Need some advice from folks who've gone for July 4th

[crusoe2]

We had to change our trip dates and now are going for July 4th instead of in June like we normally do. Our park days will be Thurs - Sun, July 1-4. "We" includes my DH, 12 yo DS, 18 mo DD and myself. We already plan to take advantage of EMH at MK and AK on Thurs and Friday and will take midday breaks back at the resort (ASMo). We will probably go to Epcot or MGM on the 4th - I don't think I have it in me to brave the MK with an 18 mo that day. We've also made a list of our "must do" stuff and the things we don't mind missing this trip. Should we make PS for all meals that we plan to eat in the parks? Will it really be that difficult to get into the counter service restaurants if we eat at off times? Also, can anyone tell me if we can expect Spectro and Wishes to run all 4 nights that we will be there? I'm still trying to work out which parks which days. Would appreciate any advice from those of you who usually go for the 4th. Thanks.

 

[Ron G]

We went last year during the July 4th week, & are going back again this year. We had PS for all of our meals & were glad that we did. At Prime Time Cafe in MGM , people without PS were turned away or put on lists to wait, very crowded during meal time hours.Counter service is do-able just have some patience. People freak out when confronted with the idea of battling the large holiday crowds, but a little planning can go a long way. We used early entry a ditched the parks by midday for the pools, you'd be surprised how much can be done if you get an early start. Wishes & Spectro will most likely run every night while you are there ( I'm hoping too). Have a great time !

Ron

 

[Kteacher]

I agree with the above poster-make some PSs! It will be a nice break from the heat and the crowds. Last year we were in AK on the 4th, and the crowds were mininmal. Avoid MK if you can, we heard it was wall to wall people.

 

[crusoe2]

Thanks for the responses. I was hoping to do some counter service meals to save money but it sounds like it might be worth the extra $ to do full service places instead. A long wait with a hungry toddler in tow could lead to some very unpleasant meltdowns. We plan to take plenty of snacks for her, of course, but those will only keep her happy for so long. Just thought of another question - if we go to AK for a little while on the morning of the fourth and then hop to Epcot or MGM around lunch time or so, will we have any trouble getting into the second park? Do they normally close due to the crowds on the fourth? I'm wondering if we will need to get to a park early that day and forego our midday break to avoid getting shut out of the parks later. We would really like to be at either Epcot or MGM for the fireworks that night. Thanks again for the information.

 

[airhead]

I planned a day at Discovery Cove where I know crowds can't get out of control.

 

[Magic2000]

We've been to Disney several times for July 4th, and we'll be back again this year!!! In fact, we're also staying at the All Star Movies!!! Its my youngest DDs favorite hotel!!! (When we stayed at the Grand Floridian, she kept asking to go to the Movies!)

Anyway, I would definitely suggest at least one PS a day during this week, especially if there's a restaurant you really want to eat at. I've also seen people being turned away or being told it would be at least an hour wait without a PS.

We usually park hop and we haven't had a problem with them closing a park due to crowds. We always go back to the room for a mid-day nap/swim break. I think that is so important during the hot summer months!! On July 4th, we've always gone to Epcot in the evening and watched Illuminations and the fireworks there. I'm not sure about Magic Kingdom - I'm thinking they will be very crowded that night.

Counter service places looked rather crowded when we passed. We usually ate a sit down meal, or went back to the hotel for lunch at the food court. We've also eaten at some of the monorail hotel restaurants - Grand Floridian has a really nice one.

Enjoy your stay!! Maybe we'll see you there!!

 

[Kteacher]

we did exactly that-AK in the morning with a midday break at the resort pool, and then dinner Rose and Crown right before the fireworks. we had no problem getting from park to park that day!