! Epcot is fun with the shows at the gardens near American Adventure. Fireworks are spectacular at MK as we have watched from the Poly. Epcots are good too. MGM also has fireworks so it is possible to see them for BWV then turn and see the fireworks over Epcot after Illuminations. The best fireworks I have seen were at Epcot for New Years Eve. They were the most powerful exhibit I have ever witnessed. I was amazed. You are so close as the shells burst over the lagoon. The fireworks at MK on the 4th are beautiful because there are some behind the castle and others in come from the island on the lake. They seem to fill the air! I wish we could go this year but plans have changed and I even had a reservation at O'hanas to eat and watch the fireworks. Maybe next year.

 

[caskar]

We have been there four times for the 4th. Busy - yes, but we had fun. We didn't go to MK any time as we have heard horror stories! Epcot is fun with the shows at the gardens near American Adventure. Fireworks are spectacular at MK as we have watched from the Poly. Epcot's are good too. MGM also has fireworks so it is possible to see them for BWV then turn and see the fireworks over Epcot after Illuminations. The best fireworks I have seen were at Epcot for New Years Eve. They were the most powerful exhibit I have ever witnessed. I was amazed. You are so close as the shells burst over the lagoon. The fireworks at MK on the 4th are beautiful because there are some behind the castle and others come from the island on the lake. They seem to fill the air! I wish we could go this year but plans have changed and I even had a reservation at O'hanas to eat and watch the fireworks. Maybe next year.

 

[Doug Wolfe]

I have been to WDW before on July 4th. Like Colleen, I was also at BCV when it opened.

WDW is jammed on July 3rd & 4th. Great fireworks shows.

However, July 5th & 6th there is usually a major exodous of the biggest crowds. People have done their thing on the 4th and are heading back home. For the 4th, I would get out to the pool real early, and hang around there all day. I would do the theme parks on the following days, when the crowds are somewhat smaller.