July 4, 2014 vacation!!

[bennifer]

As for the good things about July 4 week

1) Long park hours
2) You know it will be warm enough to swim
3) The cultural experience of BTGs
4) The AC feels SO good
5) The fireworks
http://s26.photobucket.com/user/uVisionStudios/media/4thofJulyfromthePolynesian_zps2b66f729.jpg.html
http://s26.photobucket.com/user/uVisionStudios/media/Epcot3_zpscadde1fc.jpg.html

#3 is awesome! That's the only thing that has me worried!!!

 

[momofboyz3]

#3 is awesome! That's the only thing that has me worried!!!

Argh me 2

 

[stargazertechie]

We have only been to WDW once (in May) stayed at POR - surprise RR upgrade we got the whole package w/DDP. There r 4 of us ds14,ds14 & ds10. The DVC sounds scary lol (just because I'm unfamiliar with it). I have a year so maybe I should do some investigating!!!! Thank you much for the feedback

I'll be honest- I was scared the first time I rented DVC. It's not a good choice if you think your travel plans may change as it requires payment up front (sometimes 100%, sometimes 50% down, 50% closer to your travel date). There are brokers (companies) who manage point reservations for many members. They tend to be higher priced per point, but have a better shot of getting you the resort and room type you want right at the 11 month mark as they have a large inventory of points to pull from. Most of these companies are bonded and insured for your peace of mind.

You can also book through private DVC owners (There's a rent/trade board here on the DIS, and a google search will also bring up another board of DVC owners with a huge rent/trade board). If you go the private route you have to have much more faith in the person you are renting from since they control the reservation even after they have your money. The upside is that with private individuals the payment terms are much more flexible (I've done 100% upfront, 50/50, and one that was 30/40/30 (booking/45 days/14 days). I always make sure that there is a signed contract involved and that we each have copies. I've never had a problem.

Argh me 2

As for the BTGs- if you can't beat 'em, join 'em! We ended up tagging along with a tour group- they move at a brisk pace, do a great job of clearing the path, and people tend to go the other way when they see them. The key is to be able to pull out of the group and power walk your way AHEAD of them into the queue.

 

[telephoneman66]

We were there on July 4 this year as well.


We did the spirit of aloha for supper and then went to the Magic Kingdom. Earlier in the day we couldn't get into the Magic Kingdom because it was shutdown Because it'd hit capacity.

We rode Pirates of the Caribbean during the fireworks After fighting a huge mob to get around to Adventureland.

There were five empty boats in front of us and at least five empty boats behind us. We were the only four people on the whole ride as far as I know.

It was pretty awesome. We caught the fireworks finale as we walked towards thunder Mountain Railroad. And then walk straight on thunder Mountain Railroad with no line at all.

Despite the park being at or near capacity.

That's what I call Disney Magic.

 

[sanapunk]

I conquered 4th of July at MK this year, and it was definitely one of my all time favorite days there! Got to MK about 30 minutes before opening ceramonies, and made it to Frontierland in time for rope drop. We got fastpasses for big thunder right away while waiting in line for it. Then we were able to walk on to Splash and actually stay in our log and ride it twice! Then hit up our big thunder fast pass. Wandered over to haunted mansion where there was zero wait, then little mermaid...zero wait...You see my trend?

Getting there early and using fastpasses like mad enabled us to ride 30 rides that day. This included 3 rides on big thunder, 3 rides on splash and 4 rides on space mountain. The longest wait we had was 40 minutes for pirates which we were later upset we waited in that line because at midnight we walked onto it before leaving the park!

oh...and while the BTG's were everywhere, never once did they interact or "ruin" my experience. No line jumping. In fact my boyfriend really wanted to get onto star tours with them because he thought it would be a hoot! They clap and sing everywhere they go.

 

[momofboyz3]

I'll be honest- I was scared the first time I rented DVC. It's not a good choice if you think your travel plans may change as it requires payment up front (sometimes 100%, sometimes 50% down, 50% closer to your travel date). There are brokers (companies) who manage point reservations for many members. They tend to be higher priced per point, but have a better shot of getting you the resort and room type you want right at the 11 month mark as they have a large inventory of points to pull from. Most of these companies are bonded and insured for your peace of mind.

You can also book through private DVC owners (There's a rent/trade board here on the DIS, and a google search will also bring up another board of DVC owners with a huge rent/trade board). If you go the private route you have to have much more faith in the person you are renting from since they control the reservation even after they have your money. The upside is that with private individuals the payment terms are much more flexible (I've done 100% upfront, 50/50, and one that was 30/40/30 (booking/45 days/14 days). I always make sure that there is a signed contract involved and that we each have copies. I've never had a problem.

As for the BTGs- if you can't beat 'em, join 'em! We ended up tagging along with a tour group- they move at a brisk pace, do a great job of clearing the path, and people tend to go the other way when they see them. The key is to be able to pull out of the group and power walk your way AHEAD of them into the queue.

I'm still scared of DVC!!!!! But, you convinced me to at least look into it
Your advice for the BTG is Awesome!!!!!!!!! And that I definately will try out as always thanks for your wonderful feedback, I always learn alot from your posts!

 

[momofboyz3]

We were there on July 4 this year as well.

We did the spirit of aloha for supper and then went to the Magic Kingdom. Earlier in the day we couldn't get into the Magic Kingdom because it was shutdown Because it'd hit capacity.

We rode Pirates of the Caribbean during the fireworks After fighting a huge mob to get around to Adventureland.

There were five empty boats in front of us and at least five empty boats behind us. We were the only four people on the whole ride as far as I know.

It was pretty awesome. We caught the fireworks finale as we walked towards thunder Mountain Railroad. And then walk straight on thunder Mountain Railroad with no line at all.

Despite the park being at or near capacity.

That's what I call Disney Magic.

ThankYou for your response sounds like you had a great experience and that's what I love to hear.

 

[momofboyz3]

I conquered 4th of July at MK this year, and it was definitely one of my all time favorite days there! Got to MK about 30 minutes before opening ceramonies, and made it to Frontierland in time for rope drop. We got fastpasses for big thunder right away while waiting in line for it. Then we were able to walk on to Splash and actually stay in our log and ride it twice! Then hit up our big thunder fast pass. Wandered over to haunted mansion where there was zero wait, then little mermaid...zero wait...You see my trend?

Getting there early and using fastpasses like mad enabled us to ride 30 rides that day. This included 3 rides on big thunder, 3 rides on splash and 4 rides on space mountain. The longest wait we had was 40 minutes for pirates which we were later upset we waited in that line because at midnight we walked onto it before leaving the park!

oh...and while the BTG's were everywhere, never once did they interact or "ruin" my experience. No line jumping. In fact my boyfriend really wanted to get onto star tours with them because he thought it would be a hoot! They clap and sing everywhere they go.

I had the same sort of plan when we went over Memorial Day week. We hit RD and headed to the Fronteir land we had great luck doing everything we wanted to do. I'm so excited that it is possible to do on the week of the 4th as well!!! ThankYou so much for your feedback this will be the week for us!

 

[lblume91]

Loving all the positive reports!! There is always so much negativity about going during holiday weeks.

 

[bennifer]

Lol!!!!!!! I just celebrated mine in June now you have me beat w/your son going into college, congratulations!!!!! My boys are in their early teens and that was enough to get me grey

It's good to hear that it is survivable. Thanks, it's going to be a tough fall, I think.

Anyway, thanks for starting this thread! Lots of great advice!!!

 

[momofboyz3]

Loving all the positive reports!! There is always so much negativity about going during holiday weeks.

I know!!! That's why I was specific on wanting to hear the Good. I had already read all the other threads and feedback (alot honest negative) and as I love honest feedback good or bad, I already read so much of that. I wanted to hear if anyone had anything good to say & I do appreciate the advice given

 

[momofboyz3]

It's good to hear that it is survivable. Thanks, it's going to be a tough fall, I think.

Anyway, thanks for starting this thread! Lots of great advice!!!

I know~ I'm loving the positive vibes. I can't wait to book this. I need to figure out which mod to stay at now

 

[photo_chick]

We're going July 4th next year also! We were there for July 4th 2011 and had a great time. Our best friend on that trip was the Lines app. We used it to see whatever had the shortest line reasonably close to us. Never waited more than like 20 minutes in a line and got to ride everything we wanted.

THe only time we had any issue with the BTG's when we were there was in the queue for Soarin. And then it was only that they were extraordinarily loud, so really not even that big of a deal except to my high strung DS.

 

[KBoopaloo]

I love this thread! I am maybe planning a big family trip for the end of June/early July next year and have been worried about crowds and heat. We will come home before the 4th (probably on the 2nd) but I was still nervous about crowds. Glad to hear so many people found it manageable this year!

 

[momofboyz3]

We're going July 4th next year also! We were there for July 4th 2011 and had a great time. Our best friend on that trip was the Lines app. We used it to see whatever had the shortest line reasonably close to us. Never waited more than like 20 minutes in a line and got to ride everything we wanted.

THe only time we had any issue with the BTG's when we were there was in the queue for Soarin. And then it was only that they were extraordinarily loud, so really not even that big of a deal except to my high strung DS.

Awesome to read your experience!!!! Thanks so much for sharing this on my thread. So excited about next year already

 

[momofboyz3]

I love this thread! I am maybe planning a big family trip for the end of June/early July next year and have been worried about crowds and heat. We will come home before the 4th (probably on the 2nd) but I was still nervous about crowds. Glad to hear so many people found it manageable this year!

Well thanks so much for posting on it I will be honest before I started this thread I did read TONS of harsher realities of the week of the 4th. With my 3 boys and their school load I really can't take them out this coming year. The end of June/beginning of July is really my only option. So I needed to hear something positive hoping for a few good posts. I'm excited to hear all the positive experiences many people have had. Soooo again thanks for sharing!

 

[photo_chick]

Well thanks so much for posting on it I will be honest before I started this thread I did read TONS of harsher realities of the week of the 4th. With my 3 boys and their school load I really can't take them out this coming year. The end of June/beginning of July is really my only option. So I needed to hear something positive hoping for a few good posts. I'm excited to hear all the positive experiences many people have had. Soooo again thanks for sharing!

I hear you on not pulling the kids out of school. Its not an option with my daughter either.

There is some truth to the harsher reports. There are a LOT of people there so if you go into it without being prepared for the crowds and heat, and if you're unable to roll with changes you may need to make to your plans as the day goes on, I can see where it may not be a fun time. But it's totally possible to have a great time and ride everything. Attitude and expectations are everything. Seriously, we loved it so much that week we're doing it again.

 

[momofboyz3]

I hear you on not pulling the kids out of school. Its not an option with my daughter either.

There is some truth to the harsher reports. There are a LOT of people there so if you go into it without being prepared for the crowds and heat, and if you're unable to roll with changes you may need to make to your plans as the day goes on, I can see where it may not be a fun time. But it's totally possible to have a great time and ride everything. Attitude and expectations are everything. Seriously, we loved it so much that week we're doing it again.

Oooh I know those harsher, tougher reports are very true! I'm in Boston & it was about 100 today... My job requires me to wear all black (pants) & top. I had to work about 300 boxes in a basement w/no AC and no windows (talk about feeling NASTY) I had no ADRs, actually had a diet coke & Doritos as I was working, had no frog toggs, was wearing heels and had a few guys working around who was in desperate need of a shower or deodorant or anything. After about 8 hours I realized if I can handle this I can handle The week of the 4th at WDW! But, seriously hopefully with the help I receive from the fine folks on the DIs & my planning still have about a year... I should be ok..... Hopefully

 

[orangefan15]

Well thanks so much for posting on it I will be honest before I started this thread I did read TONS of harsher realities of the week of the 4th. With my 3 boys and their school load I really can't take them out this coming year. The end of June/beginning of July is really my only option. So I needed to hear something positive hoping for a few good posts. I'm excited to hear all the positive experiences many people have had. Soooo again thanks for sharing!

I think reading those harsher reports is actually a good thing. I stepped into my July 4th week this year prepared for and expecting the worst. And instead I was pleasantly surprised that it was not as bad as I expected and walked away with a very positive experience. I can't help but wonder how different my view may have been had I stepped into it blind instead.

 

[momofboyz3]

I think reading those harsher reports is actually a good thing. I stepped into my July 4th week this year prepared for and expecting the worst. And instead I was pleasantly surprised that it was not as bad as I expected and walked away with a very positive experience. I can't help but wonder how different my view may have been had I stepped into it blind instead.

Oh I agree 100% with that