November end visit

[Cgulati]

hi all,
I m looking to get to Disney after thanksgiving week. Have just started my research.. I m confused and need advice as to how to plan, where to start?
Thinking to buy the Disney dining meal plan, stay would be for 6 night n 7 days, or park a day except magic Kingdom for 2 days

* any preference for dates- lesser crowded n cheaper accommodation?
* which value resort to select?
* how to decide where to eat- character dining ?
* free dining plan?
* are the table service restaurants in the park / in resort?

Any advice/ suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks

 

[StacyStrong]

Table service can be in the resorts or the parks (but not Value resorts). I would pick Pop Century or Art of Animation for Value resort. Pop Century is cheaper than AoA, so pick Pop if your constricted by budget. Character Dining - just check out menus and what characters are there - it really depends on your preferences. I personally don't use Dining Plans (it's too much work for me - seeing what I get the most 'value' on, making sure I'm using all my credits, only picking things that are part of the plan, blech no thanks). The week or two after Thanksgiving should be good. Also give a thought to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

 

[CynBeth]

I would also spend 2 days at Epcot so you can experience FW plus the storytellers and CP in WS.

 

[dreiwhit]

We went the week after Thanksgiving in 2016. Several people we know had gone this week in the past, and they said it would be very slow. Although not as busy as the week after Christmas, it was by no means slow. Disney has done a "good job" bringing more people to the parks during that week. There were frequent 30-45+ minute standby waits for attractions, and difficulty finding a table in quick serve restaurants at MK and Epcot (no problems at DHS.) Even the Joy & Sadness character meet had a 45 minute wait shortly after RD! One day, my son and I had to eat our lunch standing up outside of the restaurant because there were no tables left, and we were not alone. The ordering areas were also very crowded and difficult to walk through.

Candlelight Processional is occurring at Epcot, and we overheard several people say that was the only reason they came to Epcot. CP will add crowds to Epcot during that week. I would recommend two days at Epcot because of the crowds.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will be occurring at MK during this time. We found that it was difficult to do anything on party days after 4pm, when they let the party crowd in. Even walking down Main Street to leave was difficult because of the influx of people. However, if you arrive at Rope Drop, and have FPs and a good plan, you can get everything you want accomplished, and then some. We did three MK days because of MVMCP, but we could have gotten everything done in two.

We stay off property, so I can't comments on the resorts.

 

[Lydia S]

I did this exact week last November and had a blast!
By that time, everything Holidays was up and going. Decorations, shows, gift shop items, Holiday Booths at Epcot. EVERYTHING!

For the most part, the crowds were moderate. The only times it felt crowded was the days we visited Magic Kingdom (Monday and Wednesday during our week there), and at night when we’d go to take the buses back to the resort. We stayed at Pop Century and it was perfect for us. The upside to staying at Pop is that Art of Animation is just across the pond, and you have the option of taking whatever bus comes first if you are willing to walk a few extra minutes.

The free dining plan sold out very quickly when it was released for us. Our travel agent briefly had All Star Sports held for us with free dining, but we had our hearts set on Pop. You'll probably find that the only resorts with free dining left are the really expensive ones ($400+/night). We rarely spent time at the hotel, so it wasn't worth the cost for us just to get free dining.

 

[Etch]

I m confused and need advice as to how to plan, where to start?

The only way to get a grip on the planning a WDW trip is to start reading...a lot. A good place to start is with the book "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2018" and it''s companion website 'Touring Plans". I also found "Disney Tourist Blog" to be a well laid out site for my first trip and there are lots of other great websites. And you've found this board which is a fantastic resource. It can be overwhelming to sort through all the information on here though when you're just getting started and can be a better resource once you have specific questions. Check out some of the sticky threads at the top of the boards.

* free dining plan?

The week your looking at does have free dining offered but you would have to check on availability.

Lastly, you're "180 day window" will be opening soon for that week. This is the point where you can start making dinner reservations (ADR's) for your trip. I'm guessing dining might be important to you judging by your questions.

Hope this helps.

 

[supitscarrie]

Looks like you'll be going around the time I'll be there with my husband. We'll be there 11/28 to 12/3 and are basically doing one park-per-day (though our MK day is party only). We're staying at Pop - I've stayed there before and the new rooms are spectacular. Our 180 window for dining reservations opens soon so if you're looking at that period you definitely want to book soon so you can start making reservations asap.

 

[Remy is Up]

I have always found the fist couple of weeks after Thanksgiving week/weekend, are absolutely perfect. Weather is good, crowds go down a great deal. As far as where to stay. Id take AoA over any of the other values, but, recently ASM has been doing very well. Pop has been a letdown both times. But, you could always see if CBR or Coronado are running deals. Due to construction and being off season you can sometimes find deals just as good as values.

 

[disney1971girl]

I went to Disney last year, November 28 thru December 1, 2017 The weather was PERFECT warm, not hot, sunny just great. I did not think it seemed busy at all. It was wonderful.