4TH of July Crowds...any chance the park will close due to crowd capacity?

[13*Minute*Wait]

Hi all,

We've never been to Disney for the 4th of July, but are going down from the 4th through the 7th this year.
Upon arriving on the 4th, we'd planned on going to one of the parks for awhile, then leave to check into our hotel and rest, before heading out to the Magic Kingdom for the evening.

I've heard of the Magic Kingdom closing due to crowd capacity limits on New Year's Day and Christmas. Now I'm worried that if we leave to check into the hotel, that we're taking a chance on the park being closed and not being able to get in to watch the fireworks.

Anyone with experience know if the Magic Kingdom generally reaches crowd capacity on the 4th? If so, maybe we should just go to that park and not leave.

Thank you for help!!

 

[Master Yoda]

It is quite common, but if you are staying at a Disney resort or have a dining reservation inside the park, you will be allowed in all the way up to a phase 4 closure, which are very rare.

The closure phases are detailed here.

https://www.wdwmagic.com/park-closing-phases.htm

 

[wendyphant]

We did it one year and the park did reach capacity - we were advised against park hopping as we would not be guaranteed re entry. Def make a reservation for food as we luckily did but even the quick service counters were swamped. The atmosphere was lovely but the crowds were busy x have a lovely time xx

 

[13*Minute*Wait]

Thanks for the replies and info. I booked us a dinner reservation at 4:00, hoping this would ensure us of being able to get into the park.

 

[LAKid53]

I visited 4th of July a few years ago. While crowded, I don't remember MK reaching capacity to the point of phased closing. But there will be lots of SA tour groups. It's winter break for them.

 

[NickMaio]

Hi all,

We've never been to Disney for the 4th of July, but are going down from the 4th through the 7th this year.
Upon arriving on the 4th, we'd planned on going to one of the parks for awhile, then leave to check into our hotel and rest, before heading out to the Magic Kingdom for the evening.

I've heard of the Magic Kingdom closing due to crowd capacity limits on New Year's Day and Christmas. Now I'm worried that if we leave to check into the hotel, that we're taking a chance on the park being closed and not being able to get in to watch the fireworks.

Anyone with experience know if the Magic Kingdom generally reaches crowd capacity on the 4th? If so, maybe we should just go to that park and not leave.

Thank you for help!!

We were there 4 years ago - the park closed to capacity at 10:30. They had a big sign at the entrance saying if you left you might not be able to come back in.
Get there early and plan to stay the day.

 

[John park hopper]

We were there 4 years ago - the park closed to capacity at 10:30. They had a big sign at the entrance saying if you left you might not be able to come back in.
Get there early and plan to stay the day.

At capacity how bad are the crowds is it like Times Square on New Years Eve?

 

[NickMaio]

When we went - it was totally like NY Times square on the Eve.
Shoulder to shoulder............super lines - - no fast passes by 2:00 for anything!
It was an experience to be sure - - - we will never forget it. The fireworks were worth it.

We take our time and putter around.....don't plan to get anywhere fast on that day.

Don't let me suade you please - - If you have never been - I think it's worth it to experience.
Just plan for bonkers and crowds - - get your dining reservations now.

Cheers

 

[Master Yoda]

At capacity how bad are the crowds is it like Times Square on New Years Eve?

 

[LAKid53]

Is this from the 4th? I was in MK in 2014 and don't remember it being that crowded. Just tour groups chanting and clapping and spoiling the holiday.

 

[Master Yoda]

Is this from the 4th? I was in MK in 2014 and don't remember it being that crowded. Just tour groups chanting and clapping and spoiling the holiday.

I am not sure, but it is somewhat close to every 4th of July I have seen save for the couple of years preceding 9/11.

 

[John park hopper]

OMG there is no way I could do that

 

[Master Yoda]

OMG there is no way I could do that

It is not too bad if you don't have kids in tow. We often elect to watch it from the TTC or the beach at the Poly. It is still a great view and you are not shoulder to shoulder with everyone.

 

[Dave B]

Thanks for the replies and info. I booked us a dinner reservation at 4:00, hoping this would ensure us of being able to get into the park.

Where at?

 

[DocAlan02]

I just came here to ask the same question. We will be at MK on the 4th, but have a dinner reservation for Artist Point at 6:00. It never occurred to me that we might not be able to get back in.

 

[13*Minute*Wait]

Where at?

We made ours at the Skipper Canteen around 4:00. Never eaten there, and was one of the few available late afternoon. I didn't want to have too late of a reservation, and risk not having enough time to be able to get a decent spot to watch the fireworks. Hope its good.