November Trip! (new to the board)

[fairyprncesleah]

Hi
I am trying to plan a trip for my family of 4 Thanksgiving week. Does anybody know if it is really crowded that week?? Also, I am on a really tight budget, and could really use some tips on getting the best rates available. I have read alot of threads on this board... and there is just sooo much info to try to soak in. Any hints or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Doodlebug939]

Welcome!!!!!

If there is a way to save then this board will post it! As far as crowds I believe that Thanksgiving time frame is pretty busy. But I rather be there when it is busy then not there at all!!!


I was there the week before Thanksgiving and it was wonderful but as the weekend approached the crowds become much larger. But it wasnt overwhelming or anything.

Best of luck to you.

Kim

 

[jerry112]

Welcome!

About two years ago, we drove down on Thanksgiving and arrived at the BC Friday pm. Both Friday and Saturday were mobbed. Sunday was like a different place. The crowds cleared out and we had the rest of the following week to ourselves.

If you plan it well by reading these boards and any guide books( unofficial guide to WDW) you can, you will have a great time no matter the crowds. You have plenty of time to figure it all out.

Good luck! Karen from NJ

 

[CheapMom]

I think that might be the busiest weekend of the year but I am not positive on that

 

[Gomez Gang]

I second the motion to read "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World" by Bob Schelinger as well as these boards!
To save money, we always pack or stop to get breakfast and snack foods. With a family of 5 we save loads of $$!
I bring pop-tarts, granola bars, fruit cups, and juice boxes for breakfast. (I only have to buy coffee for myself)-- Breafast for 5 at a counter service could easily run $25!
For snacks throughout the day, each family member loads up their fanny pack with goodies that I pack: raisins, fruit snacks, cheese crackers, peanut butter crackers.--Snacks can easily add $30 per day!!-- We also carry a few water bottles.
It is much cheaper to go this route. We only end up buying a few boxes of popcorn and an ice cream or 2 plus our lunches and dinners.

 

[nluvwithdisney]

Welcome to the boards! Having been during Thanksgiving before, I found the beginning of the week was bearable. Thursday, Friday and Saturday that week were very crowded, but if you know what to expect and plan a little, you will still have an enjoyable trip.

 

[Timmbco]

We were there last Thanksgiving. We spent the Saturday before at AK and it was fairly low crowds. Everyday after that was CROWDED. More crowded than our spring break visit. Some of the parks closed due to capacity (not to WDW guests). We still had a great time by getting to the parks early and good planning.

 

[HappyLawyer]

you will find everything you need to know here and be prepared to become addicted to these boards,

 

[fairyprncesleah]

Ya'll are all really helpful!! Thanks!
And I have already become addicted to these boards... I am going to get myself fired because all I do all day is read all these posts!!

 

[crazelion]

I would stay onsite at one the All-Star Resorts :
All-Star Sports
All-Star Music
All-Star Movies

Pop Century

These hotels is value price resorts that anywhere 109.00 being prefered being close to the food court and the pool. But if live without being close to the pool and the food court thatn about 10.00 cheaper. 99.00 a night.

I happend to think the All-Star Resorts is the best value. If was not for the All-Star Resorts I would be force to stay offsite.

Offsite accoumdations is cheaper than onsite and can be a good value because some hotels include breakfeast that save meals right there.

If do decide to go offsite be sure check Orlando Attractins and Hotel board on this site. That's where all the offsite people hang out.

A place to check for hotel reviews is:
tripadvsior.com
travelocity.com
biddingfortravel.com .

Do not let some tell that must stay moderate or delexe to get the WDW experince. Go with what you can afford and what your family likes. Some say the value resorts is small for a family of four. I think just a the perfect size. The food court is reasonable and have kid friendly food.

Tickets
ticketmania.com is good deal is reliable legal
Alamo.com has good deals to
Disney Store they tickets at the store

Food
You can save money by bring food with you for hotel room.
Some things I bring with is:
bottle water
drinks
peanuts
potato chips
ceral bars for breakfeast

I am one the few people that is does like alot park food. That's only because I get fill nachos, popcorn, hot dogs and candy doing baseball seaon for free.


Only about two buy in the park is cotton candy and snow cone that may weakness.

I would try make a PS for food place. If can't go offsite Thanksgiving dinner because it will probaly be easier to seating quicker.

Meals is cheaper offsite. Pick up the tourist books at the welcome center they have all kinds of coupons for restaurunts.

Driving or fly
Driving is cheaper and givings option going offsite for meals

Sounviers
I would not sounviers in the park or at the hotel. Go to offsite to buy cheap T-shirts 4 for 10.00 dollars places. Better yet go to the Wal-mart for t-shirts they is reasonable.

I hope that helps to get you start.