Did I goof?

[junebugTN]

Hi,

My family - me, DH, and DD(8) booked our first Disney trip for November 22-26, and I have been happy dancing since we got our confirmation. But now, as the date approaches, I'm starting to get really nervous about all those crowds this time of year.

I have been reading the posts for a couple weeks, and I have learned so much (thanks!!!) I'm just stuck on one thing. I have read tons of posts that say everything is "packed" this time of year, but could someone get a little more specific for me? Is it too overwhelming to enjoy anything when it's this crowded? We are really excited to finally be going, but we sure can't afford to throw out all that $$$ if things will be too packed to enjoy.

I guess I'm hoping someone will tell me this is just last-minute jitters, and it will all be okay..... or tell me to cancel the reservation and try again next year!

Thanks,
June

 

[kmbound]

I have not been on Thanksgiving week in a long long time. However, the time I did go it was not busy at all on Thanksgiving day, or the weekend following. However it was sooo busy on the Monday after that we could not even get in the parking lot (staying off site that time).

Unfortunately for you, I believe that has all changed and I do believe that Thanksgiving weekend is now one of the busiest weekends of the fall (i.e. sept - christmas). People try to go when kids will miss the least amount of school.

 

[wvgoofyfan]

Don't worry about the crowds!.

The trick is to be one step ahead of them at all times. During crowded times, be at park opening early...Hit the big rides first and use fast pass! Be sure and have your ADR's if you are doing table service meals and eat at counter service at off times...like 11:15 am for lunch or 2:00 pm for lunch.

When the crowds become unbearable, hit the shows which handle much larger crowds. Mid day take a break, go back to your resort for a nap and maybe early dinner or just lay by the pool. Now go back to the parks when everyone else is worn out and you will see the parks emptying.

If the crowds become really unbearable, make that day a resort hopping day and visit all the Christmas decorations at GF, AKL, WL, etc.

AKL has children's activities scheduled thru out the day! Check that out!
Wilderness Campground has a stable you can visit, a great playgound!

At MK, hit Tom Sawyer island when the crowds get bad...you will find a place where you think you are the only one in the park.!

Have a great trip! and remember a bad day at Disney is better than any day at work!

PS. I have a picture of me 1st in line at every turnstile at every park. It is so worth it getting up early! This is the time to be at the parks!

 

[danny1649]

A great time,arrive early use fast pass and you will have a magical time.

 

[junebugTN]

Wow, thanks for all the great replies. I feel much better, and I definitely plan to follow these suggestions.

This really restored my confidence. It's the first trip for all 3 of us in our family (I've been waiting 40 years for this!) so I'm glad to hear that it will still be magical!

Thanks again...

 

[wvgoofyfan]

You go girl!

Your 1st trip will always be the one you cherish the most!

Hope you and your family have a magical time!

 

[LillersMom]

I agree. It might be hard to get up and get goin early, but if you do it is worth it. We hit the park opening grab an cinnamon roll, coffee and fruit at Main Street Bakery (or the like depending on the park)and eat as we walk to the days must do rides. By noon we have usually done what we planned for the day and the rest is bouns! Remember to enjoy yourself and remember that anyting you don't get to will be there the next trip and gives you a reason to go back soon!

 

[junebugTN]

I like the suggestion to grab a quick cinnamon roll and coffee so that we can hit the attractions early. Any excuse to eat cinnamon rolls for breakfast is a double-win to me!

Thanks for the info. I feel so much better having a plan like this in place.
June