Army couple going to Disney World in July.. Help! =)

[soldiersprincess_123]

I've been reading about the July weather and crowds in Disney World, and unfortunately, this is the only time that the army is going to let us go. We don't think it will be too bad, but we would like some help. We'll be going from June 30th and leaving July 4th. Does anyone know of any tips for traveling on these dates- anything from staying cool, beating the crowds/lines, and/or just fun things to do as a couple. We are also looking for discounts for military, AAA, and Disney Visa cardholders... If you can think of anything to make our trip magical, please let me know! =) Thanks!

 

[ntsammy5]

Look at the Shades of Green website:

Shades of Green

Also check with your local MWR for other discounts on tickets. Good luck

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

if you are actually planning to go to the parks on the 4th...go early and stay put. The parks fill to capacity quickly that day and if you leave, you may not get back in.

 

[marvali]

With kids in school and a DW that teaches, we pretty much always have to go in the summer months. Crowded? Hot? Yes Unbearable? No, not if you have some patience.

Make sure you don't try to assault the parks and get everything done thinking you failed if you don't. If you can, go in the parks early, leave to the pools or a nap to refresh, then go back in when it is a little cooler and the crowds start to drop off. Of course, as someone mentioned above, that may cause a problem somewhere like MK on July 4th with the crowds for the special fireworks show. If you can, catch the preliminary showing on July 3rd and choose a less crowded park on the 4th.

Take your time and take in everything you can, and those you can't just plan to do the next time you get to go. Part of Disney is to just enjoy the sights and sounds and magic, even of the "lesser" attractions. If there are certain rides and shows that you just have to experience on this trip, learn about fast passes and what things you need to try and do first thing so you don't miss them. Then just enjoy all the other things you can experience, especially just being together in the most magical place on earth.

A lot of people will tell you to skip certain things as a waste of time, but I tell my kids that everything there is a part of the Walt Disney magic, and some of the older attractions were near and dear to him. You always want to be able to say you at least did them all once.

Hope you have a magical time .....and thanks for your service!

 

[of2dbeach]

here are discounts for the military at disney.http://www.wdwinfo.com/discounts/discounts-military.htm
i cant remember if sea wolrd gave out free tickets for the military or was it discounted. I do remeber they did a special tribute at one of there shows and it was very touching.

 

[of2dbeach]

sea world you get a free pass.. here is the info in case others want it.. http://herosalute.com/states/index.html
Budweiser is honored to salute the men and women of our armed forces and their families. Throughout 2008, members of the military and as many as three direct dependents may enter any one of Anheuser-Busch's SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place parks with a single-day complimentary admission.

For your service and sacrifice, we thank you.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

We were there the other day. There is a separate ticket line for military; they also ask to see IDs at the turnstyle. (Just FYI, I know some folks try to trim their wallets down on vacation- be sure to take your ID card to SW!)

They also have military discount tickets available at Shades of Green. (We traveled with my dad, who is retired AF.) They also have discount tickets for other local attractions- prices on their website.

My bonus SoG tip- we always just go to the Polynesian and take the monorail to MK or Epcot. It's a short walk, but somehow longer at the end of the day. I'm sure even worse in July! They have a golf cart that will shuttle you back from the corner! Keep an eye out for it!!

 

[lmillercrew]

First, let me say, thank you or your spouse for your service to our country. Being the dependent of a retired Air Force cheif, I am very grateful for those serving in the service. That said, our first trip to Disney was the first week of July and we usually go the second week of June now. Anyway, we like to take a break from the heat by stopping in and seeing an indoor show. Cooling off in the air conditioning for just a little bit does a body good. Also, drink LOTS of water. The water at MK is gross, so we end up buying bottled water Crystal Light to go packets just to change things up. You don't have that many days there, so make the best of it. Find a shady spot to watch the mid-day parades. Take a washcloth from the hotel, put it and some ice in a baggie and when the ice melts you have a nice cold cloth to put on the back of your neck. And, don't forget the sun screen.
Make sure you try the bakery in France at Epcot! Also, take advantage of EMH. Most of all, have fun. Like pp stated, if you can't get it all done now, plan on what you want to do next time you go back. That's what happened to us, and we've been back 4 times since.

 

[hmdavid]

Hi... we are an Army family as well. Have a great trip! We were at WDW in March with the spring break/ Easter crowds and we survived! Are you staying at Shades of Green? Even if you are not you can buy park tickets there. Check out the website on the quick links and it will show you the ticket prices for military. You can also buy them on post before you leave. You can get into Sea World or Busch Gardens in Tampa for free, military member and 3 dependants, if you have not yet used the discount this year. We went to Sea World and took a shuttle from SOG. It worked out really well.

Because it will be hot and crowded, make dining reservations now so that you are able to eat where you want. You will have a great time even if it is hot, it's Disney and it is really hard to NOT have fun there! Enjoy your trip!