2 or 3 days the week after Thanksgiving?

[momtotwolittleones]

We went to DL last year the Tues, Wed and Thu am after Thanksgiving, and it was fabulous. We plan on doing the same this year, but I am wondering if it is significantly more crowded with Carsland to warrant another full day (Thursday) and driving home on Friday instead. There are a lot of good reasons for us to drive back Thursday, but I don't want to feel really rushed and leave without having gotten to do all the things we want to.

For those that have been there since Carsland opened, do you you think it added a significant amount of time to your day (either by exploring it or creating more crowds) at an otherwise uncrowded time?

 

[Blue32]

I can't give advise based on being there yet. We are going the same week as you. But everything I have read one the boards here is pointing to a busier than normal fall season, so even though this week is typically a slow week, I would expect larger crowds than in the past. Go for the extra day IMO.

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

I can't give advice on being there either. I had a friend who was there in September and she said crowds were more than she expected but mostly just in Carsland. She went the week of the heat wave and when Space and Haunted Mansion opened. Carsland was busier than she wanted so she only did RSR once.

As the previous poster said reports are that the parks in general are busier. I'd also take into account the latest rumors about charging for Christmas next year and that being a factor in crowd levels. They may be heavier in anticipation of that as well.

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

I would always opt for an extra day if I could, no matter what the season or crowd predictions.

 

[Steamboat Philly]

I agree, if you have the time ability and means to take another day, then I'd go for it. I'd imagine the entire holiday season is going to be busier than last year. I myself am looking forward to seeing what they do with xmas decorations in the new DCA lands. After the money they spent on the renovation, I'd imagine the decorations will be amazing!

 

[momtotwolittleones]

Yeah, I know longer is always better, but we're trying to juggle a few things. Another day will cost us around another $300 (hotel, food, passes, etc.). My 3rd grader has a big field trip that we could be back in time for if we only go for 2 days instead of 3 - we will miss it otherwise. And, having an extra day back before the kids go back to school will give my middle schooler more time to do all the independent study work he's going to be assigned. (The trip is a surprise for the kids, so we can't get him started on it over Thanksgiving before we go.)

Last time we went, 2 days was plenty. We did 3, and that was fun, but it wasn't needed. I'm just trying to figure out if the extra crowds this year will make the third day more necessary.

 

[disneychrista]

Honestly, 3 days just seems "perfect" for us.

But given the cost and sacrifices I would do the 2 days. I was planning a trip with a friend & her daughter and the only way we could do it was a 2 day trip. While 2 days may not allow time to do all the little things, it is plenty to do most everything you will want to do. And then you can save the $300 to put toward your next trip. Because IMO, 2 shorter trips are always better than one longer trip.

 

[Sherry E]

momtotwolittleones -

Hi there! I thought I'd chime in.

Yes, I do think it will be a busier holiday season in general, and even in the weeks that are usually not as crowded - including your week. The expected (extensive) Cars Land and Buena Vista Street decorations sound like they will be amazing. (Snowy the Snow car, for example!) Santa will be in the Elias & Co. store. There will now be holiday lights projected from or on Mickey's Fun Wheel. There's the ice rink in Downtown Disney. There's the new Holly Jolly Jamboree (taking the place of the Reindeer Round-Up).

Basically, all of this new stuff will attract people. To what degree the new highlights attract people is anyone's guess.

Also, as DorkyDisneyMom said, factor in the high probability of a hard ticket Christmas party next year that will hold the holiday parade, holiday fireworks, holiday snow and Candlelight Processional hostage for most of the season, and you could see a bunch of people coming out to DL to enjoy those traditions "one last time" this year.

But...all that said...we just have no clue how much more crowded it will be this year. It may not be significant enough to warrant any schedule changes for you. So I wouldn't give it a second thought, if I were you.

Two days is what works for you, and what you're happy with. So I say stick with two days!