Fourth of July week- am I crazy?

[got15]

So- we usually do WDW in May and November.... and this year we are thinking July fourth week (mostly bc we have no plans- and we plan on combining it with a beach weekend afterwards to decompress and celebrate my Dad's 77 birthday). And make November into our first Disney cruise. So.. what are in for? Are we nuts? Can we ride anything? Will the hoards overwhelm? We are planning on staying at the Polynesian so hopefully we can do some pool days.

 

[davale4]

We always go in the end of August but last year we went during the 4th of July week. I was anticipating super crowds and a crazy week. It didn't feel any different. However on the 4th itself, we didn't go to the parks. We rented a cabana and spent the day enjoying the pool. We saw the fireworks from our balcony at the GF.

 

[Klayfish]

We have been to 4th of July week at least 5 or 6 times, including 2015, 2016 and 2017 (and will be there for 2018). Sure, the 4th of July itself is very busy, especially in MK. That park, after about 3pm is packed. But that day, we did a water park in the morning/afternoon and then Epcot at night. It was awesome. Water park wasn't crazy busy and while Epcot was busier than normal, we had no trouble getting on rides. In fact, I forget what ride it was that we did last, but it was either FEA or TT (via FP+). We got off the ride at 8:45pm and walked to the World Showcase and found a spot at 8:50pm for a 9:00pm fireworks show. Wasn't the prime spot, but it also wasn't a bad one. The rest of the week isn't a big deal getting on rides. Use FP+ and you'll be fine. We typically got on 8-10 rides in a 6 hour period (plus time for shows and eating).

 

[Selket]

We have been to WDW around the 4th for the past few years because of an annual conference we attend down there (often held at WDW itself) that happens close to the 4th. I agree with the previous posters - it's not all that bad. I've been down for spring break (near Easter) several times including the last 2 years and that was WAY more crowded. I'm talking about the week surrounding the 4th of July holiday in general.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We rented a pontoon for the fireworks on the 3rd of July at the MK. We used the Disboards to find other guests to share the expense, they charge more for the holidays when there are special fireworks, and that worked very well. On the 4th we saw EPCOTs fireworks. We all enjoyed ourselves that week.

 

[honeymo78]

Add me to the list. I'm going 4th of July week for the first time since I turned 15. I'm thinking we will catch the MK fireworks on the 3rd then hit Epcot on the 4th.

 

[Wood Nymph]

So- we usually do WDW in May and November.... and this year we are thinking July fourth week (mostly bc we have no plans- and we plan on combining it with a beach weekend afterwards to decompress and celebrate my Dad's 77 birthday). And make November into our first Disney cruise. So.. what are in for? Are we nuts? Can we ride anything? Will the hoards overwhelm? We are planning on staying at the Polynesian so hopefully we can do some pool days.

We were at WDW this past July 1st to 5th and it wasn't too bad at all. But we wisely avoided MK on July 3rd and 4th. We went to MK on July 2nd and the crowds weren't bad at all. In fact, bag check at rope drop was empty. We made dinner reservations at Citrico's and went down to the marina area to watch the special 4th of July fireworks on July 3rd. I was worried about huge traffic jams leaving the GF after the fireworks on July 3rd but our taxi just breezed out with no traffic. And the view of the fireworks from the GF was fantastic. They exploded all over the area, including having drones dropping fireworks straight down. That was cool! The Poly should have a great view, too.

Then for the special fireworks on July 4th at Epcot, we walked into the world showcase from the International Gateway after dinner at Trattoria al Forno. The crowds weren't too bad back there by France. We were staying at the BC and just walked back to our resort afterwords. That was easy.

The one downside was it was very hot and humid and lightening caused some pool closings in the afternoons. But we would definitely go back over 4th of July again.

 

[jolene63]

We were in the parks on July 2 and 5 this year. Both days were great! We went to BB on the 4th so we would avoid the craziness in the parks. The rest of our trip we just hung out at the resort so I don't know how busy the parks were then.

 

[kj2mom]

We went two years in a row and had a fabulous time. We did much more than I had prepared myself for (always better this way, rather than setting expectations too high). It was hot and humid, very hot and humid and you might find yourself stopping for a drink more frequently or darting into a store to cool off more than you might during non summer trips but as long as you plan/prepare/keep that in mind I think it is a great time to go. We actually do MK on the 4th and sure it gets crowded but with a plan and some patience it can be a fantastic time! I too was worried about leaving but we hung around instead of racing out after the fireworks and again such a pleasant surprise. I think we were back at our time share within 30 minutes of exiting the park and that included monorail to the parking lot, exiting the parking lot (which was a breeze considering I had concert traffic parking lot situations in my mind but we literally just drove right out) and the drive back. I truly believe preparation and expectations are the key to every trip and knowing it could potentially be more crowded and will be quite a bit warmer than you are used to is the key to happiness!!