How are crowds week after Thanksgiving?

[Minky]

hey guys!

Jus wondering if anyone has any ideas on crowds week after thanksgiving we are going Nov29-Dec8 and was wondering what to expect...Thanks!!!

 

[twocat]

That is a great time to go. Crowds are VERY light, weather is still nice, parks and resorts will have their holiday decorations up. The only downside is that hours at the parks are reduced. By the same token you rarely have to wait in line very long so you see more in a shorter amount of time. You don't mention if you're traveling with kids but if not, plan some adult activities for the evenings if the parks are close.d Boardwalk clubs (don't miss the dueling pianos at Jellyrolls), Pleasure Island, resort touring. Where are you planning on staying?

 

[Minky]

Hey twocat

We are staying at Poly and Conteporary (split stay) I definetely want to go to Jelly Rolls (never been in) and I have never been to PI in all my trips so I want to go see the Adventurers club, no kids at all here.....any other suggestions? Places to eat I should try?

 

[twocat]

Hi Minky--
Cape May Cafe for the Seafood Buffet at the Beach Club. I make a pig of myself eating dozens of steamed clams.
I like the Buffet at Akershus in Norway but it is a bit unusual; lots of fish, etc.
I'm a big fan of the buffets because I eat low-carb and I can always find something at the buffets.
I've heard good things about Ohana at the Poly if you're a big meat eater. I'll try it when I'm there either in Oct. or April.
You can find out ALOT about the Poly from Tikiman's website. I don't have the URL but if you google tikiman you'll find it. He has 2001 and homestead in his url.
Never stayed at the Contemporary so I can't help you there. Almost always at an Epcot resort. It'll be Swan in October and Poly and Swan or Dolphin in April. Speaking of which have you considered splitting your stay between a MK resort (Poly) and an Epcot resort? You can walk or take a boat to Epcot and MGM. Very convenient! I love the Yacht Club. My favorite resort. Lots of rooms with Balconies. Boardwalk is my second choice. Very nice too. Never stayed at the Beach Club (not many balconies and that's important to me).
I hope this helps and I've but a disneybug in your ear about staying in an Epcot resort!!

 

[Minky]

YA know, I actually was thinking about an Epcot resort....I LOVE EPCOT and the idea of being able to walk to it is just fantastic. A balcony and a view is also very important to me, which is the best one given these factors? Would love to have a view of illuminations at night, so I guess that would be waterview at whatever resort you tell me? Help! Youve started my brain goin!!

 

[storybookmum]

We went at the same time of year in 2000, and swore we'd never go at any other time again. It was amazing, the parks were quiet and peaceful, and we never waited more than 20 minutes even for the most popular things. The only times we really noticed crowds were at the parades (and it was manageable) and at Illuminations (that was really busy, because the other parks were all closed, so Illuminations was the only thing you could do at a park).

The decorations are up and everything is beautiful, beautiful...we can't wait!

Enjoy it!

Kris

 

[3AmigosMom]

We'll see you there. DH and I went a few years ago at the same time and I remember it being soooo hot!!! I know weather gets unpredicatable at that time. Hope it's warm again, taking 3 little ones who love the pools!!

 

[twocat]

Morning Minky-
If a balcony is important to you go for the YC or BWI, I think just about every room has a balcony. Beach Club doesn't have very many and some of them are standing room only. I had a waterview room at the YC and it was lovely. Although trees can sometimes block your view. If I do it again, I'd askk for a room on the first floor or a higher floor. We were on 3.
BWI is usually a bit cheaper than YC and BC. We had a standard room there with a balcony (kind of small, you'd have to move your chair going in and out the French doors). The view for the standard room was a lovley rose garden courtyard. Don't know if we could've seen Illuminations from the balcony because we were always at a park during that time.
If you haven't been there yet, check out Deb Wills' sight at allearsnet.com for any and all Disney info.
I'd call Disney and see what kind of rate you could get for those resorts during your vacation time. After that maybe I can give you a better ROI for your Dollar LOL based on the resorts and rate!
I really, really think splitting your stay between a MK resort and an Epcot resort is the way to go especially if you love Epcot. World Showcase is open until 9 I believe, at that time so ot's easy to pop over there for a nice dinner. Meal and entertainment choices abound in the Epcot area.
Keep us posted on your plans.

 

[Kapp]

Crowds will be light, the weather is usually pretty good and the parks/resorts are decorated for the holidays. The only problem maybe with the Pop Warner football tournaments. The football players are not that bad as they are usually playing or practicing but their cheerleaders can be murder if you get stuck behind some. They usually travel in a pack so you can see them coming!

The hours are reduced at that time of year but what we do is save Epcot for the nights as it keeps regular hours and just hit the other parks during the day.

Enjoy!

Kapp

 

[storybookmum]

It does always stay open later. MGM is better for hours, too, as I recall, because they want you to be able to see the Christmas lights at night.

Kris