Am I Crazy to go at the end of July?

[acename]

My husband and I want to go in July for our anniversary. But I've been reading everywhere that this is a terrible time to go. We thought about October, but we woulldn't be able to stay for as long if we went then. We're used to humidity so we can deal with the weather, but will the crowds be unbearable? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Bob P]

There's no such thing as a terrible time to go to WDW!

Yes, it will be hot; and yes, it will be crowded. But go early, use FastPass, make ADRs, and take a swim break every day and you'll be fine!

Bob

 

[phisigprincess]

Truth be told, until 2003, I had never been to WDW in an "off peak" time. We ALWAYS go either that last week of July or mid June. Yeah, there are crowds. Do you wait? Yeah. It's not forever though! You plan your day, you use fast pass, and really, you can still do EVERYTHING! We managed to do MGM (seriously all of it) in one day because we timed it right. If that's when you can go, that's when you go. Any time you can get there is a good time!!

 

[elastigirlfan]

Hi. No, you're not crazy. Yes, it will be hot and yes it will be crowded but if you use fast pass and not worry about the crowds you will be fine. We have gone the last three summers because it has been the only time we could go and we have had a blast each time. We would rather be there on it's most crowded day than not at Disney at all. Have a great time!!

 

[dmslush]

We were there this past July and are toying with the idea of going back next July also. It was hot, humid, and crowded. But, we started out early, used fast pass, took mid-day breaks and LOVED it!! We never waited more than 10 minutes for any ride. We had a blast!!

 

[llij]

Until this past July, we had only gone to WDW during other times of the year. I was a bit nervous about going, but we ended up having a great trip. Yes, it was hot and humid (although it was hotter and more humid in VA while we were gone) and it was crowded. By getting to the parks at opening, utilizing FP and taking mid day breaks, we had a great trip! I never thought the crowds were unbearable at all. Also, there were a few evenings when the rain really cooled things off and it was quite pleasant.

I was also 5 1/2 months pregnant when we went this summer and would do it again in a heartbeat. Enjoy your trip!

 

[darner]

go when you can, but make necessary schedule adjustments for july heat & crowds...

oct is becoming a very popular time, especially with the Food & Wine festival at Epcot... that is a very cool event, especially for couples to stroll about world showcase and take in the cuisine and drinks.

Last year, with the hurricanes that hit Florida, many Sept. vactioners pushed their trips back to Oct. We talked with CM at Epcot and they said that Oct 2004 was the busiest they've seen it... they likened it to Christmas holiday crowds.

 

[jasheehy]

We are going in July for our anniversary also. The heat and crowds will not bother us because we are still at Disney.

Can you call ahead and will they do anything for an anniversary?

 

[nluvwithmickey]

We have gone to Disney 3 times during July. It is a fabulous time of year, the days are longer, the parks are open longer, everyone is so happy.


Yes it is really hot, but there is plenty of AC to cool off. It takes a little longer to see everything but I have always been able to do and see all I wanted to.

The first day of heat is a shock to your system, but by the next day, you get used to it. Would I go again in July?.....YESSSSS!

 

[chyam]

If given the choice I would think Oct would be better, not only crowd wise but the heat and humidity can really knock you down. Also Oct. tends to be a little "older" crowd and you could take full advantage of the Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT! The summer months are great especially if you do have children and it is the only time you can go, the hours are longer but I would much rather have the weather in Oct. Since also during the summer we get the afternoon rain showers. If you do decide to pick July, follow the advice, get an early start, use fast passes, take breaks and bring patience!

 

[CindyT]

My husband and I are teachers, we have no option but to go in summer. As others have said it is hot, humid and crowded; however, we always have a wonderful time. We pace ourselves and when we get too hot or too tired we take a break, swim or nap, then go back in the evening. I think the amount of fun you have is proportional to your attitude. A positive attitude equals a great time. Go, enjoy!!

 

[TAKitty]

My advice about July:
Have a touring plan
Do Fast Pass

We went this past July 18th and the Magic Kingdom was crowded whenever we went. MGM/Epcot was hardly crowded the two days we went there. We went to Animal Kingdom on an EMH day and that was a mistake. Even the CM I was with said that they hadn't seen the crowds so large before. You have plenty of time to learn the ins and outs of Disney from now until July.

With that said, I enjoy the crowds. It makes me feel like I am in the middle of all the magic. Also, summer is hot. Some people just need to get over that.