Before Thanksgiving or after for xmas

[allaboutthekids]

Hi all. I have gotten a TON of info from disboards! Thanks to all who contribute.

I need some advice on which week is better for xmas decorations, or if it even matters. First, some background info....This will be our 2nd trip to WDW. First trip was May '13, AKL, rented DVC points. Our group consists of DH, myself, DS (9), DS (8), DS (6) and DD (4). My DS (6) LOVES LOVES LOVES holiday decorations!! In the past he has asked Santa for xmas inflatables vs toys!! This year, I want to go so he can experience the Disney decorations. My top 2 choices in weeks are 1.) the week after Thanksgiving (Nov 30-Dec 6) or the week BEFORE Thanksgiving (Nov 16-Nov 22).

Quiet honestly, as things stand now, the week before Thanksgiving works out best for work, school, activities, etc. However, I am just worried that there won't be any or enough decorations up at that time, defeating the main purpose of going at this time of year. We can also make the week after Thanksgiving work, but it would require a lot more juggling.

We are planning on staying in the cabins (partly because of what I have read regarding the holiday decorating), renting a golf cart, going to the parks, exploring other resorts, and if weather permits...swimming. The free dining is currently being offered for the Nov dates, but not the Dec dates. This is not a big deal to us...

My neighbors went to WDW the week before Thanksgiving last year and they said there were plenty of Christmas decorations. I have another friend that went the week before Christmas and she insists we should choose the Dec dates!!

So, I am quite conflicted!! From the information I have been able to gather, seems that all I would miss by going before Thanksgiving is the big tree in the MK and the candle light processional (which I don't think we would go to anyway).

Does anyone have any thoughts or experiences they would care to share???!!! Thanks in advance....

 

[SunshineCamper]

We have stayed the week of thanksgiving. The decorations will be up-not all but most. The Christmas tree outside of Trails End was up Wednesday Morning before Thanksgiving. It was the last thing up the year we stayed. I *think all Christmas decorations are to be up the wednesday before Thanksgiving for all of WDW.

The advantage to going either week you are looking to stay the price is the same. Enjoy your visit.

 

[grumpyaggie]

We have done both the week before and the week after thanksgiving. The Christmas decorations are up the Wed. before thanksgiving. But the main difference is that WDW is empty starting Sunday after thanksgiving. The December trip was a more enjoyable time for our grandchildren.

 

[allaboutthekids]

Can you tell me what year you went? This year Thanksgiving is late. We are not considering going the week of Thanksgiving, but the first full week before or after. Low crowds are VERY appealing to us. I checked the crowd calendars and it looks like crowd wise, the week of Nov 16th might be better than the week of Nov 30. My original reservation is for Nov 30th, but the crowd calendar and our personal schedules make me want to change. I am just worried that it won't be christmasy enough that week....If most of the Christmas decorations aren't up until the Wednesday before thanksgiving, we would miss it if we choose the Nov 16-22 date...

Decisions decisions!!

 

[staceyrhood]

Either of your weeks will most likely be the same crowd wise. MK (except for the big tree) will be decorated the week before Thanksgiving as will HS, Osborne lights will be going, most resorts will be starting to decorate, a lot of campsites at the fort will be decorated. Epcot might have some decorations up, but not all. I don't think you can go wrong with either of your choices. Have fun!