November @ WDW

[Terk-1]

I believe I may have asked this before, but can't locate the post, so let me try again. I am heading down to WDW the middle of November this year and was wondering what's it like. Is the weather warm or cool? Are there e-nights before Thanksgiving week? How are the crowds? Are the park hours shortened? When do they post the park hours for that month? Are all the decorations up by then? Do they start playing holiday music before Thanksgiving or do they wait until after that holiday? Any help, suggestions, etc. would be greatly appreciated!

 

[rexmundi]

I've been in November several times. I think it's one of the best times to go. The weather is great, ususally in the 70s or low 80s during the day and just a bit on the cools ide at night (bring a light windbreaker). You may have some rain, but that;s just a roll of the dice. The parks usually are open until 7 (sometimes Epcot closes earlier, like 6). The crowds are light (well, as light as they get at WDW). The Christmas decorations start going upo about a week before Thanksgiving, depending on how late it falls. This year the crowds may be even lighter. I had been planning to go in mid-November and changed when the FTP discounts were announced so that I could check in before that rate expires on October 30 (or 31st, I can't remember). I don't know when they start playing the Christmas music.

 

[tink2]

I've been twice during Thanksgiving week and they start playing Christmas music Thanksgiving Day. Probably because this is when most of the park decorations are up. The Wed. before Thanksgiving, the resorts are decorated and a few little things in the parks. But Thanksgiving morning, the parks are decked out with Christmas decorations and music- really magical!

 

[Terk-1]

Thanks guys for your input. Anybody else???

 

[rjordan]

Hi there, we went down last November on the Sunday of Veteran's Day weekend and stayed till that Friday (Nov. 10-15). I believe that was the tail end of "Jersey week" and we thought it was pretty crowded on that Sunday and Monday but crowds started to thin by Tues/Wed. The weather was great at the beginning of the week, temps. in the high 70s/low 80s during the day and still comfortable at night. But by Tues/Wed, it got much cooler. I wore my fleece jacket at night. Only had one evening of rain (but boy did it rain...). We stayed at Boardwalk and the Xmas tree was already up in the lobby. Park hours were as follows: MK 9-6 - AK 9-5 Epcot may have been 10-9 (with World showcase opening at Noon and MGM was, I believe, 9-7. Don't remember if there were any enights. We used fastpass whenever necessary. We got to see and do everything we wanted. It was a nice time to go, but next time I think I would try to arrive the weekend "after" Veteran's Day, if possible. Hope this helps.

 

[Greg K.]

...during Jersey week (when the kids are off from school for teachers meetings, so Jersey-ites flock to WDW) and the Food Fest.

Crowds are fine, some attractions were walk-ons ... though the World Showcase was pretty crowded because of people lined up to sample food from the little booths set up around the lake.

Weather was great: warm during the day, but cool at night (around 60, I'd guess -- bring a jacket or sweater!).

We stayed at the Board Walk and were astonished to wake up one morning and see ALL THE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS HAD GONE UP OVERNIGHT!! How'd they do that??? Elves??!!

 

[Terk-1]

I really appreciate your help!!! I'm booked for week before Thanksgiving. This is after Veteran's Day weekend, the Super Soap weekend and during the last weekend of the Food & Wine Festival. This way I'm hoping the crowds are lighter, but I can still get some shots of the decorations before I head back home.

Does anyone know if there is any e-nights during this time?

 

[zulaya]

I don't think there are generally e-nights in November, but I could be wrong as I really don't know for certain.

 

[Curly Q]

Is the weather warm or cool? Could be both!! I was there last year the week before Thanksgiving and it was COLD. I was in jeans and a fleece (that I bought 2nd day there) on most days. Rained only one day!!

Are there e-nights before Thanksgiving week? Not usually, there was none last year.

How are the crowds? Very light, as rexmundi said probably lighter this year. It wasn't dead so you don't enjoy group events, like 3D movies jungle cruise etc. It was actually perfect. Mostly walk on - 15 min.! The Saturday before Thanksgiving (your last 2nd to last day) is VERY busy as everyone is arriving

Are the park hours shortened? Yes, but you should have time to do everything you want before the park closes. I love to be in the parks at night, but you can't have everything!

When do they post the park hours for that month? Start looking in August for park hours, AP discounts, lower airline prices.

Are all the decorations up by then? Do they start playing holiday music before Thanksgiving or do they wait until after that holiday? No, but if you have never seen the park decorated to the hull with Christmas deco you probably wouldn't be able to tell. There are a lot of decorations up, but not too many and you still get to hear the park music not Christmas music! You get a sample of both! If you are an AP holder the Osborne Spec. of Lights are up for an AP only event (Fri-Sat. before Thanksgiving) which is a must do!



Any help, suggestions, etc. would be greatly appreciated! Let me know if you have any more questions, I'll stop rambling on and on now!!

 

[Terk-1]

Thanks again! You guys have been a great help!!

Curly Q: I went last November/December arriving the day after Thanksgiving. It rained once or twice, was warm a few days, but we had some chilly days & nights too! Coming from up North, I had worn a fleece sweatshirt and coat heading down to WDW and was glad I had. There were a couple of early mornings/evenings when I had both on, plus a hat and gloves! Most days I had a t-shirt, sweatshirt and pants on, but by late morning, the sweatshirt came off. Had 1 or 2 days where I was actually in a t-shirt and shorts.

Also, thanks for the heads up on the AP night at MGM. I am a passholder, so I'll make sure to keep my eyes peeled for events like this.

I've been to WDW before Christmas (like last trip) and the decorations are beautiful, but wanted a little change this year. As much as I like listening to the holiday music, I love hearing the WDW music in the background.

I was able to get a AAA discount for now, until either the AP rates or discount codes come out for November. Also, I've been hitting Southwest's website checking on flights. Right now they are only going through th 23rd of October.

Thanks again everyone for all your help!! Now it's dining planning time!!