Tips for traveling in July, with a teen?

[quackmar]

Long time reader, first time poster. Hello!

I've finally booked a trip for July 21-28, staying at POR with just my 14yo brother. It's our first summer trip (usually have gone in May or October) so we are trying to prepare for the crowds/heat. I know ideally we should plan to get to the parks as early as possible but.... I have a feeling that a 14 year old's idea of as early as possible probably isn't the same as mine. Maybe he'll be up early on the trip, but if not- what are some alternative park strategies that don't involve rope drops?

 

[polynesiangirl]

If there are late Extra Magic Hours, take advantage of those. We always stayed in the parks as late at night as possible when we went as teenagers/early 20s.

 

[HollyAD]

There are extra magic hours that week. We will be there the same week actually and I have checked and noticed that MK had hours as late as 1am and 2am for extra magic hours. I believe HS has some late hours as well. I love the late hours because I am on a night shift schedule normally. I will drag myself out of bed to beat the crowds in the AM but I would rather stay up late!

 

[ratherbeinwdw]

Long time reader, first time poster. Hello!

I've finally booked a trip for July 21-28, staying at POR with just my 14yo brother. It's our first summer trip (usually have gone in May or October) so we are trying to prepare for the crowds/heat. I know ideally we should plan to get to the parks as early as possible but.... I have a feeling that a 14 year old's idea of as early as possible probably isn't the same as mine. Maybe he'll be up early on the trip, but if not- what are some alternative park strategies that don't involve rope drops?

I can't stress enough how important morning EMHs are during crowded times.
One day of waiting in the heat will probably convince him to be up and at the parks bright and early.
Late hours can still be very crowded at that time especially since they cut an hour off of late EMHs. We were always able to get on rides the last of the 3 hour late hours, but the two hour ones have not been walk on lately.
The rain helped us a lot during the first week of April, which was the last of the really bad crowd weeks for Spring Break. It was also pretty cold, so the rain suits kept us dry and warm. The suits can be very hot, but if you remove as soon as you get to cover, it isn't so bad. It's much better than being soaking wet in those cold buildings.

 

[KLeigh]

If you're able to convince him to be at the park for rope drop, take a break during the hottest part of the day and go back to your resort for a swim and get out of the heat for a bit. Then head back to the park in the late afternoon and stay until close!

 

[ImagineerDude]

EMH can be a lifesaver during the summer. Anywhere before 12pm and after the fireworks will be great times to visit. We got more done from 9am-1pm than we did from 2pm-9pm in MK one summer day. It can get crazy hot and crowded. I'm a night owl and a teen but when it comes to Disney I'm the first one up! Excitement will get you going. I'd also suggest midday breaks to the pool or naps back at the resort. And if you will stay in the parks eat lunch while the lunch lines are short, and while the ride lines (Space Mountain, Soarin, TSMM at 2+ hours) are long in the afternoon hours when the sun is blazing! Don't forget sunscreen! I should listen to my own advice there too

 

[itsbetsyh]

maybe do the pool all day and parks in the evening.

 

[lunchbox1175]

Welcome to the site!! He may not sleep as much as you think. My 13 year old DD sleeps like a champ on the weekends and usually isn't up until at least 10, but when we are on vacation, she is up and ready to go for rope drop every time.