Is one overnight onsite reasonable week of Thanksgiving?

[Tracyee]

My 10 year old is a Thanksgiving baby. For her 11th birthday she wants to go to Universal to visit the Wizarding World. We are thinking of just staying onsite for one night (Tues - Weds) thus getting 2 days FOTL access. We would do the 7 day tix package but stay offsite the remainder of the time and also hitting Disney Parks.

We are trying to balance her desires for the visit with something for the rest of the family - 1 child profoundly disabled, age 12 cannot ride any thrill rides (loves parades, shows, etc) and a 3 year old who won't be able to ride much (thus the time at Disney).

What are your thoughts on the crowds the week of Thanksgiving given that we would have the FOTL access? Is the day/day and half doable or do we need at least 2 nights onsite?

Thanks for any suggestions/tips!

 

[Metro West]

My 10 year old is a Thanksgiving baby. For her 11th birthday she wants to go to Universal to visit the Wizarding World. We are thinking of just staying onsite for one night (Tues - Weds) thus getting 2 days FOTL access. We would do the 7 day tix package but stay offsite the remainder of the time and also hitting Disney Parks.

We are trying to balance her desires for the visit with something for the rest of the family - 1 child profoundly disabled, age 12 cannot ride any thrill rides (loves parades, shows, etc) and a 3 year old who won't be able to ride much (thus the time at Disney).

What are your thoughts on the crowds the week of Thanksgiving given that we would have the FOTL access? Is the day/day and half doable or do we need at least 2 nights onsite?

Thanks for any suggestions/tips!

The crowds historically aren't too bad leading up to Thanksgiving so you should be OK. That said...No one knows what the crowds will be like this year with WWoHP open but staying onsite will definitely help. You should be able to do both parks in two full days.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Yes, the days leading up to Thanksgiving are ok, but once that day hits, that entire weekend is more crowded than some stores on Black Friday I have been going for the last 4 years on Thanksgiving (and shopping in Orlando for Black Friday). I enjoy it but I am also a pass holder who lives only 3 hours away and don't mind not getting on rides due to the crowds ( I know I can come back for something I didn't get to do).

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

Sounds like a wonderful, thoughtful plan! We went during the 4th of July year before last, which is notoriously crowded, and still didn't have anything longer than a 15 minute wait with FOTL. I think you will be fine!

 

[Tracyee]

Thanks so much! I am going to book us today onsite! It will be a great surprise for the birthday girl.