WDW in July

[travelin' girl]

Hi, we've been to WDW in the spring and fall time of the year, but are considering a trip in July. Are we crazy? Just wondering if someone could give me the good and bad on a trip in the summer- trying to talk hubbie into it!!! I realize it will be hot, but are the lines unbearable? We've been there on springbreak- I told him it couldn't be any worse then that time of the year crowd wise- he said but what about the heat? I told him we would be able to swim... Help, please. Thanks

 

[Greg K.]

Hi, we've been to WDW in the spring and fall time of the year, but are considering a trip in July. Are we crazy? Just wondering if someone could give me the good and bad on a trip in the summer- trying to talk hubbie into it!!! I realize it will be hot, but are the lines unbearable? We've been there on springbreak- I told him it couldn't be any worse then that time of the year crowd wise- he said but what about the heat? I told him we would be able to swim... Help, please. Thanks

We went in July '03 for two weeks, and we're going back again this July for two weeks.

If you use a little common sense -- start your day EARLY, and leave the parks after lunch -- you'll have a great time.

Mornings are a little bit cooler -- in the 80s instead of the 90s -- and if you take advantage of EMH and fastpass, you can see and do pretty much all the things you want. Yes, it's hot, but no worse than July in New York City (my hometown!) and a lot more fun Just keep yourself hydrated and make time for cooling off breaks in the shops, or on air conditioned rides.

Plus: the hours are usually longer, and you can hang out in the parks until very late. Nothing more magical than being one of the few people hanging out in the Magic Kingdom after midnight!

 

[TheresaNY]

WDW in July is not hot.......it is insanely, brain frying hot !! 95 degrees everyday that we were there last July. Thunderstorms everyday that do not provide any relief to the heat. They just make it swamp like sometimes !! It is very crowded - lines are long and intolerable in the sun. It requires determination to deal with both the heat and the crowds which probably seem worse due to the heat. Sunblock lotion, pools, sun hats, fans and spray bottles might make it tolerable. But the most important element is really the determination to have fun despite the conditions. Plan for the heat and the crowds but resolve to have a good time and you will !

 

[BrianD]

Also, keep in mind that there will be afternoon thunderstorms for an hour or two on most days. But again, if you are in taking a break at that time anyway, then it's no big deal. Like Greg said, if you can avoid the hottest part of the day, then it's not so bad, heat-wise. I also love the longer park hours. And as far as crowds go, yes, it will be more crowded than the fall, but not as crowded as spring break.

We'll be there this July!

 

[crcormier]

In the last four years I've done three trips in July and one in August. It is hot, but there is air conditioning everywhere. Drink a lot, and don't be afraid to take a break in the afternoon to go back to the room and shower and sit for a few or go to the pool. Most parks are open much later in these summer months than they are the rest of the year. No reason not to go!

 

[waltdisneyworlddreamer]

We have done 2 trips in July and swear we will never visit again in the summer. If it is just you and DH it would be bearable, but definitely not reccomended if you are traveling with kids. The heat is miserable. We spent most of our time just getting drinks and refilling water bottles. Honestly, one day we walked into AK and had breakfast at Donald's, made the circle and went right back to the motel. Our 4yo was melting and miserable!!!!!! This time we are going in November.

 

[papersoilder1]

Im Going In July Too Is The Heat Really That Bad?

It Cant Be Any Worse Than Over Here In Iraq, It Gets To 140 Over Here In June

 

[aplejax76]

We went last year in July. We are going back in July!!!! I don't have a problem with the heat. It gets the same way in PA during the summer. We drank alot of water. If you went at spring break you will be fine with the lines.I don't think its horrible at all. Some people say its unbearable they must have mild summers!!!!! I would go!

 

[tcfdick]

I teach, therefore I have to go to WDW during school breaks. My family always goes in late June or in July. It is very hot most of the time, lots of humidity, but no worse than where I live. I make sure to take lots of water with me into the park, a mister fan, and take breaks in the middle of the day. We go to the parks early, use Fastpass as much as possible and stay out of the parks during the middle of the day. We go to the water parks and play several times during our vacation. Last year, I went in July for almost 3 weeks and even though it rained most days, we didn't feel like it interfered with our fun. We never stood in any lines for more than 20 minutes. I let my DS decide if he wanted to stand in lines that would take 30 minutes and he always chose to skip the ride. I love June and July because of the warm weather. The water is much warmer (I really hate cold water!), the parks stay open much later, there are parades and fireworks every night (unless there's a really bad thunderstorm that causes a cancellation), and as long as you go to the parks early and use fastpass, you'll find it's a wonderful trip.

 

[llij]

We are going to WDW in July and you all are scaring me. We've always gone other times during the year and never during the summer.


The only thing for us is that I will be 5 1/2 months pregnant so that should make this trip quite interesting! I'm taking notes as to what you all said. Summers are hot and very humid here in DC so I can handle that, it's just being pregnant in hot and humid weather that makes me a little nervous.

Thanks to the OP for staring this thread and thanks for the tips everyone.

 

[nluvwithmickey]

This will be our 3rd trip in july this year.

The first year we knew before going that it was going to be hot......but I never knew it could get That hot!!! It took our bodies a couple of days to get used to that kind of heat( I am canadian, and although it gets to high 80's and low 90's sometimes). After that you're fine.

The other posters gave great advice, let me tell you that if the heat was so bad, why is it so crowded? I'll take Disney no matter what the weather is!!!

Un fortunately, many people don't have alot of choice when it comes to picking a vacation(like us ) so we would much rather take the heat and crowds at WDW than stay home and do nothing.

You'll have a great time, The summer atmosphere is great!

 

[jimmalru80]

We have taken all of our previous seven trips in June and July (and this year in August). We have learned to deal with the heat. We start the day early, return to our hotel in the afternoon, take advantage of the air conditioning and FP and we drink lots of water. Never really had any problems and have always had a great time.

 

[jeana]

I personally wouldn't go in July, however, as a child my dad worked for Timex and they close for two weeks in July, so that's when we went. Now that I am grown with my own child I will NEVER go in July!!! My son is in kindergarten and I have already taken him out to go to Disney!! I have been just about every month, and July and August would be my very last choice. Mainly the crowds, but the heat as well. I live in Arkansas so 95 degrees and 80 percent humidity in normal for us, however, it's not great for walking around the "world" on concrete!!!!!!!!!! You mix the crowds and the heat and it's just not my idea of fun. But hey, everyone is different, and if that is the only time you can go then I say go for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have fun!!!!!!!!!! I have 30 days left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Cinderella822]

I always took my DD out of school when she was younger to go WDW - anything to avoid the heat of the summer! I HATE heat and crowds. But now that she's older, I can no longer take her out of school. So its either go in the summer or don't go. I now go in the summer. I went in August last year and I'll be there in July/August this year. Yes, it was hot and crowded. I found MK to be the worst with crowds. However, do get there early (take advantage of EMH in the AM) and leave when it gets too unbearable. We went swimming at the hotel almost every day. Get refreshed and go back in the evening. It worked really well for us. As far as lines, with FP, you'll be able to do everything. We went on everything at least once, several major attractions numerous times. So, relax and enjoy!

 

[monorailsilver]

I love the summer months. I mean I live in CT so it gets humid & nearly 90-100 here on some days so what is the difference from here to Florida.

Like everyone said go in as early as possible, take a mid day break & then go back late afternoon.

At least you know you will not have to pack long pants/jackets for the plane trip home (that is unless you live in a climate that July is cold).

Every place is air-conditioned so if you do feel a little warm, pop inside somewhere & walk around like a shop or a place to eat or better yet a ride.

See ya in July if you go this year.

 

[4fromNoCal]

We're from Northern California and going to WDW in mid July. Average July temp here in NorCal range from 99 to 107. We've never been to Florida in the summer but have heard alot about the heat and humidity. I see one thing that will get me through whatever weather...
We're going to DISNEY WORLD!!!

 

[alien]

We've been going in July for the last few years - due to kids in school and now I work for the school. Drink a lot, take breaks, hit the air-conditioned shows, and dont' try and do commando touring. Definitely take the cheap disposable ponchos with you EVERY DAY. It always looks suny and beautiful in the morning and then the rain breaks out in the afternoon. Also get good walking sandals - Tevo, Colombia, etc. Our first trip we wore our "good" sneakers. First day in the MK, it POURED!!!! Sneakers were wet for most of the trip. Also pack a light sweater, jacket, etc. (at least for the little ones). After getting caught in the rain storms, getting clothes wet, and then going into air conditioning . . . it can get quite cold. Have fun - you'll be in Disney World!
Cindy

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I love going in July. That's when we always take our vacation. You don't have to worry whether it will be hot enough to swim and you don't have to plan your schedule around when you'll be able to see Spectromagic - it's every night! Yes its hot but thats why they make the fan/water bottles and swimming pools. We go with three small children and really have never had a problem. Just take water, your spray bottle and keep a poncho handy and you all will be fine.

 

[hokiefan33]

OK, going in July. Yes, it is hot. Very hot, and very humid. Yes, there are a lot of people there. And that includes tour groups from other countries who can fill an entire bus by themselves (and often do). And yes, it is easy to get cranky in all that hot weather. And yes, the daily rain shower is a definite possibility, though not a certainty.

But not, it is not unbearable weather. Nor are the crowds so bad that you can't move (but stay out of the way of the tour groups!). And your attitude is up to you, weather or not.

Honestly, we've been in July the last 2 years, and have had a fabulous time. We have stayed at the AS Sp both times, and loved it! We aren't the typical family that stays in the parks for a few hours, then comes back to the hotel for the afternoon, then goes back to the parks in the evening. If we wanted to stay in the hotel for any part of the day and just swim, we can do that anywhere. We're at WDW, and want to enjoy it. And contrary to popular belief, you DON'T have to come back to the hotel near lunchtime to be able to make it through a whole day in the parks, even if you do have kids (DS8 and DD 5). My kids love to swim, but don't want to take up park time to do it. When we get back to the hotel at night, that's when they like to swim. So don't think you HAVE to go back to your hotel mid-day; it's entirely up to you! Also, it doesn't ALWAYS rain every day. In July '03, we were there from July 5-12, and it only rained ONCE the entire time, for about 20 minutes. That was it. In July '04, we were there from July 10-17, and it only rained once again, but this time for about 2 hours. So rain was not an issue for us.

But you'll have a great time, don't hesitate to go in July!

 

[murph103]

We were there in July last year and it wasn't any worse than a July day in Baltimore. We got to the parks early, used FastPass a lot, had lunch in the park and went back to the hotel for a swim and relax a little. Then we'd go to dinner and spend the evening in a different park or maybe DTD. We drank a lot of water and wandered through the shops to cool off. It only rained on us 2 afternoons for a few hours.

We don't take the kids out of school to go on vacation, particularly DD who is in high school now. So when we go back next year, it will be in the summer again.