Would you go on July 4th, or wait a few days after?

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

I am thinking about taking my girls (9 and almost 4) to WDW for a week in July (we originally planned to go in June, but swim team will be going on all month). Our schedule is flexible the first couple of weeks of the month.

We have been several times, and my older daughter and I have APs that are good through July 13th.

Big crowds turn us off, but since we will have been so many times this year already, we won't feel the need to ride and see everything on this trip. We would probably spend 2-3 days in the parks and the rest of our week at AKL.

We like fireworks, but they are not usually our favorite thing. Are the 4th fireworks the main draw? I would be interested in other holiday/patriotic activities, if anything is happening.

Are the higher resort prices and crowds worth spending the 4th at WDW, or would you wait to arrive until the 6th or 7th? Will there be a big difference in crowds by waiting a couple of days after the holiday? Will the resorts be noticeably more crowded for the holiday (I thought they pretty much stay full most of the time anyway)?

Thanks for your input!

 

[Accident]

I'm personally going after things I've never done like being in the parks for certain holidays to at least experience them once. My understanding is it's really really crowded. You are going to need to look at the calendar and guess if it's the week before or after that everyone will come. I tend to find whatever has the "less time off work" work is the busier one.

 

[hakepb]

The fireworks are the main draw.
MK has the 360 degree fireworks around the hub and a duplicate "main" fireworks in 7 seas lagoon.
It used to be the only time of the year for DHS fireworks, but they have had somewhat regular Frozen and Star Wars shows.

EPCOT does have a few additional patriotic shows and an extra Illuminations ending.

I've done the 4th twice because I'm a sucker for the extra fireworks.
The 3rd at MK and the 4th are very, very crowded where ever there are extra fireworks but the 5th onward is basically the same. In your situation, I would think it's only "worth it" as a 4th/5th park day onto your plans.

 

[Squidgyness]

We've been on the 4th July before in 2009, spent that day at seaworld as I recall, it was busy but not insane by any means. Saw some fireworks, nothing out of this world. It wouldnt bother me going on july 4th but I don't think its a necessity unless you like the fireworks.

 

[ChasingLeslie]

We're going a few days later (6-13). Although it would be fun to see the characters in their patriotic garb, the heavy crowds are a downer and the fireworks are not a big draw for us (early bedtime kids).

 

[mom2travel]

We arrived on July 4th in 2015. I didn't think it was too bad (had mentally prepared myself for awful). I think it is a matter of managing expectations.
I don't have any crowd photos on my phone, but here is the 7/4 part of the list I kept to help sort photos after the trip (our FP+ were at DHS):

Arrive MK 11:30am
Monsters inc laugh floor
Tea cups
Carousel
Philharmagic
Lunch @CP
Arrive HS @4
Frozone & Mr Incredible
Ralph & vanelope
Sorcerer Mickey
Great movie ride
Lightning McQueen & mater
Phineas & ferb
Indiana jones
Snack
Star tours
Muppets
Toy story mania
Tower of terror 2x

We left DHS just before the fireworks, stopped at our resort to get into our room and were back at the MK by 11pm

 

[kj2mom]

We went July 3-July 10, 2015. It was crowded but not at all as restricting as I expected it to be. I had really set up my kids to have low expectations (13 years old) and was pleasantly surprised. They had twin friends turning 13 on the 4th of July and the goal was to have them in MK for the 4th fireworks. Whatever else we did was a bonus. Yes, I have fireworks pics that show it as crowded but we RD every morning (my children's choice after experiencing it on the 4th and realizing how many things we could get done) and closed the parks pretty much every day. Our strategy was walk on at RD, ADR lunch to cool off and regroup, our 3 FP after our meal when lines were at their peak then implement our nighttime strategy and ride those short wait rides.

I have daily accomplishments for the week we were there if you are interested but if it gives you any idea it was kind of an on going joke with my children and myself that the longest wait we had every day was the traffic light at the exit of our resort. We were off site so I can not offer an opinion on the crowdedness of the resorts.

 

[holden]

It's going to be crowded regardless, so I would just go when you want to.

 

[hookedonears]

We went Saturday, July 5th through Friday the 11th one year. The parks were the most crowded we'd ever experienced. And the hottest also. Never, ever again during that time period.

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

I was in DHS on July 4th last summer, and I didn't think it was any more crowded than any other summer day.

I'm sure MK was worse - it always is - but the fireworks at DHS were pretty cool and it was a fun day.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

I'm personally going after things I've never done like being in the parks for certain holidays to at least experience them once. My understanding is it's really really crowded. You are going to need to look at the calendar and guess if it's the week before or after that everyone will come. I tend to find whatever has the "less time off work" work is the busier one.

Good point. Since July 4th is a Monday this year, I imagine the week after the 4th will be more crowded. Might be smart to make the 4th one of our last days, if we decide to go over the holiday. I also like to do those things I have never done before at Disney. Sometimes it doesn't seem worth the cost, though. I initially booked Christmas reservations at the CR for last December, but I cancelled because I just couldn't justify the crazy prices and lack of discount. I may just have to see what discounts are available in July to see if a holiday stay is worth it. There is a package offer out now that doesn't start until July 5th, but they have not released RO discounts yet for that time period. I will probably wait until they publish rates and discounts to decide when to go (which of course, makes dining reservations a bit tricky).

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

We went July 3-July 10, 2015. It was crowded but not at all as restricting as I expected it to be. I had really set up my kids to have low expectations (13 years old) and was pleasantly surprised. They had twin friends turning 13 on the 4th of July and the goal was to have them in MK for the 4th fireworks. Whatever else we did was a bonus. Yes, I have fireworks pics that show it as crowded but we RD every morning (my children's choice after experiencing it on the 4th and realizing how many things we could get done) and closed the parks pretty much every day. Our strategy was walk on at RD, ADR lunch to cool off and regroup, our 3 FP after our meal when lines were at their peak then implement our nighttime strategy and ride those short wait rides.

I have daily accomplishments for the week we were there if you are interested but if it gives you any idea it was kind of an on going joke with my children and myself that the longest wait we had every day was the traffic light at the exit of our resort. We were off site so I can not offer an opinion on the crowdedness of the resorts.

View attachment 150267 View attachment 150268

Thanks! I am curious what you got done at the parks during the week. We went last year in the middle of July and the crowds were not nearly as bad as I expected. In fact, it was more crowded for our September trip than for our July trip last year. In July we joked that our longest wait was for the bathroom right before Illuminations.

Since my older daughter and I have APs, it is not that big of a deal if we don't get much accomplished, but we still don't like fighting our way through walkways or waiting for 20 minutes to get a QuickService meal. Also, my younger daughter does not have an AP since she turned 3 after we bought them, so we will have to buy her a ticket and I don't know that I want to purchase more than a 2 day ticket for her or so. I would like for her to see and do as much as possible in the parks for a couple of days.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

I was in DHS on July 4th last summer, and I didn't think it was any more crowded than any other summer day.

I'm sure MK was worse - it always is - but the fireworks at DHS were pretty cool and it was a fun day.

Might make sense for us to be there over the 4th but to avoid MK and Epcot due to crowds and just enjoy the resort pool or HS or AK (that is, if I can get a RO discount for that time period).

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

We arrived on July 4th in 2015. I didn't think it was too bad (had mentally prepared myself for awful). I think it is a matter of managing expectations.
I don't have any crowd photos on my phone, but here is the 7/4 part of the list I kept to help sort photos after the trip (our FP+ were at DHS):

Arrive MK 11:30am
Monsters inc laugh floor
Tea cups
Carousel
Philharmagic
Lunch @CP
Arrive HS @4
Frozone & Mr Incredible
Ralph & vanelope
Sorcerer Mickey
Great movie ride
Lightning McQueen & mater
Phineas & ferb
Indiana jones
Snack
Star tours
Muppets
Toy story mania
Tower of terror 2x

We left DHS just before the fireworks, stopped at our resort to get into our room and were back at the MK by 11pm

Thanks for the info. You are very organized. I imagine that if we went to MK on July 4th those would be the rides we would do, too. Nothing that has a wait of more than 15-20 minutes. I am impatient, and my daughters are even more so. I have found that having an 8 year old and a 3 year old is not very conducive to a relaxing time waiting in line.

 

[kj2mom]

Thanks! I am curious what you got done at the parks during the week. We went last year in the middle of July and the crowds were not nearly as bad as I expected. In fact, it was more crowded for our September trip than for our July trip last year. In July we joked that our longest wait was for the bathroom right before Illuminations.

Since my older daughter and I have APs, it is not that big of a deal if we don't get much accomplished, but we still don't like fighting our way through walkways or waiting for 20 minutes to get a QuickService meal. Also, my younger daughter does not have an AP since she turned 3 after we bought them, so we will have to buy her a ticket and I don't know that I want to purchase more than a 2 day ticket for her or so. I would like for her to see and do as much as possible in the parks for a couple of days.

My friend made me a scrapbook with all of my updates....once the kids are in bed tonight I will give you a rundown of what we did. I don't remember fighting through crowds but I am the kind of person who intentionally tries to do everything against the grain. Sometimes I think my mind is programmed to think about what everyone else will do and do the opposite (this is not just Disney but pretty much everything in life). I will be back tonight but for now I have to run home, feed the kids real quick then head out to a band concert.

 

[kj2mom]

Have a few minutes;

Saturday, July 4 Magic Kingdom

Peter Pan
Small World
Haunted Mansion
Big Thunder Mountain
Jungle Cruise
Buzz Light year ride
Tinkerbell meet and greet
Stitch's Great Escape
Carousel of Progress
Lunch at The Plaza
Festival of Fantasy Parade
Splash Mountain
Met Woody
Mine Train
Space Mountain
Met Buzz
Mickey's Philharmagic
4th of July fireworks
Cosmic Rays
Electrical Parade
Celebrate the Magic

Sunday, July 5 Epcot
Test Track
Mission Space
Spaceship Earth
Nemo&Friends
Turtle Talk
Lots of time looking at manatee
Soarin
Living with the land
Lunch at Seasons
Walked through the countries
Rode Mexico ride
Dinner at Electric Umbrella
Shopped
Illuminations

Monday July 6 HS

Rockin Roller Coaster
Tower of Terror
Star Tours
Frozen processional
Indiana Jones
Frozen sing a long
Lights Motor Action
Toy Story Mania
Meal at Sci Fi
Beauty and the Beast
Muppets 3D
Great Movie Ride
Shopping
Frozen fireworks
Fantasmic!

Tuesday July 7 Animal Kingdom

Expedition Everest twice
Primieval Whirl
Safari
Rafiki's Planet
Lun at Pizzafari
Festival of Lion King
Memo musical
Dinosaur
Expedition Everest
Jungle Trek
Kali River Rapids
Then we went back because we were having company

Thursday back to MK

Chef Mickey first
Met Stitch
Buzz light year ride
Monster's inc.
Laugh Floor
People Mover
Space Mountain
Mickey's Philmargic
Lunch at Be Our Guest
Splash Mountain
Country Bear Jamboree
Tiki Room
Met Tink
Carousel
Dinner at Cosmic Rays
Winnie the Pooh
Under the Sea
electrical parade
Celebrate the Magic
Wishes
Space Mountain
Mine train


Sorry for any typos no time to proof read, hopefully it all makes sense!

 

[cindyfan]

We've been to WDW several times over July 4th holiday. The crowds are manageable. Just prepare for them
So, some things to consider: this year the 4th is on a Monday so a lot of people will take that week off work vs. the previous week or week after since they get the holiday off anyway. Beginning around July 6th is when all the Brazilian tour groups show up!!! So, I don't think there will be any difference in crowd size between July 2-8 or July 9-13 but I would go 2-8 simply to avoid all the tour groups!!!

 

[kj2mom]

Just thought of something that I thought was a bit unusual and was not prepared for....I have read many, many times about the mass exodus of people after Wishes in MK. Our last night we enjoyed Wishes and CTM from the Wishes FP area then decided to head to Tomorrowland to ride Space one more time. The crowd of people heading to Tomorrowland was immense! The line for Space was very long, my children wanted to do it because all of the other times we rode we had FP so they didn't get to play the games in the line. Let me just say by the time we got on the ride my children realized just how great it was to have FP even if you don't get to play all the games! We got two rides in, Space and 7DMT, after Wishes and before closing. I didn't think that was very good considering it was supposed to be a low crowd/line time. Anyway, who knows if it was like that other nights or just that one night we were doing it (Thursday) but it really took me by surprise and thought I would share! We still had fun and were glad to end our vacation with those 2 rides but wanted to share our experience because I do think realistic expectations are a key to a great trip during a peak holiday time!

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

Just thought of something that I thought was a bit unusual and was not prepared for....I have read many, many times about the mass exodus of people after Wishes in MK. Our last night we enjoyed Wishes and CTM from the Wishes FP area then decided to head to Tomorrowland to ride Space one more time. The crowd of people heading to Tomorrowland was immense! The line for Space was very long, my children wanted to do it because all of the other times we rode we had FP so they didn't get to play the games in the line. Let me just say by the time we got on the ride my children realized just how great it was to have FP even if you don't get to play all the games! We got two rides in, Space and 7DMT, after Wishes and before closing. I didn't think that was very good considering it was supposed to be a low crowd/line time. Anyway, who knows if it was like that other nights or just that one night we were doing it (Thursday) but it really took me by surprise and thought I would share! We still had fun and were glad to end our vacation with those 2 rides but wanted to share our experience because I do think realistic expectations are a key to a great trip during a peak holiday time!

Thanks so much for all of your help and suggestions. What an extensive attraction list! I appreciate your taking the time to post it. Looks like you got in a large number of things. Seems like the biggest factor at this point might be the availability of room discounts. I think I would be fine going over the holiday as long as it is relatively the same cost as going sometime around the holiday.

The only thing my DD has ever wanted to do after the frieworks is eat, so we don't usually ride after fireworks. She is asleep by 9:30 most nights, so as much as she likes the idea of staying late and riding, her little body and mind just typically can't handle it.

We are leaving tomorrow for our winter break and from what I have read, it will be a very busy week due to Valentine's day, President's Week, and some sort of marathon or other at the end of the week. I know we can always expect crowds at Disney, but that doesn't stop me from heavily researching and planning to try to avoid the worst of it.

Thanks again!

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

We've been to WDW several times over July 4th holiday. The crowds are manageable. Just prepare for them
So, some things to consider: this year the 4th is on a Monday so a lot of people will take that week off work vs. the previous week or week after since they get the holiday off anyway. Beginning around July 6th is when all the Brazilian tour groups show up!!! So, I don't think there will be any difference in crowd size between July 2-8 or July 9-13 but I would go 2-8 simply to avoid all the tour groups!!!

Thanks! I considered that. We went mid-July last year and the tour groups were there in full force. We had a few mild annoyances due to the groups, but the overall park crowd levels were quite low compared to our September trip. I think maybe a lot of people avoid that time due to the groups, which makes that time not as crowded. We heard more Spanish and Portuguese than English. I would not mind going again when the groups are there if the crowd levels are lower. Our trip last year may have been an anomaly, but we had an awesome overall trip and little wait time.

It probably will come down to room rates for those times. Disney does their research extensively, and I can probably count on room rates being lower in the times when the crowds will be lower. AKL last July was a bargain for the week we went, and that matched crowd levels.