July 3rd. and 4th. ???

[jfelcie]

I have never been to WDW for 4th. of July celebrations and have a few questions. We are planning MK on the 3rd. and HS on the 4th. Both parks will be open late. Is it safe to arrive around 6 o'clock? I know it will be crowded but we are not worried about rides, just the celebrations. We will be taking the bus from Kidani Village. Is there any danger of the parks closing do to reaching full capacity? When does Disney announce park times and plans for that week in July? Thanks

 

[pat fan]

I will assume you are staying on-site, not just hopping a bus from Kidani, in which case even if they close the park to outside guests, you can still get in, and yes they DO close the parks due to reaching capacity.

We have been to MK on the 3 & 4th of July, although never arriving as late as 6:00pm. For the fireworks at MK, it is different than other fireworks shows in that they fill in Main St. with people. Most shows have people filling the sidewalks etc...while the main "road" is open. Not so on the 4th. Just bear this in mind while picking your spot for the show. I would stake out your area a good hour to hour and a half before show time.

Do NOT try to leave right after the show. A million other people want to do that and it's just not worth it. Scoot into the back of the park to walk through a nearly deserted area. Grab an ice cream and sit and people watch. Whatever, just wait out the crowd for a bit.

It's crowded, it's crazy, but it's a heck-of-a show!

 

[softballmom3]

We are planning a trip July 4th week also and my plans are the same as yours....well almost! We are staying onsite and I'm hoping on the 3rd I can leave to go to Kona for supper and come back and it not be closed to Disney resort guests (which we will be). I've been to Disney multiple times before when it's super busy and still love it. We will see how we do with the heat and the crowds though lol!

 

[jfelcie]

Thanks . . We will be staying at BWV from 6/26-7/3 and Kidani from 7/3-7/5. I am so glad to hear that the parks do not close for on site guests! I have never been during a very busy time. Have the parks ever closed on the 3rd. or 4th.? Thanks for the tips.

 

[JanaDee]

Thanks . . We will be staying at BWV from 6/26-7/3 and Kidani from 7/3-7/5. I am so glad to hear that the parks do not close for on site guests! I have never been during a very busy time. Have the parks ever closed on the 3rd. or 4th.? Thanks for the tips.

If they reach a Stage 4 closing, yes, the park (usually MK) will be closed to ALL guests (including on-site guests).

MK usually reaches some type of capacity closing on both the 3rd and 4th.

 

[pat fan]

Have the parks ever closed on the 3rd. or 4th.?

Yes, which is why I would not wait until 6:00 pm to head into MK. Even if you just go and eat dinner somewhere or ride the People Mover, try and get there before that

 

[jfelcie]

Does MK have the same fireworks display on the 3rd. and the 4th. Which day is better? I am changing resorts on the 3rd. BW to Kidani. My plan was to go to AK early . . . Check in to Kidani . . . Go to MK for late night celebration. Now I am afraid it might be too late. (6pm)

 

[markmcalear]

If you have an ADR and you arrive at a park that is closed due to capacity do they let you in or not?

 

[pat fan]

Yes, it is the same display both nights.

 

[Alesia]

If you have an ADR and you arrive at a park that is closed due to capacity do they let you in or not?

If the park is at stage 4, then no, you cannot get in for any reason.

Waiting until 6:00 - or leaving for an ADR and hoping to get back in - could very well lead to disappointment.