Another 4th of July week crowd question (sorry Long post)

[disgirl]

I know there have been many 4th of July posts here, a few of which were mine so I apologize if this seems like a repeat question. We will be at WDW from July 2-July10 and I am, of course, expecting heat, humidity and crowds. Am I crazy, what were we thinking? LOL! The past couple of times, we have gone at the end of August so we are def. used to the heat and humidity, but the crowds are not that bad at that time of summer.

My question is for all of those that have gone this time of year. I know some have posted here that they have gone that week and will never do it again, which of course is discouraging for me. Others have said they have gone before and are going back again this 4th, which of course helps me think it can not be that terribly crowded that you can not have a good trip or people would not return. I know going early in the morning is key to getting on popular rides and taking rests is essential. Finally, my question is: Can we at all plan and expect to do any rides and attractions at night since the parks are open late? I do not want to have to get up early EVERY day(commando) since we are DVC members and will continue to make trips here other years. We would like to go to the parks at night as well. Can we expect to get on any rides without 60 Plus minute waits at night? We will of course, try for FP, but I know they go quick this time of year. What have your experiences been? I know many of you have shared 4th of July week experiences before, but I can not remember reading about lines at night. THANK YOU so much for taking the time to read this. You are the best!!

 

[mhingher]

I have responded to other 7/4 posts, not sure if they were yours-- anyway, we went to WDW the week before 7/4 (we left 7/5) in 2004. The crowds got worse and worse as the day came closer. But I think you'll be ok b/c the majority of your vacation will be after 7/4. From what they told me, the crowds slow down a bit in the days right after. You'll definitely be able to go on rides at night... but just keep in mind that sometimes FP runs out mid-day. So try to get them ASAP. If you can't, it is very possible that you experience long waits:-(, but don't be completely discouraged! In my opinion, you should avoid the parks completely on July 4th. Relax at your resort, do some shopping @ DTD, resort hopping, mini golf... there are a lot of other things to do. You can always catch the fireworks from somewhere outside the parks. Have a great trip

 

[disgirl]

Thanks so much for the quick response. I see you are leaving soon. Hope you have a GREAT trip yourself!! We are planning on taking it easy on the 4th and staying at SAB during the day.

Anyone else have experience in the parks right after the 4th of July? Are the nights packed where you can not get on popular attractions without very long waits? Thank you!

 

[lovmy2girls]

We have been during 2xs during this time. mhingher is right, the FP run out as the day goes on. We have stayed until 11-11:30 before and the popular mountain rides were still 60 plus minutes. Threre is just no way around it, its peak season. Good luck, and glad its you not us.

 

[disgirl]

Thanks, I really am starting to get nervous now, but we could not go our usual end of Aug. this year because DS starts high school orientation the last week of Aug. this year. I would love to go in January or May, but have to follow the school vacations!
lovmy2girls: Did you enjoy yourselves or did you come home sorry you went during that time?

 

[Hollyster2]

We have been to Walt Disney World twice through the 4th of July. We have stayed 2 weeks both times, and are returning this July 1st for 2 weeks! Yes it is Hot and Humid, but we absolutely love it!! I would like to try visiting the parks at a cooler time of year, but all of our schedules don't seem to allow it. Maybe in the fall someday?

We go with a game plan, ADR's, and planned pool/relax days. We never have left the parks during the day either to go back and rest. We are either refreshed by the rain, or by a sit down meal in air conditioning. This has worked no matter how young my kids were. I do know for a fact that a little spray bottle, a hat to keep the sun off your head, and a paper fan (fabulous round ones in Japan at Epcot!) or a little battery operated one go a LONG way while waiting in lines! I just picked up the greatest little hand held mister/fan things that clip onto a belt loop! They are at Walmart for around 3 dollars and I think they will keep the kids happy. The grown-ups too!

We always remind each other long before we leave, and then go with the attitude...Yes it will be hot. Yes it will be crowded. Yes we will be tired, but this is the time of year we can all go together as a family and aren't we fortunate to be going to such a wonderful place? There will be a few grumbles on the trip, but too few to mention. The good will out weigh the bad, for sure!

I hope you have a wonderful time!!!! Let's go in July with no regrets!!!

 

[TheWho]

We are also DVC members and have gone around July 4th since the summer of 2000. We are going this year too. Obviously, we don't hate this time of year, we keep going back. As a previous person said, there is a possibilty that the FP's might be gone for the "popular rides" at night. However, especially after the fireworks, it is cooler and a mass exodus does occur. The advantage of this time of year is the parks are open later and Disney is in full party mode. Nothing is in rehab and there seems to be every CM they have on duty. One thing I would recommend is the fireworks at the MK on 7/3. They are awesome. Last year was the first year we went (because of all the crowd horror stories I have read I ahve avoided them) and I'm glad we saw them. They are spectacular and very patriotic (they pay tribute to the troops and explode fireworks all around you. Just awesome) After the fireworks, grab a dole whip, chill out and wait for the mob to thin out. I also like the advice of booking a reservation at an air conditioned place to eat. A place like the Crystal palace can really re-charge you. But, make sure you make dining reservations, you need them. Finally, as a DVC member, you're right, you will be going back and this is only one stop in long WDW trip.

Good luck!!!!!

Dave

 

[mjgruber]

We have been to Walt Disney World twice through the 4th of July. We have stayed 2 weeks both times, and are returning this July 1st for 2 weeks! Yes it is Hot and Humid, but we absolutely love it!! I would like to try visiting the parks at a cooler time of year, but all of our schedules don't seem to allow it. Maybe in the fall someday?

We go with a game plan, ADR's, and planned pool/relax days. We never have left the parks during the day either to go back and rest. We are either refreshed by the rain, or by a sit down meal in air conditioning. This has worked no matter how young my kids were. I do know for a fact that a little spray bottle, a hat to keep the sun off your head, and a paper fan (fabulous round ones in Japan at Epcot!) or a little battery operated one go a LONG way while waiting in lines! I just picked up the greatest little hand held mister/fan things that clip onto a belt loop! They are at Walmart for around 3 dollars and I think they will keep the kids happy. The grown-ups too!

We always remind each other long before we leave, and then go with the attitude...Yes it will be hot. Yes it will be crowded. Yes we will be tired, but this is the time of year we can all go together as a family and aren't we fortunate to be going to such a wonderful place? There will be a few grumbles on the trip, but too few to mention. The good will out weigh the bad, for sure!

I hope you have a wonderful time!!!! Let's go in July with no regrets!!!

We just came back from a week in Mid April and the Heat was almost TOO Much. How hot and humid is July?

 

[ADisneygirl]

Let me start by saying we never regret going to WDW!

We have been there in July many times before. We also have to follow the school schedule plus factor in my son's hockey and baseball schedule, my daughter's summer class schedule, etc. We choose to go after July 4th often because the deluxe resorts where we like to stay are in their value season after July 4th.

What did we think of July 4th and after? Well, it is crowded to be sure. But the parks stay open very late. The FP runs out on the major rides by 2 or 3 every day, so if you want a fast pass you must get one before 2 I'd say to be sure of getting one. The lines for the rides are over an hour long well into the night. The heat and humidity are pretty powerful, so be sure to drink more water than you think you'll need and go back to your room for a swim mid day. Eat lunch in a nice air conditioned restaurant for a break. We also like to pass through air conditioned stores in the parks for a breather!

Nothing, not crowds, heat, thunderstorms, etc. can keep us from happily going to our favorite place! Go and have a great time! No worries!

 

[disgirl]

Thanks everyone. I am starting to feel better. I know we will be at Disney and staying at one of our favorite places, BCV, so that should be ENOUGH to make us HAPPY (even with the heat, humidity, and crowds). Thanks for the words of encouragement. I do want to see those fireworks on the 3rd at MK.

Anyone else want to share what they have done in the past during the 4th of July week? I could read your stories all day! LOL. Thanks again and I hope all of you that are joining us that week, have a great vacation!!