Dilema about which week to choose at Pop!!!

[Soon2B4]

We are booking FD and are thinking either 11/10-11/17 or the week after Thanksgiving 11/24-12/1. We have gone the week after Thanksgiving 2x, but were wondering what the crowds were like the full week before Thanksgiving. We have younger kids so school and vacation aren't much a factor, but waiting in long lines do! We have the Disney Visa and want to book asap. Any help would be appreciated! TIA!

 

[Missytara]

The week before is actually good. It does not ramp up until the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, so it is a good time.

The week after (mine) has gotten really steadily busier for the following reasons:

1. Free dining has been offered the last three years.
2. The Travel Channel did a special in 2008 saying it was the best bang for your buck week all year.
3. The Xmas decorations are all up without the Xmas crowds.
4. The locals linger with family through the weekend and then start taking in the nightly festivities with an AP.
5. The parade taping.
6. The Pop Warner competition starting the following Friday.

 

[Soon2B4]

We went the week following Thanksgiving 2011 and it felt "busier" to me. I was trying to decide if that earlier week would be less crowded. I know the crowds are nothing compared to say Easter week, but I am spoiled by low attendance!

 

[Lauralooneyfordisney]

The crowds were still pretty low when we went after Thanksgiving plus I couldn't give up seeing all the Christmas decorations.

 

[missnic]

A few years ago, we went the week before, and it was perfect. The weather was great, crowds were nearly nonexistant, and Christmas decorations were up. I'm hoping for a repeat of that experience this year (only better, because we'll have free dining!) - we're going 11/12 - 11/17.

 

[siskaren]

I'd rather go after Thanksgiving for the full Christmas experience.

 

[Soon2B4]

I'd rather go after Thanksgiving for the full Christmas experience.

The experience should be pretty much the same since the VMCP starts 11/9. They don't put the tree up in the MK until after the parade taping. Also, the Osborne Family lights will be staring also while we would be there.

 

[siskaren]

The experience should be pretty much the same since the VMCP starts 11/9. They don't put the tree up in the MK until after the parade taping. Also, the Osborne Family lights will be staring also while we would be there.

True, but the Candlelight Processional and Holidays Around the World at Epcot don't start until after Thanksgiving, and for me, that's a big part of the Christmas experience at WDW.