July 2014 - Second Thoughts...

[Nana2Callie]

We are planning a large trip 20+ people - 18 of which have never been to WDW and are scheduled for 1st week in July. Now, we are wondering if we are totally insane.... I know the crowd level and temps are going to be high. From those who have been during this time... what should we realistically expect? Thanks,

 

[staceyrhood]

The first week of July is VERY busy, and hot. We are locals and plan our summer vacation during that week to leave town because it's so busy around here

 

[jambo5564]

Heat .. crowds .. and to have a great time anyway!! Especially with a group of first timers that size

 

[detarica]

I have been to the parks on the busiest days of the year (Easter week, Thanksgiving, and Memorial Day weekend). The key in the hot months is to make use of the night time Extra Magic Hours. This means will to stay up until 2 am some nights. I did this with two small kids. Before you judge, let me say that we sleep late in the mornings and we go back to the hotel for swimming and long naps before we go back to the parks in time for sundown. Keep in mind that the heat will be stifling and make you question the wisdom of going at that time of the year, but there are plenty of ways to escape it at WDW. After the afternoon rain storm that comes almost daily in Orlando, things will cool down a bit, and by 8:00 PM, you will almost be comfortable. So, if you were one of the smart ones who went back to your hotel after lunch and had a swim followed by a cool shower and a clean set of clothes, you will be ready to the fun that is the parks at night!

One of the positives of going during the summer is the larger crowds do bring more to do. There are usually two night time parades at MK, all of the attractions are usually up and running because planned refubs are often planned during the slow months.

Also, the water parks are something you should absolutely think about. They are amazing and fun for people of all ages. We don't make a trip now without hitting at least one of the them. They make a great way to spend a relaxing morning before heading to the parks for dinner.

 

[waittill]

july will be busy but not as busy as xmas-nye(which is the busiest time of the year).

 

[happymommy]

20 people. In Disney. In. July. Just shoot me.

Now, I've been in August many times - yes it's hot but not as bad as July. And the crowds are very low then (our kids go back to school after Labor Day, but many schools are already back).

I've also been ON Christmas, and after Christmas twice. NYE yes done that too. But - on site, and been many times before so we enjoyed the resort a lot more, did other things, like Illumiinations Cruise (on Breathless) on NYE (concierge booked it - I had no idea what it was, wow). Yes, Christmas week is nuts. But, we were prepared and went to the parks for a couple of hours, then back to the resort (concierge level, so heck it was good).

July is just super hot. And you're taking that many? I would just die. But that's me - Disney is very hard with more than one family (I was a travel guide before I got married for my folks plus 7 business friends of my dad's from Japan - I kept them going all day and it was fun but a LOT of work, and these were the days prior to touring plans, I had to do all my research in books!). I would do it again in a heatbeat - if I were still in my early 20's and didn't have obligations! No way now.

If I HAD to go with family with that many (and I wouldn't - I'd do anything else but Disney, it's just too much money and too many people wanting too many different things) I would pick a SLOW time of the year (and not the worst in terms of heat - July is the worst month for heat). I'd do something like the Tyler Place instead.

 

[carrie1626]

Park hours are longer in the summer. Don't try to do 12 hour days everyday.
Plan down time.

As long as you take a mid day break, you'll be fine.
Use that time for swimming and relaxing. Even a nap. I always take another shower and put on fresh clothes.

 

[pepe of ohio]

My thinking its not the crowds that bother much... It's the heat... It will zap the energy out of anyone.... There is no way we could stand a whole day in a park .... No matter the time of year, we always break from the parks noonish to 5 pm.... Just to get away from the sensory overload and the heat... Strolling around a lark with sweat draining down your back in no fun and ducking into AC attractions helps but little...

Florida is hot and humid almost always but July can be most brutal ... Children and old timers especially....plan your days wisely, take that afternoon resort pool break...pace yourself to the youngest member or oldest member and relax, you'll never see it all or do everything...

 

[Fivesacharm]

We have a HUGE family (lots of aunts, uncles, cousins) We have done trips with 30-40 people more than once during that week. It's an absolute blast, especially if your there for the 4th! It's hot and buy but sooooo much fun! Go for it, I can't imagine you'll regret it (we never have)!

 

[Aliceacc]

We're planning a trip for 11 for the first week of August.

My husband and I are both teachers, so summer is the only time we've ever seen Disney.

We get to the parks at rope drop, head back to the resort pool at lunch, and return at dinner. And have the time of our lives!!!

Make sure you do what's necessary to educate your group about things like rope drop, fastpasses, Disney transportation, and the suggested days to be in each park.

And go and have a blast!