4th of July weekend crowd level

[NadieMasK2]

How crazy will it be? I have been over Christmas, when the lines were sooo long even for CS food that we just walked around - didn't ride a thing (or eat!). The line for Columbia Harbor House wound throughout the dining area, out the door and wayyy around the corner. Will it be that bad? Considering a quick trip for me and DH, doing a bunch of rides isn't paramount.

Thanks!

 

[NadieMasK2]

Also what is the best park for 4th fireworks? Is there a special display?

 

[Doombuggy13]

Went in 2007 durning the July 4th Holiday. It was PACKED! and UNBEARABLY HOT! Honestly, it was the biggest crowd at the Magic Kingdom I have ever seen in all my trips there. The fireworks were so crowded we had to watch from the Adventureland Bridge. However, the fireworks were incredible. Maybe other posters have had different experiences with July 4th but it traditionally is a very busy time. We have gone an Christmas time as well (Early Dec.)and found that to be a perfect time to go, short waits etc. Hopefully it won't be too bad this year. Have a great trip!

 

[NewfieFan]

Do you want to spend July 4th at MK or are you open to other parks? Epcot handles the crowds better (just b/c it's a bigger park).

 

[NadieMasK2]

Thanks for the input! Yeah early December is great! Dec. 24th - not so much. :lol:
I doesn't really matter which park we are at for fireworks. We're just looking to have a little getaway while our teenage daughter is on vacation with the grands. Heck we may not hardly go to the parks, maybe just hit a few favorite attractions but mostly relax at POR with the lava coladas free-flowing. :king:

 

[drossjr]

Totally agree with Doombuggy13, we went for the 4th in 2008 and it was insane!!!!!!!!!!! Never seen so much backed up traffic at the MK toll booth before, never again

 

[NadieMasK2]

Is the craziness pretty much just on the 4th? What about the days prior and after?

 

[LiveyMouse22]

Magic Kingdom crowd on Main Street on July 4th. The crowds are pretty crazy. Some of it seems to lessen a few days afterward but it is a very popular vacation holiday. It's manageable though if you plan out what you definitely want to see. :wave:
By the way, this is gathering before a parade so it looks extra crowded but it's still a ton of people! LOL!

 

[drossjr]

Is the craziness pretty much just on the 4th? What about the days prior and after?

We went for 9 days and July 4th 2008 was our last day, it was definatley busy the days leading up to the 4th not bad but each day closer got worse, July 3rd was pretty packed but the 4th was unreal, wound up spending the day at DTD and Boardwalk, really wanted to hit the MK that day but their was no way!

 

[kbmum]

Almost all of the trips I've taken to Disney World have centered around the 4th of July. What I've seen, year in and year out, is that you have to get to MK at park opening. You'll get a few hours to enjoy yourselves, but by about noon, it's time to head back to the hotel.

The fireworks are amazing! If you want to see them, but not deal with the crowds inside the park, you can walk over to the Contemporary and watch from the front of the hotel. Fireworks are shot from the park and from a small island in the Seven Seas Lagoon. The fireworks from both locations mirror each other. Another viewing spot is near the the bus area. You won't see all that much of what's going on in the park, but you'll have a great view of the lagoon.

 

[skippah]

I'm may be in the minority but the Magic Kingdom is one of my all-time favorite places to spend the 4th of July!! Yes, it's just a sea of people by the time the show starts but people are so into it and it's such a special show!!

We've found that you can hit most rides with a moderate wait up 'til about 2 in the afternoon. Then we shift to things that can handle a larger crowd or have an air-conditioned queue. Around 5:30, we use an ADR for a sit-down meal to refuel and recharge. After dinner, we stake out our spot and people-watch 'til the fireworks.

It's really a great time if you approach it with the right frame of mind...