My husband and I are not "Disney" people but since we will be in the area this July we thought we could take our kids for 2 days (2 nights). We will arrive late on a Tues. and then have two whole days. My boys are 6 and 8. I do not want to spend $1000+ for these two days if at all avoidable. I have been told to stay at the park otherwise it's potentially a huge hassle. If we go to the Magic Kingdom the first day, where should we go day 2? Any moneysaving or time saving tips would be appreciated. #1 requirement for hotel is it must be clean. Any suggestions welcome. Is it crazy to go in July? What will the crowds be like?
THANKS!!

It will be very hot, very humid, and very crowded. You will be on a concrete slab in Central Florida in July with about a kazillion other people.

That said, yes, this is completely do-able.

Firstly, stay onsite.

Secondly, get Park Hopper Plus tickets.

Go early in the morning as soon as the parks open (an hour earlier for onsite guests) and go left. Most people head to the right so the attractions on the left are less crowded.



Get fast passes right off the bat for the more popular times.

Leave the parks before noon an head to either your hotel pool or spend the hottest part of the day at one of the Disney Waterparks.

Head back to the parks after dinner and enjoy it when it cools off.

Agree with GoTravel. It will be HOT and humid, but then, it's Florida, isn't it? I recommend that all wear loose clothing (e.g. T-shirts & shorts), use liberal amounts of sunscreen, and carry bottles of water which can be refilled inside the park at drinking fountains. You don't want to be buying all your beverages from Disney, if you can help it.

Please also understand the summer is our rainy season. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent. Cheap plastic ponchos or folding umbrellas are a good idea.

Have a great time...but do your preparation first.

Perfect advice from GoTravel and OrlandoVic. Follow it and you'll be fine.

Hi Mominburbs!

As a Florida resident, I must warn you that the middle of July will be hot and humid and there is little relief inside when going to the parks in Orlando. I would recommend Sea World over Disney. I would also recommend driving the hour and a half to a beach on either coast, although I am partial to the Gulf side, since that is the side I live on. Tampa/St Pete and Clearwater are great, and Busch Gardens is here as well. We have great rides there, as well as wonderful animals to look at. The white tigers are awesome. If you do get over here, Dunedin, and Tarpon Springs are both adorable places to walk through. I would also look at St Pete beach and Indian Rocks. Honeymoon Island is gorgeous, since it is a state park, and the sea shells there are great for the pickin's! If in Orlando, go to a water park in July. Of course it will be packed.

Have fun but be prepared to be hot!

I would have come in May or June, or even September or October for the food festival at Epcot.

Take care and safe journeys!

Jan in Clearwater

Go to Blizzard Beach the Disney water park. Arrive EARLY. You'll be cool all day there! The kids love it. They also have a lazy river that goes round and round.

I agree with most of what everyone is saying, but for two days, plus you mention keeping your costs down, I don't think you need park hopping, or to vist a water park. Magic Kingdom is a must, then what do your kids like? If any are animal freaks, then Animal Kingdom. I find that my boys 5 and 3 have alot to keep them busy at Epcot (Test Track, Soarin, Nemo, Spaceship Earth, etc.), plus, we love to walk through the countries, have a drink. It's also a huge park, so the crowds can be more manageable. Hollywood Studios if they love certain characters.

Call 407.WDISNEY for your hotel reservations. I've found the Disney hotels to be clean and serviceable, including the value ones. The pools there, for an afternoon break, are well-themed and big. You can ask here about package prices too, that include tickets and/or dining. This might be a good deal for you because both your kids are still kids in Disney's eyes, and the meal plan for them is around $10/day, which can easily be the cost of lunch each day. And you'll have a table service still available.

You can make dining reservations at 407.WDW.DINE, and I would recommend making a reservation soon if you think you will want a table service restaurant.

Disney in the summer can be fun, especially if you know what you are in for, and just go with it. Have a great time!

Check this website:

http://www.mousesavers.com

They are the bible of making Disney better and cheaper. Get on their mailing list.

Disney does everything top notch. Even "non-Disney" people can't help but be a bit impressed.

Definitely do Magic Kingdom. MGM is more for teens, Animal Kingdom is great, but my three year old thought it was too much like the zoo. Your older kids would probably like it though.

And hopper passes are a lot more expensive if you aren't "hopping". It is all on the mousesavers site.

Yes it is hot, and you must pan accordingly (drink lots of water, take breaks, etc.) You can and should do a second day, and Disney's Animal Kingdom I think would appeal most to you and your family. There is a lot to do, but there is also a lot to SEE, including a number of incredible shows (inside and air conditioned!), like Nemo and the Lion King. You can take your time and explore, rather than worry about running from attraction to attraction