Disney World in July?

[Kat&Dom]

Any Canadians travelled to Disneyworld in July? We are looking at going at the end of July 2012 - travelling with another family who son is struggling a lot in school so they don't want to pull him from school for vacation. We are looking at the last week in July 2012. Anyone travelled end of July and have any wisdom/tips? I am assuming that it will be insanely busy and hot but wondering what others have experienced. TIA

 

[ABCanada]

We have not been in July but have been in August. It was HOT. We would go to the park in the morning. Go back for a swim when it got too hot and then go back to the parks in the evening.

When we were there in late August there was almost always a thunderstorm that closed down the pools from mid to late afternoon until early evening. Probably makes sense to schedule a sit down meal for that period.

Mid June to mid August is the summer peak so yes it will be busy. If you can go mid to late August, starts about the 16th, it is a Value period so the crowds and Room Rates are much lower. They often have 'free' dining during late August if that appeals to you. (Our preference is taking a lower room rate over 'free' dining but we have APs so we get the TIW card for the 20% discount on food & beverages. Which is a better deal depends on group size and dining and accommodation preference.)

 

[caisland]

We really liked August.
August 2006
August 2008
August 2009
Hot yes.
Less busy than July
Free Dining was great (Reduced value over the years)

 

[canadaman]

My family went in july of 08 and will be going again this coming july. It was our first ever trip in 08 so I can't compare crowds to any other time of year. To us the crowds were no different then any of our numerous trips to canadas wonderland over the summer monthes.

It was hot but we had prepared our selves for it being real hot and found it to be not to bad. Maybe we just expected it to be even hotter i don't know..

It did rain all but one afternoon but not for to long and usually was cooler after the rain. One afternoon at magic kingdom is was very cool after the afternoon rain came through.

We like july because the kids are already off of school plus we get 2 weeks off of work already in july so it avoids taking any other time off of work.

 

[dancin Disney style]

We have been severals times in both July and August. We much prefer the end of August. Yes...it's hot and busy but it's not that bad if you have mentally prepared for it. As someone else mentioned we also hit the parks very early, usually for RD, and then head back to the resort around lunch time. We will either swim or just relax in the room until dinner time and then head back to the parks for the rest of the evening. It does rain almost daily in the afternoon but we seem to be lucky and that is when we are back in our room getting ready for dinner. It never rains for very long...I would say an average of about 35 minutes.

We are heading back this summer on August 21 for 2 weeks....4th time with free dining.

 

[Kat&Dom]

Thanks for all the great responses and advice. We are limited to July due to work schedules, the kids in different school divisions and in year round and traditional calendars. Co-ordinating the school schedules and work schedules sure is interesting and limiting.

We are staying off-site in a condo (either Bonnett Creek or Sheraton Vistana) and don't have to worry about it being high season at Disney resorts so much.

We will definitely take the advice to be at the parks at opening, leave around lunch and come back in the evening. We will avoid parks with EMH's though since we are not staying on-site.

I have already warned the other family that the heat will be intense and it will be crowded so we need to get up early. They are fair skinned like me so will not be wanting to be out in the intense heat of the day anyway.