Hi, PJ!!
You are going to love it.
We have never done anything beyond dipping our toes in the ocean at Thanksgiving. DD15 and DS10 both swim in the resort and beachhouse pools, however. DH and I love the hot tub, especially at night.
There are lots of wonderful activities available for people of all ages -- our kids have done kids' night out, teens night out, nature kayaking, marsh walking, gyotaku (fish painting on teeshirt), all sorts of other crafts. I have done the island tour which was wonderful. There are sooo many restaurants near by but we have found two favorites, so we will be hard-pressed to try new ones, since I actually love to cook there. I do a full blown Thanksgiving dinner with lots of shortcuts, like my dear friend, disneyaholic! DH and I LOVE to walk the resort, across the walkway along the marina and all the way around to the "boardwalk" that runs along the back of the resort, along the marsh.
We have gone to the movies near the resort, too, and hope to continue a tradition we started last year with Kristen and her wonderful family (Kristen, consider this an invitation for mellow mushroom and whatever new movie is out that weekend for families!!). We also like shopping at the mall right there because they have a BELK, which we don't have up here. A lot of people like to hit the outlets on Black Friday and Saturday, but I won't waste valuable HH time shopping, even to save a few bucks!! Call me selfish!!!
Getting back to your questions -- I have a very extensive packinglist that includes all the normal stuff, plus cooking supplies for turkey dinner and some other kitchen items I like to remember. We drive down and put all kitchen stuff in huge plastic rubbermaid thingie, so I am able to take whatever I want (like a 2nd pitcher for my crystal light iced tea and a huge drinking mug for ice water). It is always interesting to pack shorts & tee shirts as well as jeans and sweatshirts for the temperature variances. I'd be glad to share a copy, but it might scare you to death!!!
Sorry so long, hope this helps!