November 13-20 visit

[Cmc1027]

My boyfriend and I are spending next week at the World with annual passes (first time with APs...any secrets we should know?)

I've been during Christmas 10+ times but never in November. Is there anything going on next week that we should be aware of or steer clear of? From what I read, I was hoping the crowds wouldnt be as large since schools are out the next week. Since some of the parks still close early, I tried to plan around that.

We are planning to go to Epcot Sunday. Full day at MK Monday. Full day at DHS Tuesday. (Islands of Adventure Wednesday).

MK closes at 4:30 Thursday (anyone know why?) so we are hitting that for the first part of the day then heading to Epcot for dinner reservations at Napoli and illuminations. Should we park at Epcot in the morning, monorail to MK and then back to Epcot for the evening? Also, No FP+ for FEA...does it open when the park does or not til WS opens up later in the morning?

Full day at AK on Friday. Then time at DHS Saturday and MK before we leave Sunday (sat and sun tentative/flexible).

 

[CAS239]

MK closes at 4:30 because it's a private party for cast members that night. Usually once or twice a year MK holds a CM party or is rented out by a big company.

For AP's, just keep your ID with you and always ask wherever you go if you get an AP discount. Even small purchases like candy apples you get your discount on.

I personally would just drive to MK in the morning, then drive to Epcot later. I just enjoy driving myself than relying/waiting on Disney transportation. However parking at Epcot then monorail over to MK is a good option.

FEA opens at 9am when Epcot opens. Along with the rest of Norway

 

[Cmc1027]

Thank you! Anyone know if in the past these cast member parties keep MK crowds down that day? I figure single day passes wont want to waste their day here, but I'm guessing park hoppers or APs might have the same idea I have.

 

[sharonabe]

Thank you! Anyone know if in the past these cast member parties keep MK crowds down that day? I figure single day passes wont want to waste their day here, but I'm guessing park hoppers or APs might have the same idea I have.

It will definitely be less crowded than any other day that week, but don't expect a ghost town. You are correct that PH and AP people are thinking the same thing you are. Add to that the people who have no idea MK is closing that early and show up, and you'll still have a good crowd there.

 

[pumpkin_tx1]

We are going the same time. It was supposed to be one of the less busy weeks, but with all the new things that week (drone show, jingle bam, end of food and wine, hurricane reschedules, etc.) we are preparing for heavy crowds.

Frozen opens with the park so head there if you don't have a fp.

 

[Cmc1027]

Yes, I've also read that this is a less crowded week, but the more and more I read, it seems like that won't be the case, but I've been around Christmas so hopefully it will still be slower than that timeframe.

 

[stinkpickle]

We will be there, too. Ya see....it's gettin' crowded already.

 

[lailahrose20]

Count us in too! Don't care how crowded it gets, my whole family will be joining us so I am so excited I could burst!!

 

[jtwibih]

It's usually pretty manageable. This weekend will be busy because of Veterans Day but will get quiet by Monday. We go every year at this time and it's pretty easy to get around and do what you want to do. I have heard there are a couple big conferences happening though that shouldn't affect park attendance too much.

 

[cmsesq]

we will be there during the 12th-19th as well! Plenty of rooms available so I believe it wont be as bad as this week.

 

[mrsgthatsme]

It's usually pretty manageable. This weekend will be busy because of Veterans Day but will get quiet by Monday. We go every year at this time and it's pretty easy to get around and do what you want to do. I have heard there are a couple big conferences happening though that shouldn't affect park attendance too much.

Do you happen to know anything about the conferences? We will be there next week too, and I was a little nervous when someone mentioned a huge conference. Hoping it will effect resorts more than parks?

 

[jtwibih]

No I don't. Just heard that there are a couple large ones there next week. Likely won't affect the parks just rooms. The measure of a busy time is typically determined by offsite visitors as opposed to how full the resorts are.

 

[JennyDrake]

It will not be as crowded as Christmas, but more on par with heavy spring break crowds. Rope Drop is your best friend.

 

[MsPoppinsTX]

Do you happen to know anything about the conferences? We will be there next week too, and I was a little nervous when someone mentioned a huge conference. Hoping it will effect resorts more than parks?

One of the conferences is the Annual Conference of the International Foundation of Employee Benefits. The conference itself is held at the Orange County Convention Center and runs from Saturday (although only a few things going on that day) through Wednesday morning (ends around noon). Several of the hotels on the list of "conference hotels" are the Contemporary, Coronado Springs, Yacht Club, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge. I think it will affect resorts more than the parks (or at least that is what I'm hoping for). I will be attending the conference and since it is held in Disney my whole family is coming along - they will do the parks while I'm at the conference, but I think I'm the exception and not the rule. Most of the people going with me (I know of about 10 other people going) they are not bringing their families or doing the parks much, if at all. Hope this helps.

 

[scard192]

we will be there during the 12th-19th as well! Plenty of rooms available so I believe it wont be as bad as this week.

yes rooms available at the All Stars, PO, AK, Contemporary....

 

[scard192]

FD starts up again on the 15th, expecting more crowded then. we always do Rope Drop so hope to get alot done in the mornings, have FP+ for late mornings

 

[mrsgthatsme]

It will not be as crowded as Christmas, but more on par with heavy spring break crowds. Rope Drop is your best friend.

Just curious as to why you think this week will be more like heavy spring break crowds? I was under the impression that the week was generally much less busy than spring break, holidays, etc...

 

[mrsgthatsme]

One of the conferences is the Annual Conference of the International Foundation of Employee Benefits. The conference itself is held at the Orange County Convention Center and runs from Saturday (although only a few things going on that day) through Wednesday morning (ends around noon). Several of the hotels on the list of "conference hotels" are the Contemporary, Coronado Springs, Yacht Club, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge. I think it will affect resorts more than the parks (or at least that is what I'm hoping for). I will be attending the conference and since it is held in Disney my whole family is coming along - they will do the parks while I'm at the conference, but I think I'm the exception and not the rule. Most of the people going with me (I know of about 10 other people going) they are not bringing their families or doing the parks much, if at all. Hope this helps.

That's helpful to hear. Thanks for the information!

 

[jtwibih]

Just curious as to why you think this week will be more like heavy spring break crowds? I was under the impression that the week was generally much less busy than spring break, holidays, etc...

I don't agree at all that this week is like spring break. Maybe the week of Thanksgiving could touch that but not the 12-19th. Unless something has changed this year that I don't know about, it has never sniffed spring break crowds the week before Thanksgiving. We've gone the last 5 years during this time and it's moderately busy.