Fourth of July

[BeccaG]

With the ability to still get a hotel room on property and the advice that when most APs are blocked the crowds aren't as bad, my family and I were thinking about hitting Disneyland tomorrow for fireworks and to have a meal. Now I'm reading to avoid the fourth at all cost.

So what are your thoughts? Are we talking grad night/new years level crowds? Or crowded but manageable? Will it be worse since its a weekend?

 

[cats mom]

With the ability to still get a hotel room on property and the advice that when most APs are blocked the crowds aren't as bad, my family and I were thinking about hitting Disneyland tomorrow for fireworks and to have a meal. Now I'm reading to avoid the fourth at all cost.

So what are your thoughts? Are we talking grad night/new years level crowds? Or crowded but manageable? Will it be worse since its a weekend?

Historically I believe the 4th of July is slightly below Christmas & New Years; but above Thanksgiving, Columbus Day, Presidents Day, Labor Day, and Spring Break in terms of crowd levels and lines.

We've only been to DL on the 4th of July once, but yes, we found the crowds to be pretty crazy. I didn't think the lines for rides were quite as bad as when we were there the week between Christmas & New Years, but Main Street was packed solid hours before the fireworks.

The fact that rooms are still available might mean this year won't be quite as bad as usual, but no guarantees. I wouldn't read too much into AP's being blocked though, I bet plenty of folks are willing to spring for a blockout day ticket for the 4th.

If you do decide to go, please report back and let us know how things went this year, and have a great time, crowds or not!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Last year many reported unusually light crowds on the 4th, but that hasn't always been the case as cats mom reported.

 

[jimreuter]

I have attended many times as a guest on July 4. One year, we left right after the fireworks, and I backed out of my parking space - and then sat without moving for one entire hour. Moral of the story, if you're there on July 4, don't leave right after the fireworks.

 

[Dizneydaz]

I know Albort has reported that July 4th was surprisingly light last year. All but the premium AP are blocked today and tomorrow. Personally I would never pay for a block out ticket for the Fourth. Too $$ I'll be upgrading our So Cal AP to Deluxe this week for $80 each though. I hope the crowds will be less during the week. Last Tuesday ( a non-blocked out day) was pretty busy.

I'm sure Albort will be posting soon about today.

 

[Raindown]

Yesterday (July 3rd) was pretty light. Not sure how today will be but I'm not going hehe.

 

[BeccaG]

In summary, the park was not too bad when we arrived. In fact, it was lighter than an average summer Sunday when we got there at 3. We did not have to wait for the parking booth and it appeared the goofy level had not been parked at all. The tram was 1/2 empty on the way over and there were no lines at the entrance. We got a spot for the parade that had already started quite easily. To be sure it was busy, but I have seen it way busier on any given summer Sunday. We had less than 20 minute waits for most rides we chose to go on, since we skipped those that were longer. The crowds did pick up as fireworks time approached. Getting out was messy, but we were in our car about an hour after fireworks started so that was decent. All in all, better than I anticipated as far as crowds go and the fireworks were stupendous!!