Advice on Disney parks, July

Question

Hi all, as part of a wider trip in late July I will be spending 4 nights at Disney with my wife and children (ages 11 and 8) plus another family, and we’d be really grateful for advice on parks.

We’re not bothered by Magic or Animal, but would like to see Epcot and Hollywood, and fortunately our dates coincide with some of the After Hours nights…

We’re considering spending 1 full day at Epcot (with extended evening hours) and then 1 evening at Hollywood After Hours. The thinking is that (i) there’s a lot to do/see at Epcot other than rides, so it needs a full day rather than just an evening, (ii) After Hours doesn’t add much to Epcot if we can stay there until 11pm anyway on an extended hours night, and (iii) everything at Hollywood can be done during the After Hours session, and it’s not worth another $600 to coming during the day (in July heat) as well.

But I’m a complete novice so I’d welcome thoughts and in particular any corrections if my thinking above is way off mark! Thanks in advance, Nathan

Answer

Your plan for Disney in late July is actually quite sensible, especially given your preferences and the ages of the kids. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how your approach works and some considerations to refine it.

Epcot:

Spending a full day at Epcot is the right decision. Epcot is large and offers a mix of attractions, shows, and cultural experiences across the World Showcase. Even if rides are a lower priority, the park requires time to explore fully, and July afternoons can be hot and crowded.

Morning: Focus on popular attractions like Test Track, Soarin', and Frozen Ever After (use Genie+ if possible for shorter waits).
Lunch/early afternoon: Take a break in the air-conditioned pavilions or enjoy indoor shows like The Seas with Nemo & Friends or the Imagination Pavilion.
Afternoon: Explore World Showcase; meet characters, try small snacks, and enjoy cultural exhibits. This pace is perfect for your children’s ages.
Evening: Extended hours are valuable—many rides will have shorter waits and the evening fireworks or nighttime show adds a special touch.

Since you noted that After Hours doesn’t add much to Epcot if you already stay until 11pm, your thinking is correct. The main benefit of After Hours is avoiding long lines during daytime, which is less relevant if you’re already leveraging extended evening hours.

Hollywood Studios:

Using the After Hours session at Hollywood Studios is an excellent strategy. Here’s why:

After Hours events allow you to experience most popular rides with minimal wait—Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash, and Toy Story Land attractions.
It’s hot in July, so limiting your daytime exposure is smart; the short evening session provides comfort while hitting all priority attractions.
Paying for a full daytime ticket plus After Hours usually isn’t necessary unless you want to repeat rides or enjoy shows and dining experiences during the day.

Additional tips:

Arrive at the parks early (rope drop) if you can manage it; even with After Hours, early entry can help with first rides.
Use Genie+ or Lightning Lanes strategically for high-demand attractions, especially at Epcot in the morning.
Keep hydrated and plan indoor breaks during the hottest parts of the day (12–3 pm).
Consider a split-day strategy if you want a lighter first day—maybe arrive mid-morning, enjoy select attractions, and save the evening for extended hours.
For Hollywood Studios, check which attractions are included in After Hours; some shows may not run, so adjust expectations accordingly.

Overall, your plan of:

1 full day at Epcot with extended evening hours
1 evening at Hollywood Studios After Hours

is efficient, cost-conscious, and avoids peak daytime heat. You will get a solid experience of both parks without overpaying or exhausting the kids. Just make sure to plan your must-do attractions and keep the pace flexible.

Advice on Disney parks, July

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