July 4th in the parks???

[bpetrow]

We will be down in Disney for the 4th of July - never been there for this holiday before - wondering what it's like in the parks? Any advice? Suggestions of what to do and where to go?

Thanks!
Beth

 

[midnightlouise]

We were at MK years ago on July 4th and it was brutal. The heat and the crowds. I would avoid the MK on this day if possible. Crowd calendars look like it's going to be business as usual, i.e. packed. Animal Kingdom for the 4th is probably going to be your best bet crowd-wise if you're doing all of the parks during your trip.

 

[amcnj]

Haven't been there that day, but have read it is crowded and there is the potential for park closings due to crowd levels, so be prepared to stay all day or go to plan B if a park won't accept more people for a while.

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

Never been, but have seen pictures and you couldn't pay me enough!!!! From what I hear, you need to get there early and don't leave. Sounds like a good resort day to me!

 

[ultimatefans]

I haven't been there yet on that holiday, but I will this year! We actually plan to hit MK on July 3rd, same fireworks but lower crowds. (still packed, just not *as* packed as the 4th)

 

[DrivenByDisney]

We are going this year (locals) and we are heading to EPCOT for the fireworks. Much more area to find spots for viewing and Magic is just dumb crowded on the 4th. We're going to hit maybe a few rides and just settle in to watch the show at the end of the night with a few beverages. Always nice to relax, find some nice people to chat with and just have a great night at EPCOT.

Here is a shot from last year at Magic on the 4th of July, just as an idea of the crowd levels.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

It's insane and very hot. You will be very close to other people and the park will likely hit capacity at some point. Get there early and stay. Make some ADRs for breaks and a cool place to relax, CS locations will be very crowded. Remember to stay hydrated (drink TONS!) and dress comfortably! The fireworks are amazing. Going for my 2nd one this year!

As a heads up, MK shows the same fireworks on the 3rd with slightly less crowds.

 

[bpetrow]

After reading all this we were maybe thinking a water park? Are they crazy crowded too? We have ADR's at 1900 Park Fair and then were thinking about hitting the Polynesian beach for fireworks.

 

[kmoore7]

We were there last July 4th. Wanted to do MK on the fourth. Bucket list kind of thing. From what I learned and read since, do MK on the third, same fireworks, do Epcot on the fourth.

I understand that a lot of local folks go there for the fourth.

That being said, given the chance, we would do it again. Call me crazy

 

[madge]

curious about Epcot & DHS crowds ... when you say manageable, what exactly does that mean?

 

[dobtia]

MK and July 4th almost killed our Disney love before it started. Now to be fair had not found the Disboard or even the idea of planning.

It was so crowded. It was so hot, and we are Texans. It was a chore to move. The lines...oh the lines. Did I mention it was so crowded. I mean crowded. Like really really crowded. Like packed elevator and guy next to has on either not enough or to much cologne.

Now with a good plan and I think avoiding MK on the actual 4th you can have a good time.

PS.....it did not kill our love for the World....trip 10 starts in less than 48 hours.

 

[maxiesmom]

After reading all this we were maybe thinking a water park? Are they crazy crowded too? We have ADR's at 1900 Park Fair and then were thinking about hitting the Polynesian beach for fireworks.

Unless you are staying at the Poly, there is a very good chance you won't be allowed to use their beach to view the fireworks. How about heading to Epcot for their fireworks? Epcot doesn't feel nearly as crowded. If possible, see the MK fireworks on July 3 (they show the holiday ones then too) and go to Epcot for fireworks on the 4th.