How busy is Thanksgiving week?

[weHEARTmickey]

We are trying to decide when to take our 2010 trip. Our kids will be: DD10 & DS7. We've been in May, June, July, & Sept. We would take the kiddos out of school for an extra week if we went around Thanksgiving. Otherwise, we'll just homeschool them during our 2 week trip. (That's another thread, I know!!!)

We'd just like to know how crazy/crowded/cool/warm it is during that time period. I'd love to go around Christmas, but I don't think it will work out this year. Also, what type of decorations are up during Thanksgiving? Do they offer free dining anywhere near Thanksgiving?

Has anyone ever taken their Thanksgiving day to help at a shelter or kitchen in Orlando? If we won't be with our family during that time, we were thinking it would be special for us to volunteer at a soup kitchen or something. If so, where did you help? TIA!

 

[tms295psu]

I took my nieces (9 mths & 3 yrs) in 2006. Flew in Thanksgiving day (early am flight) Had our non-traditional dinner at Rainforest Cafe.

Crowds were not bad, I've seen worse. And the Christmas lights are up by then also!

Weather was nice... sweatshirts in early morning or late night... pants and t-shirts during the day. We did not brave swimming.

 

[EcbLovesMickey]

We'll be there a few days beforehand. I am hoping for a free dining promo or a pin, but nothing so far. I would say 1 thing for sure, if you are doing dining start making ADRs as soon as your window opens up!

 

[weHEARTmickey]

Crowds were not bad, I've seen worse. How would you compare it to the normal summer crowds? We're used to the mid-June crowds, but the September crowds were wonderful! (until F&W started, then it got crazy.)

And the Christmas lights are up by then also! Yippeee!!! This is what I was hoping for! Is EVERYTHING going on by then? (Osborne lights, gingerbread houses, etc....?)

Weather was nice... sweatshirts in early morning or late night... pants and t-shirts during the day. We did not brave swimming. We LOVE the waterparks. So, is it too cold during T-giving?

We'll be there a few days beforehand. I am hoping for a free dining promo or a pin, but nothing so far. I would say 1 thing for sure, if you are doing dining start making ADRs as soon as your window opens up!

We are also hoping for FD! Thanks for the ADR advice. We usually wake up early & use 2 different phones to call in the MINUTE our ADR time gets here. DH thinks I'm a nut!