The 4th has been on a weekday for the last few years -- that makes a difference. The last time the 4th was on a weekend, it was crazy. However, Disney had the special fireworks show on the nights preceding the 4th (and even on the 5th, one year), that helped spread the crowds. The day crowds were the worst for the 4th, Disney had bands throughout DTD, swing dancing for each band, the events in the parks... it was just asking for very crowded conditions. Management wasn't happy and that level of celebration hasn't happened again since. The past several years have been pretty low key, which is why posters are saying that the parks haven't been crazy on the 4th -- they haven't been crazy because DLR management has deliberately planned for that. This year, we'll see what happens. I think it will be more crowded than the past few years because of the weekend. But I doubt Disney will go all out (based on the current penny pinching we're seeing in the parks -- this isn't exactly a lavish spending period) -- so it may well turn out to be a "crowded, but not insane" weekend. OP, if you want to spend the holiday at the parks, go for it! Just plan well (have MP, any TS reservations, and dining packages for shows), bring a positive attitude, and go have fun!