before thanksgiving??

[eddieras]

here's my question- what's the best time for us to go?
my kids are 8 1/2 yrs & 5 1/2 yrs

we can go for 6-7 nites the week immediately before thanksgiving (arrive thurs before holiday, leave on thanksgiving)
or go for
4 nites mid oct (columbus day wkd - thur to mon)
or
4 nites mid jan (martin luther king day wkd - thur to mon)
additional background- we were only there one other time- in Sept '01 (yes, during that time, for six nites-kids were only 5 & 2 and couldn't do as much as now, of course.

opinions??
advantages/disadvantages??
while weather is a concern- maybe a waterpark this trip-- crowds are more of a concern. previous trip (in sept '01) we hardly waited anywhere- jumped right on Kilmajaro 2x, kali 2x (once me and my son where the ONLY ones on the raft!).
so, i appreciate all advice and comments- thanks so much!

 

[goofy4tink]

My choice would be the week before Thanksgiving. It really doesn't, at least this is what I've been told, start getting too crowded until the day before Thanksgiving. Then it's crazed. We are going down on T-day!!! Now, that's nuts. The weather would most likely still be fine for swimming too.

 

[lisabetty]

We have gone the last two years the week beofre Thanksgiving. I would recommend that week to ANYONE It is the best - no waiting, no pushing, no walking on the backs of peoples feet. The weather is great for walking...a little cool......the Christmas decorations are going up - perfect - I mean perfect. The only draw back is that the parks close early during that time of year.
Still - you see soo much without the waiting!!!!
You will not regret going this week. We are leaving this coming Saturday, we are taking my Granddaughter, who is starting school this year, so she will not be able to go that week anymore, I keep thinking how spoiled we are from going then...and how hot and busy it will be when we go next week!!
Oh well, it is always fun when you go to Disney!!

 

[ColoradoBuffaloMom]

We were at Universal last year from the Saturday before Thanksgiving till Thanksgiving day. It wasn't crowded at all. I did notice that it seemed to be a lot more crowded on Thanksgiving day than all of the other days.

I think that Columbus Weekend and MLK Weekend would be very crowded.

Elise

 

[eddieras]

thank you all for all the wonderful comments!

lisabetty-=- how was it as thanksgiving approached? like tues and wednesday- well and thanksgiving itself?

what time do the parks close then?

and christmas lites? would they all be up by thanksgiving?

 

[kashkdz]

Our family was in WDW the week before Thanksgiving in 2002 from 11-16 to 11-23. Weather was great and park crowds were very light. The Christmas decorations started going up all over the parks/resorts as soon as we arrived. Parks closed early around 7:00, but we pretty much had very full days and were able to do all the rides and attractions (15-20 minute wait max, and often no wait later on). Later at night we would often go over to DTD or EPCOT (World Showcase closed @ 9:00pm) and watch the fireworks. Rate are also cheaper during this time.

 

[eddieras]

thanks again-- i think this may work!
how bad does it get tues/ wed/ thurs??