Disney World at Thanksgiving

[Dismom820]

We did Thanksgiving a few years ago, and we spent Thanksgiving Day at AK. We actually ate our Thanksgiving dinner at Flame Tree BBQ, and the weather was perfect and we just had a nice, relaxing meal under the palm trees. Probably our best Thanksgiving memory. We are going again this year, and we will 100% go to AK on T-Day. You could not pay me to set foot in MK. The crowds would stress me out way too much. I have a three-year-old, so I know where you are coming from. Mine does love all four parks, and I know she will love the Osborne Lights, so we will definitely be doing that at some point during our trip. But I agree that if you only have a few days, HS is the park to skip when you have a toddler.

We've lucked out with weather for our two late November/early December trips. January...not so much. Fingers crossed for good weather this year!

yes, we only have 3 park days and the two main parks we want to visit is AK and MK...we will have 2 days for MK though so if thanksgiving is too overwhelming, we will have another day to enjoy with (hopefully) less crowds! im hoping we have good weather this year! our next trip to disney will be during february/march...we dont do summers there anymore and just wanted the thanksgiving experience this year!

 

[Dismom820]

We went for Thanksgiving last year, will be there this year - and loved it so much, we will probably make it our Thanksgiving tradition. Went the Thursday before and Thanksgiving was our last day. We were in MK on Thanksgiving Day, and it was crowded - but we were also expecting it, and if you just know it's going to be crowded and plan on that, it doesn't have to ruin anything. I'm a believer in adjusting your expectations to accommodate the crowds, rather than letting them bother you! It wasn't our only day in MK, so we focused on rides that aren't the popular ones for that day. We also went on the DVC tour to get three extra FP per person, and saved them for TDay.
We worked the FP well, and never waited more than 10 or 15 minutes for a ride. We did get trapped between Adventureland and Frontierland at one point during a parade, but it was over quickly As others said, weather was crazy last year. We were swimming on Monday and the next day HS streets were flooded, and the next day it was cold.

that was my thinking, if i go into MK preparing myself for a massive amount of people, i shouldnt be too overwhelmed at that point hahaha im thinking to just hustle all day until we fell we cant anymore...we will have one more day other than thanksgiving for MK so im not too worried about the crowds...i'll just have my mindset that there will be a billion people there that day! hahah

 

[Gillyrose779]

Did you say you weren't going to go to Hollywood Studios? The Osborne Lights at HS was our favorite part by far last year- we were there the Sat-Tues after Thanksgiving. If you have hoppers I would suggest going to HS just to see the lights and watch it 'snow'.

We thought the crowds were great.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

If I didn't have to be there on Thanksgiving week (school and work schedules only allow that time off) no way I would go then. I'd move the trip. It's crazy busy. the whole time last year was insane much worse than years past and Thanksgiving Day at MK was absolute wall to wall people all day long. it never really thinned out.

 

[Disneymom1126]

This is funny. We kept waiting for it to get cold, but it never did. Perception is a weird thing! Now, there was one day where it rained incessantly ... That was no fun, but we thought it was warm all week.

We were there Thanksgiving week last year and at the MK the day it rained all day...it was more of a misty/cold/drizzly rain. I think it must have deterred some people from the park because we were there at rope drop and before 11 a.m. (8 a.m. opening) had ridden every ride in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland with the exception of SDMT (we had a fast pass for later in the day)! We also met a number of characters in that time frame (Alice, White Rabbit, Stitch, Buzz Lightyear, Rapunzel, and Cinderella). I say bring on the rain! It was also about 55 degrees, which may be cold by Florida standards, but it was perfect fall football weather in Pennsylvania!

Overall, we went to the most recommended park (EasyWDW) and did rope drop a few times, utilized fastpass+ and didn't notice that the crowds were bad at all. The only thing we waited a long time for was Rock'n Roller Coaster at DHS because we chose to use our Tier 1 fastpass for Toy Story Mania. We've been twice during Thanksgiving week and loved it! The only real bummer that week was that we attended MVMCP on Tuesday, December 2nd...decided to wait for the 2nd parade to beat the crowds a bit and it DOWNPOURED (like fill your shoes with water downpoured) and they cancelled the 2nd parade. We stuck around for the rain to stop and most people had left so we met the Seven Dwarfs with a 15 minute wait and walked on to SDMT right before midnight.

 

[itchin2go]

We were there Thanksgiving week last year and at the MK the day it rained all day...it was more of a misty/cold/drizzly rain. I think it must have deterred some people from the park because we were there at rope drop and before 11 a.m. (8 a.m. opening) had ridden every ride in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland with the exception of SDMT (we had a fast pass for later in the day)! We also met a number of characters in that time frame (Alice, White Rabbit, Stitch, Buzz Lightyear, Rapunzel, and Cinderella). I say bring on the rain! It was also about 55 degrees, which may be cold by Florida standards, but it was perfect fall football weather in Pennsylvania!

Overall, we went to the most recommended park (EasyWDW) and did rope drop a few times, utilized fastpass+ and didn't notice that the crowds were bad at all. The only thing we waited a long time for was Rock'n Roller Coaster at DHS because we chose to use our Tier 1 fastpass for Toy Story Mania. We've been twice during Thanksgiving week and loved it! The only real bummer that week was that we attended MVMCP on Tuesday, December 2nd...decided to wait for the 2nd parade to beat the crowds a bit and it DOWNPOURED (like fill your shoes with water downpoured) and they cancelled the 2nd parade. We stuck around for the rain to stop and most people had left so we met the Seven Dwarfs with a 15 minute wait and walked on to SDMT right before midnight.

I think it was Tuesday of Thanksgiving week when it poured buckets ... just like the day you described in December - fill your shoes downpour. I know because we had the dessert party booked that day ... what a bust. You are totally right that if it's not THAT kind of rain, it can end up being a good thing. We just picked the wrong dessert party day. Blech.

 

[Disneymom1126]

I think it was Tuesday of Thanksgiving week when it poured buckets ... just like the day you described in December - fill your shoes downpour. I know because we had the dessert party booked that day ... what a bust. You are totally right that if it's not THAT kind of rain, it can end up being a good thing. We just picked the wrong dessert party day. Blech.

It did pour buckets that Tuesday before Thanksgiving as well! We flew in that day and were in a circling pattern above the airport because of the weather! We actually were supposed to fly down on Wednesday, but there was a big snowstorm scheduled to hit the northeast and so we came down a day early!

 

[Dismom820]

Did you say you weren't going to go to Hollywood Studios? The Osborne Lights at HS was our favorite part by far last year- we were there the Sat-Tues after Thanksgiving. If you have hoppers I would suggest going to HS just to see the lights and watch it 'snow'.

We thought the crowds were great.

we wont be going to HS this year...there just isnt much that my little on is into there...and we didnt get hoppers this time around.

 

[Gillyrose779]

we wont be going to HS this year...there just isnt much that my little on is into there...and we didnt get hoppers this time around.

To each their own- for us the Osborne lights would be the #1 reason for going... plus there is a very good chance this is the last year b/c of all the changes happening at HS. I really like the "snowing" too.. the only other way to get that is to go to the MVMCP that time of year.

 

[Dismom820]

If I didn't have to be there on Thanksgiving week (school and work schedules only allow that time off) no way I would go then. I'd move the trip. It's crazy busy. the whole time last year was insane much worse than years past and Thanksgiving Day at MK was absolute wall to wall people all day long. it never really thinned out.

this year, it was the only time with mine and my mothers work schedule to be able to go...we've always wanted to see the holiday decor and we knew we wouldnt ever make it for christmas...we like being home and usually the whole month of december is crazy busy for us. so we decided to give thanksgiving a shot this year...but from here out, our disney trips will be in february or march.

 

[Dismom820]

I think it was Tuesday of Thanksgiving week when it poured buckets ... just like the day you described in December - fill your shoes downpour. I know because we had the dessert party booked that day ... what a bust. You are totally right that if it's not THAT kind of rain, it can end up being a good thing. We just picked the wrong dessert party day. Blech.

on a side note, hahaha have you ever been to the dessert party? we are trying to get in and i was wondering if it was really worth it! its booked up now, but im hoping for an opening!

 

[Dismom820]

To each their own- for us the Osborne lights would be the #1 reason for going... plus there is a very good chance this is the last year b/c of all the changes happening at HS. I really like the "snowing" too.. the only other way to get that is to go to the MVMCP that time of year.

our trip is solely based on my little ones interests...she isnt really into anything disney junior, so for me, using a day pass for HS is a waste, she wouldnt enjoy it and there isnt many rides she will able to ride...she'll be 2 and a half...if the "snow" alone is whats pulling it...we get a few snow days back home every year, so she wont miss out on a snow experience...we wanted to wait for HS until she was old enough to really ride stuff there...she loves rides, and we wanted to gear our trip around things she could do.

 

[itchin2go]

on a side note, hahaha have you ever been to the dessert party? we are trying to get in and i was wondering if it was really worth it! its booked up now, but im hoping for an opening!

Yes, we went to it. It was horrible weather, but we went anyway. I figured, all we have to do is get through the rain. The terrace is covered! Well, true, but we did not stop to think that maybe they wouldn't shoot off the fireworks in that weather. I had read up on weather issues before hand, and everything I read assured me that unless the weather was, like, nightmare conditions, the fireworks would go off. Well, they postponed and postponed and postponed, and by 11:00 we left. No Wishes for us. (We were told that they shot off the fireworks sometime around midnight.)

The area was fine. The CMs were fine. We got a GREAT table for Wishes viewing .... The desserts were just ok. There are plenty of them, and tea and coffee and ice cream. But I did not actually see Wishes from there, so I guess I can't really give you a complete review. Based on what happened to us, we wouldn't go back. If I wanted to see Wishes on our next trip, I think I would book a FP. And if the weather was bad, we would just skip it.

 

[itchin2go]

our trip is solely based on my little ones interests...she isnt really into anything disney junior, so for me, using a day pass for HS is a waste, she wouldnt enjoy it and there isnt many rides she will able to ride...she'll be 2 and a half...if the "snow" alone is whats pulling it...we get a few snow days back home every year, so she wont miss out on a snow experience...we wanted to wait for HS until she was old enough to really ride stuff there...she loves rides, and we wanted to gear our trip around things she could do.

I completely get your rationale, but I want to address the snow thing. The snow is not what is so special about the lights. It's just the icing on the cake. The Lights were my favorite thing about our last trip, and I am not a fan of DHS. They're just very special. The only other thing we did last trip that was so visually awe-inspiring was Diagon Alley.

Anyway, you know what's best for your family. My family can't find much to like about AK, but to me, it really feels like a zoo with some rides thrown in, and we have a very good zoo in our hometown. And then, we would never miss Epcot, but I know some people find little to do there.

 

[missycakes99]

Has anyone gone during the Thanksgiving holiday? We are very excited to see the famous Christmas transformation, this is something we've always wanted to see in person! But, I have heard that Thanksgiving is one of the most busy times of the year! Have i gotten myself in a pickle? I will have a 2 year old going with me, she's usually a easy going kid and loved her Disney experience last year, but it wasn't a high volume time when we went. I just need some tips or a heads up! hahah

Really glad to see this thread because we're considering a trip next Thanksgiving (2016) are are torn. We took our (then) two year old during Thanksgiving week in 2012. My cousin's wife's family SWEARS by that week and goes every year. Despite everything I read about it being crazy busy we went and had a great time. It was on average about a 6 or 7/10 (crowd level). I shared this information with my best friend who took her parents, her three kids, and hubby last Thanksgiving and they said it was insanely crowded. At about an 8 or 9/10 every day. Her theory is that unlike previous years, TX and LA schools are now letting students out for the entire week of Thanksgiving (unlike before where it was only Wed - Fri). So I'm not sure if this new crowd level is permanent or not, but it was fine and really fun when we went. We enjoyed every aspect of the parks during that week and the weather was great, too.

I will say this: AVOID THE MAGIC KINGDOM on Thanksgiving Day. We went in for lunch and left immediately after. You couldn't even move - it was that crowded. If we go next year we'll either arrive that day or leave before.

I'm interested to hear from others. Our son is not in public school yet so we're not bound by school schedules, but my best friend and her kids are. They are joining us again next fall.

Anyone have thoughts on going the week before, during or week after? Another consideration we had was arriving Thanksgiving day and leaving the Tuesday after.

 

[missycakes99]

we've always wanted to see the christmas lights in person and the famous "transformation" from thanksgiving to christmas. so we thought we'd try it out this year and my mother is going with me and its the only time of year she'll have more than just a few days off for work. next time though, we plan on going in february or march…which i heard is the ideal off peak season! hahaha but like i said, we wanted the thanksgiving experience this time. we may never try it again after this time though!

Don't worry too much. You'll have a blast. I actually think Sept/October is ideal. The weather is amazing.

 

[Dismom820]

quick question...has anyone tried MK on the friday after thanksgiving? we have kind of done a bit of a switcharoo on our ticket days hahaha we're thinking of squeezing in EPCOT on thanksgiving day instead of MK and then doing MK open to close on that friday after thanksgiving? has anyone been to MK that day? is it too awfully crowded?

 

[princess jasmine 76]

Based on that crowd calendar I linked to, I would swap your MK and AK days - AK on Thursday, MK on Friday. It is lucky that you've selected those parks to visit, as they are the top picks for Thursday and Friday, just swapped. It will likely make a huge difference in crowds and how much you will be able to get done. The key, especially at busy times, is to zig when others are zagging, so to speak.

I absolutely agree with this. We travel just prior to and through Thanksgiving every 1-2 years. In years past we have found MK to be incredibly busy on Thanksgiving Day, but last year went to Animal Kingdom on Thanksgiving Day and Magic Kingdom on Black Friday instead. Touring was so much more manageable that way, we got so much more accomplished and were much more relaxed and happy.

 

[Dismom820]

we're doing AK on that saturday since we are heading home sunday, we didnt want to be out late and know that AK closes earliest...we had planned to do MK that thursday and friday and we decided to add EPCOT in the mix, so we were a bit fearful of thanksgiving day being crazy at MK so we wanted to do EPCOT on thursday and still MK on friday from open to close.

 

[Dismom820]

I absolutely agree with this. We travel just prior to and through Thanksgiving every 1-2 years. In years past we have found MK to be incredibly busy on Thanksgiving Day, but last year went to Animal Kingdom on Thanksgiving Day and Magic Kingdom on Black Friday instead. Touring was so much more manageable that way, we got so much more accomplished and were much more relaxed and happy.

we will do MK on black friday...but are considering EPCOT on thanksgiving day instead of our original plan to do MK.