Tell me about July please...

[MG3G]

DH decided to take two weeks off in July this year and we are batting around driving down the Oregon Coast and popping into DL for two days. We have been a few times before but always in Feb. I understand there will be a big difference between Feb and July but I can't quite fathom what that will look like. Is this a terrible idea? We have five children and I'm disabled - we make great use of fast pass, parent swap, and DAS depending on the situation but are we going to be miserable just trying to navigate the crowds and heat? I don't do well in heat but am fine with taking breaks, I have a scooter.

 

[lalasmama]

What part of July?

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

It can be quite hot and quite busy in July. You can still have a good time if get to the parks early, use FP wisely, and take breaks from the heat and crowds. Make notes of places to cool off in when it gets bad, or places to duck into when it gets too crowded. I would push hard to be there at least 30 minutes before opening if not 45. Hit your must do rides first, then time out your FP selections. Do meals offsite to beat heat and crowds, or do them at different times, do a late lunch or an early dinner if staying in the park. Bring a bandana to soak with water or maybe even one of those portable fans (buy beforehand-much cheaper). Have Fun!

 

[figment_jii]

I also think it depends on when in July you are going and when in February you've usually gone. The closest period in February that I can think of to July is President's Day Weekend. Almost all days in the summer season (mid-June to mid-August it seems) are like holiday weekends during the non-peak periods. As others have said, as long as you make good use of FPs, Rider Swap, Rope Drop, etc., you can still have a lot of fun. You just have to go expecting crowds and long(ish) lines. In terms of the weather...July is going to be hotter (and probably drier) than February.

 

[my*gracie*girl]

I prefer early December, but we have gone twice in mid-July (actual anniversary day to be exact) and are planning a 7/14-7/18 trip for this summer as well. It is hot and crowded, but we go with that expectation. Someone here has a quote in their siggy about 'a bad day at Disneyland is better than a good day somewhere else' or something to that effect and I agree!

 

[ktlm]

We had to go in July last year due to DD's activity schedule. In addition to it being in July, it was also 60th anniversary week, but we left before the actual anniversary day. I was very worried that it would be horribly crowded and we might be miserable. We found the crowds very manageable and we had a great time. It did not feel horribly crowded to us- we still rode Soarin standby with a 20 minute wait in the afternoon. Hot is relative. We are from the Midwest and when we heard people complaining it was hot, it made us laugh. For us the temperature is very comfortable and enjoyable and not what we would describe as hot. Mornings and evenings were great, and it did get a little on the warmer side in the afternoon. For those from cooler climates, they might find it hot. We found the lines were still short for the first couple of hours in the mornings and we could get a ton done in that time period. We would not hesitate to go in July again.

 

[tomato]

DH decided to take two weeks off in July this year and we are batting around driving down the Oregon Coast and popping into DL for two days. We have been a few times before but always in Feb. I understand there will be a big difference between Feb and July but I can't quite fathom what that will look like. Is this a terrible idea? We have five children and I'm disabled - we make great use of fast pass, parent swap, and DAS depending on the situation but are we going to be miserable just trying to navigate the crowds and heat? I don't do well in heat but am fine with taking breaks, I have a scooter.

Hi there,

We have been in DL in July for our past 3 trips. And the past 2 I have used a scooter. The last one, in 2014, was hotter than we had ever experienced while there. Even lots of the CMs were saying it was too hot for them!

We got out early every day, went back to the hotel for cold showers and A/C in the hottest part of mid-day, and then stayed out late in the cool air. It was great. No problems with overheating.

Yes, there are crowds. You will notice a difference between your visits, for sure. But it can all be very enjoyable!

And I'm not sure what your experience was on the scooter, but mine was great. Even in crowds, people were kind, generous and super helpful towards me -- not just the CMs but the other guests, too.

 

[HydroGuy]

DH decided to take two weeks off in July this year and we are batting around driving down the Oregon Coast and popping into DL for two days. We have been a few times before but always in Feb. I understand there will be a big difference between Feb and July but I can't quite fathom what that will look like. Is this a terrible idea? We have five children and I'm disabled - we make great use of fast pass, parent swap, and DAS depending on the situation but are we going to be miserable just trying to navigate the crowds and heat? I don't do well in heat but am fine with taking breaks, I have a scooter.

This might help:

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

We encountered more heat last August than in many years, but most summer days are usually not that bad. The above link talks about that.

 

[bluegrizzlies1]

Your best days in July 2-4 pass holder's are blocked out except premium

 

[xlxo]

We have been a few times before but always in Feb. I understand there will be a big difference between Feb and July but I can't quite fathom what that will look like.

For me.. the key difference is daylight. The road does not have streetlights and the winding single lane road made the trip long for me in November (which would have similar daylight to February).