november trip

[ats52001]

I'm thinking about booking the wife and I a short trip in November. We have never been in November before and never been without our kids either.

Is it better to go before Thanksgiving or after? How are the crowds? Any advice is welcome.

 

[Santa]

Is it better to go before Thanksgiving or after? How are the crowds? Any advice is welcome.

Before Thanksgiving the crowds are on the lighter side (but gaining popularity) & pretty much all the Christmas decorations are up. This year with Thanksgiving being early we have decided to go the week following Thanksgiving. I expect about the same crowd level as before Thanksgiving but one never knows.

 

[cmadara]

We always go during Jersey Week- right around Veteran's Day. I have noticed an increase in the crowd level over the years- in fact, when we first started going- it was considered "value season". But, it is still very nice at this time- not too crowded and always perfect weather!
This year for the 1st time we are able to do the Christmas party- it is usually right after we leave. Most of the decorations are up- in the past the Poly has always been decorated while we are there. In fact, it is really cool to go to bed one night and wake up to see all the decorations have been put up while we were asleep- true Disney Magic.
Have a wonderful time, whenever you go!

 

[twoplustwins]

We went the full week before Thanksgiving and it was AMAZING! Super low crowds, Christmas decorations, and perfect weather. I wish we could go that week this year!

 

[shannonstar]

We arrive the Wednesday of the week previous to Thanksgiving (that would be the 14th) and the crowds are extremely light all the way up to the following Tuesday.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

We arrive the 25th and every park for the most part is at a crowd level of about a 2 and all the decorations are up

 

[Random Ninja]

We always go after Thanksgiving, the parents claimed it was because of my birthday but I think DM just wanted to see the Christmas decorations. Now that I'm older, I still go on my own after Thanksgiving. The parks really are amazing with the decorations up, just puts me in the holiday mood. The crowds used to be little lighter before but they seem to be about the same once you get through the holiday weekend.

As for going without the kids, Disney is fun without them. Walt wanted a place for kids of all ages and I think he got his wish. Try some of the grown-up entertainment like Cirque de Soliel, tours, golf, signature dining, bars and clubs. Or grab a pair of Mickey ears and stand in every character line you come across. There's plenty to do no matter what you decide.

 

[Seahunt]

I'm thinking about booking the wife and I a short trip in November. We have never been in November before and never been without our kids either.

Is it better to go before Thanksgiving or after? How are the crowds? Any advice is welcome.

If you're interested in Free Dining, it will be offered to the general public tomorrow for these November dates (already out for Disney VISA cardholders):

Thanks to Danny25
These are the dates of the new offer that will be released in July 12

9/30 to 10/4/12

10/19 to 11/1/12

11/9 to 11/15/12

11/23 to 11/29/12

12/10 to 12/13/12

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2951866

FYI minimum 3 night stay, must purchase at least 2 day park tickets per member of party. You can check in on any of the dates above and get FD for your entire stay, up to 14 days.

 

[ats52001]

A lot of good ideas. Thanks everyone.

 

[Seahunt]

I forgot to add that last year on 10/5/11 a General Public room only offer came out for stays starting October 30, 2011 and included November dates. Maybe they'll offer something like that again

For check ins 10/30/11-12/23/11 15%-30% off general public room-only rates became available on 10/5/11, exp 11/19/11

This offer read
*OFFER IS NOW EXPIRED/ FOR EXAMPLE ONLY*
Save up to 30% at Select Disney Resort Hotels!
Each year, magical moments meld with holiday cheer at Walt Disney World Resort. Here, you'll enjoy seasonal events, festive décor and great nightly rates—all the makings of a happy holiday vacation!

This holiday season, save up to 30% at select Disney Resort Hotels when you book through November 19, 2011 for stays most nights October 30 to November 18, 2011 and November 26 to December 23, 2011.

For example, stay in a standard room at select Disney Value Resort hotels* starting at just $76 per night, plus tax for stays most Sunday to Thursday nights October 30, 2011 to November 18, 2011 and November 26 to December 22, 2011. That's a savings of 20%!
Discover great rates at a variety of Resort types:

Hotel Category Savings
Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels
30%
Select Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels*
Up to 30%
Select Disney Moderate Resort Hotels*
Up to 20%
Select Disney Value Resort Hotels*
Up to 20%
* Exceptions include the following Resort hotels, which offer alternative rates:
Save 15% at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
Save 15% at Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Save 25% at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Save 25% at Disney's Polynesian Resort
The number of rooms available at this rate is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price of the same room. Minimum stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. See Important Details. Book by November 19, 2011! Check Availability Now
Book online, call (407) 939-1917† or call your Travel Agent. Be sure to mention booking code J5N when calling.

http://www.mousesavers.com/historicalwdwdiscounts.html#codetrends

Keep your fingers crossed

 

[dis_guy]

November is the perfect time for a couple's trip. We usually arrive just before the last weekend of Food and Wine which is also the Festival of the Masters art show at DTD. We've really enjoyed that in the past and usually get our Christmas shopping done as well.

 

[Soon2B4]

We always go during Jersey Week- right around Veteran's Day.

Not to hijack, but when is Jersey Week this year? We were debating the same this as OP. Currently, we are booked for 11/10-11/17. Normally we go the week following Thanksgiving, but thought we would give something else a try.

I did find this.....


"Jersey Week" - Usually the first or second week of November. The New Jersey schools have a teachers' convention (November 8-9, 2012; November 7-8, 2013), which is often close to Veterans Day. Lots of people take advantage of this time off to pull their kids out of school for the whole week and add on the weekend before and/or after, taking this opportunity to go to Disney World in the "off season."

Now I feel like we should change back to the week after Thanksgiving! I really don't like crowds and am spoiled by January crowd levels!

 

[Magic2000]

DH & I are going for our first trip to Disney without the kids. (our "kids" are 30, 26, and 17) We'll be there the week after Thanksgiving! We're really excited - and hoping for some nice cool weather! We were there in May/June with the kids and it was HOT!

We've been a few times the week after, and we LOVE it! Its always been low crowds, and twice, it was rather chilly! We've only been once the week leading up to Thanksgiving (we arrived the Friday before and stayed til the day before Thanksgiving) and it wasn't too bad at all.

We're really looking forward to a relaxing trip!!!! And we were able to get free dining!!!