Planning a Trip to WDW, July 2009 About This Page:

[mahons99]

My wonderful dh told me yesterday that he would love to head back to WDW. Our first trip was this past August and we had a blast. It was definitely warm, but my dd (7) and ds (4) loved it! Everytime they see a WDW commercial they go crazy. We would go back sooner if we could but I'm expecting at the end of May, so we figure the next best bet would be to head back to WDW next summer (I work as an Occupational Therapist in the school system, so I get my summers off). I like the idea of going in July because my ds has his birthday on July 4th and my dh's is exactly a week later. Can anyone give me the pros and cons of traveling during that time frame?
Everyone on these boards was so helpful last time I was planning our trip! TIA!

Heather

[Tonichelle]

July is so unbearably hot in FL I'd avoid it like the plague... I can't think of a single pro... it's hot, humid, and the crowds ... just ain't worth it to me!

[wdwlovers]

Welcome Heather! What a nice hubby to say, let's go back. That's great! July is going to be busy and hot. Are you able to go early June or even end of August? You'd still encounter warm weather, but the crowds would be less than July.

And congrats on your you upcoming arrival!

[jhoshowski]

I'm with Denise. All summer will be hot, but July will be hot and VERY busy. I would try to go very early June or very late August. Good luck!

[j4crew]

&

How exciting!! Congrats on your little one coming!!


Sorry I don't know much about July, but we always go the 1st week in June and it's great! Not unbearable at all and crowds are managable!

Have fun planning!!!

[jimmymac]

Very hot, very humid, very crowded and there are frequent heavy thundershowers in the afternoon. But if that's the time you're going to go, plan daily pool breaks and take advantage of EMH as much as possible. Good luck and have fun planning

[sheryll1974]

July is hot and busy, but that is how it is in the summer. It is great the your DH suggested that y'all go back. Start planning!!!!!!!!!!!

[christiejay]

Sorry, this is in no particular order, I'm a big-time rambler

Our trip this summer will be our third time to visit during the July 4th week. The time before that we went in the middle of August. To me, there wasn't that much difference in the weather, although the crowds were much lighter in August since so many schools down here are already back in session. If your school starts back late in August, the crowds would be better then. But the weather will be comparable.

We go that week because of my husband's work schedule. So we just simply make the best of the situation. We hit the parks early and do the most popular stuff first and have an early lunch. This keeps us ahead of the crowds at both the attractions and the restaurants. At some point in the afternoon we take a break. Then we go back to the parks in the evening for more rides and entertainment like fireworks and parades. A good plan, regardless of how much or how little is on that plan, is your best friend during the most crowded times.

If your family has 2 birthdays in July, you could turn that into a big pro for your trip. Plan a special meal or activity for each of them. It wouldn't necessarily have to be on their actual birthday, you could designate an honorary birthday day to celebrate. And if you'll be in the parks on those days, be sure to pick up a birthday button from guest relations.

Watch out for higher prices all around during the holidays, from airfare and lodging to the price of the buffets.

The parks put on special July 4 fireworks presentations.

If you're into pin collecting like me, they issue limited edition July 4 pins for each of the parks, as well as one or two general designs that are also limited editions. Plus lots of other patriotic design pins that are general release and a little cheaper. One year I picked up character beanies that were dressed as a fife-and-drum corp. One year we stayed at Fort Wilderness and they had a parade of bikes and golf carts through the resort, with prizes given for the best decorated vehicles. Don't know if they still do that.

Good luck making your decision.

[mahons99]

Thanks so much for all the replies. I was concerned about the crowds and the heat in July. I just was thinking about how fun it would be for my dh and ds to celebrate their birthdays at WDW. When we went this past August, we got back right before I returned to work for the new school year. It definitely had its pros and cons....we had all summer to build up to our trip, but then I had to go right back to work when we returned. All in all it was a blast and I would do it again. We stayed at the CSR while there was a huge convention going on, so the buses were never busy. We also got to go to the Pirate and Princess Party which was amazing. We will probably try for early June or late August of 2009. The heat I can tolerate, especially when we take breaks, but the crowds I can definitely do without.....Thanks again for all the great information!

Heather

[Happy _Disney_Family]

We are heading to WDW in July this year for 10 days. Late July though so we miss the 4th crowds.

But I know it will be crowded and hot.

We have done July before and didn't have any problems because we went with a plan and always took afternoon breaks. As long as you don't try to do everything and rush, rush, rush then I think July is fine.

I also highly recommend checking out Tour Guide Mike (tourguidemike.com) for planning, he has some really great advice you do have to pay $20 but it is worth every penny, especially during really busy seasons.

Good Luck and Enjoy!

[Tonichelle]

I think June would be good for you, we went the early middle part of the month last year and the crowds weren't that bad and the heat was bearable...

[mcc0313]

We are going the end of June and leaving July 3rd...we have a lot of breaks, getting to the parks early, breaks in the afternoon and then enjoying the evening...

My kids don't mind the heat and neither do I and I really look at touring plans and TGM to get the best idea of what parks to go too...

I think if you plan ahead you should be ok....

[HollyH]

The weather will be similiar, but the crowds will be less in August. I have heard that the summer crowds peak around July 4th. It will also be cheaper, as resort rates fall to value season later in the summer. Check out the "season calendar" for the resort you plan on staying at. I know that the Value resorts go to value season later than the other categories. Airline prices also tend to be more expensive around the 4th of July.

Another idea.....why not celebrate the birthdays when you do go? Go ahead and get the birthday button for your DS. Instead of 5 years old, he'll be 5 years + 1 month.

[Colexis Mom]

It will be more crowded than August, but still just as hot! I think you can still have a great time