4th of July at WDW

Cheshire Cat · Post by **Cheshire Cat** » Apr Thu 17, 2008 11:01 pm

Sorry, could an admin. move this to "trip planning/reports" and find it in their heart to forgive me

I'll be in WDW for the 4th of July and I just had a few questions that maybe somebody here would be able to help me with...

First of all, is there really a concern about parks closing due to capacity? (MGM and epcot in particular)

I have this crazy idea to try to see MGM's fireworks (start at 9) and then at least the 4th of July tag of epcot's fireworks (start at 10)

If we (somehow manage to catch a boat and) take the boat to the International Gateway, are they still usually letting people in that close to closing time? (If they aren't it's no big deal, we'll just watch them from gateway)

MGM's fireworks get priority of course because its only occurs a few times a year (RIP Sorcery

), but I at least also want to try to see epcot's (there's really nothing to lose).

***This crazy idea is coming from someone who managed to go to epcot's big 25 rope drop, see the innoventions exhibit, ride jii and catch a plane back home by noon all using Disney Transport(

)

DIAC1987 · Post by **DIAC1987** » Apr Thu 17, 2008 11:35 pm

4th of July is easily one of the busiest days of the entire year. If you plan on getting in through a cast member, don't, because all 4 parks for the first time that I can remember are actually blocked off.

As for capacity, Epcot holds a *secret* amount of people that is way too high for you to ever worry about filling up, but Hollywood Studios is a different story. There is actually a strong chance that Hollywood Studios will fill up.

My recommendation is to not go to Hollywood Studios to see Sorcery in the Sky, because Epcot's July 4th fireworks are twice as good---its the usual Illuminations with an added bonus of firework heaven. To add to that the World Showcase is going to be packed to the very last inch, so showing up early to get a good seat would make your evening a lot better. However, you can still get a very good view of Hollywood Studios' fireworks since they are actually close by.

This is all my opinion though.

stev02 · Post by **stev02** » Apr Fri 18, 2008 7:58 am

Epcot's *secret* amount of people, do you mean opening up the old Wonders of Life pavilion?

And 4th of July is crazy. Last year they closed the Magic Kingdom because they reached capacity. AAAAAHHHHHH!

luv2cthemouse · Post by **luv2cthemouse** » Apr Fri 18, 2008 8:00 am

I would suggest subscribing to tourguidemike.com.

GhostHost · Post by **GhostHost** » Apr Fri 18, 2008 8:53 am

Although I would LOVE to see the fireworks at Epcot during July 4th, I just don't think I could stand the crowd and crazy atmosphere. I'm so used to going when it's not crowded that I'm kind of spoiled in that way.

Calypso · Post by **Calypso** » Apr Fri 18, 2008 9:03 am

Personally, I would chose just one show to see and I would make it the one with the least anticipated amount of people (if that's even possible on July 4th). I would love to see both shows at once, but it seems nearly impossible given the crowds.

meticulus9 · Post by **meticulus9** » Apr Fri 18, 2008 9:38 am

from someone whos done something similar:
1) was in MK for 4th of july in 05. it was packed to the brim and it got closed. Epcot did not, but epcot handles crowds the best out of the 4 parks. most big name attractions have high capacity there. MK is more popular with the kiddies. (but i did miss the special ROE). ROE is much better than socery in the sky. I would recommend EP instead of DHS.

2) My last trip in june 07 I did a similar run and see another parks fireworks. I saw ROE and then rushed out caught the monorail to MK and saw wishes. it was really fun doing that. Yes it was busy in epcot and mk, but not as busy as it would be with the 4th. I also spoke to a couple diff cast memeber about feasabilty (most thought it was doable but very tight- one thought it wouldnt be).

DIAC1987 · Post by **DIAC1987** » Apr Fri 18, 2008 9:38 pm

"2) My last trip in june 07 I did a similar run and see another parks fireworks. I saw ROE and then rushed out caught the monorail to MK and saw wishes. it was really fun doing that. Yes it was busy in epcot and mk, but not as busy as it would be with the 4th. I also spoke to a couple diff cast memeber about feasabilty (most thought it was doable but very tight- one thought it wouldnt be)."

I call that the Firework Rush, and its done many many times throughout Spring Break and the Summer. However, its impossible to pull that off on July 4th, trust me.

"Personally, I would chose just one show to see and I would make it the one with the least anticipated amount of people (if that's even possible on July 4th). I would love to see both shows at once, but it seems nearly impossible given the crowds."

If you go by this, then Hollywood Studios would have the least amount of people out of the three parks with fireworks. Magic Kingdom would be super-crowded because...well..its Magic Kingdom, and local Orlando residents usually pick two main special days out of the year to visit Epcot: New Year's Eve and July 4th because of their special fireworks.

Sleeping Beauty 5 · Post by **Sleeping Beauty 5** » Apr Fri 18, 2008 9:47 pm

It's going to be crazy busy that day...I would agree to skip DHS and go to Epcot but be sure to get there early

Cheshire Cat · Post by **Cheshire Cat** » Apr Fri 18, 2008 9:50 pm

Magic Kingdom is definitley out of the question (Fantasy in the Sky will alos be shown on July 3rd anyway).

It's really a toss up between epcot and MGM.
I thought it would be neat to see fireworks at MGM again, but so far it looks like epcot is getting the votes for best 4th fireworks. How do they compare, in a little more detail? Music, show length, types of fireworks?

You guys are starting to scare me with the crowds, it sounds like Christmas all over. I knew it would be crowded, but i didn't think it would be as bad as Christmas

.

jcodirewolf · Post by **jcodirewolf** » Apr Fri 18, 2008 11:42 pm

I can tell you it's a big day for FL locals. We went down to Epcot and MK several times for July 4th. Infact ONE TIME, I think it was '81, we went down to MK on a Saturday just to do something, me and some of my friends from HS. At the time MK didn't do fireworks EVERY night.

We came in and they parked us on the grass embankment by the TTC. The park was super crowded and we where thinking about leaving, but I asked if they where going to do Fireworks that night. The CM said "Yes and they are going to be extra special" we where like wonder what is up with that "extra special" about an hour later, I was like "OH it's the 4th!" "Yea..." "THE FOURTH OF JULY!"

johno

Mupsy90 · Post by **Mupsy90** » Apr Sat 19, 2008 11:17 am

A few years ago I was there for the 4th of July and the MK was also closed because of crowds so we ended up going to the AK. That was the last time i was there for the forth of july and i doubt i will ever go in the future.

DIAC1987 · Post by **DIAC1987** » Apr Sat 19, 2008 6:23 pm

"It's really a toss up between epcot and MGM.
I thought it would be neat to see fireworks at MGM again, but so far it looks like epcot is getting the votes for best 4th fireworks. How do they compare, in a little more detail? Music, show length, types of fireworks?"

July 4th is regular Illuminations, but then an extra five minutes. The music is patriotic, the...never mind. Its basically Illuminations X2, with patriotic music, and a much better grand finale. Don't know how else to describe it

"You guys are starting to scare me with the crowds, it sounds like Christmas all over. I knew it would be crowded, but i didn't think it would be as bad as Christmas"

Its not as bad as Christmas, but way up there as one of the busiest days of the year.

tmptnr · Post by **tmptnr** » Apr Sat 19, 2008 9:59 pm

never been there on the 4th. Though it would porbably be really cool at epcot.

wdwannabe · Post by **wdwannabe** » Apr Mon 21, 2008 11:51 pm

Oh, my! You have more tolerence than I.

Good luck with what ever you decide.