Need some positives for July vacation

[Duet]

Trying to squeeze in one last Disney vacation in 2015 with our teen and adult children and it looks like the only time it will fit in our schedules is July.

We have gone in April, May, June, October & November. During those visits we have experienced temps of 90+ and humidity, however I'm not sure that we've seen the crowds that are predicted in July.

All I read are the negatives - what are the positives of visiting the last week of July - we could really use some encouragement!

Thank you!

 

[rteetz]

We are going in July and we normally go in July because thats just when we can go. It does get hot during the day we don't usually mind that too much. I would plane maybe an early afternoon lunch or dinner to get out of the heat. Also ride splash mountain or the rapids in AK to cool off. Go see some shows like hall of presidents or country bear jamboree for air conditioning. Go resort hopping take the disney transportation and go around to different resorts for a break. And of course head to the pools for a break and cool off. As for crowds in 2012 it wasn't too bad longest we waited was for soaring because we had never ridden it before we waited 60 minutes. Use FP+ to your advantage, and use rope drop to avoid long lines. With a little planning its not that hard to avoid the heat and the lines in July. We are going the last week of July this year and we have never had a problem going in July its just as fun as any other month.

 

[hpfan100]

One nice thing about going in July is that the hours are longer. This makes it easier to take a break midday and still see all the highlights. Deluxe hotels are having value season then which makes the rates very low. I've been many times in the summer and find the crowds manageable if you avoid parks from 1-5. You'll have a great time!

 

[grimley1968]

Some positives for late July:

- Crowds probably aren't as bad as July 4th week. School isn't quite in session yet, but people are beginning to gear up for it then and might want to be close to home then. It'll still be crowded, though.
- Since it will be so hot, you can pack lightly. At least you shouldn't need sweatshirts, etc.
- It will definitely be warm enough to swim, which should be a relatively uncrowded activity (compared to the parks).
- MK is often open very late in July, to accommodate for crowds. Having older children (adults and practically adults) you should be able to take advantage of the late hours more than many families with younger kids.
- Having adult children also means you might be able to do family things that don't necessarily involve waiting for rides, such as shopping, dining, etc. You have less pressure to ride Aladdin's Carpets, for instance, and could spend that time having a nice meal somewhere.
- Disney often decides to do attractions refurbishments/repairs during "off seasons". Since July is considered peak season, you shouldn't see any major refurbishments, unless they are yearlong or multi-month repairs.

 

[fairy8i8]

I read a post from easywdw of his touring plan in action in mid July. I think he went on a morning EMH day, and he was ahead of schedule the entire time. He actually got MORE done than on an average crowd day where he started at 9 instead of 8. If you go to rope drop and tour until lunch, leave the masses for lunch at the resort, swim and relax during the most miserable time of day, and then go back in the evening after dinner, waits won't be much different from June.

If your kids consider mutiny if you try to get them up before noon and consider 10am an early start, then consider your July trip a time to chill and bond in lines, and you can finally find out what everyone means by the Brazil chants. Or if they are truly night owls, the parks tend to be open late, especially Magic Kingdom. You can sleep in, enjoy meals at the resort and the pool all afternoon, and then head to the parks after dinner. Catch the 2nd showing of the parades, ride the rides in the dark, and stay until they kick you out. Your kids might love it. The lines won't be too long, and you won't have a blazing sun or afternoon showers to deal with (though showers can come at night too), and your kids can sleep until noon and start all over the next day. Get your FP+ for early evening, and you will feel so cool passing the lines of exhausted people at the end of their day while you are fresh. People will be pouring out of the park as you consider which ride deserves a 4th FP+ reservation. Doesn't work for AK, but you could go at 3 and be there until close as people leave. Ride times tick up about 10 minutes each from June, but it's more that the walkways and dining places are packed during the day. Don't do lunch or dinner in the parks unless you have a reservation for TS. The resorts are much less crowded.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

We went many years either the last week of July or first week of August. We went to the park early each morning till lunch, then went back and spent all afternoon by the resort pool. We'd shower, change and head back out for dinner and more park time in the early evening. Like the pp said the parks are open late so we always had plenty of time to see/do everything in the parks we wanted to even though we swam in the afternoons.

It did get too hot for us to stay in the parks by 12pm, but it really wasn't a big deal since we had so much time in the evenings.

 

[Albytaps]

My favorite memories of WDW is during our 1-2 day stay in the middle of July. The positives are:

1. You'll be in Disney!
2. Longer park hours like others have said.
3. Waterparks
4. Taking little shopping breaks never felt so good.
5. Extended hours means more time in the parks at night which is the best.
6. Summer vacation happiness.

 

[happymomof1]

The daily (and welcomed when it's hot out) rain sprinkles really thin the crowd out for a bit. Rides take time to build long lines again after people have deserted them due to being a little afraid of getting wet.

 

[Momof2Singers]

Well, the one biggest one I can think of

YOU WILL BE IN DISNEY
Fast Pass + is working
Water Parks open late
Parks open Late
Restaurants still open...so you can eat to your heart's content

First time for us too, but just making it the best we can even in the heat

Enjoy!

 

[Bamagirl43]

We're going the 4th week in July. It was a spur of the moment trip - didn't book until after Mother's Day. We plan to follow everyone's advice and tour the parks early, swim and nap in the afternoons then close the place down at night. I just found my Frogg Toggs and I believe they will be a lifesaver in the heat. Drink plenty of water and enjoy being with your family at WDW.

 

[SRUAlmn]

We almost exclusively travel in June and July (teachers, ) and I agree with many of the PPs.

1. Longer park hours - allow you to take breaks, enjoy your resort, and still get to see all the fun of the parks

2. You won't be at work

and a couple that haven't been mentioned

3. I see that you sometimes stay at Deluxes. The end of July is Deluxe value season, so you can often get a room at a Deluxe for the price (or closer to the price) of a moderate!

4. Sounds Like Summer concert series in EPCOT


Let me know if you have any other questions. We are SEASONED summer travelers!

 

[BeccaA]

This thread has me so excited about my July trip! Yippee!

 

[Duet]

Thank you all so much. We have never done the "take a break after lunch" plan, but I think that would be a great option because I know the kids will want to close the parks down.

This is the first time we will be going as all adults (the youngest will be 17) so I'm sure it will be much easier than when they were younger.

The positive comments and tips are greatly appreciated!!!

 

[SRUAlmn]

Thank you all so much. We have never done the "take a break after lunch" plan, but I think that would be a great option because I know the kids will want to close the parks down.

This is the first time we will be going as all adults (the youngest will be 17) so I'm sure it will be much easier than when they were younger.

The positive comments and tips are greatly appreciated!!!

We were never really "take a break" people either, but after a few summer trips we quickly learned that it will help you keep your sanity. We are late night people and we weren't really able to enjoy PM EMH if we had been in the park sweating all day in the sun. It wears you out, and having sweaty clothes on that long is just uncomfortable! Even if you just go back and eat at your resort, swim, shop, or even just change clothes and freshen up. Something in the AC, out of the sun and crowds will make you feel so recharged!

 

[dvc at last !]

It will not snow !

 

[dvc at last !]

The weather will be great and you will have a fab vaca !

 

[Duet]

That is true...no snow!! And no mosquitoes - we are getting eaten alive here in Wisconsin!!

You guys are great - gotta love Disers!!

 

[catbertdave99]

1. You won't be cold.

2. You won't get dry skin - it's too humid

3. You get to try out the Disney resort air conditioning.

4. You are at Disney World!!!

5. You won't be lonely - plenty of other DISers there to keep you company!

6. You are at Disney World!!!

Have fun!!

 

[Laz]

We have been to wdw many times in July and I second what everyone says. I would also like to mention that it is not uncommon to get an afternoon down pour that usually clears by evening.

 

[SRUAlmn]

We have been to wdw many times in July and I second what everyone says. I would also like to mention that it is not uncommon to get an afternoon down pour that usually clears by evening.

One of the other reasons we became "break" people