Disney in July

[DisneyGirl83]

Okay so obviously Disney is busy in the summer but I've heard 4th of July is one of the most crowded times. When does it become less crowded after july 4th. I'm used to Spring Break/Memorial Day crowds, how would a July 5-July 20 trip compare crowd wise?

 

[carbur]

I went to WDW around that time(left a day later and came back the 17). It was really not that crowed. The day we got there the 4th of July crowd just moved out. Just to warn you, it is really hot that time of the year. The heat index one day was 115 degrees, and the regular temp was about 95 degrees that day.

 

[lovmy2girls]

This year we checked in on July 4th at the Poly and wow was it crowded. Wall to wall people everywhere from the lobby to the beach. We added on this day last minute to our July 5-14 stay. Yes it was a huge Holiday crowd there on the 4th to see the fireworks on the beach at the Poly, and the next day was just regular guest staying at the resort. But...even if value season started on the 5th it was still crowded at the Parks. 45min plus wait on all popular attractions. I could not tell any difference at the parks very crowded. Our resort was where we escaped the crowds.

 

[jellymanoffspring]

We went this past July 16-23. VERY HOT and lots of crowds....lots of tour groups!
We did not have a problem with the tour groups , but I have read about some issues on the boards.

We usually went in October but since Kids were older I did not want them to miss school........let me tell you next time they will miss some school LOL

The heat was draining...we did have fun though!
Carol

 

[johnnyr]

I agree with jellymanoffspring. HOT HOT HOT and lots of tour groups. Avoid the flags! If you have ever seen a tour group where the leader has a flag, you will know what I mean!

Still, it does not discourage us from going. We go every year in July. After all, July 5th starts the Deluxe value season. You can get some great rates! We have learned to stay away from the parks on July 4th. Too Hot and crowded. It's a nice time to take it easy at the pool or beach.

 

[Avalanche]

We've gone the past few years the beginning of July. Two years ago we arrived on the 5th. We would be at the parks at opening and was able to get a lot done by noon (when the crowds really picked up) without much of a wait. We would then take a break and swim, nap, mini golf, rent boats, etc. We would head back to a park at night, it would still be crowded (60 minute or more waits at popular attractions) but we would take it slow, check out the less popular things.

When we went this past July we arrived on the 14th. We asked the CM's about the tour groups (who can be loud and rowdy) and were told that every year they start arriving the second Sunday in July. South American schools get out the second week of July for a 4 week holiday.

You said you are planning the 5-20. That would give you time to take it at a slower pace so the heat won't be as draining.

 

[cajunfan]

We have gone two years at the end of July/beginning of August (2002 & 2004). It is very hot then, but we have not had problems with crowds. I have seen a tour group or two...always at MGM for some reason...and yes we move out of the way ...but overall the crowd is bearable.

Have fun whenever you go!

 

[dawgfan]

I went last year on the last week of July. It was very crowded. The heat does not bother me much as I am from Georgia but it is a factor if you are not used to it. Wait times were some times as long as 60 to 120 minutes on some attractions. Fast passes went fast and ran out early. We have also been in the second week of August and it was a much better time frame. The crowd was noticeably smaller at that time. I have been in late June as well and it was as crowded as it was in July. Disney is just crowded especially in summer. The closer you get to schools being in the better luck you will have with the crowds. School start times stagger and hopefully you can go when many have already started back or vactions are winding down.

 

[jimmalru80]

Seven trips, all in late June & July. Hot, yes! Problems, NEVER! Enjoy!

 

[sugermouse]

We were there this past 4th of July. It was not as crowded as others will lead you to believe. While it is hot, we did not find it at all unbearable.

 

[Mickymark]

The last two years we have gone in the last week of July into the first week of August. The weather is always hot at that time of the year but we didn't have any problems with crowds. We did get an early start every day, took advantage of fast pass and EE but it never got too crowded to the point that it was unbearable.There were some times when the wait for , say splash mountain was 60 or so minutes, but we never waited and either did it early or used a fast pass. When crowds were the worst we would go back to the resort and relax.

 

[232271]

Originally posted by jellymanoffspring
We went this past July 16-23. VERY HOT and lots of crowds....lots of tour groups!
We did not have a problem with the tour groups , but I have read about some issues on the boards.

The heat was draining...we did have fun though!
Carol

We were here the exact same dates, and I will never go again.
It was so hot and draining, I was surprised!!

IF it had not been for Fastpass we would not have done a whole
lot.

just my opinion, though

 

[Greg K.]

The week after 4th of July is an excellent time: the crowds that flood The World for the holiday finally leave, and there's a lull for a few days. You can actually get on rides without much of a wait! After that, though, things pick up.

Plan your days carefully, to take advantage of early mornings -- when the weather is milder and the crowds lighter -- and then beat a hasty retreat back to your hotel pool around noon, and you should be fine.

Best of all: since it's such a busy time, there's usually TONS of stuff going on -- parks stay open later, and you can do more.

Go and enjoy!

 

[Greg K.]

bumpity bump bump

 

[Chicago526]

My mom and I went in July 2000. I think we went the middle of the month. Lines were long, but by going at park opening and using Fast Pass, it wasn't too bad.

Now the heat and humidity is another matter!