Are the parks really crazy in July?

[Shell76]

MIL has made plans for our entire family to go to the world in July 2006. Are the parks really crazy and crowded -- I have visions of 4 hour waits for rides in 110 degree weather. We are NOT going the 4th of July week, I already made certain of that, but is there anything specific I should know about going in July? TIA

 

[SqueakyMouse]

Yes, the parks are crazy busy and the weather is incredibly hot and humid; but, if you go expecting this and plan accordingly, you still can have a great time. Surprisingly, you can still beat the crowds early in the morning and after dark. In the summer, we typically set aside more afternoon time for pools and water parks.

 

[suez live]

Summer visits are usually quite miserable. SqueakyMouse is right on the money—long lines, very humid, incredibly hot—all with little chance of relief in most any way. Living over in Cocoa Beach, with APsess we often come over for the evening for dinner, to take in a ride or show, or to see fireworks. During those trips when I look at the tired, sweating parents and the crying exhausted children waiting for often hours for a brief experience of some kind, I often think—“if I were spending thousands, vacation time, and energy, this would be like paying for a nightmare.”

As suggested—if you go in with open eyes, you at least will be prepared. If you have a chance to reconsider, push for another time of year—Fall is brilliant, short lines, cool (relatively) weather, and lower rates. I win, win, win situation.

If you do go, keep your fingers crossed that Station Cool is still up and running!

 

[Pocahontas1]

We went last July and all I can say is hot, hot, hot. Lines were long, but I don't remember waiting very long since we used fast pass for the most popular attractions. I think we skipped Space Mountain and BTRR since DS didn't want to ride them. Maybe Buzz was a 20 minute wait. Test Track was about 45 minutes or so when we where there.

I agree with the others. Rest in the middle of the day. The one day we didn't we were all at each other's throats by the end of the day. Had great seats for Fantasmic - middle section in the middle, but had to leave before we killed each other.

Watch out fo the afternoon thundershowers. Got caught in one at MGM that lasted about 1 1/2 hours. Pouring rain. Trapped inside the gift shop at RNR with a 3 month old baby while others rode. When it slacked off, we ran over to ToT and then we waited some more inside right by where you can view your pictures. Lots of room, cool and not nearly as loud as RNR.

Just be prepared and you will do fine. Hit the parks early, rest midday, go back and stay late.

Have fun.

 

[danny1649]

Arrive early and drink plenty of water.On our visits in July we would be at park early and when crowds would start to build around 11:00am we would have early lunch and go back to resort for swim and relax.Then late afternoongo back to a park and tour.We tried avoiding touring during the hottest part of the day.

 

[beccasmom]

Yes, it is pretty much as posted. During the day, the sunshine is overwhelming and in the evening, the humidity creeps back up. But just prepare as best you can, dress for the weather -with sunscreen! - and keep hydrated. Take more breaks and head for the pool if you're onsite. Eat lightly - and plan for more ice cream and Dole Whips! Plan your meal reservations to avoid standing in line or eat at off-times. And keep your sense of humor.....it comes in handy!

 

[weluvpluto]

Arrive early and drink plenty of water.On our visits in July we would be at park early and when crowds would start to build around 11:00am we would have early lunch and go back to resort for swim and relax.Then late afternoongo back to a park and tour.We tried avoiding touring during the hottest part of the day.

This is exactly what we do in the summer too! Take advantage of Fastpass, arrive early, take an afternoon break, and prepare to have to wait for some things.

These cheat sheets might help plan your day too - Most July days would fall under about an "8" for crowd level
http://www.touringplans.com/MKCheatSheetSample.html
http://www.touringplans.com/AKCheatSheetSample.html
http://www.touringplans.com/DSCheatSheetSample.html
http://www.touringplans.com/EPCheatSheetSample.html

 

[MeetingMickeyin2006]

We are going in July 06 also, and I have gotten a lot of advice. Some encouraging, some not so encouraging. We can ONLY go in July, so I have decided to plan, plan, plan ,and be prepared for hot weather, storms, long lines, and so on. We are staying onsite, so we will take advantage of the EMH in the mornings, have an early lunch, return to the resort to nap/swim/rest, and return to the parks in the early evening, and take advantage of the evening EMH. We will take lots of water, and duck into the gifts shops for some quick A/C relief, as well as take in some shows which might provide some A/C as well. Also, we will be taking those mister fans that you can buy. We are gonna take a break in the middle of our stay to spend one relaxing day at our resort, and another day to go up to Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach.

I for one can't let the discouraging words about going in July get me down, because it's either we go in July or we don't go. (Hubby teaches and is on contract from August till June every year. And not going is just not an option!

If July was soooo bad, then it wouldn't be sooooooo crowded, right?

I'll see you at WDW next July!

 

[tinkerbell60]

Are summer crowds and long lines worse than Easter/Spring Break??

 

[MAKMOM41]

If you are at the park when it opens & have a plan its fine. If you want to sleep in & arrive at 11:00 its a nightmare. We went the week before Thanksgiving which was supposed to be a light crowed my first adult trip without any plan & sleep in... it was horrible. Our other trips were all in the summer & we had a great time. I had a book & a plan!

 

[DisneyaholicRaquel]

I don't think it's as bad as everyone makes it! I've been the first 2 weeks in July the last 6 years. The lines are no longer than usual. It's an amusement park so, you expect to stand in line. As for the heat hey it's Florida in the summer! Go and enjoy yourself...dress appropriately and drink lot's of water!

 

[WDW_bn_dt_gb]

We went last year the week of July 10th. Get up early and be there when the park opens. Tour until about noon. Go back to your hotel and get lunch from the food court and bring it back to your room. It is so relaxing to eat in a cool, dark room. Take the kids for a 45 min. swim and then take a nap. A great way to do this is for you and your DH to take turns at the pool. One day I took our son swimmimg, while my DH took a LONG nap and vice vera. Get up from your nap between 3:00 & 4:00. Go back to parks and tour until it closes. We ate dinner in the park at night. On the days we had PS's for lunch, we had them at 11:30 or 12:00 and then went back to hotel. I would highly recommend staying on property. We stayed at POP and were highly satisfied with the bus system. FASTPASS as many rides as you can. Weather wise, it was avg. We are from South Mississippi, so the weather was normal to us. Have a great time!!!

 

[r5moores]

We have gone in July the last 4 times we have went and are going again this july ( 3rd - 17th).

First off it IS HOT. If you prepare for it its really not that bad. Make sure you have NO dark shirts or jean shorts. Too darn hot for that. Also go to Walmart and buy those little fans for $1.00...they are GREAT !! Also bring a squeeze breeze ( also sold at walmart for about 4.00 vs about 19.00 at disney) they work great also while your standing in line or just walking around. I've been using a Misty Mate for the last few years. I think thats saved me from meltdowns .

Take frequent Water breaks. Brita Water bottles are great as they have a filter in it and florida water tastes like crap. ( sorry all you floridians ). Also you can ask any full service for a cup of ice water and its free. Dont pay the 3.00 for a bottle of water unless you have no other choice. Make sure everybody has sunglasses as the sun is brutal and unless you want to walk around with a headache all day you will need them. Also bring your own raincoats. You will need them as it rains every few days if not everyday but its not bad...its like a 1/2 hour downpour which in july actually feels pretty good. I have no gripes about going in July. WE love it. I've gone in may and july and julys lines arent that much longer then mays. Its just more comfortable standing in line in may then in July but if you prepare yourself with ways of keeping cool you will be alright.
Feel free to pm me with any questions/tips for DW in july.

Have a great vacation

 

[momof3disneyholics]

Are the parks crazy in July?? Yes, there are....

 

[jenr812]

We are going in July 06 also, and I have gotten a lot of advice. Some encouraging, some not so encouraging. We can ONLY go in July, so I have decided to plan, plan, plan ,and be prepared for hot weather, storms, long lines, and so on. We are staying onsite, so we will take advantage of the EMH in the mornings, have an early lunch, return to the resort to nap/swim/rest, and return to the parks in the early evening, and take advantage of the evening EMH. We will take lots of water, and duck into the gifts shops for some quick A/C relief, as well as take in some shows which might provide some A/C as well. Also, we will be taking those mister fans that you can buy. We are gonna take a break in the middle of our stay to spend one relaxing day at our resort, and another day to go up to Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach.

I for one can't let the discouraging words about going in July get me down, because it's either we go in July or we don't go. (Hubby teaches and is on contract from August till June every year. And not going is just not an option!

If July was soooo bad, then it wouldn't be sooooooo crowded, right?

I'll see you at WDW next July!

ITA with this post, except we're going THIS july, and the week of the 4th no less But I am more excited than I can express!!

 

[jenr812]

This is exactly what we do in the summer too! Take advantage of Fastpass, arrive early, take an afternoon break, and prepare to have to wait for some things.

These cheat sheets might help plan your day too - Most July days would fall under about an "8" for crowd level
http://www.touringplans.com/MKCheatSheetSample.html
http://www.touringplans.com/AKCheatSheetSample.html
http://www.touringplans.com/DSCheatSheetSample.html
http://www.touringplans.com/EPCheatSheetSample.html

Thanks for the tips and the links

 

[princesslulu]

I've been there right after the 4th, two years ago. It was miserable. The kids wanted to swim all day and the baby suffered from the heat. All I can say is TAKE BREAKS OFTEN and be ready and prepared for long waits. It's still and magical place and for me I love being there. This year were going to try the fall. I hope you and your family enjoy your trip!

 

[AllyBri]

Another tip-only wear 100% cotton.