What's the busiest time of the summer?

[arizonacolbys]

We generally go to WDW in the off season, but due to school, work & military schedules are considering going this summer.

How busy is late July? Is it the busiest time of the summer?

Thanks in advance for any input!!!

 

[ducklite]

No. Earley July is the busiest, although the entire month is very busy and considered peak season as far as room rates go.

Anne

 

[BrianD]

Actually, July is considered regular season, and if you're staying at a deluxe resort (with the exception of AKL &WL) it becomes value season on July 4. But Anne is right about the crowds - it's much worse around July 4, due to the holiday. By late July, it should not be quite as crowded. We were there then a couple of years ago, and it wasn't too bad, at least not for summer, anyway.

 

[GeoffM24]

I was at Disney last July 11th-14th. We really lucked out with the temp, it was only in the mid 80's. It really wasn't all that busy. Lines were reasonable and the parks were open late. We got a good deal too do to the smaller crowds at Disney.

I did hear that the parks were much more busy right before we got there. We arrived right after the 4th of July crowds left. There seems to be a lull right after the week of the 4th which might be your best bet.

 

[S. C.]

We had the same experience as GeoffM24

 

[Fizban257]

We were there in July 2000 and July 2001 and are going this July, all early in the month, but after the 4th. I think there's a trade off becuase the crowds are bigger, but the parks are open later, and in some cases, much later. I think a lot of it also has to do with perception. Since we almost always go in July (around our anniversary), it doesn't seem bad to us, but we've never been to the World duing a slow period, so we've got nothing to compare it to.

 

[Gillian]

I've visited at all times of year, and July 2000 was crowded. Not quite as bad as Christmas or Easter, but very hot & unpleasantly crowded. We were there the 7th -14th.

Still, if you don't mind the heat and the people (I just can't take the combination), it's a great time of year because the parks are open late & they have lots of parades & fireworks. Later in August the crowds are smaller but the hours get cut back.

I'd say go for as late in the summer as you can, and just have fun! Use fastpass & take it slow. You'll be fine