So just how crowded IS July 4th?

[awallaceunc]

There's been a little talk on here about 4th of July week at Disney World. For those of you who have been there that week, would you mind telling me just how crowded it is in each of the parks? Insufferable, or not too bad?

-Aaron

 

[Vernonpush]

Anyone? My mother, sister and nephew are going for the first time (mother and sister) since 1971 that week (July3-11). They asked me for help in giving them tips for their vacation. Since I've never been there in the "peak" times I've been wondering what to tell the them as far a crowds, other than "packed".

 

[Atta83]

I was there last July 4th and the park was packed! It was amazing to see that many people, but while they were watching teh fireworks me and my friends were jumpin on rides and such, but this was only MK I dont know about the other parks..

 

[StevenT]

Last year we were up at WDW during the 4th of July. We had the Play 4 Day passes for Florida Residents, which have July 4th as a blackout date, so that day we went to Typhoon Lagoon. However the 2 days before and after the 4th we of course went to all the parks. The crowds were not too bad, and I have seen them alot worse. Although I'm sure it was really busy on the 4th, I think you'd be okay the days surrounding it.

 

[awallaceunc]

Thanks, everyone. This is really helpful, so keep it coming. I'm leaning towards making July 4th a MGM day and tackling the other parks on the surrounding days. So if anyone has been to MGM on 7/4, let me know (maybe it's a good sign if no one has :lol: ). But any experiences from this week are, of course, appreciated.

-Aaron

 

[pilka214]

i went last year on the 4th. i went to mk and it was packed. also went to ak on the same day. the firework show at mk is spectacular though and worth having to be in the crowds. (the best space is prbly right by the flag on main street, not the train station(you wont see all the fireworks))

 

[surfsupdon]

We went during the week of the 4th back in 2000. It was only unbearable for the day, or the weekend, and mostly only at MK. But that was part of the fun. And I dont mean unbearable unbearable, it was fun and we went on a whole bunch of stuff, regardless. We were dissappointed in the lack of decorations and celebrations for the 4th. American Adv at Epcot had nothing really, and Main Street and Liberty Square or anything were not decorated. I wanted flags and flowers everywhere, and patriotic music. I didn't get much of that. But a great vacation nonetheless.

The other parks seemed standard. Nothing horrible, just gotta stay ahead of the crowd.

Also, we took our grandparents that vacation, and they could do it, maneuvering through the people and not too flustered. The number one problem was the heat tho. But thats Florida.

 

[MagicalMonorail]

Ok, how is the week after July 4? We are going this year and we are nervous about the crowds.

And where would be the best place to watch the MK fireworks outside the park? We're thinking either Polynesian or Grand Floridian.

 

[awallaceunc]

Well 7/4 is on a Sunday this year, so when I refer to the 'week of July 4th,' I'm really talking about the week beginning with 7/4. I think that's when most employers are letting people off, but the fact that some will get off before and some will get off after should help (hopefully) to split the crowds into two weeks.

I was a bit worried bout crowds too, but you've all helped assuage those concerns, so thanks.

As for the fireworks, I've read that between the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian (somewhere on that trail, I guess) is a really good place to view the fireworks. I've never been to it before, though, so I don't know for sure.

Also, what about the California Grill in the Contemporary? Isn't it supposed to be a really good site for this? I'd suggest making Priority Seating pronto, though.

-Aaron

 

[Bill]

Best place to watch the 4th of July Fireworks would have to be in front of the Magic Kingdom between the boat docks and the monorail. Looking out over the lagoon. Not over the MK, over the lagoon. I have pics and a video if anyone wants to see. Personally, I'd spend the day boating, at the pool, or doing something else. Then just go at night. Then again, that's what APers do.

The Studios is a good bet, Sorcery in the Sky is my all time fav. fireworks show. Heck, until Believe & Wishes, there was nothing like it.

And speaking of which, expect an all new 4th of July show at MK this year, parts of Wishes should be added...:lookaroun

 

[iluvstitch]

I went to MGM this past July 6th and everything was a walk on, even TOT. We went to the MK on July 7th and it was super crowded. Splash, SM, BTMRR were all at least 2 hour waits. We still had a fun time, though. -Stephanie

 

[imagineer99]

My last trip to WDW was on July 4th of last year.

I went to EPCOT that day. It was crowded, but my no means unbearable. I even got to ride Mission:Space !