Week AFTER July 4th or late June?

[clutter]

I remember a number of posts last summer saying that the first week after the 4th was pretty easy for crowds.

We're looking at the week of June 21st (wish it was earlier... school ends late) or the week after July 4th, like the 11th.

Any words of experience out there??

 

[Baloo]

We went last summer July 12th to the 18th.I was
surprised that it wasn't as bad as I thought the summer would be! We'd always gone in Oct and May.MK was by far the worst of the parks but manageable especially when using FP!

 

[KarenB]

We have gone a few times around the 2nd or 3rd week in June. Yes it was pretty crowded, but it was managable especailly if you do some smart planning. I think the key is the heat......take it slow and enjoy the little things around you and drink lots and lots of water!!

This year, we are on DCL from July 3-10 then on to WDW from 10-14. Again, I think expecting crowds and heat instead of thinking you can "walk on" everything is half the battle. Maybe we will see you there!

Karen

 

[ZachnElli]

The end of June leading up to July 4th gets more crowded by the day. But right after the 4th, it drops off a little for a week or so. You really have to be cautious in the heat, that is the biggest battle. It does rain alot too, which I actually prefer in July. It really cools things down when it rains and alot of people leave, great time to ride rides!

 

[jenjenmouse]

We went to WDW on July 6th last summer (2003) and was couldn't believe how not crowded it was. We stayed until the13th and when we were leaving the crowds got bad. Even at the hotel ( ASmu) it was considerablly more crowded. The week after the 4th was great. Never waited more than 10 minutes for a ride. There were congested areas but we stayed clear. If you know your way around and take it slow due to the heat, you'll be fine. Hope this helps. I'm trying to plan for another July 5th vacation but we might have to (gulp) skip this year and hold out until 2005. Waaaaaaa-waaaaa.
Have a fun trip,

 

[clutter]

Thanks all. We were there in mid May this year in the middle of a heat wave! I learned I don't do heat well. But, we gotta go somewhere for a week, and where else??? I'm still torn between the two. Guess neither one is better, just figure hot and crowds.

 

[Cinderella37]

The week after is less crowded than before. We go every year at this time and find the crowds shrink after the 4th. Also, it isn't definate that you will get a lot of rain. Last year, we were there July 3-13 and it rained for about 45 minutes one afternoon. Other years we haven't any rain. It is hot though, but with all of the air conditioning, it's very managable. Have fun!