Holidaying during 4th July?

[dodgie]

Hi,

I'm planning a holiday next year for two weeks to Orlando and plan to take in the usual; WDW, Epcot, MGM, Universal etc... I'm looking at staying somewhere on International Drive but not settled on one hotel yet.

Anyway, the problem is that due to a combination of work constraints and trying to avoid the British school holidays here (more expensive flights) I'm left with two alternatives; either the last week in June and first in July or the middle two weeks in July.

My first option is quite a bit cheaper for flights but means I'm away during 4th July. Can anyone tell me how you guys in the States vacation generally over this period? I've read online that this can be one of the busiest periods for the parks and the area. Is it just for that day, the whole week, or the weekends either side of it or what?

I really don't want to pick dates deliberately to avoid the crowds from the UK tourist lot just to get caught up in a big US holiday but don't mind if it's only a day or two, just not if it's the entire second week of my holiday.

What do you reckon? Is WDW, EPcot etc... a complete non-starter on 4th July or over this period and would I be better off going later?

Thanks in advance,

Rich

 

[sweet tooth]

I am convinced it is just plain luck! We went August 19th-26th in 2003 thinking it wouldn't be crowded with some schools back in session and everyone getting ready for the school year. We were wrong! It was jam packed! This year we went July 2-11 and found it actually less crowded! We did, however, stay away from the parks entirely on the 4th of July. I hear they close early due to crowds at full capacity. That didn't sound like fun to me! We instead saw a movie in Downtown Disney, swam back at the hotel and headed for dinner at O'hana at the Poly. We then watched the fireworks from the Poly beach. It was great!!!! If I were you I would go when it is most cost effective for you. Crowds come with the summer no matter what time you go!

 

[yasuern]

We were at WDW 4th of july(few day before and after) and 2nd week in August - August was busier by far! I too thought oh Lord 4th of July Crowds wall to wall but it was managable - use Fast pass when possible it really helps! I have also been in the middle of July - Crowds but doable. Guess I am saying save money and get the cheaper flight and come celebrate the 4th with us!

Sue