What's more crowded???

[meatballsmom]

July 4th week or Christmas?? We are planning to go to Disney and unfortunately the only week my DBF can take his DS is over July 4th week. I know how crowded the parks get during Christmas. Is July 4th week as crowded, less or more???? Thanks for your help!!

 

[Bob P]

Hard to say---you've picked the two busiest weeks to compare! I think it's the proverbial rock and a hard place, devil and the deep blue sea, irresistible force and immoveable object!

Bob

 

[meatballsmom]

Hard to say---you've picked the two busiest weeks to compare! I think it's the proverbial rock and a hard place, devil and the deep blue sea, irresistible force and immoveable object!

Bob

So is this a say clear week or is it doable??

 

[civileng68]

they both are max capacity times so they're about the same in terms of business.

however, dont expect to do too much "ride-wise" during these times.

If you are going for the atmosphere at Christmas or the fireworks on the fourth then you'll be happy but, if you go to ride rides you'll be disappointed.

To get on any popular attractions you must go early, very early.

By mid-day you should expect to just relax and enjoy the views because you wont be doing much else.

I went for the 4th this year and quite frankly here's my view:

You are paying a park admission to see fireworks, because that's all you'll do.

 

[Bob P]

Yes, it's doable....thousands and thousands of people do it every year! But it will be very hot and very crowded. And if that's the only time they can go, I'd vote yes. But be prepared for some of the largest crowds you've ever seen!

Enjoy!

Bob

 

[meatballsmom]

Thanks!! Is it just crowded right around the 4th or the whole week??

 

[Bob P]

The whole week.

 

[DVCJEN]

Unless there is absolutely no other time to do it I would avoid the week of the 4th like the plague. The heat is oppressive and so are the crowds!

 

[jmclester]

Unless there is absolutely no other time to do it I would avoid the week of the 4th like the plague. The heat is oppressive and so are the crowds!

I would, speaking from experience, aviod both weeks.....but, if you have to go, try to go on the days leading up to the holiday. For instance, if you go the week between Christmas and NY try to visit the parks the 26th, 27th, 28th etc. The parks seem to get progressively crowded as NY eve approaches.

I love Disney but it would almost have to be a free trip for me to go again on these two major holidays!

 

[Cinderella94]

I'd say Christmas is more crowded.

 

[MagneticxBoy]

Almost everytime I have went (17 times all together) was around 4th of july or christmas.. Extremley crowded ofcourse.. But we always got to ride everything... more than enough.
If you plan right, know what your doing, get there before the parks open I dont see any problem at all..

I think people are exaggerating a little... lol

 

[puffkin]

We went July 4th week in 2004 (checked in on the 4th for 6 nights). It was horrible in the MK on the 4th, but it was fine the rest of the week. Crowded, yes, hot, yet, but it was manageable. We hit the parks early, took a swim break, and hit the parks late. We did pretty much everything except the very minor attractions with no problems. On all our trips (we mainly go inthe summer) we have only waited longer than 30 minutes for an attraction once or twice. We hit the big rides early, use fast pass, etc. and always manage to see almost everything. It is definitely DOABLE!

I have never been Christmas week, so I can't compare, but I heard crowd wise it is worse, but weather is better.

 

[Joanna71985]

The 4th of July is one word- CROWDED!! I worked it last year, and it filled to capacity before 11am (if I am correct). It was one of the (if not the) busiest and craziest days I worked. The 3rd was also a little crazy, especially around the fireworks/parades. But other then the 4th, and 3rd a little, the rest of the week is fine.

 

[jmclester]

I think people are exaggerating a little... lol[/QUOTE]

If parks closing at capacity at 10:00 am and Disney buses locked down on the roads is exaggerating a little....then yes, I'm guilty! lol

 

[drusba]

Christmas is the more crowded time. In fact, July 4 week is somewhat below the two weeks that surround Easter. The real problem with the July 4 week as compared to Christmas is that you can survive Christmas without becoming overly irritable. When it is 95 degrees in the day, 84 at night, humidity off the scale, and you sweat standing still outside at midnight, like it usually is around July 4, many people become quite irritable, and even if you don't, you will be unable to avoid many who do.

 

[Joanna71985]

I think July 4th is a LOT more crowded then Easter. They don't shut down the parks for easter- they had the park closed by 10:30-11:00am on July 4th. It is literally a wall of people whichever way you turn, or try to walk. Strollers are horrible, and Fantasyland is a nightmare. My advice is: try to avoid July 4th, Christmas, New Years Eve/Day, ect. at all costs if you can. If you can't, try to get there at opening, or at EMH (if there is one) because once the parks are closed, nobody can get in (and you wouldn't want to-trust me. There can be up around 93,000 people). Go to Fantasyland and the most popular rides first because around 12:00-1:00pm, the lines will be crazy. On July 4th the MK will be opened until around 1am so if possible, get your hand stamped and go back to the room for a rest. And make sure to drink water.