Looking for any tips for Thanksgiving trip.....

[SnowWitch]

2013. Our family has had many trips to the World with our beloved DVC but we have never ventured onto property during a major holiday. Next year we are planning a Turkey Day trip starting Nov.26th - Dec. 7th, probably going to stay with out home resort to allow for booking at the 11 month window so BWV will be our destination. I am assuming I should book this at exactly 11 months out to ensure I get the accomodations I want. How are the crowds at the waterparks? Suggestions for Turkey day activities and dining? Weather? My sweet Gracie will turn 7 on this trip and really wants to hit Epcot, her favorite park, on the Wed (our first park day) before Turkey Day. How will crowds be? Any info is appreciated, a bit nervous about a major holiday. I'm hoping if we can make it through until Sunday, Dec. 1st the crowds should lighten up ALOT, is this accurate?

 

[Dean]

2013. Our family has had many trips to the World with our beloved DVC but we have never ventured onto property during a major holiday. Next year we are planning a Turkey Day trip starting Nov.26th - Dec. 7th, probably going to stay with out home resort to allow for booking at the 11 month window so BWV will be our destination. I am assuming I should book this at exactly 11 months out to ensure I get the accomodations I want. How are the crowds at the waterparks? Suggestions for Turkey day activities and dining? Weather? My sweet Gracie will turn 7 on this trip and really wants to hit Epcot, her favorite park, on the Wed (our first park day) before Turkey Day. How will crowds be? Any info is appreciated, a bit nervous about a major holiday. I'm hoping if we can make it through until Sunday, Dec. 1st the crowds should lighten up ALOT, is this accurate?

If you want standard or BW view, definitely reserve day 1. Allears 2011 listing of Thanksgiving options One I don't see on the list is Boatwrights, we've done that before at Thanksgiving and really enjoyed it. Here's Disney's list

 

[SnowWitch]

Thanks Dean, we will probably want standard view. The preferred views we've had in the past just don't appeal to me for the extra points. I am tossing around the BWV but I haven't decided for sure. I'm one of those people that look at what could I do with the point difference and if it adds up to 3 or 4 nights on another trip, I just can't do it.

 

[Dean]

Thanks Dean, we will probably want standard view. The preferred views we've had in the past just don't appeal to me for the extra points. I am tossing around the BWV but I haven't decided for sure. I'm one of those people that look at what could I do with the point difference and if it adds up to 3 or 4 nights on another trip, I just can't do it.

Unless you get BW view, I don't think it's worth the extra personally. I fully expect them to do a reallocation at some point that makes BW view higher points.

 

[amypetecar]

Thanksgiving is a great holiday to visit. Its busy, but not crazy.


We've had good luck with moderate crowds at animal kingdom on t-day. Epcot is also manageable.

For dinner, liberty tree tavern is the gold standard. I called prior to 180 days at 7am and was shut out b/c i arrive the tuesday before t-day. Those arriving 7 days prior to t-day snatch those ressies fast. This year im trying trails end.

Also, if you have a dvc villa, consider a pre-made meal from publix supermarket that you heat up. I have heard great reviews on them..... And is much cheaper than $40 per person at. Disney buffet

 

[dianeschlicht]

We have done Thanksgiving, and didn't find the crowds to be that bad at all. We did choose to have our Thanksgiving dinner in a rather non-traditional place (Teppan Edo), but some in our party also reserved a traditional Turkey meal at Olivia's later in the day. I would do Thanksgiving again in a heartbeat!

Oh, and once you get past the Sunday after TD, the crowds will be non-existent.

 

[CRobin]

We have done Thanksgiving, and didn't find the crowds to be that bad at all. We did choose to have our Thanksgiving dinner in a rather non-traditional place (Teppan Edo), but some in our party also reserved a traditional Turkey meal at Olivia's later in the day. I would do Thanksgiving again in a heartbeat!

Oh, and once you get past the Sunday after TD, the crowds will be non-existent.

Agree with Diane. We had our Honeymoon at WDW the week after Thanksgiving, and at the time (many moons ago), that was reported as the "least busy" week of the year.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[MinnieGi]

Thanksgiving week is great at WDW!!! We've had about six trips over the years during that week and all have been wonderful!!

Yes, the parks are more crowded than the beginning of Nov. especially the day b/4 T-day and through that weekend, but then lighten up. However we always have a great time b/c the parks also have longer hours during T-day week. We make sure we are there before opening, take a mid-day break and then come back for more fun in the evening.

We however do NOT go into the parks on Thanksgiving day. We always make plans for some fun things to do outside the parks and have dinner at one of the resorts. Almost all the resort restaurants offer their normal food plus traditional Thanksgiving dishes.

Depending on the weather we have done the water parks during this time frame as well. They have never been crowded! Sometimes this is even our activity on T-day if its warm enough. The kids really enjoy hitting the water parks at that time of year b/c there are not long lines and its so great to brag to your friends back home that you were swimming over break!!

And bonus all the Christmas decorations are up so it really gets you in the spirit quick!! Enjoy you will have a fantastic time!!