July experts...please help!!!

[indymom1]

I am planning a trip for my DH, DS(3) and DS(almost 9) at time of trip for July 20-30 2005. Maybe being obsessed about these boards is becomming a negative because I keep reading about the terrible crowds, terrible heat, BTG's, people saying that they will never go that time of year again, rain storms everyday, etc and I am starting to freak out. Is it really that bad? Please, please someone who has gone in late July and enjoyed their trip please tell me how it was for you. Due to son's school schedule and my work restrictions we can only go in summer So it is not an option to go during non-peak time. We have been to DW in June before is it really that much different?? Thanks in advance I am just looking for the positive side of going in July!!!

 

[catheren]

July in WDW is hot -- hey your in florida! There are T-storms everyday but they pass very quickly.

Just pack plently of bottled water, hats, and sun screen in your knap sack. Take breaks by going into the air conditioned restaurants and shops. Go back to your hotel during the heat of the day for a swim and a nap.

The parks are open late -- go at night.

It will be crowded but not nearly as crowded as Christmas to New Years.

 

[OhMickey]

I just made reservations for August. I too was concerned about the crowds and heat. However, after posting I was reassured that if you plan - it will be okay.

There are rides/attractions with air conditioning. We always (no matter when we go) take a break for lunch. Usually, we head for a resort restaurant for some time away. I am planning on bringing H20 bottles and a mister fan. Also, if we're hot (although it is against my commando style touring) we will take a swimming break.

As far as the crowds, remember that Disney is opened later and they hire more workers in the summer to accomodate the number of guests. Go and enjoy.

 

[jel0511]

I have been going every summer since 2000, and will go every summer for the next 15 years, since that's when my youngest will graduate HS. Yes, it's hot, yes it rains (sometimes all day), yes there are crowds (90 minute waits on the more popular attractions), but I keep going back. One of the reasons is because we like to go for two weeks, and you can't pull kids out of school for that length of time. Also, I like the summer. You can use the pools, the parks are always open late, and I'm now used to it. If you plan, and realize that in a crowded day, if you want to hit popular attractions, you won't get on many rides. We also don't tour commando style at all. We are up early (my kids are early risers) so usually at the parks around opening. We stay until just after lunch, which is usually 1PM and then head back to the hotel. We either take a nap and a swim. After that, we then get dressed for dinner. We always eat dinner at a sit-down place, and after dinner decide what to do. If we want to head back we will, if not, we'll do something else or just head to the pool. We're DVC members and don't have to, nor are we willing to tour commando. About 4 hours of park time at a time is enough for us, and we NEVER do EE. It's just a recipe for TONS of people. If you do plan on staying in the parks from opening to closing and not taking a break, the summer can be taxing and the weather can ruin a day, whether it's the heat or the rain. I love the summer, and won't go at any other time.

 

[Tikiman]

JULY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My favorite time to go. Been 3 4th of July's in a row. Went once at the end of August and just before we left they were closing things and cutting back the hours. Glad we were not staying any longer.

Everything is usually open by July 4th. They try not to have any rehab during that time. Parks are open late. Weather is not much different than June or August. About an hour of rain each afternoon but it cools it off and keeps some clouds around to keep the temp about 80s. NEVER!!! waited longer than 15 minutes for anything but maybe we just plan well.

It must not be too bad a time of year if it is the secound busiest time of the year. I would be just as happy if everyone stopped going then so I could have the place to myself.

I have heard worse stories around Easter and Christmas.

Aloha

Steve

 

[k&a&c'smom]

I have to agree with Steve, we've gone during the summer quite often, and the crowd levels don't seem as bad as at Spring Break/Easter (the weather then is better, that's the trade-off!) It is crowded, hot, rainy, but we think it's great! So much so, we are headed back this July!!

Edited to add: My best piece of advice, go for Extra Magic Hour. So many people say "I'm on vacation, nobody's gonna make me get up early!" Well, all I can say is, you're missing the best part of the day in the parks!! It's cooler than later in the day, almost no wait on the rides, you get most of your "must-do's" done and can spend the rest of the day seeing less-packed attractions, swimming, napping, etc. Another great option, E-ride nights - we always do this when offered!

 

[caskar]

I agree! HOT! YES. CROWDED! YES. But for the last 10 years (except last year) we have gone for the 4th. Last year we missed the 4th at WDW to save money on a late summer Magic cruise. We missed being there for the excitement and fireworks.

If you plan and take the parks in small bites, as suggested already, it is a great vacation. We too are DVC members and this makes staying at BCV so great. We are at the parks at opening(this is a must do) until lunch then back to Beaches and Cream to put our name in for a table. Usually it is about a 20 minute wait around 1. My wife and daughters go back to the room to change in bathing suits and I wait incase of an early table(never happens). When they show up I give them the pager and go up to change. They know what I want if I am late getting back(happened once). We eat a light lunch and swim at SAB until 3 or 4. Then head back to the room to relax out of the sun, change, snack. Then back to the parks around 6. When we go to AK we spend lunch at the parks and don't leave until around 3. It gets so hot at AK.

We were at WDW this Christmas - weather was outstanding. I would rather go durning the cooler weather but ... can't, so we make the best of it. Crowds - WOW - never in the summer have I ever seen so many people and parks closing due to capacity. New Years Eve at Epcot was insane. But we were there and loved it.

Take it slow, enjoy, plan, drink lots of water, take water fans, be prepared for the rain in the afternoon, take it slow.

 

[YCFAN]

Here's another vote for what Tikiman said. It's hot, crowded and you see a lot of people just not prepared for it but then again most (75%) of my visits to WDW have been in July. Why? Long hours, everything's working and I love the parades at night. The more often they have them the better!!

 

[Disbug]

I live in Florida and just got back from WDW during Memorial Day. The temps were in the high 90's and over 100. (102 on our last day... and that was a real 102, not a "feels like 102" LOL!)

I don't think you'll see temps in the 80's at all, except during the thunderstorms and then it will be in the high 80's. Lows at night are in the high 70's low 80's.

I have also been during July and am planning on this July, so I am preparing to stay cool. Bring mister fans, get a fridge so you can freeze your bottled water. It will melt during the day, but ice water is so much better and stays cold much longer! Get everyone those MiraCool bandanas. They can be soaked in water and worn around the neck or forehead to keep you cool. (*They also make these in wristbands, visors, ball caps, etc... I even have one for my babies stroller to keep her cool!)

Bring sunscreen, and wear it ALL the time! If possible try to build up a little tan to help ward off sunburn.

Plan on cool, water wicking socks and/or walking sandals to keep your feet in shape. (RE NIKE Straprunners).

Don't bring ANY dark clothing or black backpacks! Those will attract the sun and make you hotter!

Plan on having most of your fun early, early or at sundown/after dark. That way, with the exception of water parks or pool time... you can stay as comfortable as possible and not run out of steam for your trip!

 

[MomCanWeGoYet?]

we went last july and I'm actually making our ressies for next July tonight!!!! It's hot. Really hot. Humid. Like constantly wiping off the sweat kind of humid. But it's DISNEY....and I'd rather be there and hot than hanging out here!! LOL!!! Plan well....be prepared....and have a great time!!

 

[indymom1]

Thanks everyone!! I think that I was just reading so many negatives that I was starting to talk myself out of going at all. We are planning to stay at the Poly so we have easy access to the MK and Epcot with the kids. Also so that we can take advantage of watching the fireworks from the beach. My son loved the volcano slide so much the last time that I am sure that we will spend quite a bit of time there again. I am glad that there are those folks here who have gone during July and enjoyed it so much that they are returning for whatever their reasons. I have calmed down a lot and for that alone THANK YOU!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Glad you feel better about your decision - you've picked one of our favorite resorts!! That monorail access will go a long way toward saving time and effort!

 

[Tina26]

We go in July every year and love it! I second the vote for doing ee mornings. It's great to be able to visit early before it gets hot and with very minimal waits. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[Ms. WDW]

We also go in July. And we do EE. Personally, I don't mind getting up early and hitting the parks at that time. Because usually by 11 AM or Noon we're done doing all the things we want to do and head back to the resort or hit somewhere for lunch. After lunch we head back to the resort for whatever; naps, swimming, shopping, anything! Then later on, usually around 5 or so we head back out to another park.

But I will suggest bringing plenty of water. Another thing I will try to do is plan on having lunch in whatever park we're in. Sometimes after a nice meal and rest in a cool facility, we're up for more "adventures" in the park. But more than likely we head back to the resort.

Good luck and don't let summer scare you. Hey....you're in Walt Disney World!!

 

[PamNC]

in July once about 3 years ago and we had a great time. Of course it's hot but that's what pools are for. Drink lots of water and take afternoon breaks. I like hot weather myself so perhaps I'm not the best person to ask. We went back in February and I absolutely HATED the weather. It was in the 60's usually - which I found to be horrific for a Disney trip. I want warmth and I want to get in the pool and not freeze when I get out.

In fact, we're going again soon - 7/6 - 7/13.

We typically go Memorial Week (which is right now). The weather is great!

Crowds - well...they aren't light but I don't find them to be unbearable. Except perhaps at the MK on the weekends.

Have a great time - you'll love it. And you'll come back with a beautiful tan.

PamNC

 

[Familyof14]

We have seen many parades and plan to skip them this year. We will only be at Magic Kingdom for 1/2 day after our cruise in July. Are the rides still operating during the parades? Seems that we could take in a few while all the crowds are parading.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Yes, the rides operate during parades, that's usually a great time to ride with little or no wait! Enjoy!!

Edited to add: Just remember to be on the side of the park where your rides are - getting past the crowds during the parades is very hard, sometimes impossible!

 

[Familyof14]

Thanks for the good advice!

 

[indymom1]

Looks like July 2005 it is!! Yipee that means we are heading back to DW but not for another year Thanks for all of the advice and tips. We will be travelling with two boys who love to swim so pool breaks will be a must. They also both love the monorail so we can always get on that and take the ride out to Epcot just to sight see.

Tikiman - thanks for your great website!! Thanks to your site you steered us to the Poly last June and now we think we are spoiled forever. We really don't want to stay anywhere else.

PamNC - I agree with you totally regarding liking the hot. I am not so worried about myself but about a 3 and almost 9 year old. But if we go slow and take breaks and build in cool down time I am beginning to think that we will be just fine. I also would not like DW in the 60's. I always tell my DH that I don't want to go on any vacation that involves packing sweaters, coats and gloves. I am a warm weather lover.

Disbug - Wow!! 102 degrees in May. It seems like the weather is always chaning so I guess you can never know what you will get

Momcanwegoyet - When are you going next July?? I think we are looking at July 20-30. We can't do the 4th because my brother is getting married that weekend.

 

[melissa6631]

We'll be there July 3-10 of this year. We are staying off site at the Mariott Grande Vista and I can't wait. We went last year Aug 16-23 and I'm nervous too about going. I've heard how horrible the weather is and I'm afraid LOL

The thing I did learn though last year is bring a ponch and don't be afraid to walk disney in the rain. LOL

Don't spend hours doing your hair, it will go flat or get rained on. Mascara is a waste of time, Always smile 100% of the time on all rides because there are cameras everywhere.

Make sure to budget in money for pictures through out the park. Each picture is about $20 and I can remember at least 5 or 6 differen't places offering them. PER PARK! So maybe decide on if you're going to get one per park or something.

Hmmm ,what else. Remember you're on vacation. Don't hold too tight of a schedule. People have good days/ bad days, be prepared to be flexable. Especially with a 3 year old! Most of all, take tons of pictures and HAVE FUN!