June 30-July 5 ---How Crowded and Rates from the past?

[Pembo]

Looks like 6/30 - 7/5 are our dates. Other than the 4th, how crowded will it be? I know the 4th will be nuts.

I'd love to stay at a resort where we can see the fireworks on the 4th. What are our choices? and what are some good rates in the past? My kids are 8,6, and 2 so for the late night fireworks I'd rather be close to "home", our room.

Thanks

 

[helenk]

We were in WDW this year from 6/28-7/3, we flew home on the 4th so I can not comment on the crowds for the 4th.
The parks were crowded and it was very hot and humid, 2 days we had some bad thunder storms, but not long enough to ruin the day.
We took advantage of ee and took breaks in the afternoon, the parks were open pretty late so that helped as well. We also did an e-night. We really had a great week and were able to do everything we wanted to do. The children got ot the water park one day and went to Disney Quest one afternoon, we got pool time in at the resort.
We stayed at the POFQ for 5 nights the AP rate with tax was $82.56 and we stayed 2 nights at the Poly, the room at the Poly was a garden view and the cost was $269.00 including tax.
You would be able to see the fireworks from the Contemp, the GF, Poly and WL.

 

[Avalanche]

We always go the end of June or the beginning of July, but never over the 4th. It is crowded, but we just go to the park at opening and used FP. The parks usually get crowded about noon (but until then very little waits) and we would leave for lunch and a swim and go back at night. It would still be crowded, but we would just take it slow and watch the parade and fireworks. We stay a week and do everything we want in that time including a couple of visits to water parks and Disney Quest.

The CR would be my choice to be close to the MK. It's only about a 10 minute walk which would be nice after the fireworks. (None of the transportation hassles) If you get a tower room, request MK side and then you could see the fireworks from your room.

At the Poly you can watch them from the beach.

I teach and it's hard to go any other time but summer. We are braving the Christmas crowds this year and going the 27th-3rd.

 

[mimimom]

June 28-July 7th staying at CSR until the 4th and then checking into the Poly fot three nights on the 4th. Not planning on doing any of the parks on the 4th we are just going to enjoy being at the Poly, maybe do some resort hopping to show my DH who has never been to DW before some of the wonderful resorts that Disney has to offer and that he will be paying for some day so that we can say that, yes we have stayed at all of the resorts. That is my Disney dream. Mimimom

 

[MAC3]

This is our "usual" time of year to visit. As for the 4th it is immensely crowded (we have only gone to a park on this day once and will never do it again).

There are times we have been there a couple of days before the 4th and just about everything in Epcot was a 10 minute wait (with the exception of TT).

This senario is rare though. We always take the 4th and spend the day at the resort having dinner offsite. It seems to work out well for us.

As for the resort rates can't help you there. We are usually staying via DVC. But this year we are trying for rates for a moderate and are expecting 89.00 per night. Any less would be icing.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. We have been to WDW at this time of the year the past 4 yrs. Although it is hot and can sometimes be subjected to the "Thunderstorms" Florida is notorious for.
We still enjoy ourselves each time we are there.

Have fun planning,

 

[Cinderella37]

There is a huge difference in crowd levels after the 4th. The period before is very, very crowded. We used to go for the 4th every year, but started our stay near the 4th and stayed the 11 days after the 4th. Every day you could see a drop in the crowds. It's stil a great time to go, but be prepared. Crowds don't bother us (or we wouldn't go every year in July), but don't expect to see absolutely everything. I wouldn't even attempt to go to the parks on the 4th, though I've heard that AK is the least crowded.

All of the Monorail resorts afford views of the MK fireworks. The GF and Poly have more viewing choices that don't include restaurants. You can watch them from the Poly beach, the GF marina or make a PS at Narcoossee's and watch them from there (only people with PS may watch the fireworks from Narcoossee's veranda). You could also get a lagoon view room and (hopefully) have a view good enough to watch the fireworks form your room.

If you wanted to watch Fantasy in the Sky or Illuminations (including the additional fireworks Epcot puts off for the 4th), stay at BWI, YC, BC, Swan, or Dolphin. After the fireworks are over, you can walk back to your hotel rather than having to wait for transportation.

The fireworks are usually at 9:00, so they're not too late at night. Have fun!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

You can see the fireworks from the GF. We always stay there with our three kids and they love it! You will be the first stop going to the MK on the monorail and you can take the boat back.

 

[Samsma]

Cinderella37- where did you get your picture made? My kids would love that! Big Monsters fans!

 

[Cinderella37]

I had a CM take it at the Monsters Inc greeting area across from the ABC Commissary at MGM. It's in a little nook that has yellow scream containers and a sign with Roz on it with the times. As far as I know, the greeting area still isn't on the park map and the only time that the sign is out front of the greeting area is when Sulley and Mike are scheduled to appear. We've been lucky on all of our trips since the movie came out catching them.

 

[Magic2000]

We've gone a couple of times for the 4th of July and it really isn't too bad!! We just got back this past July 4th - had a great time and got to see and do everything we wanted!!!! We had at least one PS for a sit down meal every day!

We actually spent 4th of July at Epcot - went there in the morning and stayed til about 1:00 pm. Went back to hotel for a nap/swim break, then back to Epcot! We had dinner and then stayed for Illuminations!! It was an absolutely wonderful fireworks show!!!!

The parks are crowded, but not unbearable! Just be sure to take a break during the mid-day!! Use fastpass!!!

We stayed at Pop Century for the first three nights ($59/night rate), and then Wilderness Lodge for the last five nights ($121/night rate)! Both hotels were very nice - transportation to and from the parks was great!

Have a great trip!!!