What have I gotten myself into?

[ScrampShopper]

I just booked a trip from July1st-6th because room rates were really good, and I had travel funds to pay for half the airfare!! The busiest time we have ever gone is early March spring break and they have not been bad. It was too late to book a dessert party for MK fireworks, but I will keep checking. If I can't get the dessert party, how early do you have to search out a good spot for fireworks on July 3rd? Are the special MK fireworks also heavy on the castle projections like HEA? Has MK ever closed to capacity on July 3rd or 4th incase we choose not to spend the whole day there? I'm hoping the room discounts are an indication of lower crowds, but we are prepared to spend a lot of time at Stormalong Bay if necessary to get away from crowded parks! Does any other park do anything special for July 4th. DD turns 9 on July 4th, and is pushing for MK, but I'm trying to steer clear of it that day so I'm hoping there's stuff happening elsewhere! We just spent 10 days in March at WDW and are going back in mid-Aug for 6 more days so my priority is not the rides this time, but anything special that happens around July 4th. Anything special at Disney Springs going on then?

 

[Klayfish]

We love the 4th of July time frame, it's awesome. Yes, MK fireworks on the 3rd and 4th are packed...I mean packed. I'd suggest being in the hub at least 90 minutes ahead if you want a decent spot. However, that's the only real time the crowds seem insane, IMO. The rest of the parks aren't that bad, even on the 3rd and 4th. MK isn't that bad other days and isn't bad on the 3rd and 4th in the morning...only after lunch. You can also do MK fireworks from Poly beach...far less crowded and a great view!

I think MK has had some phase closures on the 4th, but I'm sure others can chime in with more specifics.

The fireworks in Epcot were awesome. I will say that it feels far less packed than MK because the WS is so big.

Have fun, it's a great time to go!

 

[only hope]

MK is extremely crowded both evenings but more so on the 4th. I’ve watched it online several years and there’s some projections, but more as an afterthought than an essential part of the show. Every year they show the crowd and every year there is literally nothing but a wall of people from the train station all the way up to the castle.

I suggest Epcot on the 4th. They do a special fireworks tag after Reflections. Who knows what will happen next year with no reflections. Epcot will be crowded too of course, but because the viewing is in a large circle, if you’re just trying to catch the fireworks and don’t care about being able to see Reflections, there should be no problem finding a spot to stand and look up. Voices of Liberty usually have special performances and some characters may be dressed in patriotic outfits.

 

[ScrampShopper]

Great, thank you. I will plan Epcot for the 4th evening, and watch the MK fireworks on the 3rd, but we'll spend the morning of the 3rd at HS. I wish Disney would update hours already for July because I can't imagine not having late nights available at MK during the summer, and FP+ day is in 3 days. We'll do our 3 FP's, watch the fireworks, and anything else will be considered a bonus!

 

[Mango7100]

We are going July 3-6 as well! We are getting off a cruise on the 3rd, so we weren’t planning on going to MK until around 5 (staying at AKL) and staying through the end of evening EMH. Not even going to try to watch the fireworks from the hub on the 3rd. Right now it has a 10 pm closing for MK on the 3rd—do you think that will be pushed to later??

 

[ScrampShopper]

I'm sure that at least on the 3rd and 4th they will have to make it open until later.

 

[pixiedustedme]

We were there a few years ago during July 4th week. We went to MK on July 3rd and while it was very busy, it wasn't unbearable. They had the special fireworks show that night, as well. On the 4th we did a resort day. We saw fireworks from Epcot from our resort that evening. The rest of the trip wasn't bad, crowdwise.

Don't worry about closures. July 4th isn't like New Year's. Just don't try to do something like drive up and park at the Contemporary that evening (assuming that's not your resort)- it won't work. But arriving late that evening normally will be fine. It will be very crowded but you should be able to get in.

 

[MrKnight]

IMO I prefer Epcot for the 4th over MKP, there is a special 4th of July show that occurs right after Illuminations with extra fireworks and patriotic displays, it is quite a sight to see and easier to get a good viewing spot than at MKP.

Also, this year will be special as it will be the last year for Illuminations, the show may be different in future years with the nighttime show changes.

 

[TDS533]

One thing consider about Epcot. I remember hearing that reflections is ending and there will be an interim show until new one starts. Might want to double check that information before making your decision.