Am I crazy for planning a trip around July 4th?

[sahdoftwins]

My twins turn 5 on July 5th 2017. I really want to be at Disneyland for their birthday. We are looking at visiting the 2nd through the 6th. We could also come a week or two earlier in June but any earlier trip would have to include the weekend. Would it really be a huge difference crowd wise? I know it is going to be busy either way.

 

[The Lucky Bug]

I had always heard that the 4th was crazy busy, but my husband and I have been for the last two years and never found it too bad. The 5th had low crowds in DCA both years. We go to Disneyland a lot and our last trip Oct 12-15 was so much more busier than the 4th of July.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I would take July any day over October, Spring Break, or the last 2 weeks of December. It will be crowded. Never underestimate the crowds as they are a fact of life at Disneyland these days. That being said, if you follow the tips around here like going at rope drop, taking breaks during the peak hours, and coming back in the evening, it can be quite pleasant.

 

[Congo Queen]

My family went for Fourth of July week in 2016 and it was totally manageable - much better than Xmas time. BUT in 2017, the ROA, Dland Railroad and the all new F! will debut just before then. I think they are saying now all three will debut in "summer 2017" so that could mean late May, June or early July. If the timeline slips and its closer to July then I am imagining that July 4th will be very heavy crowds.

 

[SMD]

Summer 2017 could just as easily mean August. But most people hoping to be there when they reopen could be making plans now hoping it happen by early July. I think that the 3rd will probably be pretty awful. People could take a 3 day weekend, and still be home to celebrate the 4th. If I were driving, coming home late on the 3rd or early on the 4th to beat traffic would be really appealing. I don't think it's crazy, as long as you're not expecting it to be anything but hot and crowded.

 

[StormyCA]

I think it's just like any busy time. You just make your plans and set your expectations accordingly. I'm going the week after Xmas. It will be my first time in DL at Xmas in 30 years. I'm figuring on huge crowds, long lines, and probably getting in 1/3 of the rides I usually do (normally go off-season). If it's better than that it's a plus. If it turns out like expected, I won't be disappointed.

 

[sharksfinatic17]

My daughters have gone during the last week in June the last couple of years (2014 and 2016). They have said the park was not real crowded. I think it was the calm before the storm (4th of July).

 

[Malcon10t]

We go for the 4th most years. We usually say we aren't going, then something draws us back. It is usually crowded, but fun. Just have a positive attitude.

 

[Reepicheep]

I recently noticed something unusual which may be of relevance to this thread.

When I checked a month or two ago, July 1-4 were listed on the Disney website as being blockout dates for Deluxe passports. Now, only July 1-2 (Saturday and Sunday) are blocked out.

Going by memory (which is possibly faulty), in recent years July 3-4 have always been blocked out for all “lower level” passports, regardless of the day of the week July 3-4 fall. I'm surprised that Disneyland would choose to open up July 3-4 to Deluxe passport holders next year.

 

[Donalyn]

I say go and have a wonderful time celebrating the birthdays at a wonderful place. Our daughters have birthdays a day apart, so we celebrated their 8th and 5th birthdays at WDW 5 years ago. It was great.

 

[VandVsmama]

I don't think you're crazy. A week at DL over July 4th sounds like a lot of fun. If you stay within easy walking distance, then you can make managing the crowds very tolerable. For example, be at the parks at rope drop each day. Go on rides all morning. Leave just after lunch when it's really getting busy. Spend the afternoon at your hotel in the pool. Head back at dinner time.