Hi Katilyn,
Welcome to planDisney! I love the fact that you’re visiting Walt Disney World Resort in July. Though it may be hot, it’s a great time of year to visit! Summer will be in full swing and you can take full advantage of your resort’s pool and outdoor amenities!
Let’s road trip to your question and get some answers. If you are driving to Orlando from Louisiana, you might be able to arrive at your resort with enough time for a few short hours in a park. Considering that it may take you 10 hours or more to drive depending on departure time, traffic, route and your location, you might not arrive until pretty late in the afternoon. The
Disney World Hours & Events Calendar is currently showing park hours through March. Check back periodically to see what time each park will close during your trip and plan to visit the park that will be open the latest on that day. Dates will be added to that calendar as we get closer to your trip, and remember that park hours are subject to change. If your room isn't ready yet when you arrive, leave your luggage with Bell Services for safe-keeping and hop onto your resort's transportation to the park you choose.
Now, if you’re anything like me, you like to maximize your park time and get the most out of your park days. If that’s the case and you do change your mind about your first park day, you can absolutely head to the My Disney Experience app/website to
change the start date of your tickets so that your first park day lands on July 20. This would add a day to the end of your trip unless you shorten your number of park days, but it would give you the opportunity to use your arrival day as a resort day. You could pack your swimsuits in your carry-on bags, ask Bell Services to hold your luggage and take a dip in the pool. You could also enjoy your resort’s dining and/or activities. Visit your resort’s website page to check out your options; dining will be found under that tab and activities will be under the Recreation tab. For example, here’s where you’d find the recreational activities planned for
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort at this time. These activities are subject to change, so be sure to check back closer to your trip. Remember, if you do shift your park days you may need to add a resort day to your reservation as well so don’t forget to check!
I’m hoping your trip this summer is packed with magical moments, Katilyn. Whatever you decide, you and your family are sure to have a blast. If you need any help with planning we’ll be here ready to help. We’ll see ya real soon!
Your pal,
Sakinah