Any chance to plan a trip for this Thanksgiving?

[Solved]

We had been looking into going to WDW during thanksgiving a few months ago but then decided against it. Well, now it's back on the table. Would that be crazy? (we've never been to Disney). Are there any promos going on now (free dining?). Would we be better off waiting until next year instead?

 

[lovetoscrap]

You won't find any discounts over Thanksgiving because that is an insanely busy time-- no need for discounts to get people in. As to whether staying onsite is even an option then you would just need to call or go online and see what is available.

For that same reason I personally would avoid Disney that week. I hate crowds and long lines! But if you have to go over a holiday period due to work or school schedules then I would probably pick Thanksgiving because the weather would be very nice. Just know you will need to be flexible and expect a lot of people and long waits. A good touring plan would be a priority.

 

[jesswindsor]

It is possible, but If it were me I would wait. Trying to get ADR's alone would be stressfull, unless you don't do table service. I would just figure up what the important things are that you want to do on this trip and see if you can work them all out, if not I would wait.

 

[ToddyLu]

You really do need a plan for Disney during Thanksgiving. Dinning reservations would be a must and folks have already gotten those for that week 180 days out. WDW is absolutely huge and amazing. Take some time to plan, go at a less busy time so that you have a chance to enjoy it. I have family staying off site the week of Thanksgiving but they do Dsiney every year and are veterans and know what to expect, know what they want to do, etc. One of my best recommendations would be to get a Passporter or other travel book and get a map of the parks in your head--so that you have a basic understanding and are not at the gate wondering where you want to go first. If you do go--be patient and know that WDW isn't always like that...best of luck and have fun.

 

[wishing4PA]

If you go, be sure to use the fastpass system where possible (free, you just stick your ticket into the machine and get the passses to come back later with a less long line).

 

[Solved]

Thanks for your replies! It seems like it'd be way too crowded and I'm not sure Id have time to plan things out properly. It'd be a pity.

What about MLK weekend? (Jan 16th)

 

[pepe of ohio]

Thanks for your replies! It seems like it'd be way too crowded and I'm not sure Id have time to plan things out properly. It'd be a pity.

What about MLK weekend? (Jan 16th)

You seem to be picking holiday periods.....room rates at peak.....high crowds...MKL weekend is just as crowded as Thanksgiving.....week before isn't bad and maybe after but I'd avoid the weekend...

I've read and head from many that have taken Disney vacations during the holidays and said they would never go back to WDW, it's because it's too crowded and nothing gets accomplished, even with fast passes.....just too impossible to navigate....if mass chaos is your bag, give it a shot...but we avoid all holiday periods ( MKL, spring breaks, Thanksgiving, Christmas etc) like the plague...especially since room rates are at max and discounts none...just my 2 cents..

 

[lovetoscrap]

Of the two I would pick the MLK weekend. You will have some more time to plan and while it will be crowded, it probably won't be nearly as bad as Thanksgiving/Christmas/July 4th. Since it was just the holiday break parents are less likely to be taking kids out of school for a vacation at that time or taking time off of work. But I would still have a touring plan and be prepared to be flexible and have some waits.

Weather will be cooler, you may not want to swim but it will be nice for being in the parks.

What are your priorities for your visit? Ride the rides? Enjoy the shows? Eat in the restaurants? Relax at the hotel? Do everything? This can make a big difference. For us we don't eat at the sit down restaurants so being able to make advanced reservations is no big deal to us and wouldn't factor into when we would go. But if my goal was to try to do every park and be able to go on every ride and see all the shows then a holiday time would not be possible. If you don't want to do it all then I think you should go for it!

 

[brucerob62]

Of the two I would pick the MLK weekend. You will have some more time to plan and while it will be crowded, it probably won't be nearly as bad as Thanksgiving/Christmas/July 4th. Since it was just the holiday break parents are less likely to be taking kids out of school for a vacation at that time or taking time off of work. But I would still have a touring plan and be prepared to be flexible and have some waits.

Weather will be cooler, you may not want to swim but it will be nice for being in the parks.

What are your priorities for your visit? Ride the rides? Enjoy the shows? Eat in the restaurants? Relax at the hotel? Do everything? This can make a big difference. For us we don't eat at the sit down restaurants so being able to make advanced reservations is no big deal to us and wouldn't factor into when we would go. But if my goal was to try to do every park and be able to go on every ride and see all the shows then a holiday time would not be possible. If you don't want to do it all then I think you should go for it!

just depends on the age of kids?...also some rides are down to refurbishing in Jan and FEB..so look at that before you plan? should have free dining during most Jan dates. look at DW website to be sure. BUt should be able to do what you want in most of January, just get fastpass for must do rides.
Hope dee do revue is a great show for kids. FIrst visit tip have fun..you will learn alot ..and remember what to do and what not to do for the next visit. Just dont stress out about it....AND RELAX!!

 

[Metro West]

 

[Solved]

Thanks for the replies!

I guess in the end I just want DS to have a nice time (don't we all?) He's three and he's suddenly really into Mickey Mouse. So, the only think that doesn't seem doable because of the short notice is the Mickey Mouse Restaurant thing. Is there any way to get last minute reservations there?

We seem to be a last-minute-trip family anyway, so I feel that if we keep postponing this we'll be in the exact same predicament anyway.