Many people go on vacation in the summer months and because of this, July is one of the busiest months at Disney World. If you are planning to visit Disney World in July, be prepared for crowds and hot weather! And if you visit July 3rd or 4th, you can expect some patriotic fun.
Guide to Going to Disney World in July
Crowds at Disney World in July
If you take a look at any of the Disney crowd calendars you will see that July is quite possibly the busiest month of the year.
What this means for you is that there are going to be long lines and some parks might even close due to too many people.
I suggest going to the park as soon as it opens. This will help you get the most out of your day.
Just make sure you are using Genie+ & Lightning Lane because you will need them!
Disney World Fourth of July Events
Magic Kingdom Park (July 3rd & 4th)
- “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” – a nighttime spectacular with fireworks set to patriotic scores. Shows take place July 3 and July 4 at 9:20 p.m.
- Guests can also dance the night away with DJs mixing tunes throughout the park.
- The U.S. Air Force conducted a special Independence Day flyover of Magic Kingdom Park.
Epcot (July 4th)
- The Voices of Liberty will perform great American tunes during a Fourth of July concert on the America Gardens Theatre stage at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. on July 4. The group also will perform in the rotunda inside The American Adventure pavilion at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
- Disney characters wearing “Spirit of 76” patriotic attire at The American Adventure throughout the day on July 4th.
- “EPCOT Forever,” the limited-time spectacle of fireworks, lasers, lighting and special effects, will include a patriotic Fourth of July grand finale – “Heartbeat of Freedom.” The show will take place at 9 p.m.
Disney Resorts
Disney Resorts get into the red, white and blue spirit with an array of patriotic events and activities like campfire cookouts and Movies Under the Stars.
Guests staying at resorts on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake can enjoy the nightly Electrical Water Pageant. This cavalcade of sea creatures in lights includes a patriotic grand finale featuring the American flag and stars all in sparkling lights.
Disney World 4th of July Treats
Special 4th of July-themed treats and drinks can be found at all the different Disney World parks, Resorts and even at Disney Springs in the month of July.
Here is a sampling of what you will find:
- Fourth of July Fruit Tart, a blackberry custard topped with fresh berries and a vanilla panna cotta popsicle, available June 27-July 4 at Contempo Café in Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
- At EPCOT, look for a Fourth of July Liege Waffle, available on July 4 only at Connections Café.
Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon in July
Experience Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park while it is illuminated at night during this special ticketed event after the park officially closes.
Guests can ride all their favorite water rides, swim in Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, and voyage along Castaway Creek, while also being entertained by a DJ.
There will also be a dance party and delicious themed ice cream novelties, popcorn and select drinks.
This event begins at the end of July & is a FREE event (with paid admission) where you can purchase sample-sized food and beverages from food kiosks throughout EPCOT.
Along with food & wine, there are also free concerts nightly during the Eat to the Beat!
Weather in Disney World in July
July is HOT and HUMID.
The temps are going to be in the 90s all month and it is going to feel even hotter because of the intense humidity.
If you aren’t familiar with Florida humidity, it is when you feel like you are sweating when you are standing still. It’s sticky and at times, unbearable.
This is totally normal weather for Florida in the summer and you are going to have to do your best to stay hydrated and cool.
Thank goodness Disney is prepared with free cold water and misting fans that can be found throughout the Disney parks.
You can count on it raining at least once a day (usually in the afternoon), but don’t dismay. The rain will pass and often rainy days make the crowds leave which means you can enjoy shorter lines.
Visit a Disney Waterpark on Your Vacation
When visiting Disney World in July, you really should add on a trip to one of the two Disney waterparks.
You can go for the entire day, or spend half of the day in the park and then hit the waterpark in the afternoon.
Take a look at both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach so that you can make an educated choice about which one is best for your family!
One of the most important things to do when you visit Disney World in July is to pack things that will help you stay hydrated and provide you relief from the sun.
Summer Essentials for Disney World
These are the items I think are important to have on your Disney World summer packing list!
1. Poncho
The poncho offers supreme coverage, keeping you dry and dirt free when you need it the most.
Florida in the summer means that it will rain just about every day.
Typically, the rain hits in the afternoon and doesn’t last long.
Bring an inexpensive Rain Poncho so you won’t have to buy one at the park!
2. Sunscreen
This non-comedogenic roll-on sunscreen delivers UVA/UVB protection and is packed with Vitamin E. It is oil-free, water-resistant and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant. This Face Stick is great for all skin types.
In order to make sure you don’t get sunburned on your vacation you will need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
I bring a sunscreen stick in my Disney day bag because it is easy to apply when you are on the go.
3. Misting Fans
Beat the heat with a personal cooling system. This portable misting fan from O2COOL offers a fine mist of cold water and a powerful fan.
These misting fans can be a real lifesaver on a hot day in the parks. It is the perfect way to cool you off when you are in line for a ride or waiting for the parade to begin.
4. Small Travel Blanket
This travel blanket makes it very easy to be folded and packed back into the attached storage pouch, Hook it onto your bag or simply put it in your pocket! It's so small and compact it will not take up much space.
If you have to sit on the pavement to watch the parade, you will be glad to have a picnic-style blanket to place on the ground.
The black asphalt retains heat and you can easily burn your skin if you touch it.
Choose one that is also waterproof in case you have to lay it on wet pavement.
5. Sunglasses & Sunglass Strap
Never lose a pair of sunglasses again. This Sunglass Strap will fit securely around the ends of your sunglasses, and keep them on your face or hang comfortably on your chest instead of tightly around your neck. The stretchy Neoprene straps will fit most sunglass frames.
You won’t want to be without your sunglasses.
You will find yourself taking your glasses on & off quite a bit, so it might serve you to have a sunglass strap to keep them from being misplaced.
6. Insulated Water Bottle
This bottle has Tri-Layer Insulation with radiant heat reflective technology keeps you refreshed and restored in any and all temperatures
It is Leak Proof. The Sport Cap design guarantees leakproof transport, giving you the freedom to go
100% BPA-free insulated water bottle
Did you know that ice water is free at Disney counter service restaurants? We like to bring our own lightweight, insulated bottles with us to the parks and refill them with ice water throughout the day.
7. Freezable insulated lunch bag
- Features a patented freezable gel permanently built into the liner, no need for ice or gel packs, simply fold your PackIt flat and freeze overnight
We often bring drinks & snacks to the park. One of the best purchases you can make is for a Packit bag because they keep everything cold!
You just pop it in the freezer and it stays cold for hours!
8. Cooling towel
- Features a patented freezable gel permanently built into the liner, no need for ice or gel packs, simply fold your PackIt flat and freeze overnight
Did I mention how hot it gets in Disney World in the summer?
These cooling towels are amazing. Simply put a little water on them and wrap them around your neck. They turn icy cold and dry incredibly fast!
9. Hair Ties & Brush
Space-saving full-size hair brush folds down to mini size, so it's great for a purse, backpack or pocket! Also has a mirror which is perfect when you need to touch up a ponytail!
Girls with long hair are going to notice the hair sticking to the nape of their neck after the first hour in the park.
I always pack extra hair ties and a small travel hair brush to pull up our hair if we misjudge the Florida heat!
10. Cleansing Wipes
These pre-moistened, ultra-soft, cooling body wipes naturally deodorize, refresh and instantly cleanse away dirt, oil and sweat -- no rinsing required.
The heat can really take a toll on your skin. You will find yourself sweating throughout the day and one thing that really helps you cool off is cleansing wipes.
These body wipes are great for the sweaty parts that need a little extra attention!
11. Chafing Stick
This hard stick formula is intended to be used as a skin barrier to the effects of rubbing, chafing, pinching, and friction from shoes, protective gear, and other irritants.
When it gets hot & sticky outside, your skin pays the price. This means more skin irritation.
You can use this
While it is hot and crowded during the summer months, there is still plenty of fun to be had!
If you are still trying to decide on the best time to visit Disney World and haven’t settled on July, be sure to check out all our Disney World crowd calendars.