Disney in July

[Jess4WDW]

My family and I are in the middle of relocating and will be "homeless" the month of July. I figured if we need to rent a place for a month - why not head to Orlando?! My kids are missing Disney and I thought it would be an awesome way to spend the summer - but having never been to Disney in the summer - I am starting to question if it's a good idea. I know it will be hot, humid and crowded but I am hoping if we go in expecting the worse - it won't be that bad. I was there in mid September last year and I didn't feel it was that bad, granted - I didn't have my kids with me. Is it really that horrible? I think the highest crowds we have encountered were over President's Day weekend a few years ago.
Would it be easy to leave and come back since I would be driving and staying offsite? We always stay on property so I have no experience with the parking lots!
I am also concerned since we would be getting APs - I wouldn't be able to preplan our fastpasses! I know I could book them for later in the month once our APs are activated but still a little concerned about the first week - especially with the holiday but I guess the kids will be so happy they are there - they will take what they can get.
So just wondering if spending the month of July in Disney is a crazy idea or if it might be the best summer ever? It would be me braving the parks alone with my 4 kiddos ages 8-13. Having APs, it will be great not feeling as though we have to cram everything in.
Thanks for any advise! I really don't know if it's a good idea or a crazy one! haha! I know we will need a lot of down time by the pool and a beach day here and there - thinking Clearwater?
Any suggestions on rentals would also be appreciated! Thanks so much!

 

[HopperFan]

- HOT, yes. But if you are prepared and if you have APs, you can go early in the morning and in the evenings, avoid mid day heat.
- Buy your APs, you will be given vouchers with numbers. Put the numbers into MDE and you can book FP+ with those.
- Activate your AP right before you enter the first day.
- Sounds like a wonderful adventure, I vote go for it!!

 

[Jess4WDW]

Thanks so much for the tip about the fastpasses HopperFan I had no idea!
Thanks so much! I know the kids are loving the idea of spending a month in Disney! Of all months - it has to be July

 

[CAS239]

Very easy to leave and come back. We do this everyday of our trips. Hit one park in the morning, stay till about noon or 1 then drive back to the hotel. Eat, nap, etc, then on to second park with FP's starting around 4ish.

Also, we bring a cooler type lunch box that I fill with ice at the hotel and then put water bottles in it and leave in the trunk. So nice having cold water when leaving the parks.

It'll be hot and humid but being able to take a midday break will help.

 

[soniam]

Sounds like fun to me. Can you adopt me?

 

[Shanti]

We've been the past two Julys and loved it. Crowds not bad at all. A good UV umbrella works wonders. Have fun!

 

[Klayfish]

We always stay off property and usually go in June/July. We'll be there for the first 2 weeks of July this year.

Getting in and out of the parks is easy. The parking lots are massive, but if you're far from the entrance, just hop on a tram.

July is hot, no doubt. But just be smart and you'll be fine. You can get free ice water from any QS place, just walk up and ask. It's easy. Use sunscreen, don't ride the outdoor stuff mid-day. I know someone mentioned a UV umbrella, but just my own $.02 is please don't bring an umbrella. WDW is crowded, even in July. Umbrellas just get in the way and wind up poking people over and over and over. Use a hat if you want the shade.

FP+, with some exceptions, are easy to get...even 24 hours in advance. No worries there.

I say go for it. It'll be a summer your kids (and you) will remember forever.

 

[bebec22]

Moving can be super stressful, especially on kids. I'm not sure how your kiddos are feeling about the move but I think this would be a great way to keep their minds off of it and turning into more of a vacation. They won't feel like they're in limbo being between homes by going to Disney for a month! I think it is totally doable if you have annual passes and can come and go when you please. If it's going to be a super hot and humid day then you could head to the beach instead.

I've spent time in Clearwater and it's absolutely beautiful. My only concern would be being able to find something to rent for the entire month this late in the game but I don't know much about the rental market in Orlando. Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[HopperFan]

July is hot, no doubt. But just be smart and you'll be fine. You can get free ice water from any QS place, just walk up and ask. It's easy. Use sunscreen, don't ride the outdoor stuff mid-day. I know someone mentioned a UV umbrella, but just my own $.02 is please don't bring an umbrella. WDW is crowded, even in July. Umbrellas just get in the way and wind up poking people over and over and over. Use a hat if you want the shade.

Completely agree with hat over an umbrella. DS who NEVER wears hats, doesn't really like them has no issue wearing his "safari" hat in hotter months. They have good ones, some with back flaps at Walmart even saw some colorful kid ones at Costco, very reasonable. Keeps his face, neck all sun-free and cooler. When he goes inside he can just hang it on his back and if we go on something like RnR, they are soft enough for me to fold and stick in my backpack.

Also Walmart usually has the small hand fans for about $1. Get each kid a hat and fan (could even hang fan on a cheap lanyard for when not in use so they have them whenever they want.

We also do the small cooler of water with ice in car for when we get back. It helps make sure everyone stays hydrated, to have that scheduled water. Also invest in windshield reflectors ... they work really well.

 

[WEDWDW]

Keep the Deoderant within reach at all times,RESPECT the Lightning,brush up on your Spanish and Portuguese and GO FOR IT!

July is my "Birthday Month" so I go every year-my motto is that a brutally hot day at WDW is better than any kind of day anywhere else!lol

 

[Jess4WDW]

Very easy to leave and come back. We do this everyday of our trips. Hit one park in the morning, stay till about noon or 1 then drive back to the hotel. Eat, nap, etc, then on to second park with FP's starting around 4ish.

Also, we bring a cooler type lunch box that I fill with ice at the hotel and then put water bottles in it and leave in the trunk. So nice having cold water when leaving the parks.

It'll be hot and humid but being able to take a midday break will help.

Great tip about keeping a cooler in the car, thank you! I am so happy to hear it's not a hassle leaving and coming back!

 

[Beer Me]

I only go in July so I can't compare it to anything else. All I can tell you is that we have a great time. The heat isn't a big deal. There is plenty of shade, fans and ac throughout the day. You aren't under the blazing sun very much.

It's crowded but we manage with some planning (rope drop, fp, etc). We usually take a break in the afternoon. A swim and a couple of cold drinks can be amazingly restorative. If that's not possible find somewhere cool in the park to sit and rest for awhile when things are at they're most crowded and hot. Some down time is essential.

Have fun!

 

[Jess4WDW]

Sounds like fun to me. Can you adopt me?

Sure, the more the merrier

 

[Jess4WDW]

We've been the past two Julys and loved it. Crowds not bad at all. A good UV umbrella works wonders. Have fun!

Thank you! This is so great to hear

 

[Jess4WDW]

We always stay off property and usually go in June/July. We'll be there for the first 2 weeks of July this year.

Getting in and out of the parks is easy. The parking lots are massive, but if you're far from the entrance, just hop on a tram.

July is hot, no doubt. But just be smart and you'll be fine. You can get free ice water from any QS place, just walk up and ask. It's easy. Use sunscreen, don't ride the outdoor stuff mid-day. I know someone mentioned a UV umbrella, but just my own $.02 is please don't bring an umbrella. WDW is crowded, even in July. Umbrellas just get in the way and wind up poking people over and over and over. Use a hat if you want the shade.

FP+, with some exceptions, are easy to get...even 24 hours in advance. No worries there.

I say go for it. It'll be a summer your kids (and you) will remember forever.

I was just telling the kids this morning I was going to have to buy everyone hats!!
Yay about the fastpasses!!!
Thanks All of this positive feedback is getting me so excited!!

 

[Jess4WDW]

Moving can be super stressful, especially on kids. I'm not sure how your kiddos are feeling about the move but I think this would be a great way to keep their minds off of it and turning into more of a vacation. They won't feel like they're in limbo being between homes by going to Disney for a month! I think it is totally doable if you have annual passes and can come and go when you please. If it's going to be a super hot and humid day then you could head to the beach instead.

I've spent time in Clearwater and it's absolutely beautiful. My only concern would be being able to find something to rent for the entire month this late in the game but I don't know much about the rental market in Orlando. Good luck with whatever you decide!

I thought it would be great for them, something to look forward to during the move. Disney is their happy place
I have never been to Clearwater - it looks amazing! We are going to have to check it out!

 

[Jess4WDW]

Completely agree with hat over an umbrella. DS who NEVER wears hats, doesn't really like them has no issue wearing his "safari" hat in hotter months. They have good ones, some with back flaps at Walmart even saw some colorful kid ones at Costco, very reasonable. Keeps his face, neck all sun-free and cooler. When he goes inside he can just hang it on his back and if we go on something like RnR, they are soft enough for me to fold and stick in my backpack.

Also Walmart usually has the small hand fans for about $1. Get each kid a hat and fan (could even hang fan on a cheap lanyard for when not in use so they have them whenever they want.

We also do the small cooler of water with ice in car for when we get back. It helps make sure everyone stays hydrated, to have that scheduled water. Also invest in windshield reflectors ... they work really well.

I will be sure to grab a few fans! I love the idea about the lanyards! My husband just threw out our windshield reflector (you know things get tossed like crazy when you are moving!) haha! I am going to have to buy another! Thank you!!

 

[Jess4WDW]

Keep the Deoderant within reach at all times,RESPECT the Lightning,brush up on your Spanish and Portuguese and GO FOR IT!

July is my "Birthday Month" so I go every year-my motto is that a brutally hot day at WDW is better than any kind of day anywhere else!lol

2 of my kids also have birthdays in July! They are going to love celebrating in Disney

 

[Jess4WDW]

I only go in July so I can't compare it to anything else. All I can tell you is that we have a great time. The heat isn't a big deal. There is plenty of shade, fans and ac throughout the day. You aren't under the blazing sun very much.

It's crowded but we manage with some planning (rope drop, fp, etc). We usually take a break in the afternoon. A swim and a couple of cold drinks can be amazingly restorative. If that's not possible find somewhere cool in the park to sit and rest for awhile when things are at they're most crowded and hot. Some down time is essential.

Have fun!

This is so wonderful to hear!!

 

[HopperFan]

No experience on long term rental, but I believe if you go on AIRBNB, you can find homes in the area that will rent for a month rate.