What's the deal with July?

[Novakm]

over the last 4years I have been to wdw 4 times. All were at slower times of the year. March, October, November, and December. Each time I got up early at 180 days to book ADRs, and couldn't get all I wanted. At 60 days I stayed up late to book fp's, and didn't get all I wanted.

I'm going again in July. Busiest month of the year. I wasn't able to book on the first day at 180 or 60. So why was I able to get every ADR and FP I wanted, on the day I wanted? The only one I couldn't get was BOG dinner.

Lack of free dining could explain adrs but not fps

 

[GADisneyDad14]

over the last 4years I have been to wdw 4 times. All were at slower times of the year. March, October, November, and December. Each time I got up early at 180 days to book ADRs, and couldn't get all I wanted. At 60 days I stayed up late to book fp's, and didn't get all I wanted.

I'm going again in July. Busiest month of the year. I wasn't able to book on the first day at 180 or 60. So why was I able to get every ADR and FP I wanted, on the day I wanted? The only one I couldn't get was BOG dinner.

Lack of free dining could explain adrs but not fps

July isn't as 'busy' as people tend to believe. I've been during all sorts of times over the last few years...if I compare, say, my last week of July trip last year to my first week of April trip this year, I would take July ANYTIME. Things were far more mananagble in July in terms of ADRs, FPs, getting around, etc. Plus July is MATERIALLY cheaper for many/most resorts than some other times of year.

 

[anniemae]

Reports were that last July was very slow.

 

[tanyali26]

I've been twice in July and other then tour groups,I found it more manageable then say the last week of October 1st week of November. And last year I was there from July 5th-9 th. This year I will be there from the 28th of june to the 5th of july. I am still seeing decent adrs. Last year I did my fp in June and got everything except frozen.

 

[KrazeeK120]

As I understand, October and March are busier times of year than July.

 

[loutoo]

Also, the crowds that are there in July are made up of a higher percentage of people who aren't frequent visitors and don't often know what you might about ADRS and FP+

 

[Shanti]

over the last 4years I have been to wdw 4 times. All were at slower times of the year. March, October, November, and December. Each time I got up early at 180 days to book ADRs, and couldn't get all I wanted. At 60 days I stayed up late to book fp's, and didn't get all I wanted.

I'm going again in July. Busiest month of the year. I wasn't able to book on the first day at 180 or 60. So why was I able to get every ADR and FP I wanted, on the day I wanted? The only one I couldn't get was BOG dinner.

Lack of free dining could explain adrs but not fps

We went in late July last year and had low crowds. Lower attendance than spring & fall is likely the reason for easier ADRs & FPs. More people go to WDW during the school year now than ever before, and fall seems to be the most popular season now. That's left summer with lower crowds, lower resort prices, and greater ADR & FP availability.

 

[klmall]

Gotta believe that some people like myself avoid July like the plague because of the high heat and humidity..... I wish it didn't affect me so much or I would try the summer months.

 

[Cinderella94]

We read all the horror stories about July, particularly the first week, but we've done that more than once in the last few years and will be doing it again this year. We really don't think it's that bad.

 

[DisneyMom2000000]

You guys are making me want to do a "last minute" trip in July! We've never been during summer. We always come during March or April (avoiding Spring Break, though), and the couple of weeks before Christmas. Should we come in July?!

 

[Shanti]

You guys are making me want to do a "last minute" trip in July! We've never been during summer. We always come during March or April (avoiding Spring Break, though), and the couple of weeks before Christmas. Should we come in July?!

If you want to, yes! We've had great trips the past two Julys, and are looking forward to an early August trip this summer.

Just come prepared with sun protection (hats or UV umbrella) and rain-friendly clothes (no denim, wear waterproof sandals or crocs, etc.) Make your FPs for outdoor rides for the morning, when it's least likely to rain. Stay at a resort with a nice pool and be ready to take midday breaks from the heat. Try at least one of Disney's awesome water parks. These are the keys to enjoying summer trips to WDW, in my book. The crowds have been manageable in our summer trips, but you do need to come prepared to deal with the weather.

 

[FastPasser.]

Should we come in July?

No

 

[GADisneyDad14]

You guys are making me want to do a "last minute" trip in July! We've never been during summer. We always come during March or April (avoiding Spring Break, though), and the couple of weeks before Christmas. Should we come in July?!

I agree with @Shanti's post. I'd add, I don't want to give anyone the wrong impression here... July is still crowded. WDW is always crowded. You're talking about subtle shades of grey when it comes to just how crowded it is and/or feels. Most folks are still going to need a good plan for successfull touring, depending on what that means to you.

 

[mustinjourney]

Also, the crowds that are there in July are made up of a higher percentage of people who aren't frequent visitors and don't often know what you might about ADRS and FP+

This!

 

[Shanti]

I agree with @Shanti's post. I'd add, I don't want to give anyone the wrong impression here... July is still crowded. WDW is always crowded. You're talking about subtle shades of grey when it comes to just how crowded it is and/or feels. Most folks are still going to need a good plan for successfull touring, depending on what that means to you.

Yes, WDW is never a ghost town anymore, the way it was during our January 2009 trip. Those days are over, period.

That said, the lowest crowds we've seen since then were in late July last summer.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

That said, the lowest crowds we've had since then were in late July last summer.

Totally agree. We were there the last week of July last year as well. For our style, it was the perfect time! I think of things like rope drop at MK.... it felt like we could really cover a ton of ground for a good two hours. Compare that to the first week of April of this year and we maybe had a good hour, but by then it was toast! Little fringe things here and there that made it more enjoyable overall.

 

[tstidm1]

I think they put more capacity in FastPass + that time of year knowing they are busy through longer hours. That is how you are more able to get FP+ I think. For the dining portion, I think it may also be longer hours in the parks. That means more people in the parks during the evenings and more resort dining options available.

 

[DisneyMom2000000]

I'm tempted!! My main concern is the iffy weather and heat with little ones. I have a 18 month old and almost four year old.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I'm tempted!! My main concern is the iffy weather and heat with little ones. I have a 18 month old and almost four year old.

Lol, yeah, my DD had just turned 2 last July when we were there. She has the whole red-faced sweaty baby look in every photo! I had to break down and buy one of those stoller fan things.

Our style is to RD a park and then be back at the resort for mid-day/afternoon naps anyway, so we could still make good use of the day and avoid the main afternoon heat. We usually stick to pool time late afternoon then potentially back out in the evenings for a bit, depending on everyone's spirits.

You definitely have to go slower with the little ones and the heat, but I still find it manageable.

Have fun whatever you decide!

 

[PolyRob]

I thought this same exact thing! I booked about 45 days out for a last minute trip in July for Fri, Sat, Sun, and Mon. I was also able to get every ADR and FP+ I wanted. FoP, FEA, 7DMT, all for good times too. The warmest month I've been is May. I tried to plan it that I am indoors or at the resort from 1pm - 4pm. We will see how it goes!