Crowds in July?

[Beka'sMom]

Does anyone know how the crowds will be at the parks in July? We will be going to WDW next week and usually go end of August- will we be in for a surpise at the parks? We had no choice but to go at this time of the year due to a new job I took... Plus our annual passes expire in August.
Thanks in advance,
Beka's Mom

 

[Mouseteacher]

We usually go in late August. too. But, this year we had to go in late July. I KNOW the crowds will be larger than in late August. How large b/c of FTP is anyone's guess!

 

[epcotfan]

I would go with the expectation that it will be crowded. Plan on using Fastpass for popular rides. You also may want to coordinate eating meals at off times to avoid some of the crowds. We've been spoiled the past couple of years due to lower park attendance in the summer. It looks like this year summer season will have typical crowds with the introduction of the FTP.

 

[Disneyolic]

Unless trends have changed, it is extremely busy. We went on our honeymoon back in 1996 from July 7 to 13. There were always crowds and over hour waits. Too bad no FastPass back then. That with the feeling of sweat pouring down our backs was quite a bit yuck. The best part was that it was our honeymoon so we didn't mind that much.

 

[musicmom3]

My three children and I are leaving next week for BC and I know it will be hot and I know it will be crowded but I have made up my mind that I will not be aggravated by anything! We are planning early touring hours, then afternoons at Stormalong Bay (or napping!), then out and about again in the evening. I intend to move slowly and enjoy the details--and if we don't do everything...well, there's always next time! We'll see how this philosophy plays out with DS19 and DDs 14 and 12. We were at WL during President's Week in February and the parks were insanely crowded by lunch-time, or so it seemed to us. We still managed to have a fabulous time! It's Disney! Enjoy!

 

[Nathan's Grandma]

We always go in July because three of us work in school districts and our vacations vary. It is crowded but we always go early and eat at times others don't.

We always go back to our rooms in the heat of the day and come back at dinner time and you usually get to ride many of the rides.

I never minded the wait and now with fastpass it will even be better. This is our first trip with a 10 month old and we will just have to adjust. We do bring water bottle fans and ask for lots of cups of water and ice. If you can keep cool it helps how you feel.

We will always have a great time because we go with that attitude.

Kathy

 

[ceecee]

We were there in July, though it was over the fourth, six years ago. There were crowds, but the thing that stands out in my mind was the heat!!!!!!! I had on Ked's and you could feel the pavement! Take a water fan thing along and lots to drink! Like I read somewhere else........Any day at Disney is better than a day not at Disney.

 

[glo]

I am going to move this over to theme parks and attractins where this subject is dicussed often. You will get lots of responses there.

 

[Corinne]

Originally posted by Mouseteacher
We usually go in late August. too. But, this year we had to go in late July. I KNOW the crowds will be larger than in late August. How large b/c of FTP is anyone's guess!

OK, I know I am going to say DUH to myself when someone posts a response to my question, but what is FTP? The only thing I can think of is Fast Pass if that is correct, what is the scoop??

 

[Mouseteacher]

No question is stupid - FTP is Fairy Tale Package being offered by Disney - stay 4 nights and get 3 free.

 

[Corinne]

Thanks, Mouseteacher, as I suspected, duh on me! In my own defense, I have not paid a whole lot of attention to the FTP since we are DVC members. Thanks so much for your reply! I appreciate it

 

[Corinne]

Originally posted by musicmom3
My three children and I are leaving next week for BC and I know it will be hot and I know it will be crowded but I have made up my mind that I will not be aggravated by anything! We are planning early touring hours, then afternoons at Stormalong Bay (or napping!), then out and about again in the evening. I intend to move slowly and enjoy the details--and if we don't do everything...well, there's always next time! We'll see how this philosophy plays out with DS19 and DDs 14 and 12. We were at WL during President's Week in February and the parks were insanely crowded by lunch-time, or so it seemed to us. We still managed to have a fabulous time! It's Disney! Enjoy!

Great attitude! We go to WDW every summer, and it is indeed hot & fairly crowded. We never wait in line for any ride that has a wait time of more than 20 minutes. We always go back to the resort and relax too. My philosophy: A hot and crowded day at WDW beats any regular day at home!!!!!!!!!