Extreme heat and long lines in July?

[crazy4disney99]

Hey everyone!! I have been checking the weather for Orlando and it seems to be 92 degrees every day and a couple showers through the week. The downside is, ive never been to Florida in the midst of the summer months. I have read about how much people think the weather is horriffic and the lines unbeleivably long:afraid: !! and how they never will go again in the summer months!!! This worries me about out trip (july 9th- july 16th) So if anyone can help me by past experience or what they have heard, and maybe some tips to beat the lines and the heat, would really help make my trip much better!!! thanx

[crazy4disney99]

I also remember reading about how the parks close their doors because of too many people and conventions of some sort where the parks are open to people of this company that is hosting SOEMTHING at just Universal (i dont think Disney)!!!! I am very confused ( about the conventions, which im sure you will be) but please help me about this, and maybe a few tips please!!!

[tweenie123]

We always go in July and August and have a great time! Yes, the weather is hot and ususally in the high 80's and 90's but you can work around it. Get to the parks early and make sure that you drink lots of water throughout the day. Take advantage of Fastpass to ride your favourite attractions. The lines for some of the major rides can be long but with careful planning, we've never queued for more than 45 minutes for any attraction. If you're staying in a Disney hotel, the extra magic hours will be a godsend as you can spend an extra three hours in the parks in the evening when it's cooler. The hours after 6pm are excellent for enjoying the major rides as the air has cooled down considerably. It's always a good idea to save the major attractions for when the parades are on as the queues are extremely shorter.
We've been to Disney on many occasions at the height of summer and have never known the parks to close. They've been really busy but not so packed that we couldn't enjoy ourselves. We've always been able to walk around in comfort and have only experienced heavy crowds at times such as parades and fireworks. Don't worry - you'll have a great time!

[OKWTink]

Well. It's Florida. It's July. It's hot. It rains. Hard. A lot.

The WDW parks close to guests when they've reached capacity. This usually only ever happens on the fourth of July and Christmas, and NYE. Not a usual event.

Some areas of the parks may be cordoned off (like a promontory around the lagoon in EPCOT) for special groups but it will not interfere with your enjoyment of the park.

Bring absolutely comfortable shoes. Bring two pair. Bring rain gear. Bring light colored cotton clothing. Bring a cloth hat. Bring sunglasses. Bring sunscreen. Be absolutely certain to bring mosquito repellent with DEET. Drink more water than you think you can possibly hold.

You'll have a blast! :ears:

[tajainaz]

Those little battery operated fans are wonderful! They're about $1 at WalMart. We went through two batteries (per fan) about every 1.5 days (August, 2003). Carry a spare set with you--batteries at the parks and onsite are very expensive (it's in an old post, but I think two were about $2.25 before tax!). I had to talk Leu into purchasing some one day when her little fan quit. She finally admitted it was the best money she spent during the trip! :D

Don't get the misting fans--it's already so humid that you don't need additional moisture! :)

[crazy4disney99]

Thanx for all the tips, I feel much better!!! I also think those fans will work great!!!

[foreverducky]

I agree totally with OKWTink and Tajainaz. This will be my second trip in July. You just need to be prepared. Know that it will be hot and it will rain. And of course, it's busy, but dont' worry about it, there is plenty of room for everyone. I think if you know what you're getting into then it's not so bad.

And hey, when you're standing in line, strike up a conversation. I met so many interesting people while standing in line.

[3Ddoofus]

Been three or four times in July and August and only had bad weather once, that was last time we went and it rained 70% of the time we were there!
I love the weather at this time of year but its true to say that its hot and sticky.
Never really thought of the lines as being really long but you need to get there early and plan your day.
Just my tupenneth!
3D

[Breeze]

We've gone in the summer too and my best tip for you would be to get there at opening when it's cooler and then mid day when the sun is blazing take a break back at the hotel for a swim, nap, etc. Then hit the parks again later afternoonish till the parks close.

If you don't want to leave the parks, then plan to try and hit the attractions that are indoors during the hottest part of the day so that you get a chance to cool down a bit before going back outside. Those little fans are wonderful and as Tink said, drink and then drink some more!!!!!

[Johnie]

We go in Aug. It's really hot and humid. The lifesaver for me is to carry a wash cloth around. I wet it and it's perfect for cooling off.