What is it like in JULY?!!!

[Debs Hill]

Thinking of coming to WDW for 3 weeks in July......but need advice from people who have been there then! What is the weather like? Crowds? Opening hours? Would you recommend it?!!
Debsx

 

[Bob P]

Hi Debs,

Here is link that will show you historical operating hours for the last few years.

http://www.intercot.com/infocentral/calendar/historical/archive/default.asp

July is VERY HOT and VERY CROWDED. Crowdes approach unbearable on and around the July 4 holiday weekend. There are often strong afternoon thunderstorms that last 15 minutes to an hour (generally). That cools it down for about, oh, 90 seconds.

Did I mention it is hot and crowded?


Good luck!

Bob

 

[cjadkins]

It's HOT, HOT, HOT!!!! We were there last July 7-12 and it was in the 90's everyday and humid. The parks are very crowded as well. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being most crowded and crazy, July ranks about an 8 or 9! We had those water mister bottles and "Aqua-Cool" necker-chiefs to keep us cool or else we wouldn't have survived. Also during the hottest part of the afternoon, we always headed back to the resort for a swim and a nap. If I had the option to be able to go at any other time of the year I would, however I don't so we're headed there again this July 17-27th! Got my water bottles and aqua-cools all ready!!!

 

[Disney Gator]

Bob P is right it's hot and crowded. If you're coming for 3 weeks though you can take your time. Go back to the hotel during the hottest part of the day. Maybe do something else the July 4 weekend, it will be very crowded at that time.

 

[the kabuki]

It's HOT, Like really really hot

like I've never been anywhere so hot!! I'm in Michigan, which probably has a climate something close to yours and it's unbelievably hot there.

Oh, and the crowds are terrible too, plus it's really hot!!!

 

[Aimeedyan]

It's more than hot (this coming from a Texan), and it's VERY VERY crowded - peak time to visit, lots of people.

Since we have other options, we won't visit that time again - I couldn't handle the constant heat and lines. But lots of people go each year at that time, and have a great time regardless. Just be prepared with water bottles, take lots of breaks, take advantage of EMH and fast passes, don't rush, and enjoy the AC when you can =)

 

[MagicalMom]

We were there last july & are going back this July. It wasn't so bad. It's going to be hot anywhere, might as well be hot at Disney. You'll have 3 weeks, so I wouldn't even think about crowds, you'll have plenty of time to do everything. Have fun!

 

[cheerdancer11]

In the summer Florida is VERY HOT! I went for a week to Naples, and could barely sit on the beach for a 1/2 hour in the afternoon sun. Be prepared with loads of sun block or else you'll get fried. Also, the heat tends to ware you out earlier- like when we go to great adventure in the summer we tend to last a 1/2 day. I'd plan a lot of trips to the pool, water parks, and air-conditions shows and 3d movies . Another tip you might want to consider is staying at Universal for a few days since you'll be there for so long- that way you gain free front of the line access and make it more enjoyable in the crowded summer months. Have a great fun trip, you'll definitely have plenty of time to see lots of great rides!

 

[sanibelover]

When you can feel the pavement heat through your sneakers, then it is hot..........


It must be do-able because a lot of people go in July........

 

[nluvwithmickey]

Yes it is really hot and crowded.

But the atmosphere is absolutely magical. The parks are open later, and somehow every thing seems much more alive then the time I went in December.Almost all attractions are up and running. The water parks are a wonderful option on a non-park day.

The pools are heavenly, we're talking bathtub water temps. The AC is wonderful and if you come to the parks well prepared you will no doubt have a great time.

We have been to WDW twice before in July and even a that wicked can not keep me away! After all, it is the happiest place on earth!

 

[GoofyBanker]

Basically in July you walk outside and MELT!

 

[Eeyore2003]

We were there last July and it was really fine. I planned everything really good, we had our afternoon breaks while everyone was in the parks, but it wasn't bad at all. Start out early, beat the crowds and the afternoon heat, go back to your resort for a break and swim, and then head back out refreshed in the cooler late afternoon and evening.

We've also been there in August allot too and did fine.

 

[MouseClubMom]

Miserably HOT and HUMID with thunderstorms every afternoon.

Good luck!

MCMom

 

[fantavet]

I'm going in the last week of July. I hear it is hot and crowded

Are the crowds so bad that I need to PS myself to death to avoid waitiing hours for a table or stick with my original plan of PS just for must do dinners?

I plan doing the parks right at opening, lunch before 11:30, and dinners before 5:30 when not using a PS.

As I'm planning my trip my restaurant choices and PS's are starting to dictate my schedule. Trying to avoid that. BUT if it means getting through meals quicker and avoiding long waits I'll do it.

 

[eeyoregirl]

We will be there July 1-10. Can't wait, even though it will be hot (duh), crowded (double duh), and humid (oh well). I think of it this way: I won't be at work, I'll be spending quality time with my daughter, and oh yeah, I'll be at my absolutely favorite place in the universe--WDW!!!

P.S. Is it July yet?

 

[DisneyMomx7]

We love it in July. As another poster said it truly is magical. If you follow some easy steps you'll have a wonderful time!

1. Get to the parks early, leave in the early afternoon for a swim/nap break.
go back to the parks later in the evening and enjoy the parades/fireworks.

2. Make at least one PS every day. It is crowded and people get turned
away from restaurants all the time.

3. Take your handy dandy spray/fan water bottle with you.

4. Drink lots of water.

5. If you can plan at least one "down" day - no parks just relaxing.

You will have a wonderful time - we always do!!!!!

 

[MagicalMom]

I wanted to add that we always bring a Misty mate. We love them.

Another good thing about going in July is that everything is open. It always amazes me that people haven't been on CoP or seen spectromagic. They are always running when I'm there.

 

[G8RFAN]

We go in July as well. You'll notice the theme in the thread is HOT and you bet it is hot. We live in South Florida, and it is hotter in O-Town because of the lack of a ocean breeze. The temperature can feel like over 100F especially because of all the dark asphalt throughout the parks. We always go early, and make sure we are on our way to our lunch plan by noon and back at the resort by 1:00. We then either take naps or hit the pool. We then return to the park(s) after 5:00 if we are having dinner there.

 

[Debs Hill]

Thank you for all your posts so far! I have got the main message which seems to be it's hot, hunid and crowded!

Basically we have the choice of going over Easter for 2 weeks, or the second, third and fourth weeks of July..................which is more crowded?!!! Which would you choose?!

Talking about the weather, how much rain could I expect in July? When we're talking about crowds what sort of wait times would I expect?

I know what you mean about lack of atmosphere when the park is less crowded......we were there the first week of Dec and it was almost deserted and the parks closed at 6.00pm
Debsxx

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I would go in July rather than not going at all but it's not my favorite time to go. Very hot, long lines, and very crowded. But hey, it's still WDW! The longest wait I've ever had in July is 2 1/2 hours for Splash mountain and the least is 10 to 15 minutes for other rides like POC. Good ol' TTA never has a line! Oh and it rains so quick sometimes it would be sunny when we went on a ride and then the ground and everything is soaked when we get off but the sun is back out. It's crazy!