WDW for 4th of July...

[DisneyFunFamily4]

Ok we are thinking we might go down to WDW for a few nights over the 4th of July weekend. It's either Disney or Washington DC. Our youngest daughter turns 8 Jul 1st so we want to do something that will be alot of fun for her. We know she would love disney, we can do an inexpensive trip by staying off site or value and driving down in the little car. Has anyone DOne WDW for the 4th? are we crazy? I think DC looks like it'll be a bit crazy too but it would be amazing to be there to watch the fireworks in our Nations capital. But I dont think my soon to be 8 year old would totally appreciate it yet. Maybe next year on the DC thing? but I just dont know. any advise? Thanks

[Drince88]

It is going to be hot, crowded, hot and crowded.

In the past, they've done the 4th of July fireworks for a few days, so definitely consider that.

I think disnut8 has gone to WDW for a lot of different holidays - I'd check for her trip reports to get an idea.

I know I'd want to be taking breaks in AC - for a light meal - and you're probably pushing up against that availability. Definitely consider the hotels for breaks - but you may run into issues with hours of operation with that (a lot of the hotel restaurants aren't open for lunch). Don't plan on a huge eating trip, though. The heat and humidity and crowds are big appetite zappers. And you already know to stay well well hydrated.

[DisneyFunFamily4]

Thanks, It would not a storm the park kind trip. we'd sleep in, go to the pool and try and take advantage of any EMH in the evening if we stay onsite. The heat, the humidity and the drive are what is making us hesitate, we're gonna sleep on in and then decided. I ate way to much on the last trip, way to much.... NO dining plan ever again.... That was just SO much food, I think our TiW card is the way to go! Three pieces of cake with lunch does not sound refreshing on a hot summer day! LOL!

[petesimac]

It's really not that big a deal. Our last trip in 2009 had July 4th as one of our days, and all you have to do is avoid the Magic Kingdom that day. We hit Animal Kingdom instead, and it was not crowded at all. Hot? Yes, but not crowded. And bonus, go to the Magic Kingdom on the 3rd and you'll see a rehearsal of the July 4th fireworks! Don't let it scare you away.

[GusMan]

Thanks, It would not a storm the park kind trip. we'd sleep in, go to the pool and try and take advantage of any EMH in the evening if we stay onsite.

Personally, Im somewhat torn on this because getting their early, you feel it get hotter while in the evening, it seems like it does not cool down as fast. Although, not having the sun blaze down on you does make a big difference. But generous utilization of pools and water parks is a must.

The recent Parenting in the Parks article does address how to deal with the heat and the elements. Its a good read.

[disnut8]

Been to both on July 4th and I get the feeling that you don't want to really get into the "big stuff". You don't have to do that at Disney World. I can tell you the one July 4th we attempted (notice attempted) to do in DC was a lesson learned. The Mall was insane, your best bet of bathrooms would be the Job Johnnies along the Mall (not a great view, in my opinion) and even at 11:00 in the morning, they were mobbed. Security is there but people can bring their own alcohol so it's tough to police and if the enforcement starts, well, it can get ugly quite fast. Plus, getting out of DC after the fireworks isn't all that great.

On the plus side, Metro is free for the day and there's plenty of room for everyone.

At Disney, we've gone for every Fourth of July where there's been a three day weekend. There's tons of patriotism (try doing Magic Kingdom for the Hall of Presidents and then jump over to Epcot for The American Adventure and throw in some of the Fife and Drum Corp and wow!). You couldn't pay me to go near Magic Kingdom but Epcot's Illuminations will have a special tag to it and if you plan it, you can escape via the International Gateway and catch a cab from the Boardwalk back to your hotel after. It'll cost you extra but well worth the time spent with the crowds exiting.

I'm not sure if the Studios will be doing any sort of fireworks but you can catch those on the walkway between the Studios and the Boardwalk and then do the cab thing from the Boardwalk after that.

Will there be intoxicated people? Probably. But it's not going to be like in DC.

I LOVE DC and love going back there whenever I can. But for the OP, I think Disney World is actually going to be calmer.

[tappenfeat]

Touring Plans lists the crowd level a 10 out of 10 on the 4th of July. And yes, avoid the Magic Kingdom that day. If you are looking for accurate crowd levels and where to head on the 4th of July, I highly recommend Touring Plans. It's a great website with many helpful tips.

Non-subscribers will be able to see about 30 days worth of crowd predictions. It's a wonderful tool!

[DisneyFunFamily4]

Thank you all for your input, I really appreciate it! I think we'll be surprising the girls with a trip to WDW for the 4th! whoo hooo! Now to see what we can get booked, between our DVC and Disney's military rates I think we can get something. i know all the DVC resorts are all booked on the 3rd but I think we might just do a bit of resort hopping. Better go and call Disney.

Personally, Im somewhat torn on this because getting their early, you feel it get hotter while in the evening, it seems like it does not cool down as fast. Although, not having the sun blaze down on you does make a big difference. But generous utilization of pools and water parks is a must.

The recent Parenting in the Parks article does address how to deal with the heat and the elements. Its a good read.

Thank you gusman, that article has some great tips. The pool will play a definite factor in where we stay.

Been to both on July 4th and I get the feeling that you don't want to really get into the "big stuff". You don't have to do that at Disney World. I can tell you the one July 4th we attempted (notice attempted) to do in DC was a lesson learned. The Mall was insane, your best bet of bathrooms would be the Job Johnnies along the Mall (not a great view, in my opinion) and even at 11:00 in the morning, they were mobbed. Security is there but people can bring their own alcohol so it's tough to police and if the enforcement starts, well, it can get ugly quite fast. Plus, getting out of DC after the fireworks isn't all that great.

On the plus side, Metro is free for the day and there's plenty of room for everyone.

At Disney, we've gone for every Fourth of July where there's been a three day weekend. There's tons of patriotism (try doing Magic Kingdom for the Hall of Presidents and then jump over to Epcot for The American Adventure and throw in some of the Fife and Drum Corp and wow!). You couldn't pay me to go near Magic Kingdom but Epcot's Illuminations will have a special tag to it and if you plan it, you can escape via the International Gateway and catch a cab from the Boardwalk back to your hotel after. It'll cost you extra but well worth the time spent with the crowds exiting.

I'm not sure if the Studios will be doing any sort of fireworks but you can catch those on the walkway between the Studios and the Boardwalk and then do the cab thing from the Boardwalk after that.

Will there be intoxicated people? Probably. But it's not going to be like in DC.

I LOVE DC and love going back there whenever I can. But for the OP, I think Disney World is actually going to be calmer.

Ok, you talked me in to WDW! The Mall and DC sounds crazy for the 4th and I dont think that would be DD's idea of a fun b-day! And I love your idea of doing the Hall of Presiedents and then hopping over to Epcot and American Adventure.

Touring Plans lists the crowd level a 10 out of 10 on the 4th of July. And yes, avoid the Magic Kingdom that day. If you are looking for accurate crowd levels and where to head on the 4th of July, I highly recommend Touring Plans. It's a great website with many helpful tips.

Non-subscribers will be able to see about 30 days worth of crowd predictions. It's a wonderful tool!

I do have a subscription, I forgot to check that out, thanks for the reminder.

[Goodnplenty]

DFF4, I think you will have a great time at WDW. I'm a FL native and avoid theme parks like the plague on holidays. But that being said, you can have a real blast on the 4th. You know the "drink water, take breaks" stuff but here are some other ideas. Don't forget that there are 3 mini golf courses to play. DisneyQuest at DTD is all inside, all air conditioned. And there's now dining at the DTD movie theatres. If you feel the need to escape the masses, just try one of these fun things. You are going to have a wonderful time.

Wishing you lots of magic,
GnP

[petesimac]

DFF4, I think you will have a great time at WDW. I'm a FL native and avoid theme parks like the plague on holidays. But that being said, you can have a real blast on the 4th. You know the "drink water, take breaks" stuff but here are some other ideas. Don't forget that there are 3 mini golf courses to play. DisneyQuest at DTD is all inside, all air conditioned. And there's now dining at the DTD movie theatres. If you feel the need to escape the masses, just try one of these fun things. You are going to have a wonderful time.

Wishing you lots of magic,
GnP

Fantasia Fairways across from the Dolphin/Swan; the BEST miniature golf course in the world, full stop (I love that British saying ).

[mickeymom5]

Last year, we arrived early on the morning of July 5th at the Beach Club. We spent the entire day at Stormalong Bay and the evening at Downtown Disney. The pool was not that crowded and DTD was not that bad either. For the next four days, we were at the parks all day. We have been in August, April and January. I definitely think the crowds were bigger than we have ever experienced, but since we were experienced WDW visitors we knew how to handle it. We made use of fast passes, and soaked up the AC whenever we could. The only time I really got frustrated was the last night we were there and we decided to stay for MK's fireworks and ELP. Way too many sweaty rude strangers in my personal space! I think you will do fine, since you are going in with a laid-back Disney veteran approach!
I think enjoying some activities that the resorts offer is a great idea! It is 96 degrees at my house right now and I am thinking it sure would be good to be enjoying a Dole Whip at the Polynesian right about now! Have a great time! What a great trip for your daughter's birthday!

[bochnikm]

Looks like you made up your mind. Have a great time.

We went in 2009 and July 4th was a Saturday. I was surprised that Magic Kingdom wasn’t overly crowded - at least in the first half of the day. Due to my mom’s scooter problem we didn’t stay all day and only two of us went back for the fireworks in the evening. It was crowded for the fireworks. But with only two people we lucked on a spot about an hour before the start. For the week I thought that the crowds were no where near as bad as I expected.

http://www.hras.org/tripreports/disn...disney2009.htm

[danyoung]

It is going to be hot, crowded, hot and crowded.

Nicely put. Did you mention hot?


Oh, and CROWDED!!!

[danyoung]

...we'd sleep in, go to the pool and try and take advantage of any EMH in the evening if we stay onsite.

As you probably know, I'm a big supporter of getting to the parks at rope drop. And that goes double for a busy time like around the 4th. Even during a packed time there are still quite a few people who just won't get up early on vacation, making that first couple of hours golden time for hitting attractions. I'd suggest doing the morning EMH, then splitting back to your hotel mid-day for a swim and a nap, and then go back into a park for the evening. You might also want to consider doing a non-evening EMH park for the late afternoon and then hopping over to the evening EMH park right at the regular closing time. That way you'll avoid the evening-EMH park's tendency to be totally overcrowded during the afternoon and evening hours.

Good luck, and stay cool!

[DisneyFunFamily4]

Nicely put. Did you mention hot?


Oh, and CROWDED!!!

DId someone say it would be HOT AND CROWDED? LOL! I'm not sure i caught that! haha good catch dan, you are the typo police, that's for sure!

As you probably know, I'm a big supporter of getting to the parks at rope drop. And that goes double for a busy time like around the 4th. Even during a packed time there are still quite a few people who just won't get up early on vacation, making that first couple of hours golden time for hitting attractions. I'd suggest doing the morning EMH, then splitting back to your hotel mid-day for a swim and a nap, and then go back into a park for the evening. You might also want to consider doing a non-evening EMH park for the late afternoon and then hopping over to the evening EMH park right at the regular closing time. That way you'll avoid the evening-EMH park's tendency to be totally overcrowded during the afternoon and evening hours.

Good luck, and stay cool!

we are rope drop people too since we can get so much done in that few hours. I like your idea of a non EMH park for the later afternoon since I know MK seems to get really crowded before about 11pm and then seems to clear out after that after fireworks. We've finally gotten to the point that our girls can close the parks, we've been till 130am and that was going hard all day from 7am, but we are determined to be on that last monorail leaving at 3 or 4am. I think with a proper nap, swim, rest we can achieve our goal!

[DisneyFunFamily4]

Looks like you made up your mind. Have a great time.

We went in 2009 and July 4th was a Saturday. I was surprised that Magic Kingdom wasn’t overly crowded - at least in the first half of the day. Due to my mom’s scooter problem we didn’t stay all day and only two of us went back for the fireworks in the evening. It was crowded for the fireworks. But with only two people we lucked on a spot about an hour before the start. For the week I thought that the crowds were no where near as bad as I expected.

http://www.hras.org/tripreports/disn...disney2009.htm

THanks for sharing your trip report! I love TR's with pics! sounds like you had a wonderful time!

[danyoung]

DId someone say it would be HOT AND CROWDED? LOL! I'm not sure i caught that! haha good catch dan, you are the typo police, that's for sure!

Umm, I actually don't think there was a typo this time - I was just tagging on to Drince's fun!

[fairestoneofall]

Been to both on July 4th and I get the feeling that you don't want to really get into the "big stuff". You don't have to do that at Disney World. I can tell you the one July 4th we attempted (notice attempted) to do in DC was a lesson learned. The Mall was insane, your best bet of bathrooms would be the Job Johnnies along the Mall (not a great view, in my opinion) and even at 11:00 in the morning, they were mobbed. Security is there but people can bring their own alcohol so it's tough to police and if the enforcement starts, well, it can get ugly quite fast. Plus, getting out of DC after the fireworks isn't all that great.


I LOVE DC and love going back there whenever I can. But for the OP, I think Disney World is actually going to be calmer.

Wow! Sorry you had such a negative experience. I have always regarded my 4th in DC as the best 4th of July I've ever had. And, no, I wasn't drunk. As with any major holiday event it requires planning. We made it to the mail at 8am and set up out claim. We took turns taking off to museums all day. Oh, and the fireworks were out of this world. Hands down the most patriotic holiday ever! My DH and two others we went with that day were active duty military ( as is OP's awesome DH) so maybe it gave us extra appreciation. It was also pre 9/11 so maybe things have changed.

DFF4- I know your mind is made up and your trip is planned, but I do hope you can experience a patriotic holiday on the mall while you are back there. You will not regret it, nor will you ever forget it! Have a super time at the world!