July 2017 - tell me it'll be OK

[AirDisney]

Have our first trip to DL in mid-July. We're arriving on the 15th staying for a week at the DLH. We're coming from the east coast and tying in some family visits while out on the west coast, so didn't have a lot of flexibility on the dates. Of course the dates happened to coincide with D23 Expo, so gonna hit the last day of that. We've done multiple trips to WDW over the last few years and planned those during the "slower" times in May or November. I'm a little nervous about what the crowds will be like during our visit with summer & D23 crowds. Will my patience run thin or should I not get too worked up about it? Planning on 4 parks days during our week (2 at each park.) Any consolation or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Malcon10t]

Well, we will be there too. It is usually "summer crowded", not really bad. The heat tho can get people irritated. I wouldn't get too worked up over it. Just know your fastpass schedule, and enjoy the parks! It gets too crowded, go to the pools!

 

[lalasmama]

Expect it to be a zoo. If you go in knowing that, being ready for it, you will be fine. Expect some increased crowds due to D23, and Disneyland's 62nd Birthday (which may congest Main Street during the parade/party thing they do in the afternoon, but it dissipates quickly when that's done).

As always, go early for all the big rides, find something to occupy your afternoon (rest time, a movie, watching a show, etc), then enjoy the evening.

 

[JuicyFruit]

Just plan your days, head to the parks early and have fun !

 

[VandVsmama]

Plan to be up early for rope drop at 8am each day, so get to the park entrance by 7:30-7:40 am. Go like gang busters all morning long. Then when crowds start to get too much for you, go back to your hotel, take a nap, relax in the pool, and go back for the evening.

 

[Midnightred]

I don't think July is nearly as bad as many other times of the year. Block out days are in effect and that makes a huge difference!

Midnightred

 

[disneydadazut2]

We will also be there that week. July feels less crowded than April and December. Agree with what others say - expect the crowds, and then you won't feel frustrated. SoCal Passes are blacked out, so that helps a bit with crowds. It can get a bit warm, but dress accordingly and hydrate.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

This thread has lots of helpful info: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets. Be watching these boards for threads on the Expo for a better idea on what to expect on your day there.

 

[KingLlama]

Exact same scenario for us. WDW vets who usually visit in slow season. First-timers at DL the last week of July.

In a way, I'm kind of looking forward to going hardcore(we only have one day in each park) and strategizing, the way I used to do back in the 80's when I'd study the Birnbaum guides to maximize our day at Magic Kingdom. My parents thought I was some kind of weirdo, but it always paid off....then and now.

Can't wait.

 

[icicle]

Oooh I'm in the same boat too! Most of our WDW trips have been in sept/oct but this year my oldest starts jr. high so we don't want to skip school for a vacation. We decided to go to California this summer and do two days in DL (last week of July). We'll just plan and do our best. We are the family that is first at the turnstiles in WDW so getting an early jump at DL won't be a problem. Hopefully we can take a rest and stay up for the night time entertainment too.

 

[gsrieff]

I would say it could be dependent on when everything that has been closed (ROA, F!, Disneyland train) finally opens back up. I wouldn't be surprised if they are shooting for a near Disneyland birthday (July 17th) grand re-opening for those things. Then adding D23, and normal summer crowds.. it could hit max capacity at some points. As of right now it all just says that the refurbs will be done Summer 2017. Obviously the closer you get to the date, the more information you will get about the re-opening. I know how many people miss those iconic Disneyland attractions, and are foaming at the mouth to get their favorites back.

I have nothing to substantiate these statements...they are just my personal thoughts. lol Have a fun trip!

 

[AirDisney]

Thanks for all the tips and ideas! Sounds like we should be fine with 2 days in each park. Whatever we can't do the first day, we'll try to hit the second day.

 

[my*gracie*girl]

We have gone the last two years for the 7/17 birthday as my daughter and mom both have the same birthday. It is busy during that time of year, but still enjoyable. Just go expecting heat and crowds and you will be surprised at how much fun you actually have. I used to say I would NEVER go during the summer or spring break....we did both during 2016. HA!

 

[Darkbeer1]

FYI, while the Walt Disney Company has decided to celebrate the park's Anniversary on July 17th since the 1970's, as a historian of the park, I need to mention that the actual birthdate/opening day was July 18th, and was celebrated by Walt Disney (the person) while he was alive.

https://darkbeer.smugmug.com/Theme-Parks/Disneyland-Historical/

That said, the crowds will have a bigger impact on the 17th, the date Disney is currently using.

 

[PurpleKomodo]

We are going in July as well, but the next week. How are summer crowds at DL compared to Summer at WDW? I have been in the summer to WDW numerous times so I am just curious how they compare?