I have a question about crowds?

[cheermom1]

Ok I know it will be very crowded when we go the first week of July and I wanted to know that if we take a mid break will be able to get back in the park b/c I know they close when they hit cap.

And to all those who ask if we can go at a different time the answer is no b/c that is the only time we will have my skids and they can go. It is either that or go without them.

 

[Aliceacc]

I've never gone 4th of July week; we tend to be August people. But here's our experience:

If a park were full almost to capacity, I'm pretty sure I would NOT want to be the next person in the turnstile. At that point, your kids would be much, much happier back at the resort?

Take a look at the crowd calendars at www.touringplans.com They contain recommendations as to the "best" park and "worst park" each day. That can help guide your planning. Also, consider whether or not you want to invest in Parkhopper tickets (we love them and consider them well worth the extra money. But it's an individual preference thing.)

Here's what we do: Each day, we're at the park of choice at Rope Drop (that's when the parks open for the day.) We stay until lunchtime-- say 12:30 or 1 pm. We grab lunch, then head back to the resort. We all swim (hey, it's Orlando in August ) until dinner time. At about 5ish we head back to the rooms to change, hit our dinner reservation (unless we've done lunch; we like 1 table service per day) then head back to the parks for the evening.

We miss the worst of the heat and the worst of the crowds. Getting there early, while others are enjoying their Mickey Mouse pancakes, is golden time; we tend to get more done in those first 3 hours than the rest of the day.

July 4th might be tricky. Where are you staying? Is it worth the crowds to see the fireworks on the 4th?

 

[North of Mouse]

Ok I know it will be very crowded when we go the first week of July and I wanted to know that if we take a mid break will be able to get back in the park b/c I know they close when they hit cap.

And to all those who ask if we can go at a different time the answer is no b/c that is the only time we will have my skids and they can go. It is either that or go without them.

I got your answer and respect it although I personally would rather not go then go then. But I would suggest that if you are in the park DO NOT leave because they almost always hit capacity one or more of those days and I would not want to take a chance on being "locked" out! Have a fun and safe trip

 

[maxiesmom]

What exactly are the dates of your trip? The only days you really have to worry about the parks reaching capacity are the 3rd and 4th. And usually only the Magic Kingdom fills up.

 

[Darcy03231]

Here's another vote for the park hopper tickets. We get them if we're traveling during busier times.

OP - If park hoppers are out of the question, then I would take my mid-day break somewhere in the park, especially if you plan to be in MK on the 4th. Maybe a lunchtime TS meal somewhere.

 

[cheermom1]

My dates are july 2nd to the 6th. We are not planning on being in MK on the 4th. And thank you for telling that it is normally only MK that close for cap.

 

[1983disneykid]

We've been going 4th of July week for about 10 years now and have never been closed out of a park. My recommendations for that time of year is go to Magic Kingdom on July 3rd--they do the special surround the park fireworks on the 3rd and 4th. Animal kingdom was actually empty on July 4th, so we'd often go there in the morning and then head to EPCOT after naps for dinner and the special Illuminations.

 

[Forevryoung]

I've been all different times of the year (Jan, Oct...) and last July 2-8th was my FAVORITE time of year. Hands down.

Crowds were large but definitely manageable with a good touring plan (I swear by the unofficial guide and touringplans.com but that's just me... didn't wait longer than 30 min and that was for Soarin' WITH a fastpass).

We did the dessert party at the MK on the 3rd to see the special fireworks- best idea and desserts were delicious.

On the 4th we went to Hollywood Studios, crowded but we did everything we wanted to. We watched the fireworks from the beach at Fort Wilderness after roasting some smores at the campground. Amazing view from there.

We went back every afternoon to swim/relax/shower. Never had an issue getting back into a park (no hoppers).

I would go back in a heartbeat that time of year (it's one of the few weeks I get vacation time). Only reason I am planning an end of summer trip this year is because it's just darn cheaper. Ignore all the naysayers and have a blast

 

[cheermom1]

I've been all different times of the year (Jan, Oct...) and last July 2-8th was my FAVORITE time of year. Hands down.

Crowds were large but definitely manageable with a good touring plan (I swear by the unofficial guide and touringplans.com but that's just me... didn't wait longer than 30 min and that was for Soarin' WITH a fastpass).

We did the dessert party at the MK on the 3rd to see the special fireworks- best idea and desserts were delicious.

On the 4th we went to Hollywood Studios, crowded but we did everything we wanted to. We watched the fireworks from the beach at Fort Wilderness after roasting some smores at the campground. Amazing view from there.

We went back every afternoon to swim/relax/shower. Never had an issue getting back into a park (no hoppers).

I would go back in a heartbeat that time of year (it's one of the few weeks I get vacation time). Only reason I am planning an end of summer trip this year is because it's just darn cheaper. Ignore all the naysayers and have a blast

Thank you so much I will be looking into your advise for what days to go to what park.

The only reason I put that in my op is b/c every time I would post a question someone HAD to ask "are you SURE you can't go at a different time?' I got so tired of trying to explain. I can not change the dates unless we go without my step sons. We only had 2 dates we could go first week of july or first week of aug. Their mom already said no to aug b/ it is too close to school. Her choice as we would be picking them up a few days early on her time.

Of course i would like to go during off season to save money and for it to be less crowded but what can I do??