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A trip to Disney World is an unforgettable experience, but planning the perfect vacation can be overwhelming, especially if you’re traveling during a peak season like July. That’s why this article on Tips for Disney World in July is a must-read for anyone planning their summer vacation. 

This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on these links, I get a small percentage back at no cost to you! For more information see my disclosure policy.

Disney World in July

This comprehensive guide covers everything from the crowds to the weather to park hours, giving you all the information you need to make the most of your time at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

Whether you’re a seasoned Disney fanatic or a first-time visitor, this article is a valuable resource that will help you plan and prepare for an unforgettable trip.

Check out my Disney World Planning Tips Here

Discount Disney World Tickets & Vacation Packages

Before we get started, I wanted to let you know where and how I get discount tickets to Walt Disney World. My travel partner, Get Away Today, offers amazing Disney World vacation packages as well as discounted tickets.

And, they have the most amazing concierge service that will help you plan, book, and make dining reservations, all at no charge to you! You can check Disney World ticket and package prices here and use coupon code: Clubhouse10, or call 855-GET-AWAY and tell them that Mommy Mouse Clubhouse sent you!

Is Disney World Busy in July?

July is a popular time to visit Disney World, and as such, it tends to be one of the busier months of the year. However, there are several strategies that you can employ to help manage the crowds and make the most of your experience. 

How to Beat the Disney World Crowds

Although you can expect crowd levels to be high at the Disney World parks in July, there are plenty of things you can do this time of year to combat the crowds and have an amazing time! 

Rope Drop

You may have heard people mention that they like to “rope drop” at Disney parks. This means that you arrive about 30 minutes before the park opens, and head straight for the busier rides. 

This will help you beat the crowds and get on some of the popular rides before crowds begin to grow mid-morning.

Early Entry

Another tip is to arrive even earlier and take advantage of Early Entry, which allows Disney Resort hotel guests to enter the parks 30 minutes before they officially open. 

Extended Evening Hours

A perk of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Deluxe hotel is the extended evening hours at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. 

On Mondays, Epcot stays open an extra two hours past closing giving these hotel guests access to select attractions with little to no wait.

Extended evening hours happen at Magic Kingdom Park on Wednesday evenings.

Purchase Genie+

Another strategy is to purchase and use Disney Genie+ to reserve ride times in advance, reducing your time spent waiting in line. 

Take a Mid-Day Break

Additionally, taking breaks during the hottest part of the day can help you avoid some the summer crowds and make the most of your time in the park. 

Advanced Dining Reservations 

Restaurants at Walt Disney World can fill up fast and it is rare that you can just show up to a table service restaurant and expect to eat.

Disney allows anyone, whether staying on property or not, to make dining reservations 60 days before travel. (Read about The Best Character Meals at Disney World here.)

Disney resort hotel guests can make reservations 60 days in advance plus the duration of their stay. Get more information about dining reservations here.

Planning ahead and making these reservations as soon as possible allows you to enjoy your favorite meals and beat the crowds!

Mobile Order Meals & Snacks

Mobile Ordering is available in all of the parks and allows you to order food from quick-service restaurants right from your phone and pick it up at the restaurant without having to wait in line. 

Rider Switch

Another way to beat the crowds, if you are traveling with small children, is to use Rider Switch.

Rider Switch is designed for guests who are visiting the Parks with a child who is too small or may not want to ride certain attractions.

One adult can sit out with that child while the other goes on the ride. When the adult who rode the ride is done, the other adult can then ride without waiting in the stand-by line with up to two guests!

Rider Switch Attractions

Here is a list of attractions at each park where you can use the Rider Switch service. (Read about the Best Magic Kingdom Rides here.)

Magic Kingdom Park

• The Barnstormer
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Space Mountain
• Tomorrowland Indy Speedway

Epcot

• Frozen Ever After
• Mission: SPACE
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Soarin’
• Test Track

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling Saucers 
• Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Star Tours® – The Adventures Continue
• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• DINOSAUR  
• Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain®  
• Kali River Rapids
• Na’vi River Journey

Special Events at Disney World in July

• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival through July 5th
• H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon July 1, 3, 8, 15, 22, 29, and 31
• Epcot After Hours July 6, 12, 20, and 27
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival beginning July 27th

Fourth of July at Disney World

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World for the Fourth of July, it’s essential to know that only two theme parks, Magic Kingdom and Epcot, offer special fireworks shows for the occasion. 

While Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios hold their usual nighttime spectaculars, Magic Kingdom presents “Disney’s Celebrate America,” a spectacular display of patriotism and pyrotechnics on both July 3 and July 4, 2022. 

Meanwhile, Epcot only features its Independence Day fireworks show on July 4. Given this schedule, it’s highly recommended that visitors opt for Celebrate America on July 3, allowing them to enjoy the festivities without battling crowds on July 4. 

Furthermore, arriving early, securing a good viewing spot, and wearing comfortable shoes can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for this unforgettable and patriotic celebration.

Weather at Walt Disney World in July

The month of July is full of warm and humid weather at Walt Disney World. In fact, it is one of the hottest months of the year, with the average high temperature ranging from the high 80s to low 90s. 

The summer heat and humidity levels can also make it feel even hotter, so it’s important to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade to avoid overheating. 

July is also known for its frequent afternoon rain showers, which can provide a welcome respite from the heat but also mean that you should bring appropriate clothing and gear such as ponchos and waterproof footwear. 

While the forecast for July 2023 shows a mix of partly cloudy days and scattered thunderstorms, it’s always a good idea to check the weather before your trip and plan accordingly. For the most up-to-date weather information in Orlando, check here to stay prepared for any weather conditions.

What to Pack for Walt Disney World in July

Being prepared with the right items when packing for a trip to Disney World in July can make all the difference in having an enjoyable and comfortable vacation. 

To save money and space, consider using Amazon to order items ahead of time and have them delivered straight to your hotel room. Plus, packing 10 Disney park bag essentials, such as refillable water bottles, snacks, and portable phone chargers, can help avoid costly purchases inside the park. 

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well-prepared for your July visit to Walt Disney World, making the most of your time and budget. Check out my full Disney World Packing List here.

Pack an Umbrella, Poncho, and Stroller Protection

The weather at Walt Disney World can be unpredictable. Rain storms can form and dissipate quickly.

Be prepared with a small travel umbrella or a disposable rain poncho. A poncho can also come in handy to wear on rides like Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids to keep your clothes dry.

Get this Darth Vader poncho on Amazon

If you are taking a stroller with you to Disney World, I recommend bringing a plastic shower liner from the dollar store.

You can secure it over your stroller using clothes pins to keep it dry while you are watching a show or riding an attraction.

Pack Sun Protection

The Florida sun can be brutal, especially in the summer months! Make sure you are ready for the UV Rays by packing some sunblock and a hat.

Also, make sure that your kids are protected too. Nothing ruins a magical vacation like a sunburn!

Pack for Hot & Humid Weather

It is HOT at Disney World in July. There is no way around it. You will want to pack clothing that will help keep you cool. Below are a few things you should pack to wear in the heat.

I like to dress in non-restrictive, comfortable clothing at Disney World. I loved these capri leggings I found on Amazon. They were super comfy and they have pockets! They also come as biker shorts!

You most likely will not need long pants when visiting Walt Disney World in July, but it is a good idea to bring along a sweatshirt or jacket for the days that call for all day rain. Even in July, it can get really cool on rainy days. I found this out the hard way at EPCOT.

On normal, hot July days, I suggest wearing a short-sleeved top and shorts during the day along with comfortable shoes.

Bring Misting Fans, Neck Fans, & Cooling Towels

The heat and humidity can be unbearable at times. Bring along some cooling items to help you stay cool and beat the hot weather during your visit. 

Misting fans are a great option for keeping yourself and your family cooled off while in line for attractions or standing around waiting for shows to begin. 

Neck fans are another great option that can fit into a backpack or pocket.

Neck cooling towels are also great for keeping cool and can be easily stored in your bag while not in use. They are perfect when you’re out and about, running around the parks all day! 

Bring Healthy Snacks & Water Bottles

It can be hard to stay hydrated and healthy while at Walt Disney World, especially since the food prices can add up quickly. To save money and time, I suggest bringing along some snacks and water bottles.

Healthy snacks are always a great idea, such as granola bars or fruit cups. And don’t forget about bringing refillable water bottles. You can fill up your bottle at water fountains throughout the parks and resorts to stay hydrated all day.

Make sure you also bring plenty of snacks for the kids to avoid crankiness! Check out my Disney World grocery delivery tips here.

Where to Buy Adorable Disney Apparel

As far as tops go, I like to wear cute Disney-themed shirts when I visit Disney World. Make sure to choose light-colored shirts to help keep you cool!

My family won’t wear matching shirts to Disney, so we like to do theme days. For example, one day we will all wear different Mickey Mouse shirts, and another day we will all wear Marvel-themed shirts, etc.

You can save a little money by purchasing these shirts ahead of time, instead of at the parks. Below are some of my favorite places to get discount Disney shirts.

Jane

Before any Disney vacation, I like to check out Jane for adorable Disney vacation t-shirts! There are usually a selection of cute shirts for around $20.

Just head to Jane.com and type character or vacation in the search bar and all of the cute items will show up. I have all seen cute Disney-themed dresses for little girls!

Their deals change Disney though, so make sure to follow @mommymouseclubhouse on Instagram to stay up to date on all of the amazing Disney-themed merchandise!

Amazon

Amazon is a great place to pick up Disney shirts for the whole family! The shirts are generally priced well, and can be delivered quickly! Check out these shirts I got for my boys on one of our recent trips!

Park Hours at Disney World in July

Here are the projected hours of the Parks at Disney World. As always, hour are subject to change, so check Disney World’s website for current information.

Magic Kingdom

• Early Entry 8:30 am – 9:00 am
• Open from 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
• Park Hopper Hours 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Extended Evening Hours 10:00 pm – 12:00 am (Wednesdays)

Epcot

• Early Entry 8:30 am – 9:00 am
• Open from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm
• Park Hopper Hours 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Extended Evening Hours 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Mondays)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Early Entry 8:00 am – 8:30 am
• Open from 8:30 am – 9:00 pm
• Park Hopper Hours 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Early Entry 8:30 am – 9:00 am
• Open from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
• Park Hopper Hours 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Ride Closures at Walt Disney World in July

Disney is great at keeping their rides and attractions in top notch form. That is one of the reasons that I will spend more money to visit their theme parks.

In July, there are fewer ride closures than at other times of the year because it is considered peak season.

For an updated list of what rides will be closed in July, visit Disney World’s website.

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Splash Mountain

Disney World Tickets & Hotel Savings

When booking your next Disney World vacation, I highly recommend using a Disney approved travel agent. It is totally free for you and offers so many perks that you won’t get when you book on your own.

My favorite company to book with is Get Away Today! My family has used them for over 20 years. Their customer service is THE BEST and they always go out of their way to make sure we have an amazing vacation.

Their Concierge Service is complimentary and is amazing! They were able to book every single dining reservation I wanted without having to wake up early and book it my self! You can read all about using a travel agent here.

Get Away Today is an authorized Disney partner that offers  Discount Disney World Tickets and they often offer deals like discounts on rooms, free dining, and more when you book a vacation package!

Visit getawaytoday.com to check ticket & vacation package prices. You can also give them a call at 855-GET-AWAY for current deals at Walt Disney World and them them Mommy Mouse Clubhouse sent you! 

Final Thoughts

Planning a Disney World vacation can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With some research and planning, you can be sure that you will make the most of your time at Walt Disney World.

Make sure to purchase discount Disney tickets ahead of time so that you can save money and have more time for creating magical memories with your family

Disney World Hotels I Recommend:

• Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Grand Floridian
• Contemporary Resort
• Skyliner Resort Hotels
• Hilton Lake Buena Vista Palace
• Embassy Suites International Drive
• Homewood Suites Theme Park Entrance

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