July 4th advice & tips

[quirty30]

I posted this in "Theme Parks Attractions & Strategies" but I think it's going to get lost before it gets answered (it never ceases to amaze me how some threads get beaten to death over there while others just fade away.)

We are planning our first ever July 4th visit. I see there are evening EMH at MK on 7/3, and thought we'd give them a try. We are staying at BLT and can walk to and from the MK, so no worries about crowded transportation. As for the 4th itself, I was thinking about just spending the day at the resort, enjoying the pool and dining at California Grill and enjoying the fireworks from a distance. Any idea whether this is a good plan or not? Is the MK traditionally more crowded on the 4th than the 3rd? Would appreciate any advice or comments on your past experience with these dates. I assume that "Celebrate America" is the special fireworks show for both nights, and that it's at 9PM - the WDW website was a little vague.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[gojoe]

We've seen the fireworks from the hub 2 years ago. It's not to be missed. Some say you can see if from the Poly or a fireworks cruise or California Grill and it's great. All I know is we stood in the middle of 360 degrees of fireworks and that is not a sight to be missed. I know we will make it back someday and we will be right at the hub. Take my advise don't miss if from the hub.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We did the Wishes Dessert Party on July 3rd, 2010, and if we ever were to go again for the 4th of July, we would do it again that way. We didn't see the surround fireworks, but we weren't in the crowd, the area was opened but air cooled, and the desserts were delicious. The fireworks are the same in the MK on the 3rd and 4th.

On the 4th, we went to Epcot. Since we were staying at BCV, it was just a short walk back to the room.

We were set to do it again this year, but DS/DDiL asked us to care for their dogs for a 2 week period. We'll be back in WDW for the 4th in 2012.

On the 4th Epcot has a show in the American theater of patriotic songs with Mickey and the Voices of Liberty. There were 3 shows and are not to be missed!

Bobbi

 

[HERSEY]

We went to MK on the 3rd a few years ago. I recommend doing that and saving the 4th for down time at the resort or go to Epcot where you can maneuver around the crowds.

 

[figment795]

DH and I wedding anniversary is July 3rd. For the past 4 years we have seen MK fireworks for July 3rd on our wedding anniversary. July 4th stay away from MK and spend the day at Epcot.

 

[wyodan]

We do the same as the other posts. MK on the 3rd, downtime at the resort and Epcot during the evening.

 

[MrShiny]

Don't forget if you are staying at BLT, you can just go up to the Top of the World and as good, if not better view than CG (but of course CG has a more extensive menu than the smaller plates at TotW).

Keep an eye for the MK shutting down to guests at times (it would be really rare if it happened all day). If you plan to go to MK, definitely walk from BLT that day.

I would definitely watch the fireworks from CG or BLT. The music is piped in (even in the BLT rooms if you have a MK or LV that allows you to see the fireworks). While you don't get the same effect of being in the middle of the surround fireworks, you do ge to see them all, which is neat. And of course you don't get mobbed right afterwards!

Also, you might want to hang around the Epcot area on the second. Usually after the park closing time they test the 4th fireworks.

 

[Plutofan]

We did the MK on the 4th several years ago. It was crowded. The park started closers around 11:00. The first closure was MK parking. We were already at the park but my wife had to drive to Epcot and take the monorail in to get into the park.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Not sure of your total stay--but last year, we were there on the 2nd and due to the skies gracing us with rain in the a.m., it was slow most of the day until about 1 or 2. But even then it wasn't so bad.

It was busy--but not insufferable. We stayed through the Main Street electrical parade and fireworks.

I think we went the prior year on the 2nd as well and it wasn't so bad either.

(that date in particular as it is my dd's birthday.).

We always leave on the 3rd, so I'm no help after that. I have heard that MK is a zoo though on the 4th, and will avoid it. I could get snuggly on NYE if I had to, but not on a humid July 4th evening.

 

[hbg4]

We are staying at Bay Lake towers also for the July 4th weekend. I'm still trying to decide wether to watch the fireworks from "the top of the world" or go to MK on July 3rd.
Last year we went to MK on July 3rd. We got there about 45 minutes before the fireworks and could barely move up main street. We reached about 3/4 of the way to the hub and stayed there packed shoulder to shoulder. The fireworks were great, but even though there was EMH we elected to not stay since the lines were long for everything.
On July 4th we went to Hollywood studios. They had a stage up near the Mickey sorcerer hat. The band Mulch sweat n' Shears were playing various songs, the DJ was great and the dance party was so much fun, this turned out to be my best July 4th party ever. There were fireworks and afterwards we attended the not so crowded 2nd show of Fantasmic.
As everyone advises stay away from MK on July 4th. If you go you'd probably need to get in early before they close the gates due to reaches maximum capacity.

 

[zurgswife]

Last year and this year we will have the same plans...We do MK on the 3rd...then Epcot on the 4th. It's perfect. The MK is crowded but not crazy and I absolutley love th Epcot Holiday plus fireworks....

 

[quirty30]

OP here; we are planning on MK for the 3rd, but have an early dinner ADR for the Plaza. If the crowds start getting to me, we'll walk back to BLT and head to TOTWL.

We're sticking with our plans for the 4th, just hanging out at the resort & ending with dinner at California Grill.

 

[Tinkerbellcrafter]

Don't forget if you are staying at BLT, you can just go up to the Top of the World and as good, if not better view than CG (but of course CG has a more extensive menu than the smaller plates at TotW).

Keep an eye for the MK shutting down to guests at times (it would be really rare if it happened all day). If you plan to go to MK, definitely walk from BLT that day.

I would definitely watch the fireworks from CG or BLT. The music is piped in (even in the BLT rooms if you have a MK or LV that allows you to see the fireworks). While you don't get the same effect of being in the middle of the surround fireworks, you do ge to see them all, which is neat. And of course you don't get mobbed right afterwards!

Also, you might want to hang around the Epcot area on the second. Usually after the park closing time they test the 4th fireworks.

Great Advice!

 

[zalansky]

Is there a capacity limit for the TOTWL? Looks like a few people have plans for it on the 4th and i am sure plenty more who don't frequent the DIS! Just asking for future reference. We'll be in the world next weekend too, but only hitting the pool - no parks.

 

[Sammie]

Is there a capacity limit for the TOTWL? Looks like a few people have plans for it on the 4th and i am sure plenty more who don't frequent the DIS! Just asking for future reference. We'll be in the world next weekend too, but only hitting the pool - no parks.

I don't know the capacity but yes it would have to have one for fire and safety reasons.

The fireworks will be impressive where ever you watch them, but they won't be as impressive as seeing them in the MK, because they are 360 surround fireworks and you won't be surrounded unless you are in the MK.

 

[darbry]

We were there last year for the 4th of July and noticed in general that after the 4th the crowds were much larger than before. We did the Hoop Dee Doo and watched the fireworks from the beach at the Wilderness campgrounds. It was almost romantic, but people to people. Pixie dust does wonders anywhere you are at Disney!

 

[mrsswat]

we usually watch from the beach at the Poly on the third, and TOTWL on the 4th. Have to say the view from the Poly is MUCH better, as it is facing the fireworks head on instead of a side view that you get at TOTWL. We get there early, as it does get crowded on that beach. We bring our beach towels to sit on. Then when the fireworks are over, we walk over to the GF for a bite to eat at their counter service spot, then in no hurry take the monorail over to the MK and walk back to the BLT. Don't ask why this routine, but we've done it the past fews years and we seem to fall back on it ALWAYS enjoy those 4th fireworks

 

[KrysiaG]

As everyone advises stay away from MK on July 4th. If you go you'd probably need to get in early before they close the gates due to reaches maximum capacity.

We are also going 7/3 - 7/7 to Disney. And we are DEFINITELY staying away from MK on 7/4. We have our itinerary set and definitely will avoid MK on 7/4 for sure.