July 4th at the parks

[Oswin]

We are going June 29-July 5. I know it's the busiest time of the summer, so I'm prepared for crowds. We've been Christmas week, and figure the only difference between then and July 4 will be the heat.

We are staying at the Poly and really only plan to do MK and Epcot.

On the 3rd, we are planning to hit MK at rope drop and stay until after EMH so we can make sure to see the special fireworks. On the 4th we are planning to be at Epcot early and stay all day so we can see the fireworks there. If we absolutely are too exhausted to make it until fireworks on the 4th, we will just go back to the Poly and watch the ones from MK on the beach. We have lunch and dinner reservations at table service locations on both days to help break up our day and give us a little rest, but for people who have done parks open to close during busy times, what are the best ways you get in good breaks without leaving? And if we absolutely needed a break from Epcot, what are the odds of it filling to capacity and closing so we couldn't get back in?

Also if anyone has a link to any of their trip reports from this timeframe, sharing would be much appreciated!

 

[glassslippergirl]

We have lunch and dinner reservations at table service locations on both days to help break up our day and give us a little rest, but for people who have done parks open to close during busy times, what are the best ways you get in good breaks without leaving? And if we absolutely needed a break from Epcot, what are the odds of it filling to capacity and closing so we couldn't get back in? Also if anyone has a link to any of their trip reports from this timeframe, sharing would be much appreciated!

We followed a similar plan to yours on July 3 and 4 a few years back, and it worked well. We found that the ADR was the best way to get a break-- off our feet, in A\C, free refills to hydrate. Crystal Palace especially was a good place to really take our time. Plan 1.5-2 hours for meals if possible I know it's not possible if you have kids). Hall of Presidents, CoP, Peoplemover, Ellen's Energy, Turtle Talk, and movies in WS countries (France, Canada, and China) are all good for a climate-controlled, sit down rest (no A/C on Peoplemover, but there is a breeze). Save these for the afternoon when it rains then gets really humid. Perhaps use a FP for Illuminations to get a good place for the Fourth fireworks (they were right after Illuminations the year I went). It will prevent you from getting a fourth FP at a kiosk, but how many will be available that day anyway. For MK fireworks, get a place early in the hub. It will be packed, even on the third. Super cool show, though!

Also, on the Fourth, the Voices of Liberty gave a big concert at Epcot. It was beautiful. If that's an option on your trip, I highly recommend it.

 

[maxiesmom]

We followed a similar plan to yours on July 3 and 4 a few years back, and it worked well. We found that the ADR was the best way to get a break-- off our feet, in A\C, free refills to hydrate. Crystal Palace especially was a good place to really take our time. Plan 1.5-2 hours for meals if possible I know it's not possible if you have kids). Hall of Presidents, CoP, Peoplemover, Ellen's Energy, Turtle Talk, and movies in WS countries (France, Canada, and China) are all good for a climate-controlled, sit down rest (no A/C on Peoplemover, but there is a breeze). Save these for the afternoon when it rains then gets really humid. Perhaps use a FP for Illuminations to get a good place for the Fourth fireworks (they were right after Illuminations the year I went). It will prevent you from getting a fourth FP at a kiosk, but how many will be available that day anyway. For MK fireworks, get a place early in the hub. It will be packed, even on the third. Super cool show, though!

Also, on the Fourth, the Voices of Liberty gave a big concert at Epcot. It was beautiful. If that's an option on your trip, I highly recommend it.

I agree with all of this. In addition, drink a lot of fluids. Not just water, but vitamin water or gatorade. You will be sweating a lot, so you need to replace all of the minerals your body will be losing.

 

[NMK62303]

Your plan is good and great suggestions so far We have been over the 4th several times, you will be able to get back into Epcot if you leave to take a break, it has a huge capacity. People will start lining the edge if the water 3 hours in advance but that is not necessary, unless you absolutely want to be more up close to see the earth ball.
Here's my best tip for the Epcot fireworks - position yourself where you can clearly see the American pavilion across the water! The regular Illuminations goes first,then the patriotic tag for the 4th. A lot of this is over the American pavilion and around it. Our first year we were up close to the water but in France so we didn't have a great view through the trees. Last year we watched from the front of the Odyssey building, though it was back from the water we could see everything but the earth ball, and had a good view of America. Best thing is we walked up to that spot around 9:30 for the 10:00 show. The ending is spectacular!! Enjoy!!

 

[Oswin]

Thanks for the tips!

It's just me and my sister on this trip, so no kids. It's our birthday trip, so we want to be sure to get in all the unique things that happen at Epcot on the 4th! Thanks for the heads up about the voices of liberty, we'll have to be sure to fit that in!