Advice for July touring plan?

[lkgraham27]

Hi everyone. I am going to WDW with my best friend (who's never been) in July. I've never been in July, and I know I'm going to wilt! Any suggestions for touring plans for two 25 year old girls (going at least hot, least crowded times). Don't get me wrong, I know it will be hot and crowded all the time... It seems like most people suggest arriving before the park opens, hitting some headliners, going back to swim/nap, and then returning to the park for the evening shift. We'll have annual passes to use and we're staying in BWV studio (also considering the dining plan so we can EAT our way through WDW!). I want to be a good tour guide for my friend--make sure she sees everything (we'll be there seven nights), but I don't want us to kill ourselves! Thanks for the help!

 

[goofy4tink]

Be sure to take it slow. You will be there for a good length of time. The parks will be open late, so that will help. Be at the parks before they open...try for an hour or so before. Then, do some of the things you want to do and head back to BW for a bite to eat and a swim. Then, after relaxing for a bit, you can head back to the parks late afternoon. I know that seems like a lot of down time, but you will appreciate it when you are able to keep going later into the evening. If you don't take that time during the day to refresh, you will be in deep doodoo by about 8:00....I know, I've been there. It's hot, incredibly humid and the crowds will wear you down.
Drink a lot of water, and then drink some more. Make time to visit the ladies room every hour or two.
But my best advice is to take it slow.....you will be glad in the long run.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I agree, you going at the hottest time of the year and it will be busy also.

Arrive at the parks early, break for lunch/relax - and if you want to return in the evening.
Try and avoid the hottest and busiest times of the day.

Take things at an easy pace and do not try and cram too much into each day, drink plenty of water, wear loose comfortable clothing and shoes.

 

[TAKitty]

I think it depends where you are from. We went last July and are returning this July, and I didn't think it was that bad. I am from Michigan, and we had a hot summer last summer so that may be why I felt like it was managable. I purchased a hand-held mini fan that my sister really liked to use. What I like best about July is that it gives you a good excuse to eat/drink lots of cold drinks. We had a slushie at every park!

 

[Greg K.]

You're blessed with having lots of time -- seven nights is a nice stretch, and I'm sure you'll still leave with plans on what to do next time!

The advice you've gotten is good: start early, pace yourself, keep yourselves hydrated, and have fun!! If you can, schedule naps/breaks after lunch, and head back to the parks around dinner time. You'll feel refreshed, and probably face fewer throngs.

We did this last July, when my wife and I took her parents to WDW, and they had a blast. These surly 60-sometehings hadn't been to WDW in about 20 years, and were a little wary of what they'd encounter this time. But we made sure they didn't rush, and got plenty of rest, and only went on the must-see attractions, and had some really great meals, too.

The result? "Everybody always comes back from Disney World complaining and feeling exhausted," my father in law said later. "But we came back relaxed and refreshed. How'd you do that?"

 

[TheresaNY]

We went against the flow and it worked GREAT for us !! We were there 2 years in a row in July. First we tried the early, nap, return plan but it was killing us ! Then instead we slept in, got up late, had a leisurely meal, sometimes took a quick dip, then headed for the parks around 1-2pm when everyone was leaving. It was hot, but we were just starting out and were fresh. The lines were manageable since everyone was leaving. The parks are open very late in the summer. Since we were always sleeping in we were able to take advantage of the late hours without feeling too tired. Plus, since we started at the parks during the hottest part of the day, it only got cooler as the day pregressed (though not by much). It felt worse for us starting in the morning and having it get hotter and hotter as the day went on. The "sleep in" plan does NOT work if you want to go to the water parks however. Then you MUST get there at opening time or you might not get in due to capacty closings.

 

[lkgraham27]

thanks for all the info! at least we'll be there long enough to try some different options and see what works best!