WDW & 4th of July

[TheUndercoverDISer]

Hi all!

I'm looking to plan a trip to WDW over the 4th of July holiday this year. Though I am no newbie, I've never been to Disney during this particular time. With where the holiday falls (Saturday), I know that is a triple whammy for crowds (weekend+holiday+summer = yikes!).

Crowds don't bother or concern me considering I'm more of a pool by day, park by night kinda gal (I've also been numerous times over Easter, so holiday crowds don't phase me). However, I am curious as to what Disney does special around 4th of July and day of.

Have any of you ever been during this time? I'm assuming there are 4th of July fireworks but is there anything else "special"? Would love to hear your experiences and tips!

Thanks!

 

[ejdmomma]

We stayed the week of the 4th two years ago (2013). I knew it would be crowded and hot but it was insanely crowded. On the 4th, MK hit capacity by 11. You mentioned hanging by the pool during the day, you may not get in the park if you don't go early. We decided not to do a park on the 4th and went to DTD and the pool. I believe there was a special fireworks show but it ran all week. Other than that, I don't remember anything special for the holiday.

My only tip is be prepared for rain...every day. It rained at some point every day that we were there. Sometimes quick showers, sometimes off and on for an extended period. Didn't phase us because it was so hot. It did make wearing ponchos uncomfortable at times. And pack extra shoes or shoes that will dry quickly.

 

[Prose]

Just know that MK could close due to capacity that day, so if you are planning on going to the parks later in the day, consider choosing another park - or go early and plan to stay.

 

[TheUndercoverDISer]

Awesome! Thank you!

Was planning on steering clear of MK that day anyway. Will probably be in Epcot for Illuminations -- thanks for the heads up! I'll plan on going in earlier than usual that day.

 

[cadawson]

We went last year for the 4th of July. We spent the morning in MK and the afternoon at Epcot. It was crazy busy at MK. Epcot wasn't too bad. At Epcot in the America pavillion, my 10 year old got to become a Daughter of Liberty with a rolled-up parchment from the drum corp. Very patriotic! We loved Epcot that day. Last year, 4th of July was on Friday. As another pointer, we arrived early to MK on Sunday July 6 and the crowds were much, much lighter.

 

[MidgeD79]

We usually go to a water park on the 4th, but for our stay this year the 4th is the only time that DHS has a EMH morning day. I'm thinking we'll go to DHS EMH then head to a water park.

 

[TheUndercoverDISer]

We usually go to a water park on the 4th, but for our stay this year the 4th is the only time that DHS has a EMH morning day. I'm thinking we'll go to DHS EMH then head to a water park.

I am so annoyed with the hours for DHS! Is it just me are does 8:30pm seem a little early for the summer months? Perhaps they are closing that early gearing up for the late night on the 4th.

My trip is from Thur-Mon, so sadly we are juuuust missing the evening EMH for DHS. Going to have to be creative!

 

[EPCOTgrl1]

I use to always work on the 4th of July. Get to whatever park you want to early, except EPCOT. I don't think since working there we have ever started any shut down process. What normally happens is MK do their 4th of July Fireworks on the 3rd and the 4th, so if you want to see 2 shows go to MK on the 3rd and then another park on the 4th. Don't quote me on the fireworks because Disney can always change their minds but it happened EVERY year that I was down there.

 

[daisyduck123]

We spent last year at BCV over 4th of July. The resort had special poolside activities at SAB on that day (such as Mickey tie-dye t-shirts).

 

[double r]

You could always go over to the Fort and watch the golf cart parade, I think usually in the morning time.

 

[eandrsmom]

We were there last year. We watched the fireworks in MK on July 3rd and the fireworks in Epcot on July 4th. We actually had reservations at the Plaza for an hour before the fireworks were scheduled to begin in MK. Luckily, we were seated in front next to a window facing the castle. We got to see the fireworks without fighting the crowds and heat while enjoying our ice cream. Truly a magical experience! I would HIGHLY recommend it if you can get reservations.