We usually go in the summer, and have been on July 4th twice. Neither time was horrible. As some have said, the crowds actually seemed lighter. One thing we love to do is the Flag Retreat Ceremony. It seems like it was a little longer on July 4th. (or maybe my patriotic heart was just extra touched that day!) We have also watched fireworks from Main Street. My only advice there would be do NOT leave the parks after the fireworks. We did that once, and it was almost a scary experience.