*First Time to WDW* Crowds? Lines? Wait?

[disneyfanforever]

:mickey: My family has been to Disneyland in California many times in the summer months, what are the crowds like at WDW compared to DL during the end of July? How long are waits with fast passes? We use fast passes in DL and they work great for the lines. Just wonderin!!! THANKS:thumbsup:

[Jasper]

It will be extremely crowded, very hot and very humid!! To get a fastpass that time of year you need to get to the park early because it is not unusual for them all to be gone by 10 or 11 in the morning. As for your actual wait with a fastpass, I would say 45-60 minutes is a good average(it depends a lot on the attraction you are speaking of.) Now before you panic, you have to realize that regular lines are commonly 90 minutes at this time of year.

Frankly, assuming that you are from an area of the country that doesn't get terribly humid, I would worry more about that than I would about crowds or wait times. I have been to Downtown Disney at Disneyland twice in past years in late July and even though it was just as hot as in Florida, the winds from the ocean kept the humidity down to a very bearable level. You don't get that in Florida. Remember, Disneyworld was built in a swamp!!

:offtopic: Yes, for those of you who noticed, I did say I was at Downtown Disney twice and have still never made it into Disneyland:mad: :mad: . Both times I was there I was on business and even though I had free time and could have gone, my wife made it clear she would divorce me if I went without her!!

[Lynn J Mc]

It will be crowded and it will be hot. Be prepared to take breaks during the middle of the day. Take it slow and have fun. Fastpass everything you can. Those are life savers. The Epcot and MGM rides have more covered and air conditioned wait areas than the Magic Kingdom. Animal Kingdom is just plain hot every where.

[disneyfanforever]

It will be extremely crowded, very hot and very humid!! To get a fastpass that time of year you need to get to the park early because it is not unusual for them all to be gone by 10 or 11 in the morning. As for your actual wait with a fastpass, I would say 45-60 minutes is a good average(it depends a lot on the attraction you are speaking of.) Now before you panic, you have to realize that regular lines are commonly 90 minutes at this time of year.

Frankly, assuming that you are from an area of the country that doesn't get terribly humid, I would worry more about that than I would about crowds or wait times. I have been to Downtown Disney at Disneyland twice in past years in late July and even though it was just as hot as in Florida, the winds from the ocean kept the humidity down to a very bearable level. You don't get that in Florida. Remember, Disneyworld was built in a swamp!!

So, after reading this......i don't know if it will be any fun. :confused:

[wendy*darling]

So, after reading this......i don't know if it will be any fun. :confused:
Oh... it will be fun! :mickey:
No question about it.
But I do think you need to consider the weather and plan for it. Disneyland is more of a "day trip" kind of place. WDW is an immersive vacation destination.
The great thing about the summer months is that the hours are longer. You can plan to be at the parks when they open, stay for a couple of hours- head back to your Disney Resort for lunch, pool time and a rest. And then go back in the evening when it's not quite so hot.
If you do stay in the parks all day- make sure you mix it up with AC attractions and outside attractions. I'd also spend some time having a leisurely TS lunch someplace fun- it's a great break in the heat of the day.
Drink lots of water.

Be prepared...Don't be afraid... it will be fun! :thumbsup:

[Mickspal]

Jasper did make it sound horrid. I have been to both parks at all times of the year. I grew up in Southern California and later spent 15 years in Florida. I would say that the lines are about the same at both parks. It is true that Florida is very humid, but you will be taking advantage of the air-conditioned areas. I would say not to try to do everything. Take your time and enjoy. Then come back and see more. The big difference between DL and WDW is that WDW is huge. There is lots of space between the various theme parks and resorts. Be sure to take time to enjoy all of it. Stop to see some of the resorts--they are spectacular. Plan to get wet at your resort pool or one of the water parks. If your goal is to see every attraction in the theme park in one day, then I agree with Jasper, the heat and humidity will leave you totally worn out and miserable. But if you take it easy and enjoy what you are doing at the moment you will have a great time.

[Jasper]

Sorry, didn't realize it sounded so bad. As others have already filled in around the edges of my comments with, it is not a matter of staying away, it is a matter of being prepared. If you go in with accurate expectations and do what needs to be done to handle both the crowds and the weather, then you will certainly have a great time.

Having said that though, if you have the option to go at a slower, cooler time of year then I would certainly think about doing that.

[psychotekkie]

I went to the parks close to July 4th weekend TWO TIMES!!! I know.... crazy, but when summer holiday started, we just had to go as soon as possible.

We found it no problem at all, with some careful timing as well as fastpasses, misting fan bottles, and afternoon naps at the hotel.

Do some research into what areas/rides to do at what time of day, and what parks to do on what days of the week, and you will find the lineups much more bearable. Also get out there as early in the am as possible. There are such small lines at that time, that you don't even need a fastpass.

Stores are air conditioned as well, if you need a quick cool-down. Not to mention some very cool (pun intended) rides like Pirates of the Carribean.

At MK, first thing when you get into the gate, take the train around to Splash Mtn and Big Thunder Mtn, so you beat the crowds at these traditionally long-line rides.

And most importantly, remember it is a vacation. If you are wearing yourself down, take a break and relax. Just enjoy the magic that is Disney!

[Cinderelley]

I grew up on So. Cal., too with many trips to Disneyland. I haven't been to WDW in July, but I went in early-mid June. The lines at WDW were much shorter than DL. I was VERY pleasantly surprised. If you can switch your dates, you will have even more fun!!

[LoriMistress]

It will be crowded since you're going during peak times. I would suggest either becoming a member for the UnlimateGuide.com or TourGuideMike.com. They have many useful tips and advice to help plan your vacation.

[CarolinaWDWFan]

First of all, Jasper was a little harsh. I agree with everyone that says there are ways around the humidity and crowds with proper planning. Definitely break-up your day between morning and later afternoon. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated...this will help. Fast pass is your friend. Lines extend to things other than attractions, like counter service and sit-down restaurants, so eat outside of peak times or back at your resort.

I have been during the summer months and the off-peak time. During off-peak times, you can still run into challenges of wait time, shorter park hours and an overall staff reduction throughout WDW, which creates longer wait times, for example. You will get a lot out of your vacation and have a great time as long as you plan accordingly. Have an awesome time!:mickey:

[GrmGrninGost]

WDW is always fun!! Drink plenty and try to take a short break in the stores occaissionaly. We never leave the parks. Can't imagine leaving MK to go back to resort. The mister fans are great! AK is only area we have had much trouble with heat/humidity. We usually only go there for the highlights, especially during hot weather. Don't worry, you'll have a great time!!:mickey:

[Dakota Rose]

As a former Californian with lots of DL trips under my belt who once went to WDW over July 4th BEFORE Fast Passes, here's my advice:

1. Listen to folks who say prepare for the heat more than the crowds. They're right. The humidity can feel like a punch in the gut.

2. You WILL MOST CERTAINLY have fun! We had a blast and though I remember it being very crowded (on the 4th, they closed the entrance to MK. Those trying to get in were escorted in groups of 40-50 through backstage and right into Tomorrowland while the entrance was used as an exit), we had so much fun!

3. Do the things we don't have at DL first.

Remember it's WDW and have a GREAT time! :)

[indytraveler]

I went to the parks close to July 4th weekend TWO TIMES!!! I know.... crazy, but when summer holiday started, we just had to go as soon as possible.

We found it no problem at all, with some careful timing as well as fastpasses, misting fan bottles, and afternoon naps at the hotel.



This has been our normal time of year to go as well. Last 4 years we've been in the parks right after the fourth. We've also been in August. The lines are manageable. Utilize fastpass every chance you can. Example MK with Space Mountain. Make sure you get yours before noon at the latest. Peter Pan, Splash Mountain, BTMRR, Buzz, these are definite rides for the fastpass. To give an example of rides not having fastpass say Snow White, IASW could be anywhere from 30-45 min. (depending on what time of day you're there. We like to do MK in "reverse" so we hit rides when most people like to take a break back at their hotels.

Much like everything else... be prepared for hot humid days with afternoon THUNDER STORMS.

[disneyfanforever]

:blush: Thanks guys, I'm glad to hear there are ways to make the trip more bearable. I'm sooo very excited and i love intercot!!!:grouphug: it feels like a great big disney family!

[dumbo ears]

at the end of july crowds will be very bad, waits for the popular rides will almost never be under and hour, lines will be bad and fastpass and EMH will be the best way to take advantage of WDW.

[disneymom2000]

I have only been once in the summer. It was very different than September or October when I usually go. However, I broke down and bought one of those bottles that hold water and has a fan attached to it and wound up having a blast. The only thing - this was the only time I tried to get into Blizzard Beach and all four times we went (different days) they were all filled to capacity so I never got to try it. Have so much fun and welcome to Intercot.:rocks:

[Brooklynos]

I remember my first trip (5 years ago). My husband and I went for three June's in a row, we don't take midday breaks and our first few trips spent long hours in the parks. We had a blast, we wore comfortable clothes that we didn't mind sweating in and really enjoyed those air conditioned rides. Now we prefer Jan or Sept a little more. We have not had a trip that was anything other than outstanding yet. It's all a mind set, and when enough is enough for the day, don't feel bad. There is plenty to see for years to come.

[Pop Centurion]

I'm willing to bet that you'll be having so much fun that the heat won't be a factor. :mickey: Don't be discouraged by the heat or crowds. Just pace yourself and have fun. Like mentioned, take advantage of FP and EMH's.