November 2015....is it going to be crowded??

[hskaggs11]

I went that same week last year and expected level 2,3,4 crowds and was shocked at how busy it was. We also got stuck in a cold front and had temps in the 30's. I'd rather take my chances with the heat in September.

So did I. I moved a few ADR's around since the day we booked the Luau was showing a low temp in the 50's, and had a hard time rearranging the schedule. Later on in the week we were at Epcot and it was only 41* at 1pm. We were FREEZING since we only took light hoodies with us. Two days before we left the weather channel was reporting highs of mid 60's so we thought we would be ok........it was much colder!!

 

[Kathryn777]

Sounds like a good time to go on the rides everyone will be eating!!

 

[HelenParr]

A long, long time ago, November had very light crowds. It's been a really long time since then (although a post-9/11 dip and the economy probably created slower attendance than we see now). With the popularity of F&W and the holiday happenings and improving economy, it's going to be better attended.

You can use usual crowd calendars -- or watch the changes to park hours as we get closer. Disney obviously has the ability to judge expected crowds based on their metrics, and you can bet it is reflected in park hours.

I have trouble believing that the dining reservation system is a good proxy for crowd expectations.

 

[henry lutz]

We went mid november 2013. It was the first time for my wife (honeymoon). I picked the least crowded parks each day and we rode some big rides back to back
Rope drop..fastpasses..no problems.We are going again nov 12-21 2015

 

[jtwibih]

We go every year the week before Thanksgiving and it's usually busy but not crowded. I will admit that we had a more difficult time securing ADRs this year and we had 10 people with us last year.

 

[Amberleefuta]

We always go during the summer and crowds are horrible. this year we will be there November 12-18th. I was able to get all my reservations that I wanted. We are eating at some weird times but that's OK because we will be able to hit rides and shows when everyone else is eating. I'm so excited for this trip.

 

[whiporee]

Everything there is getting more crowded, and times that used to be slow aren't anymore. MK attendance (according to the people who track it, but Disney does not release figures) was up a million people last year. A million people is 3000 people a day. Restaurants and rides have fixed admission rates -- there are only so many seats on a ride, only so many tables in a restaurant.

Remember that the crowd calendars are not based on numbers, but on attendance in relation to other days. A 2 in 2015 is a lot different than a 2 five years ago.

So to answer the question, yes, it will be crowded. Because it's always crowded. It won't be as crowded as it will be Thanksgiving week, or during the Christmas week, or as in the peak of the summer, but chances are that when you're there, it will feel crowded to you.

 

[pmama]

Our favorite week to go. Will be there 11/13-24! Restaurants full during free dining. Got up at 3:30 am mountain time to book dining at 180 days and got everything we wanted! 14 Table Service and 2 BOG!

 

[Disneytwinsmom]

We are going 11/13-11/21 and have gone that week now 3 years in a row. I've never had trouble getting the dining I wanted. Now we are flexible with our times so for instance we have a CRT @ 225pm, but we are fine with that. Believe ignoring not the trouble I'm having is with BBB! But I keep calling everyday to see if I can get my daugher in earlier that day, but we will make it work either way. We are just happy and grateful that we are able to go every year and make the most of it. Oh we are family of four.

 

[jtwibih]

We are doing two trips, one in July and the other in Nov. It's only 3 of us in July. I am surprised that I can still get pretty much any ADR I want. I'm convinced that families of 4 or less will have plenty to choose from.

One of the things that surprised me was the lack of availability for Sanaa. We've always had a 6+ group in Nov and never had a problem with getting a time but I can't get anything this year.

 

[Robo]

I have trouble believing that the dining reservation system is a good proxy for crowd expectations.

We are doing two trips, one in July and the other in Nov. It's only 3 of us in July. I am surprised that I can still get pretty much any ADR I want. I'm convinced that families of 4 or less will have plenty to choose from.

One of the things that surprised me was the lack of availability for Sanaa. We've always had a 6+ group in Nov and never had a problem with getting a time but I can't get anything this year.

I had SO MUCH trouble trying to book ADRs for a 10-day trip this early November, that I called and spent some time with a dining CM.
She kept checking and re-checking for some of my requests during my entire 10-day stay, nothing could be booked at some of our standard go-to, must-have restaurants. I mean NO reservations were available. She was very apologetic.

I simply do not care if the rest of the place is less busy than summer or Christmas week.
If I can't get into our favorite dining spots AT ALL... I'm not going.

 

[cyndiella]

I would assume ADR's are more difficult to get due to more people opting for sit down locations because of free dining. ALSO, I have a firm belief that people over book. People will grab more than what they need and release as it gets closer.
.

I believe this is true also. I was told by a CM that a good time to try to book ADRs is around your 45 day mark...other people who have booked vacations have to pay in full by then or cancel to get their refund..they also have to cancel their ADRs or pay that penalty for not showing up. That said, it was very hard and sometimes impossible to get a ressie for even 2 people in Epcot in the beginning of Nov.

 

[Roscoe1225]

Going the same week and couldn't get crt or bog. Very sad about it and hope they open up closer to our visit.

 

[Robo]

Going the same week and couldn't get crt or bog. Very sad about it and hope they open up closer to our visit.

to posting on the DISboards, Roscoe!

 

[L&Lfan]

We usually go the week of Veterans Day (this year 11/7-11/15) and we had no problem getting our ADRs. But then we usually book signatures and resort restaurants for dinner rather than anyplace in the parks. And for other meals we do CS. We have never found that week to be particularly busy and the weather is usually fabulous.

 

[jtwibih]

Going the same week and couldn't get crt or bog. Very sad about it and hope they open up closer to our visit.

I wouldn't get too down about it. There's a chance something will open up between now and then. We found a couple we were looking for after the 180 day mark.

 

[scrapquitler]

I would assume ADR's are more difficult to get due to more people opting for sit down locations because of free dining. ALSO, I have a firm belief that people over book. People will grab more than what they need and release as it gets closer.
.

This. Based on what I read on the DIS a LOT of people make multiple reservations this far out and as their trip gets closer, they firm up their plans, make their choices and cancel the extra ADRs. If you can't find what you want now, keep looking, something will show up at some point.

 

[RustManFan]

I think you picked an excellent week! People arriving for Thanksgiving will not be there yet and there will be lots of Christmas stuff to see.

 

[anniemae]

I also think it is overblown. You picked a great week. I believe the candlelight processional is going on then, and many do the dinner package. I would not be worried, I think it will be fine. Every year EVERY week seems to be getting more and more crowded. The weather is great in Nov, the decorations are great. Stop second guessing and enjoy.

 

[ammag]

We are there during free dining, got online right at 6am on my 190+10 and got CRT, bog, Cali grill, Sanaa, and all but one ADR we wanted at our exact times, party of four. However we were not able to get garden grill due I think to eat to the beat packages. Not. Abig deal I was so happy to get the rest! Good luck!!!!