Crowds week after Thanksgiving

[boysx3]

We are thinking of going to Disney the week after Thanksgiving. Has anyone had experience with this week. Do you know if the Christmas decorations are up? Also, which is the best DVC to stay at at this time. We were thinking the Boardwalk. Any info is greatly appreciated.

 

[athenna]

That is actually my favorite week to go
Have been that week many times, including this past year. Love it! The weather is decent-highs were in the low 70's every day. It's a great time to go as the whole WDW is all decked out for the holidays-MVMCP is going on, Osbourne lights @ MGM, etc. It is a beautiful time to visit, IMHO. In terms of what resort to stay in, that all depends on your taste, but you did mention the BWV and I think that is a great choice.
Have a great time whatever you decide.

 

[TiggerFreak]

Another vote for the week after Thanksgiving.
Went last year, arrived the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Very crowded until Sunday evening.
Monday was like having the place to ourselves.
Decorations are just awesome.
Weather is pleasant, was warm enough for Typhoon Lagoon on Monday.
Will definately visit again at that time of year.

 

[2giddy4wdw]

This is our favorite time to go to Disney. We usually leave the the Friday after Thanksgiving and stay for the whole week. Like someone else posted...it is busy that first weekend. But when Sunday comes around...there are no crowds. Love the decorations, MVMCP, Osborne lights. Really gets you in the mood for Christmas. Since becoming members we've stayed at SSR and OKW. They were both great. This year we are looking into VWL. Hopefully we can get in there. Like to try a different resort each time. We are leaving on Saturday this year and just relaxing that first day. Good luck on your choice!!!

 

[canda]

We do a conference every year at the Wyndham at that time. I have noticed the past few years have been getting a little more crowded. When you get to a park and you see all the people walking around you will think this is crowded, but the lines to the rides will have low waits.

they tape alot of the Holiday speacial at this time. So there may be some light hassle to deal with. For example, The parade that is on TV, they tape each float one at a time coming down main street with 5-10 takes for each float. It is not the flow of a regular parade.

 

[CarolMN]

Don't wait too long to make your reservation - that is a very popular time for BWV. I'm quite sure there are already waitlists for standard view and Boardwalk view rooms for that week. If you're an owner, make your ressie asap and if not, plan to call as soon as the 7 month window opens to have the best chance of getting in there.

Best wishes-

 

[smjj]

We have gone this time of year twice. I think the word is out. It seemed more crowded this last year than before. We always do MVMCP and that is a lot of fun....smjj

 

[Patty3]

We already have a 2 bedroom unit at the BCV reserved for that time frame. I am really looking forward to it.

 

[J and R's mom]

We have gone this time of year twice. I think the word is out. It seemed more crowded this last year than before. We always do MVMCP and that is a lot of fun....smjj

Phew. I was beginning the think I was the only one.

We just did this this past year (11/27-12/2). I was VERY surprised by the crowds. We had made THREE prior trips around this same time of year in 2000, 2001 and 2002. We had to lay off of WDW for three years, though, because our two kids were born and we wanted them to get a little older before we returned. WELL, this time (in 2005) it seemed MUCH more crowded than I remembered from my previous three trips. I guess the word has gotten out.

That being said, let me explain what I mean by being "MUCH more crowded." Back in 2000, 2001 and 2002, we were able to walk on most every ride and even the headliners had lines less than 10 minutes...if that. On this trip, MANY of the rides (especially in Fantasyland at MK) had stand by lines of 30 mins (even though some said 30 mins and only took about 15mins). It's definitely not as crowded as the times I've been at Easter and during the summer, but we had become spoiled by being able to practically walk on rides in our previous trips, so the waits (anything over 10mins) were a bit disappointing to us.

The least crowded I've EVER seen it, though, was our trip in early Dec 2001. I guess, due to 9/11, so many folks weren't traveling. Talk about having a place to yourself. It was SPOOKY! For example, DH and I were walking out of Mouse Gear in EPCOT from the exit facing the big fountain at around 1:00pm. We looked left, then right and saw NO ONE...not one single person. After about 1 or 2 minutes of standing there in awe, we finally saw some other folks strolling around. That was one trip where even the headliner rides were walk-on. HOWEVER, I'll take long waits over that any day...given the reason for the low crowds.

 

[cobbler]

We go the week after Thanksgiving too. Have done so since 2001. It has steady become busier and busier that week, I do think the secret is out. However it is still manageable, I hope it stays that way.

So . . . don't go the week after Thanksgiving, it's a horrible week to go very busy.