July 4th at the Magic Kingdom

[Mimi Q]

I am going to be near Orlando the first part of July. I was thinking about a one day stop at Walt Disney World, but the only day we could go is July 4th. My dd loves Magic Kingdom, so that is the park we would go to. Just wondering if it is too crowded to enjoy the park. We have been to Disney several times, so we know the park well and know the attractions that we want to experience. We also utilize FastPass+ and are willing to be there when the park opens. Thanks!

 

[Robo]

I am going to be near Orlando the first part of July. I was thinking about a one day stop at Walt Disney World, but the only day we could go is July 4th. My dd loves Magic Kingdom, so that is the park we would go to. Just wondering if it is too crowded to enjoy the park. We have been to Disney several times, so we know the park well and know the attractions that we want to experience. We also utilize FastPass+ and are willing to be there when the park opens. Thanks!

MK will be packed with guests on July 4th.
One of the busiest days of the year.

It opens on that date ("regular hours") at 8AM.
It is also not unheard-of that the MK parking lot will be full near opening time.
The roads to MK will be busy, too.
Just be aware... and be E A R L Y!

 

[Alesia]

It's going to be crowded. Very, very, very crowded. Pretty close to Christmas crowded, only hotter. But, only you can decide how crowded is too crowded.

 

[siskaren]

I would suggest reading easyWDW's tips about doing MK on the 4th:

http://www.easywdw.com/calendar/july-2015-walt-disney-world-crowd-calendar/#more-14894

 

[Mimi Q]

My nieces will be with us. This is probably the only time the three girls would ever be at Magic Kingdom together. They are 11, 12, and 13 years old. I just wondered if it was at all doable.

 

[Robo]

My nieces will be with us. This is probably the only time the three girls would ever be at Magic Kingdom together. They are 11, 12, and 13 years old. I just wondered if it was at all doable.

If you intend to do this, you'd want to purchase your tickets (on-line from Disney, Will Call pick-up) by June 4 so that you could make FP+ reservations at 30 days before your MK visit.

I'm thinking that your 30-day date would be midnight the night of June 4 (June 5, AM.)

 

[Mimi Q]

I would definitely book a Disney resort for two nights and utilize Disney transportation and get my FastPasses the moment I could.

 

[Mimi Q]

I would suggest reading easyWDW's tips about doing MK on the 4th:

http://www.easywdw.com/calendar/july-2015-walt-disney-world-crowd-calendar/#more-14894

Thank you for sharing that link. It had some great tips!

 

[CampbellzSoup]

I always try to stay away from the Magic Kingdom on the actual dates of holidays. For example, the fireworks you can see anytime so it's like Fourth of July in my mind.

If you go please give us a trip report and let us know how you did

 

[dmband]

Been on the 4th a number of times and weekends like this yr are wayyyy worse
We almost always go are peak season so we are used to the crowds other then at firework time
It's so crowded you can not walk to easy and god for it if you have a stroller. A lot of the issue though are jerks who start pushing, when people act like a normal human you are fine but slow moving

Last time I went to HS and that was much more relaxed and manageable

 

[kj2mom]

Thanks for the info about the parking. Looks like we will leave even earlier....... maybe get up and go then eat breakfast in the car! Does anyone know what time the TTC lot opens with an 8am MK opening?

 

[Robo]

Thanks for the info about the parking. Looks like we will leave even earlier....... maybe get up and go then eat breakfast in the car! Does anyone know what time the TTC lot opens with an 8am MK opening?

You'll be able to park in the MK whatever early time you get there. (In this case, the earlier the better.)

 

[kj2mom]

Thanks again, wasn't sure if there was a specific time people are there to collect the parking fee. Definitely learning something new every day!

 

[Robo]

Thanks again, wasn't sure if there was a specific time people are there to collect the parking fee. Definitely learning something new every day!

If you're early enough, you CAN beat the CMs who take the parking toll.
Also, on most evenings, if you arrive late enough, nobody to take your money then, either.
Regardless, you'll still be able to park, at least until the lot fills and they have to close it (which, as I mentioned, does happen on certain super-busy days.)
Then, it's up to the Epcot parking lot to handle the overflow.

Not me, kids!

 

[kj2mom]

Great to know, thanks! The dates are out of our control, we are traveling with another family whose boys turn 13 on the 4th. We are trying to educate ourselves with as much info as possible and going into it with realistic expectations.

 

[bellefan7757]

DH and I were in the Magic Kingdom for July 4, 2014. It definitely was super crowded but the morning was manageable. The crowd increased noticeably after lunchtime. (We stayed on-site so I don't know about the parking lot.) You should be fine with the age kids you'll have with you and as long as you know what to expect. FP+ will also help. I will say that the fireworks, and accompanying musical program, are SPECTACULAR! It was worth it to see them. However, once was enough!