Getting excited about going at Thanksgiving, despite the crowds

[Abra Cat]

Hi all,

My family visited WDW the week before Christmas-- probably the most crowded we've ever seen the parks, since we usually opt for mid-September or the first week of December . But with a child in middle school, one in high school, and now one in college, the week before Christmas was the only week we could make everyone's schedules line up, and even then the younger two missed a couple days of school.

So now that we're back a couple weeks, of course I'm starting to think ahead to the next trip! The high schooler will be a junior next year, and I don't really want him to miss any days, and yesterday I found myself staring cross-eyed at their school schedules for next year, trying to figure out a plan that didn't involve missing school (or not more than a day, anyway...). I was really disappointed to realize that Thanksgiving week is probably going to be our only option-- not because we'd be away from home on the holiday (untraditional holidays are our thing), but I really didn't want to deal with crowds like we'd seen on our trip last month.

But then I started thinking about it, and I'm getting excited about it! I'd just told my husband that my favorite memories of this trip (and previous trips) are of mostly non-park moments-- like watching my kids laughing hysterically together at dinner, or seeing them take a selfie together, or (when they were little) running around the hedge maze in the UK pavilion . I was feeling like we (by that I mean I, the planner...) didn't allow enough down time in our itinerary, since we tend to be in commando mode at Disney.

So maybe visiting during such a busy week will be a good reason to slow down a bit, take in some shows instead of rushing to the next ride, or people-watching, or lingering over a meal. I have to say, I'm already looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner ! We'll probably still be at rope-drop, but we won't make such an effort to stay until close (only to wake up five hours later and get back to it!).

Does anyone have any advice/experience to share with taking it easy? We've really never done that before, so we could use some help! Thanks for letting me ramble!

 

[CynBeth]

We just went Thanksgiving Week from the Friday before to the Sunday after and it was crowded but not bad. We did most of what we wanted at the 4 parks. A lot of days MK opened early at 7 or 8 and/or stayed open later until 12, 1, or 2. The day we were at AK it opened early. Not sure about DHS. Maybe some other things you can do is take time to visit Disney Springs, resort hop to see decorations, or mini golf. Or maybe see a dinner show such as SOA or HDDR. As far as things to give a little break or breather in the parks we enjoy the Tiki Room and Country Bears at MK and of course COP and the riverboat and railroad. At EPCOT we like the attractions or shows in each country plus walking around the shops and Club Cool. At AK the show Flights of Wonder is great. Sometimes just having a TS meal for lunch is a great way to relax. Where are you staying?

-Cindy

 

[MinnieMSue]

We did Wednesday before until Monday after and had a great time. Hit the parks early and you will get tons done. Did HS @7am magic hours and we're done with TSMM, ToT, RnR all before park opened at 8 and walk on. Then rode movie ride and a few times on Star Tours with no wait. Best use of time ever!

 

[mdoc]

We've gone during Thanksgiving week to minimize the time the kids missed school (although they still had to miss 2 days because they didn't have all of Thanksgiving week off). We were generally there from the Saturday before Thanksgiving until the Friday or Saturday after. Especially compared to Christmastime, the time from Sunday-Tuesday or even Wednesday of Thanksgiving week isn't bad. Yes, it's crowded, but with a good plan it is certainly manageable. Thanksgiving and the weekend after are a different story - much more crowded, but it's Disney so it's still fun. At the really crowded times I think it's important to start early - get there before rope drop and you'll be able to experience a lot before the masses start pouring in.

 

[ols386]

I went to WDW the week of Thanksgiving last year (2015), and the parks were crowded, but I didn't think they were insanely crowded.

Stayed at CSR, and the resort itself, didn't feel crowded at all.

Weather was really warm and mostly sunny.

I thought it was a great time of year to go.

 

[JAG107]

We went starting on T-Day and stayed until the following Sunday (11 days) in 2014 and actually had a really great time. We had a Wednesday night red eye in, checked in early, had breakfast at Contempo Cafe and hit RD MK. We had a blast, even though we were a bit tired. By 11, we had done lots of stuff, and were ready to check in and take a nap. Ate Thanksgiving dinner at Contempo Cafe (again! Same day), and then went to Epcot for a while. Friday we RD again, then did HDDR at 4:45. By Sunday, the crowds were thinned out big time. My point is, as long as you rope drop, you can still be productive and have a blast, just don't plan on sleeping in during a holiday week and expect to get on many rides. You'll have a great time regardless, the Christmas stuff will be in full swing and there will be plenty to do.

 

[klove]

We'll be there, too! Our 1st "holiday" trip. We've been every other time of year. I am so excited. I love the idea of Thanksgiving dinner at WDW, and can't wait to see all the Christmastime stuff. We are driving down from MD on Thanksgiving Day to get there around 4 or so, Thanksgiving dinner, some resort fun, then have 6 days at the parks! Happy to see others to obsess with

 

[JAG107]

I forgot to mention, we will be there this year too! Checking in Thanksgiving and staying the week after. It will be the "end" to our AP bookend year.

 

[Ashleyfaz]

We've only been at Thanksgiving and LOVE spending our holiday week in WDW. This year (2016) will be our 4th trip. I didn't think the crowds were too bad in the past, except T-day. Even then, I'd rather be in MK on that day than anywhere else

 

[FlightlessDuck]

We were there Black Friday through the following Wednesday in 2015. Crowds really died down starting on Sunday because most people are on the way back home then.

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

I've always heard reports of Thanksgiving being crowded but manageable. We've contemplated taking a Disney trip during this time of year but haven't been able to pull it off for various reasons. I'm sure you'll have a magical trip

 

[WhoDatDisney]

Been past 4 years for TG, great weather except for 2 years ago when it rained. Crowds very manageable and only day that was really bad was Black Friday.

Wonderful with all the decorations and Christmas events

 

[Abra Cat]

Hi Cindy-- thanks for the great suggestions! One of our best days on this last trip was at AK when we went at rope drop for EMMH (7AM?), got all our rides done, and then spent the rest of the (crowded!) day seeing shows and then sitting down for a TS. I think we'll be staying at POR; we've stayed there many times, but for our last two trips POR wasn't available for free dining, so we stayed at the CR and the Poly-- obviously visiting during Thanksgiving week means free dining isn't even an option! I think I'll be checking in on the restaurants boards for some advice on whether to buy the dining plan or not-- we've had the free dining plan for every trip since it's been offered, so I'm not sure if we should buy the plan or go without. With two teenage boys who eat a lot, it's always been well worth it! Thanks again!

We just went Thanksgiving Week from the Friday before to the Sunday after and it was crowded but not bad. We did most of what we wanted at the 4 parks. A lot of days MK opened early at 7 or 8 and/or stayed open later until 12, 1, or 2. The day we were at AK it opened early. Not sure about DHS. Maybe some other things you can do is take time to visit Disney Springs, resort hop to see decorations, or mini golf. Or maybe see a dinner show such as SOA or HDDR. As far as things to give a little break or breather in the parks we enjoy the Tiki Room and Country Bears at MK and of course COP and the riverboat and railroad. At EPCOT we like the attractions or shows in each country plus walking around the shops and Club Cool. At AK the show Flights of Wonder is great. Sometimes just having a TS meal for lunch is a great way to relax. Where are you staying?

-Cindy

 

[Abra Cat]

That's very reassuring, thank you!

We did Wednesday before until Monday after and had a great time. Hit the parks early and you will get tons done. Did HS @7am magic hours and we're done with TSMM, ToT, RnR all before park opened at 8 and walk on. Then rode movie ride and a few times on Star Tours with no wait. Best use of time ever!

 

[Abra Cat]

Thanks for the great advice, everyone!

 

[CynBeth]

We never do the dining plan. We get gift cards months in advance and I buy them using my Disney Visa card so I earn rewards as well.

 

[Abra Cat]

Thanks for the suggestion! I use my Target card to buy Disney gift cards for 5% off, then use them to pay for our trip. I also get extras to use for souvenirs, etc while we're at WDW. If we skip the dining plan, I'll be stocking up on them!

We never do the dining plan. We get gift cards months in advance and I buy them using my Disney Visa card so I earn rewards as well.