Day in Magic Kingdom in July - HELP!

[Madison Kozlowski]

Hi everyone,
I have a question about my trip to WDW in July and I wanted to ask the pros on this forum for some help! Let me explain...

My family will be spending a week in Bradenton, Florida and during that time myself, my mom, and my boyfriends mom are all taking a day trip to the Magic Kingdom on Wednesday, July 15th. This is my mom's first time going to WDW and Magic Kingdom but myself and my boyfriends mom have both been there before. The drive to MK is about 2 hours from the beach house. Should we wake up early, make the 2 hour drive and arrive at rope drop (or as close to it as possible), or arrive at the park around 9 or 10ish and stay until the park closes, which on that day is 12. What do you think? I have heard that sometimes the parks reach maximum capacity and am not sure how often or fast this happens. Any suggestions and recommendations would be much appreciated! We are able and willing to do either option, but are not sure which is best to get the most of our experience and do as many things as possible. Thanks in advance!

 

[Hakunamatata]

Unless that is a day that historically closes due to capacity you are probably ok. I like staying late because it's cooler and people tend to exit after fireworks.

 

[Madison Kozlowski]

The park is highly unlikely to reach maximum capacity on 7/15. That only happens around major holidays.

I would be there for Rope drop. July is crowded, and you will want to beat some of that crowd, especially if you don't have FP before entering the park.

How early do you usually have to get there to be able to see the Welcome Show and be with the first crowd that gets into the park? Do you know?

 

[DisDadWoz]

Is there another day you want to go to MK? That may be a better option than trying to get everyone in the car, driving over and then trying to be there for rope drop.

 

[Madison Kozlowski]

Is there another day you want to go to MK? That may be a better option than trying to get everyone in the car, driving over and then trying to be there for rope drop.

Not exactly... this is really our only option! I don't think the drive will be too much of a hassle. I forgot to mention we have booked a hotel room for the night of July 15 into 16. So maybe staying later is a better option - this is why I can't make up my mind!

 

[Tuvalu]

How early do you usually have to get there to be able to see the Welcome Show and be with the first crowd that gets into the park? Do you know?

You'll want to arrive at the MK toll plaza no later than 1 hour prior to park opening. This will give you time to park, take the tram to the TTC and then either the ferry or monorail to MK. The Welcome Show can begin as early as 20 minutes prior to posted park opening time.