Did I make a BIG mistake...going to DW JULY 4th week?????

[johnnshan]

My husband and I and 4 Kids (ages 14, 8, 7, 5) are going to Disney World, our first day inside the parks will be July 4th 2004
I've been trying to do as much reserch as I can and I'm hoping all you veterans out there can give me some advice about July 4th week. Are we crazy for going that time of year???

Thanks for your help

Shan

 

[patsal]

I go about every other year about this time. The crowds on July fourth are high and the weekend surrounding it as well, especially if the 4th falls on F, S, Sun or Mon. It is not unusual for the MK to reach capacity. We usually head to a different park for the day (have had great luck at MGM) and rely on fast passes, we have a PS for lunch, and stay for Sorcery in the Sky (July 4th is the only time they have that now). I think you will be fine, just plan and use fast pass wisely--take a break in the middle of the day if the parks become over crowded.

 

[Lesley]

We visited during 4th of July week in 2002. Though July weather is usually very, very hot, it wasn't too bad that year. And the crowds were manageable.

Just know its most likely going to be hot and crowded. Bring hats, sunglasses and carry water bottles. Plan some things to do outside of the parks so you don't get too worn out on fighting the crowds. Use fastpasses...keep an eye out for shade and cool spots.

Also, don't plan to do everything....when its busy its just not reasonable and you'll make yourselves miserable trying to push it. Pick your major priorities...and anything else you do is icing on the cake.

I think we managed to not go crazy because we spent a relatively large amount of time at our resort...swimming, biking, fishing...so we didn't have as much sensory overload as you can get at WDW when its crowded. We had a really wonderful trip.

I'm sure you'll have a great time as long as you are reasonable in your expectations of what you can manage and enjoy what you can.

 

[chrisp]

We've been to WDW three times over 4th of July weeks - we really enjoy being in MK on the 4th - the crowd is part of the fun! The fireworks at MK are awesome on the 4th of July. Just pace yourselves and enjoy!

 

[Cindymere]

Do you like it really hot and really crowded? lol?

I've been before at July 4th and it was HOT, CROWDED and if I remember correctly, HORDES of brazilian teens who were so incredibly rude! One person holds the spot and when it gets close, 50 more try to cut in line! and they push and shove too...

I wouldn't ever go in the summer again, but that's just my preference...

 

[Kallison]

I would make sure you have some PS's made so you can get out of the heat or rainstorm, away from the crowds and regroup. It always helps our family to sit down and have a nice relaxing meal before we go commando again.

 

[Linxzy]

The last 4 times I've gone to Disney it has beeing that week. Its hot, and crowded, but I've like it. It has beeing fun. There are lots of brazilians, some are rude others are not. They are just like any other teenager.

 

[crazelion]

If like the parks crowded then by all means go that week. I went July 4 weekend this year and love it. I am planning on going next year for the that week..

Have a planned what on to see do that week. And don't try to see everything on your list either. I go with a few attractions that I won't see and do those first.

Have a water plan. Drink plenty of fluilds. Where sunscreen and sunglasses. If anyone in group gets cranky from the heat it time to get out of the heat.

I am the lazy person on vacation I don't get out of the hotel room until about 11:00a.m.

 

[jtovey56]

My tribe went to WDW on July 4 2000 only because it was the first free week after my so got out of school(we live in New York & school doesn't get out til the end of June). IT WAS HOT & crowded but we still had a great time. We even managed to squeeze in a visit to both the Animal Kingdom and the Magic kingdom on the 4th. It got so cdrowded that they closed the Magic Kingdom to all but those staying in the resorts.
The fireworks were fantastic
If you don't mind the crowds , it's fun.
We are opting to take my son out early this year & go the first week in June.
Can't wait.
Were going to celebrate our 200 days to go day this Sunday.

 

[johnnshan]

Thanks to everyone for their encouragment and suggestions about a Disney vacation 4th of July week. I feel much better about going that week now! I think we'll be fine!! Thanks again!

 

[beachbunny]

We were there for July 4, 2003. Yes, it was hot and crowded. But we planned ahead and didn't miss a thing - we had priority seatings for almost every meal, and a solid plan for the 4th.

To get away from the crowds, we did the park with no fireworks on the 4th- Animal Kingdom - in the morning. Did some swimming at the hotel pool in the afternoon. Had a nice leisurely dinner at our resort, and then boarded a pontoon boat to view the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom. It was awesome! Probably one of the best fireworks shows I've ever seen. And best of all, no crowds.

We also had a lagoon view room facing the castle at the Grand Floridian so we could have viewed the fireworks from our balcony - but I had made reservations for the pontoon boat and didn't want to miss out on that. So that's another idea if you want to skip the crowds and still view the fireworks.