*****OFFICIAL July 2012 Thread! Feelin' HOT HOT HOT!

[Lovemy3babes]

Please tell me about July. I have four WDW trips under my belt but we have always gone in the fall or winter. Never summer. We are looking at a mother/daughter short July trip (16th-19th) due to some really great plane fares, which never happens where I live and finances are a big factor for us. I know it's HOT. How do you manage? How about the crowds? Insane? I have been very spoiled using Tour Guide Mike and going during slower times of the year. So many walk-ons and short waits! I'd love any experience!!

 

[tinkerbell60]

Please tell me about July. I have four WDW trips under my belt but we have always gone in the fall or winter. Never summer. We are looking at a mother/daughter short July trip (16th-19th) due to some really great plane fares, which never happens where I live and finances are a big factor for us. I know it's HOT. How do you manage? How about the crowds? Insane? I have been very spoiled using Tour Guide Mike and going during slower times of the year. So many walk-ons and short waits! I'd love any experience!!

We have been going in July for the past several years - honestly, it is crowded but it is not terrible. I highly recommend park hoppers in case one park is super busy, you can hop to another.... We have done spring break several times too, and that is much more crowded than summer. The only thing about July is the Brazilian tour groups are out in force and they can be intimidating. Make sure you use fast pass and if you can take advantage of EMH it helps. We love PM EMH at MK - after midnight the waits get much shorter, but you are exhausted the next morning. I also recommend going to a park the day AFTER it has had EMH. Those who don't have park hoppers tend to do one park per day and often it is the one with EMH, so that tends to make it busier. Hope that helps!!!!

 

[tinkerbell60]

We always drive down from NYC. I don't like to fly anyway, and for 4 people it has always been more expensive to fly than to drive down and stay over on the way. We will be getting up around 4:30, pack the car, get the kids dressed, give the kids a very quick snack to hold them over, and leave the house by 6am, stopping at the bagel store before heading for the highway. Then we drive to Baltimore and stop to have our bagels for breakfast, then continue on. We will be staying over in Florence, SC, then driving down to Tampa. Staying in Tampa for 3 nights, then heading to WDW.

I love the drive. So does DH. I always offer to do some of the driving but he likes to do it, and he has always done it all. It's fun going through all the different states, and we all get excited when we see our first palm tree of the trip down south!

We also look for all the *famous* signs along I-95...South of the Border, J-R, "Buy Disney Tickets Here", etc. And love seeing signs for places like Cracker Barrel, Shoney's, Cici's Pizza, etc...places we don't have here in NYC. I'm picky with pizza, but I do like Cici's! Maybe it's the desserts.

There are definitely advantages to driving! I know exactly what you mean - I do enjoy the drive down - it is the drive home that is less than fun! Cicis does have great desserts! We like going to Carrabbas in Orlando too.But, we will get that experience over Spring Break - so I am glad we got airfare for summer - best of both worlds!

 

[RHMH]

There is a resort list but it is really small.... only a few of us are going in July



WE LOVE POFQ. I think you will love it.



YEAH. We will definately have to see if we can meet up one day.
Hope you get some great AP discounts soon so you can book your resort.

Thanks - it looks like the atmosphere will be fun and colorful.

 

[snowangel72]

When do ADR's open up for July???? I am too lazy to do the math.

 

[snowangel72]

Please tell me about July. I have four WDW trips under my belt but we have always gone in the fall or winter. Never summer. We are looking at a mother/daughter short July trip (16th-19th) due to some really great plane fares, which never happens where I live and finances are a big factor for us. I know it's HOT. How do you manage? How about the crowds? Insane? I have been very spoiled using Tour Guide Mike and going during slower times of the year. So many walk-ons and short waits! I'd love any experience!!

All I can say is it's a TOTALLY different ball game in the summer. SUPER crowded and SUPER hot. So be prepared. We do LOTS of waterpark days. For park days getting there are rope drop is a must as it's coolest in the AM. A mid-day restaurant break is a must. Then the afternoon we do the pool. My kids can rarely make it to the 3pm parade without being miserable. Then at night you literally crash. It's exhausting. If you build in swims into your day you will be fine.

 

[bangzoom6877]

There are definitely advantages to driving! I know exactly what you mean - I do enjoy the drive down - it is the drive home that is less than fun! Cicis does have great desserts! We like going to Carrabbas in Orlando too.But, we will get that experience over Spring Break - so I am glad we got airfare for summer - best of both worlds!

I agree that going home is no fun! However, we always plan something special for the trip home, so that it is more fun and less depressing. The last 2 trips, we visited some of my college friends in the DC area as our last stop before going home, and we spent the weekend there. This summer, our last stop is a weekend in Williamsburg, VA so that we can go to Busch Gardens. So, even on the drive home there is something to look forward to! The kids also get very excited every time we check into a new hotel. It's nice to see their reaction, so cute!

 

[Ryansdad0727]

This will be our second July trip. We are staying for two weeks this time. First week in the Villas at Wilderness Lodge and the second week at SSR. We have never stayed for this long before but plan on doing other things around Orlando besides just Disney. Lots of afternoon break for swimming for us.

 

[bangzoom6877]

This will be our second July trip. We are staying for two weeks this time. First week in the Villas at Wilderness Lodge and the second week at SSR. We have never stayed for this long before but plan on doing other things around Orlando besides just Disney. Lots of afternoon break for swimming for us.

We like to stay 10 nights so that we have lots of afternoon breaks, a day or 2 "off" from the parks, and it really makes it feel like a relaxing vacation despite all the running around. It's the best of both worlds...the fun of Disney theme parks, and the relaxation at the same time! We're venturing off property for the first time this trip, to take the boys to Sea World one day! We also have 2 days without a park...well one of them we go to Epcot just in the evening but it's only to eat and to walk around the WS, so no running around all day!

 

[tinkerbell60]

I agree that going home is no fun! However, we always plan something special for the trip home, so that it is more fun and less depressing. The last 2 trips, we visited some of my college friends in the DC area as our last stop before going home, and we spent the weekend there. This summer, our last stop is a weekend in Williamsburg, VA so that we can go to Busch Gardens. So, even on the drive home there is something to look forward to! The kids also get very excited every time we check into a new hotel. It's nice to see their reaction, so cute!

That is a great idea! One year we did extra stops on the way down, but usually by the trip home DH just wants to be home so we have not stopped anywhere else. I will have to consider that for spring break - if the parks are super crowded we might leave a day early and then we could stop somewhere fun on the way home.

This will be our second July trip. We are staying for two weeks this time. First week in the Villas at Wilderness Lodge and the second week at SSR. We have never stayed for this long before but plan on doing other things around Orlando besides just Disney. Lots of afternoon break for swimming for us.

We have done 2 weeks the last few years - it really makes for a relaxing trip! This year we are doing 12 nights....so a little shorter.

We like to stay 10 nights so that we have lots of afternoon breaks, a day or 2 "off" from the parks, and it really makes it feel like a relaxing vacation despite all the running around. It's the best of both worlds...the fun of Disney theme parks, and the relaxation at the same time! We're venturing off property for the first time this trip, to take the boys to Sea World one day! We also have 2 days without a park...well one of them we go to Epcot just in the evening but it's only to eat and to walk around the WS, so no running around all day!

I agree - more time makes for a more relaxing trip. We have not yet ventured away from Disney - maybe next year.

You have done July before, what is your opinion on the crowds? I don't think they are that bad - but I always compare to Spring Break which is brutal.

 

[Cinderella909]

It's official! We going back to the world July 7th to 15th and will be staying at POR. It's DGD birthday celebration! She will be surprised! So, please add me to the list. We'll be staying in one of the Princess rooms. I've purposely have avoided all photos/posts about the new princess rooms, as I want to be totally surprised by the room too! Our dinning reservations have all been booked.

Karen

 

[RHMH]

It's official! We going back to the world July 7th to 15th and will be staying at POR. It's DGD birthday celebration! She will be surprised! So, please add me to the list. We'll be staying in one of the Princess rooms. I've purposely have avoided all photos/posts about the new princess rooms, as I want to be totally surprised by the room too! Our dinning reservations have all been booked.

Karen

Hello Karen - My DD 12 and I are staying at POFQ from July 14th through July 22nd. My Birthday is on the 16th. We wish your DGD a very Happy WDW Birthday.

Bob

 

[ICECUBEQUEEN]

hey guys, thought I would check in with an update.

I seem to be constantly tweaking and editing the plan, everytime I think I have it finalised I think of some other way it would work better and move things around!

I have now added the Pirates & Pals Fireworks cruise, which I booked today. I just loved the idea of a seeing the fireworks from a special location and the kids will love the interaction with Captain Hook and Peter Pan. I have added it on the evening we eat at Chef Mickeys. As the boat departs from Contemporary I figured this would fit in well.

I am still fearing the crowds and the heat, please reassure me its gonna be fine?!?!?! lol

 

[Cinderella909]

Hello Karen - My DD 12 and I are staying at POFQ from July 14th through July 22nd. My Birthday is on the 16th. We wish your DGD a very Happy WDW Birthday.

Bob

Happy birthday to you! No better place to spend one's birthday than WDW! Our trips overlapped last year too! I missed the DISMeet, and hopefully there will be one this year. Looks like we'll be neighbors! I must say you and your DD really get around well~ My gang isn't quite so energetic! We'll have to keep in touch.

Karen

 

[RHMH]

hey guys, thought I would check in with an update.

I seem to be constantly tweaking and editing the plan, everytime I think I have it finalised I think of some other way it would work better and move things around!

I have now added the Pirates & Pals Fireworks cruise, which I booked today. I just loved the idea of a seeing the fireworks from a special location and the kids will love the interaction with Captain Hook and Peter Pan. I have added it on the evening we eat at Chef Mickeys. As the boat departs from Contemporary I figured this would fit in well.

I am still fearing the crowds and the heat, please reassure me its gonna be fine?!?!?! lol

My DD and I have been going to WDW in July for a number of years. We do not shop, watch the shows and the fireworks very much anymore. We are into the rides and the food so the only time we feel the heat and experience the crowds is when we are in line for the rides. I feel if you take the tour groups out of the picture, the crowds are not very bad. I think you and your family will be just fine.

Happy birthday to you! No better place to spend one's birthday than WDW! Our trips overlapped last year too! I missed the DISMeet, and hopefully there will be one this year. Looks like we'll be neighbors! I must say you and your DD really get around well~ My gang isn't quite so energetic! We'll have to keep in touch.

Karen

Karen - I thought I remembered you from last year Dis board! You must have read our 2011 trip report below. Hopefully we'll be able to meet up this year. The Dis meet was very enjoyable and looking forward in a group of Diser's getting togther this year around the same time I am at WDW. I will keep in touch. If I my ask, how old is your DGD?

 

[miprender]

Feeling HOT HOT HOT July 2012 List:

.
6/23-7/06 miprender @ AKL
6/28-7/10 tinkerbell60 @ ???
6/29-7/07 mommystieg @ AKV
7/01-7/12 Disneyjunkie @ AOA
7/03-7/17 Icecubequeen @ ASM
7/07-7/15 Cinderella909 @POR
7/11-7/17 MrsTeddy @ AoA
7/14-7/21 RHMH @ POFQ
7/14-7/28 diskids2 @ BCV/PortofinoBay
7/15-7/21 skinsfan2878
7/15-7/25 PopArtGal @ CR
7/16-7/19 Lovemy3babes @
7/16-7/26 anjalee6 @ Poly/DisneyDream
7/23-8/02 Bangsoom6877 @ BWV
7/24-8/02 KristenN @ AKV & BLT
7/28-8/04 Nancy155 @ BonetCreek

 

[RHMH]

Feeling HOT HOT HOT July 2012 List:

.
6/23-7/06 miprender @ AKL
6/28-7/10 tinkerbell60 @ ???
6/29-7/07 mommystieg @ AKV
7/01-7/12 Disneyjunkie @ AOA
7/03-7/17 Icecubequeen @ ASM
7/07-7/15 Cinderella909 @POR
7/11-7/17 MrsTeddy @ AoA
7/14-7/21 RHMH @ CBR
7/14-7/28 diskids2 @ BCV/PortofinoBay
7/15-7/21 skinsfan2878
7/15-7/25 PopArtGal @ CR
7/16-7/19 Lovemy3babes @
7/16-7/26 anjalee6 @ Poly/DisneyDream
7/23-8/02 Bangsoom6877 @ BWV
7/24-8/02 KristenN @ AKV & BLT
7/28-8/04 Nancy155 @ BonetCreek

Hello Friend - Sorry I have not communicated the reosrt change to you. Would you be so kind to change it to POFQ? Thanks

 

[miprender]

Just updated the list so if I missed anything just let me know.

Please tell me about July. I have four WDW trips under my belt but we have always gone in the fall or winter. Never summer. We are looking at a mother/daughter short July trip (16th-19th) due to some really great plane fares, which never happens where I live and finances are a big factor for us. I know it's HOT. How do you manage? How about the crowds? Insane? I have been very spoiled using Tour Guide Mike and going during slower times of the year. So many walk-ons and short waits! I'd love any experience!!

It is hot in July but if you plan it right you can make it doable by going early in the morning and going back at night.

When do ADR's open up for July???? I am too lazy to do the math.

I think you can start making them now.

This will be our second July trip. We are staying for two weeks this time. First week in the Villas at Wilderness Lodge and the second week at SSR. We have never stayed for this long before but plan on doing other things around Orlando besides just Disney. Lots of afternoon break for swimming for us.

We spent 2 weeks last summer and planning on doing it again on this trip. If we get lucky with no snow days it might actually be 16 days at Disney.

I have now added the Pirates & Pals Fireworks cruise, which I booked today. I just loved the idea of a seeing the fireworks from a special location and the kids will love the interaction with Captain Hook and Peter Pan. I have added it on the evening we eat at Chef Mickeys. As the boat departs from Contemporary I figured this would fit in well.

I am still fearing the crowds and the heat, please reassure me its gonna be fine?!?!?! lol

We did the Pirate & Pals Cruise in April,2010 and loved every minute of it.

As for the crowds the only problem I had was the BTG. I never thought they would bother me as much as they did. They didn't do anything wrong but just seeing them coming our way just made me run and go the other way.

 

[anjalee6]

Yeah July doesn't really bother me too much either. It's hot, but we just make sure to drink lots of water, go to the parks early, take. Reals I'm the afternoon, and head back at night. We always by PH just so we can run away from tour groups if we have to. Some years it is worse than others. We just go the other direction when we see them coming. I avoid them at all costs.

We just booked our after cruise trip today. So it's now official that we are going for five days after our cruise. I am so excited. We are going back to my favorite (AKL). I am so glad we decided to stay longer and the good thing is my mom is meeting us there. The kids are going to be so surprised.

 

[nancy155]

I called today to make dining reservations for end of July. I will have to call back on Feb. 1 to make my reservations. Setting my alarm on my phone to remind me. We do not want to miss Fantasmic Dinner Event!

So looking forward to WDW in July!