Disney World in July (2025): A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World in July 2025, this comprehensive guide is just what you need. It’s packed with essential details like key dates, special events, expected weather, crowd sizes, and insider tips to ensure a smooth booking experience. To better understand the July experience, we have also included a personal account from my in-laws. Whether you’re still considering July or have your dates set, our guide offers everything you need for a magical Disney World vacation in July 2025.

The July Advantage: Disney World in July 2025

July is a dynamic month to visit Disney World, filled with special events and the lively atmosphere of summer. With U.S. schools out, the parks come alive with families looking to enjoy their break, making the month uniquely vibrant.

The month kicks off with the 4th of July holiday week, bringing special Disney festivities, drawing a larger crowd.

However, the park crowd numbers drop to more average levels following the 4th of July, offering a more relaxed experience for the rest of the month. While late July has signaled the beginning of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in prior years, 2024’s festival start date wasn’t until late August. 2025’s dates are not yet determined.

July’s tropical Florida climate offers an ideal opportunity to enjoy the refreshing water parks and resort pools. Despite a slight price surge around the 4th, the rates generally remain moderate throughout the rest of the month.

Overall, a July visit to Disney World presents a balance of manageable crowds, moderate pricing, water fun, and summer energy.

July’s Potential Downsides:

Despite the many advantages, it’s important to note a couple of factors. Firstly, July in Florida can be hot and humid, which may not suit everyone. Also, the 4th of July holiday typically results in a significant increase in crowds, leading to longer wait times at attractions and restaurants. However, these minor challenges are easily mitigated with good planning and a flexible itinerary.

Disney World Key Dates and Events, July 2025

Keep these dates and events in mind if you’re planning a Disney World vacation in July 2025:

• 4th of July / Independence Day (July 4, 2025): The Independence Day holiday sees an upswing in crowd sizes, especially around July 4th and the surrounding weekends. It’s a vibrant time at the parks but be prepared for the potential of reaching park capacity. The peak period is June 28 – July 6, 2025.
• ESPN Wide World of Sports Events: Various athletic events are hosted at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex throughout July. These events could draw crowds, particularly to value resorts like the All-Star Hotels.
• Epcot Festivals (Absent in July 2024 — will they return in July 2025?): Portions of July have, for several years, offered chances to catch the last days of EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival or early days of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. But that was not the case in 2024. The flower & garden festival ended on May 27, 2024 and the food & wine festival started in August. Unless we hear otherwise, the festival “drought” may continue for July 2025.

These dates and events could influence crowd sizes, resort availability, and the overall experience of your July Disney World vacation in July 2025. Planning ahead is key to making the most of your visit.

Will Disney World be Crowded in July?

The month of July, which falls in the middle of the North American summer, has an interesting blend of crowd patterns. Here’s what to expect in July 2025.

• Peak Periods: The first significant surge in visitors coincides with the July 4th holiday, spanning June 28th-July 6th, 2025. As schools break for the summer, families across the United States converge on Disney World, leading to this peak. However, following the holiday rush, crowd sizes settle into an average pattern for the remainder of July.
• Summer Vacations vs. Summer Heat: July’s crowd levels are moderated by two balancing factors. While it’s a popular month for family vacations due to school holidays, the intense summer heat can deter some visitors. Outside the July 4th period, the combination keeps crowds at a manageable level.
• July Crowd Ranking: In terms of crowd size, July typically ranks as the 5th or 6th busiest month of the year – less crowded than June but busier than August. In general, summer crowds in 2024 were a little lower than prior years, so we’ll have to see if summer 2025 continues the trend.

In summary, despite the initial burst of visitors around July 4th, July offers a balance between manageable crowd levels and summer vacation availability. For more crowd insights, view our Disney World Crowd Calendar and guide on avoiding lines at Disney World.

Disney World Prices in July

Disney World’s prices during July are influenced by various factors, from summer vacations to seasonal events and discounts. Here’s an overview for July 2025:

Resort Pricing

July marks the beginning of lower rate season for Disney’s Deluxe Resorts. Travelers willing to brave the summer heat can take advantage of the reduced rates at these upscale accommodations. However, Disney’s Value Resorts typically don’t see a dip in prices until August, when most children return to school.

Here’s an example of 2025 starting prices for hotel rooms at All Star Sports, a Disney Value Resort. Note that prices will go up depending on the hotel chosen, the type of room, and how long you wait to book (prices tend to increase over time).

It’s easy to see the $34-$45 rate bump for “weekends” (Friday & Saturday nights) on the graph, with Sunday-Thursday nights steadily at $180.

Here’s how the July rates stand up to the rest of the year.

Starting rates at Disney’s All Star Sports Resort in 2025

Ticket Pricing

Despite a modest price bump around July 4th, ticket prices in July are fairly stable, in the $154-$164 range. Here’s a look at base prices for July 2025:

July ticket prices start out at $154 for 13 days in the latter half of the month. $159 is the most common price point (15 days). Three days are at $164. July 2025 pricing is higher versus July 2024, when most days were in the $144-$149 range.

Here’s how July 2025 prices compare to the rest of the 2025. They’re not quite as high as Spring Break, but they’re close:

Graph showing variations in the starting ticket price throughout 2025

Remember that these are starting prices which usually apply only to Animal Kingdom theme park — you’ll pay up to $30 more for Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, or Animal Kingdom:

Independence Day (July 4, 2025) Ticket Prices

• Animal Kingdom: $159
• EPCOT: $179
• Hollywood Studios: $184
• Magic Kingdom: $189

These are prices for a one-day adult (ages 10+) base ticket. Prices will change for multi-day tickets or adding options such as park hopping. Prices were accurate as of August 2024 and are subject to change.

Overall Pricing

Holiday Influence: July sees a slight bump in prices around the July 4th holiday due to increased visitor numbers. After the holiday, however, the costs, much like the crowds, stabilize and align with yearly averages.

July Discounts: Traditionally, Disney World announces a discount offer for the summer months, including July, at the start of the year. This discount, typically around 20%-30% off room rates, varies by hotel, room type, and availability.

Average Cost: The 2025 average cost of a typical Disney World vacation for a family of four at a Value Resort with six-day theme park tickets, Lightning Lane, and Quick Service meals is $6,785. Your July 2025 trip pricing will likely be higher than this year-round estimate, due to peak summer demand pricing.

You can estimate your expenses with our Disney World Cost Calculator.

Disney World Weather in July: What to Expect

As Florida’s summer season continues, July at Disney World offers even warmer temperatures than June, perfect for those who enjoy the balminess of tropical climates. Here’s a brief overview:

• Temperature: July usually features average high temperatures around 92 degrees Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celsius), with lows typically at 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius). This makes July one of the warmest months at Disney World (just behind August).
• Florida’s Summer Heat: The heat intensifies in July, providing an authentic Floridian summer experience. The warmth also makes it an ideal time to enjoy Disney’s water parks and resort pools. However, it’s important to note that some visitors choose to bypass July due to the potentially uncomfortable heat, opting for a cooler month instead.
• Rainfall: July, alongside August, records the highest rainfall, with precipitation typically occurring on around 13 days of the month and totaling about 7.2 inches on average. However, these showers tend to be brief and often bring relief from the heat (for a few minutes, at least, before creating a sauna effect).

Preparing for Disney World Weather in July

July continues the summer season at Disney World, bringing intense heat and a higher chance of rain. Well-thought-out preparation is crucial for an enjoyable visit, regardless of the weather conditions.

• Handling the Summer Heat: High temperatures are prevalent in July, especially during mid-afternoon hours. Hydration is critical; take advantage of free ice water at Quick Service restaurants and numerous water refill stations throughout the parks. Prevent heat-related discomfort by including lightweight, breathable clothing and high-SPF sunscreen in your Disney packing list.
• Adjusting Your Touring Strategy: Given the heat, it’s wise to begin your park visits early. Use Lightning Lanes passes to avoid long lines during the hottest hours. To stay cool, opt for attractions with indoor queues, such as Space Mountain and Toy Story Mania.
• Preparing for Rain: Showers in July are typically brief but can be heavy. Wear waterproof shoes and bring a poncho to stay dry during unexpected downpours. Despite variable weather forecasts, don’t let a rain prediction dampen your plans. Our ‘Disney Attractions to Escape the Rain‘ page offers a variety of fun indoor activities.

In conclusion, by closely monitoring Disney World’s weather and planning ahead for July’s conditions, you can ensure an enjoyable Disney World experience, rain or shine. After all, the magic of Disney exists in all weather!

Ride Maintenance, Refurbishments, Closures, and Openings in July 2025

July at Disney World is bustling with activity. With it being summer, most water rides are operational, and lengthy ride refurbishments are uncommon. Some new rides may also be open. Here’s what we know so far for July 2025:

Theme Parks and Attractions

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom): Closed starting January 6, 2025 for a refurbishment lasting at least one year. Reopens sometime in 2026 (exact date not yet known).
• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy (Hollywood Studios): Closed permanently starting October 7, 2024. To be replaced by a Disney villains show which opens in Summer 2025.
• McKim’s Mile House / Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade (Magic Kingdom): The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, an opening day attraction, permanently closed in 2024 to make way for McKim’s Mile House, a new lounge. The new space, exclusively for Disney Vacation Club Members, is scheduled to open sometime in summer 2025 (exact date unknown).
• Spaceship Earth Lounge (EPCOT): A new lounge at the iconic Spaceship Earth attraction is set to be up and running in advance of summer 2025. Exact opening date unknown.
• Test Track (EPCOT): Closed starting June 17, 2024 for a major refresh. Exact re-opening date not yet announced, but Disney now says it will be in “late summer 2025.”
• TriceraTop Spin (Animal Kingdom): Closed permanently starting January 13, 2025 as part of the transformation of Dinoland U.S.A into Tropical Americas / Pueblo Esperanza.
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid (Hollywood Studios): This stage show never reopened following the COVID-19 pandemic closure, and is now being re-imagined into a new show. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is now expected to debut in summer 2025.

Resort Hotels and Amenities

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Significant refurbishment work to Guest rooms is scheduled from September 2024 to September 2025. While the resort will remain open, Guests will likely see and hear construction work throughout the Bay Lake Tower building. Guests are advised to allow extra travel time when walking in the area, as alternate paths may be used.
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: From mid-May 2025 to September 2025, the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will undergo refurbishment. All Resort amenities will remain available, but Guests may notice work during daytime hours.
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: Construction continues on multiple projects around the resort, including a new Disney Vacation Club tower on the site of the former Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. The tower’s grand opening is expected in December 2024, while other work will continue through 2026.
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort: Room refurbishment set to take place from late March 2025 through mid-February 2026. All resort amenities are expected to remain available, but Guests may notice construction during daytime hours.
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside: Room refurbishment is set to take place in the Magnolia Bend region of the resort from early April 2025 through the end of January 2026. Guests may see or hear construction work in the area.

Transportation, Water Parks, Golf Courses, and More

• Disney Water Parks: Only one of the two parks (Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon) typically operates at a time, with the other being closed. See Water Parks section below for further info.

Note that these schedules and maintenance plans can change. For the most accurate information on ride and hotel closures, it’s best to contact Disney World customer service or consult your travel planner (we recommend The Vacationeer).

Disney World Water Parks in July (2025): What to Expect

Visiting Disney World’s water parks – Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach – is a fantastic way to beat the heat in July. Each park offers unique water-based attractions, but their operational schedules can be tricky to predict. Here’s our forecast for July 2025:

• Water Park Operations: In recent years, Disney World has trended towards operating one water park at a time. Here’s a recent operating schedule history:
  • November 13, 2022: Blizzard Beach opens and Typhoon Lagoon closes.
  • March 19, 2023: Typhoon Lagoon opens and Blizzard Beach closes.
  • November 6, 2023: Blizzard Beach opens and Typhoon Lagoon closes.
  • March 17, 2024: Typhoon Lagoon opens and Blizzard Beach closes.
  • November 4, 2024: Blizzard Beach opens and Typhoon Lagoon closes.
• Annual Themes: In 2022, Blizzard Beach received a holiday treatment, a trend we expect to continue.
• Predicted Schedule: Based on these patterns, we expect the water parks to alternate being open in multi-month stretches, with Typhoon Lagoon open from spring to fall and Blizzard Beach open from fall to spring.
• July 2025 Expectation: Following these patterns, we anticipate that Typhoon Lagoon will be the only water park open in July 2025. However, these predictions are based on past trends, and actual schedules may change.

For accurate information and to plan your perfect summer getaway, we recommend consulting with The Vacationeer before booking. A trip to a Disney water park would be a great way to add some splash to your Florida summer vacation – especially on a hot July day!

Preparing for the 4th of July at Disney World

Celebrating the 4th of July at Disney World requires strategic preparation. You can expect the following:

• Expect Crowds: July 4th brings a mix of locals and tourists, resulting in higher-than-usual visitor numbers. To avoid the busiest times, plan to visit early in the day or late in the afternoon. The midday period usually sees an overlap of guests, leading to the most congestion and heat.
• Heat Precautions: Florida’s summer climate can be challenging. Pack essentials like cooling pads, a collapsible water bottle, and ponchos. Taking breaks from the heat in indoor attractions and returning to your hotel during the hottest hours of the day can also help.
• Special Events: Disney’s Celebrate America! is a key highlight at Magic Kingdom; expect a spectacular fireworks display on July 3 and July 4. EPCOT’s Heartbeat of Freedom tag also offers an impressive finale over the American Adventure pavilion after the regular fireworks show on July 4th.

• EPCOT’s Limited-time Lighting Design: Spaceship Earth adorns a patriotic ambient lighting design, giving it the look of an American flag. This adds to the Independence Day spirit and is uisually showcased for several nights around July 4th.
• Added Activities: Disney characters wear patriotic attire, and special PhotoPass options are often available. At EPCOT, don’t miss special performances by the Voices of Liberty on July 4th, including their famed “echo sets” in the two-story rotunda of the American Adventure.
• Hotel Celebrations: Although no official events are scheduled around the hotels, Magic Kingdom area resorts often have informal ‘parties’ to view the fireworks. Those staying at the Polynesian Village Resort get the added bonus of a patriotic display from the Electrical Water Pageant during the show!

Despite the heat and crowds, July 4th at Disney World is an experience you won’t forget, and there are tons of fun things to do to if you plan to visit Disney World around Independence Day.

Is July the Best Month to Visit Disney World?

Whether July is optimal for a Disney World visit depends on your schedule and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

• Weather: July in Florida is quite warm, with an average high temperature of 90 degrees and 13 rainy days on average. This could be ideal if you enjoy hot weather and like to cool off at the pools and water parks. However, if you prefer cooler, drier weather, July may not be the best month for you.
• Crowds: July sees a surge in visitors due to summer vacation, especially around the 4th of July. However, crowd levels moderate after the 4th of July week, and they are about average for the month as a whole.
• Events: Special 4th of July festivities, including breathtaking fireworks, add to the month’s allure.
• Pricing: Costs are generally average in July, with a slight increase in the early part of the month around the Independence Day holiday.

July offers the warmth of summer, the chance to enjoy two major Epcot festivals, and vibrant 4th of July celebrations. However, it requires thoughtful planning and comfort with heat and potential rain. If you would like personalized advice on whether or not July is the right month for your trip, reach out to The Vacationeer.

Comparing Disney World in July (2025) to Neighboring Months

Understanding how July compares to its neighboring months, June and August, can help determine if it’s the ideal time for your vacation.

• June or July?: Weather is a significant factor in this comparison. June typically has milder temperatures, which might be more comfortable for some visitors. However, though hotter and slightly rainier, July weather is still manageable, especially for those who enjoy pool visits and water park adventures. Crowd-wise, while June can be bustling, July generally sees a spike around the 4th but is less crowded than June for the rest of the month.
• July or August?: For 2024, the start of the International Food & Wine Festival didn’t happen until late August (it had been late July in prior years, and 2025 dates aren’t yet out). July and August share similar weather patterns, with hot and wet conditions. Crowds are typically lower in August, especially at the end of the month.

July offers an exciting atmosphere around Independence Day but expect higher crowds and a slight price surge during this period.

Our Recommendation: June could be better if you prefer milder weather and don’t mind higher crowds. Consider August if you’d like to enjoy the Food & Wine Festival. If fireworks are your thing, consider July!

Personal Experiences: Disney World in July

My wife Jaimie’s parents, Mike and Terry, recently retired Florida residents, made their annual Disney World trip in July 2023. A testament to the joy of adults at Disney World, their journey was filled with relaxed exploration and delightful moments.

Unfazed by the heat, they came prepared. “As Floridians, we’re used to hot weather,” Terry said, adding that they packed lightweight clothes, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles. They chose a period post the July 4th rush. “We love a more relaxed pace,” Mike explained.

They booked their stay at Coronado Springs, a Disney Moderate Resort. “The pool was a refreshing retreat during the midday heat,” Mike mentioned. They enjoyed their afternoons, cooling off and planning their evening adventures at the park. “We also took advantage of a great Florida Resident deal,” Terry added.

The rides at Animal Kingdom were a highlight. Terry found Kilimanjaro Safaris captivating, saying, ” I love seeing the animals up close.” Mike was in awe of the Avatar Flight of Passage.

Food was a highlight of their trip. They savored a romantic dinner at Tiffins in Animal Kingdom and a delicious brunch at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs. “The southern comfort food was superb,” Terry shared.

Their mid-July visit presented fewer crowds, adding to their enjoyment. “The lines were shorter than we expected, and the overall experience was more intimate,” said Mike. Although they missed the July 4th festivities and the Epcot festivals, they felt content with their choice.

Terry summarized their experience: “As a couple at Disney World, we appreciate the slower pace and moderate crowds. July has become one of our favorite months to visit.”

Final Thoughts: Disney World in July

Summer is in full swing at Disney World in July, with temperatures reaching into the 90s on average. For those who enjoy warm temperatures, it’s the perfect time to enjoy water parks and pools and cool off at night with spectacular shows. It’s worth noting that this is also a month with occasional rainfall, so packing ponchos and having flexible plans can prove beneficial.

Regarding crowd levels and costs, the beginning of July experiences a crowd surge due to Independence Day festivities. This period also sees a slight increase in prices. However, once the holiday crowds recede, the remainder of July presents fewer crowds and prices that revert to their average range.

In terms of crowd size, July ranks around 5th or 6th for the year. If a quieter experience is your goal, planning your visit after the Independence Day rush would be wise.

Compared to its neighboring month, June offers milder weather but higher crowd levels, while August typically experiences similar weather but slightly fewer crowds.

Overall, for those who enjoy warm weather, water activities, and a less crowded park experience, July presents a well-balanced month to visit Disney World. We recommend consulting with Disney travel experts when planning your vacation.

Our month-by-month Disney World guides are useful resources for planning your vacation. They’re designed to provide you with detailed information on events, pricing trends, crowd sizes, weather, and new attractions for each month.

Discover the best month for your Disney vacation with our comprehensive guides to the other months of the year:

• Disney World in January
• Disney World in February
• Disney World in March
• Disney World in April
• Disney World in May
• Disney World in June
• Disney World in August
• Disney World in September
• Disney World in October
• Disney World in November
• Disney World in December

Whether you’re a Disney first-timer or a seasoned enthusiast, our guides will help you plan a Disney vacation that’s tailored to your specific needs and preferences.