is it going to be horrible in July?

[DavidUK]

hey! My parents have booked us all a holiday from July 9th to the 23rd and having read these boards i'm beginning to worry!

My parents were trying to be clever and booking just after 4th of july and hoping that most of the holiday crowds would have gone! but i'm beginning to think otherwise so i was just wondering what to expect and plan for, should i be worried or just well prepared, we've been before mid August will it be better or worse than that??

TIA
David
eating chocolate eggs already, don't tell the bunny.

 

[mcgrawfan]

We went in July 2002 around the middle of the month. I don't think the crowds were any more than normal, but it is really HOT and HUMID!!! If e-nights are available when you are there take advantage of that to enjoy the rides with less lines after the sun has gone down.

 

[Disney Doll]

It will be relatively crowded and it will be hot. If you plan properly...midday breaks, e-nights,fastpass...you should be fine.

 

[bobcat]

I don't find the late July crowds to be too unbearable. Then again we go early, head back to the hotel for a swim in the afternoon and then head back to the parks for dinner. Even on the days we stayed in the parks for most of the day only MK seemed crowded, but then I've been there in offseason and MK was crowded then also.

The sun is fierce so be prepared. It is hot and humid but if you plan for it and try to get out of the heat when you can it's bearable.

I like the late hours and the hustle and bustle of the parks in the summer. We also love to swim and visit the water parks so summer is great for that.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Well, WDW is never horrible! BUT, it's very very very very very hot and sticky.... I mean very. I was there at the same time last July and I will never do it again. Ever. But that's just me, and I can't handle the heat... I was miserable. I honestly don't remember the crowds being a big deal... It's always crowded, but manageable =) Know what you want to get done so you dont waste time, use Fast Passes, and drink lots of water! You'll have a blast!

 

[DavidUK]

Phew thanks for all your info guys!! i don't know what i'd do without this board!! my mum is so chuffed i'm planning and it's not left to her!! well i suppose i have time with all my holiday being a student and all, gotta do something to stop me doing my coursework!!

David
Still eating chocolate eggs... ... ... ... ... Don't tell the bunny, no really... ... ... ... he knows Santa and you know what that means!

 

[lenshanem]

Hot. Crowds are bad in MK, but doable in the other parks. Advice - go to the parks early, go back to swim midday, then back to the parks at night. Midday is brutal in that heat. We were there last July and will be again this summer. (School schedule for the kids...)
Also be prepared for scary thunderstorms! And I mean scary...

 

[buzzlady]

Originally posted by lenshanem
Also be prepared for scary thunderstorms! And I mean scary...

The storms are usually quick moving ~ in and out ~ so be prepared even if the sun is shining.

 

[buzzlady]

sorry ~ double post

 

[stemikger]

I have never been in the summer, but I'd be there in August. I have a friend that goes every year in July and August and he says the heat isn't any worse than in New York. I don't know. I'd find out when I go in August.

Hope it works out for the both of us.


going in august and i can't wait.

 

[heidijot]

Hi,

This will be our second July and we found last July to be great!! The crowds were not that bad. We arrived early and took full advantage of Fast Pass. We did notice that the parks seem to empty out around mid-day, and the lines to get much shorter. Since it was just the two of us, we could pace ourselves and stay in the park most of the day!!! As for the heat we loved it!!! Ride the water rides, drink alot of water and remember how cold the last winter was and you'll be fine.

Enjoy your trip!!!
Heidi and Bob

<img height=150 src=http://home.comcast.net/~heidijot/scan.jpg>

 

[shafke]

When people say HOT, what are we talking about here... high 80's, low 90's, mid 90's. When we went last in Oct '02 it was in the low 90's for the week with high humidity... It is not that bad. Pace yourself and drink lots of water (not soda or sugary juices). Unless you are from somewhere that does not typically get any extended summer heat waves, the FL heat should be manageable.

 

[antmaril]

We were there last July and I won't lie to you - it is VERY hot and humid. The MK is quite crowded, but we found the other parks bearable. You really have to get an early start and go back to the hotel in the afternoon. It's a little better in the evening when the sun goes down, but be prepared. It's still fun, but the heat is a factor.

You will have fun in spite of the heat.

 

[Stepharoonie!]

Just remember.....lots of water and sunscreen

 

[mcgrawfan]

When we went in July the daytime temps were high 90's to maybe even 100. The humidity even in the evening was awful. It still doesn't take away the magic of Disney, but it is a little uncomfortable at times. I don't handle heat and humidity very well at all so I may not be the best judge of hot weather.

 

[Forever42]

The weather is definitely the down part in July. It's just nasty here in midday. Florida winters, early springs, and late falls are great, it's just the summer that kills me.

Mid to high 90s are the norm, with high 90s to 100% humidity every day. Make sure you carry plenty of water with you, keep yourself hydrated, and wear light clothing. Take breaks. Heat stroke is easy to get, especially if you're not used to it.

 

[abitjaded]

About what time do the thunderstorms hit? We will be there July 10-15 and were planning on bailing mid-day to the pools and water parks. Do they close the water parks if there is lightening, or just clear the water? What about the resort pools? Should we plan on nap time, not pool time?

Carla

 

[lenshanem]

Last trip in July it seemed the storms hit late afternoon, early evening. If you get to the pool around lunch time you should be fine. (Maybe) But I tell you what, that pool feels FANTASTIC around that time of day!

They close the pool if there is lightening, but they're good about opening them back up as soon as they get the all clear.

Last trip I was amazed at how they left the pools open if it was only "heat lightening". I guess they really know the difference, but it did freak me out a little.

I wonder how complex their weather watching system is?

We were at one of the water parks, can't recall which one that particular day, and they came on the speaker saying a massive storm was going to hit within maybe like thirty minutes if I recall right and they were closing the park down! Said to please meet your parties up front! Wow.

 

[Forever42]

Heat lightning is actually lightning that's too far away to hear, and generally poses little danger at the time. You get used to the difference after living in Florida forever It looks horizontal and makes clouds light up or glow.

When I lived in the Tampa Bay area, especially about 10 years ago, you could set your watch by the 3:30 pm storms. These days they're a bit less reliable, and IIRC, occur around 5-6 on the east side of Orlando (where I am), which is about 45 min away. They do get pretty scary.

Busch Gardens used to give out flyers with your parking tickets that said that storms generally last from 30 min - 90 min, so don't leave. I'd agree, if you're in a non water park.

 

[colleen costello]

As you are coming for a nice long visit, consider geting annual passes. These are wonderful, as you can come and go as you please. You can visit a park in the morning and leave when it gets too hot or crowded. If you feel like going back that night, great -- but you don't "have to" for fear of wasting a ticket. We bought these this year because we planned 4 trips, and it's been great. You can go to a park at night just to have a meal, or see a parade, or ride Space Mountain one last time!