How bad are early/mid-July crowds?

[BellyDaisy]

We've scheduled our honeymoon for July 5-12, but now I'm worried it was a bad idea. I'm not going to change it now... but maybe I can prepare our park strategy better if I know how bad it's going to be. The only time my FI has been there was last September, which was nearly empty! Did I make a mistake by scheduling it right after the wedding???

Thanks!
Amanda

 

[drusba]

Remember in September standing at the base of Main Street in MK at noon and looking down the street and seeing people walking comfortably with space between them? Now imagine doing it on July 6 and you see nothing but bobbing heads all next to each other and you wonder where the street is because you can't see it. You should expect huge crowds with the worst being the first 4 days you are there which are part of July 4 week, the fourth most crowded week of the year (behind Christmas and the two Easter weeks). Your last 4 days will not be as bad but still very crowded and very hot. Typical day time lines for popular rides at MK will be 2 hours. Early morning is least crowded time and late afternoon to early evening \is somewhat lighter time of day. 10 to 3 in any park is most crowded and hottest. Fastpass is a necessity for most of the premier rides except very early in the morning and fastpasses for those can run out for the entire day and evening by 1. Ressies (PS's) for dinner at park restaurants are a necessity if you actually want to eat. Even meal time lines at counter service places can get to 30 minutes. All of this may sound bleak if you have never been there at a high crowd time of year but you can survive as long as you go with an attitude that it is not necessary to do every attraction and just tell yourself that you will go to no line that is more than 30 minutes. You may ultimately miss some attractions but you will preserve your sanity.

 

[AladdinsPrincess]

It will definitely be hot and crowded, but you have the right attitude in thinking that you can handle it if you plan right. As drusba said, definitely take advantage of making your dining reservations in advance and use the FastPasses whenver you can.
I would also suggest that you plan mid-afternoon pool breaks back at your hotel to miss the heights of the crowds and the afternoon sun. Also, my DH and I like to go to the water parks during the day and then the parks at night. Usually they're all open a little later in the summer and you can linger in the stores after the "official" closing time. And the parks are so beautiful at night!
You definitely didn't make a mistake! No worries!

 

[meier56013]

We visited last July (10th-20th I think). The crowds were big, but not unbearable. Most attractions were 30-45 minute lines at MK, with the big rides at 1 hour or more. We tried to plan our day with waterpark or pool breaks, lunch at the resort, and PS's for dinner. The weather was 95 and sunny every day, and 95 and rainy every night. When we got hot, we'd go on an indoor ride like POTC, or Test Track to get us out of the sun. I think you'll be fine going in July, just don't plan on doing everything in every park and take a break when you need to.

 

[JCTigger]

I worked there in the summer so i can see it from the other side and it is just like every one says it is very hot very crowded and all the major rides will be long lines even with fast passes expect them to be either very late in the day or even into the night hours unless you get it right away like you are there at open making a b line for a ride.... however there is kinda a plus side since it is summer the parks are open later except DAK which always closes at 5pm and so there are always two showing of every parade show etc..... ALWAYS go to the second show most parents with little kids go to the first show then go home but if you go to the second you have the park to play and then a very almost empty parade route....

I know most people tell you not to sit in frontierland for the parades but i love sitting there you can take your time leaving while every one else is rushing to get out from main street.... and if you need to get to the TTC then take the resort monorail its less crowded


any ways those are my tips hope they are helpful

Jillian

 

[chyam]

Sorry to say but it will be horrible. Not only is it extremely crowded and full of kids it will be very hot and humid. I went one 4th of July where I only got on 1 ride, standing in line for 45-60 minutes waiting with hot, sweaty cranky people is not my cup of tea. We all get cranky even at the world when the heat and humidity start to get to you. You will have to take an afternoon break, but for my money and my enjoyment I would never go near the place in July or late June. That's just my 2 cents worth but be prepared.

 

[laurenk]

I am going to contradict everyone here just a little We went this past July from the 3rd until the 8th. We went straight from a 7 day cruise on the Magic. I agree it was HOT!!!! But we made sure we ducked into shops or shows if it was getting too uncomfortable. We also must have planned our days well, because we only ever left a park due to crowds once, and it was NOT on the 4th of July. On the 4th we actually went to MK against everyone's advice for EE. We went on a ton of rides and attractions with no waits and had lunch at CP. We were out of there by 1:30. I have to honestly say it was PACKED then. My DS did Mission Space several times without more then a 15 minute wait. I think if you plan accordingly, and remain flexible and go with the flow you will enjoy yourself. That all being said, If I had a choice, would I go again in July? Never, and that is due to the HEAT only.

 

[QuickGold]

You can find a listing of historical crowd levels at http://www.mgmstudios.org/wait.html

 

[zurgswife]

We went from the 6th to 13th this past July....crowds were massive but what did me in most days was the heat....

I survived last Christmas/New Years crowds without a problem...but July did me in..