In the summertime when the weather is high, you can stretch right up and touch the sky.  -Mungo Jerry

Here we are in July, folks and that red-hot calendar speaks volumes about what it’s like in Disney World this month in more ways than one.  We’ve got lots of people and high temps and thick humidity and the growing possibility of afternoon thundershowers (though we’ll see lots more of those in August).  But we’ve also got summer savings deals, extended park hours, extra parades and fireworks and beautiful pools!  I can help you make your July vacation both magical and memorable!

Crowd Levels & Special Events

Crowds this month are heavy, with the heaviest being in the days surrounding the July 4th holiday, which is one of the busiest times of year aside from Easter and Christmas weeks.  Like in June, your best touring strategy is to hit the parks everyday at rope drop–you’ll encounter far fewer lines and far fewer people allowing you to ride all of the park’s headliners in a short amount of time and during the cooler part of the day.  The other way that crowds are affected in July are by South American tour groups.  At some point during your July vacation you’ll probably see masses of teens in matching t-shirts, singing or chanting, all following behind a 20-something leader holding a flag.  The kids are harmless though I have heard reports of people being annoyed by their loud chants when waiting in lines!  The best thing to do is head in the opposite direction when you see one of these groups to avoid having then arrive at an attraction queue right ahead of you.  Additionally, try to get avoid getting behind the group leaders at the Fastpass machines–they’ll often have a huge stack of tickets and spend forever getting all of their Fastpasses!

Click on calendar to enlarge image.

Weather

You will definitely be feeling the heat during your July trip with an average daily high of 92°.  My advice for traveling at this time of year?  Take your time.  Don’t try to rush from one attraction to another.  Tour early in the morning taking advantage of Fastpass and make your Fastpass+ reservations for the evening hours when the sun is low.  Take a midday break to swim and relax at your resort or, at the very least, plan to relax over a longer lunch in the cool of the air-conditioning.  Be sure to pack your ponchos and bring them with you each day.  And take advantage of the free water at all of the Disney World quick service restaurants and kiosks–any place you go will give you a huge cup of ice water with a straw and a lid.  Much better than schelpping around warm bottles of water in your backpack and far more refreshing!

Resort Pricing

Disney Resort pricing is based on multiple “seasons” throughout the year ranging from Value 1 (which is the least expensive) to Holiday (which is the most expensive).  In between the two are Value 2, Fall Season, Regular Season, Summer Season, and Peak Season.  Thrown into the mix are various holiday, weekend and special event rates which range from Regular Season to Holiday Season Pricing.

• July 1 – 12  Summer Season ($$$)
• July 13- 31  Value Season 2 ($+)

 

Closures & Refurbishments

There are no attraction refurbishments to note at this time in July.