How busy is Thanksgiving Week?

[happygirlagain]

We are going to be there from the Saturday before Nov 19 to the Saturday after Nov 26th. Does anyone know what the weather is like (to pack clothes)? What attendance is like and recommendations on which parks to do first? What is it like on Thanksgiving day? Which restaurants are best for Thanksgiving meal (it is also DH b-day)? We are staying at POP and have park hoppers with dining plan. Any reports will be greatly appreciated. I have been reading up on all reports to plan for character meals (we have a DD9 and DS3). Thanks

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

weather-wise it can very. Still decent temps--highs can get in the 70s--but we are susceptible to cold snaps at that point.

Best to watch the weather trends the week before and packing a couple of outfits for the opposite expectation just in case--so if it will be warm, pack a couple of things for it to be 10-20 degrees cooler....and conversely if it is going to be chilly, pack a couple of things for 10-20 degrees warmer.

Some days I'm comfy in shorts--other days I'm in pants and a sweatshirt or sweater.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi, we actually did our first ever Thanksgiving at Disney last year. We checked in Tues night before Tgiving and left Monday night after. The MK was open until midnight that week. We went over about 10pm Tues after Chef Mickeys. We were pleasantly surprised....we walked right on Stitch and Buzz, it was great - we did a lot. Wednesday, we planned outside of park things - swam, girls did the princess tea party, checked out the decorations.... that eve, went to MGM and saw the Osborne lights. It was PACKED. That was the first night open. T Day, we had a PS at WCC for 1 pm lunch and PS at Plaza in MK for 730pm dinner. We stayed out of the parks during the day - returned for the dinner and after that - I am not exaggerrating - we went to Adventureland and walked on Jungle cruise, Tiki birds, alladin magic carpets, Pirates,.....it was just great. In the morning of Tday, we rented a larger boat and our family "cruised" around a couple of hours. Lots of fun. We rented a surrey bike at WL, rode to petting zoo, walked around WL, then had a horse drawn carriage ride. Nice Thanksgiving day. The weather while we were there was sunny, 70s into 80s daytime. In the evenings, though, it was cold. Probably 50s. Just beautiful for us.

The parks were pretty much packed during the days. We would take it easy, and go in the evenings. The crowds at that time were a pleasant surprise for us.

Have plans to do things outside of the parks during the day, or just not to expect to do a whole lot of rides at the parks.

Have a great time. I would definitely do it again. Just plan & make all your PSs ASAP, and be prepared for crowds and weather that is warm to cold.

Lives4Disney

 

[happygirlagain]

thanks so much for the info - I was expecting the parks to close early. It will be great if they stay open till midnight.

 

[rileyroosmom]

We were there last Thanksgiving and I was pleasantly surprised. The parks were crowded, but arriving early and using fastpass, we did everything we wanted to do. We thought the weather was great, we wore shorts everyday and at night used sweatshirts and maybe capris. We spent T'day in MGM and did everything we wanted. My kids swam (too cold for me). Not any major concerns I can think of. Definetly have PS made. Especially for T'day which all the restaurant required a cc deposit. We tried to go to sitdown luch on T'day (w/o a PS)and were out of luck everywhere. Also, make sure to find out what menu they are serving on T'day. We went to Whispering Canyon Cafe (at my kids request) and they were only serving a traditional turkey dinner, family style. My kids were very dissapointed. I wouldn't hesitate to go at this time of year again.