Pay Rack Rate or Deal With Crowds?

[Kimberly9701]

Doesn't look like my dates will make free dining.. The only reason I cared was-- I was hoping for the 30% room only that typically runs along side free dining.

We are staying post cruise tpv at CR.. Originally I had planned on doing the week of Thanksgiving, however after reading crowd calanders I decided on week of 12/3- which is what I booked.

Surprisingly-- the week of thanksgiving seems to be listed that it will have the room discount.. Do I switch and deal with high crowds yet save money???

 

[Kimberly9701]

Our cruise is on the Fantasy 11/26-12/3. So either week before or after are only weeks considered.

 

[Chucky!]

Looks like room rates in the "Back to School" offer are still available in dates that are not available for free dining

 

[AshleeH]

I would pay more to avoid crowds - especially at the holidays - but to each their own. However, I would not do a cruise and then WDW - only because we love cruising and it's such a relaxing experience, I would want to get the high energy/higher stress vacation of WDW out of the way and then relax on a ship for a week.

 

[Kimberly9701]

I would pay more to avoid crowds - especially at the holidays - but to each their own. However, I would not do a cruise and then WDW - only because we love cruising and it's such a relaxing experience, I would want to get the high energy/higher stress vacation of WDW out of the way and then relax on a ship for a week.

I agree with the pre vs post cruise trip..like I said I debated for 2 months- for several reasons. Not least of which my son would miss 4 days less of school if we did pre cruise.
The crowd calenders frighten me though. I avoid WDW in the summer..and thanksgiving week looks to be just as bad!

 

[ariane37]

The crowd calenders frighten me though. I avoid WDW in the summer..and thanksgiving week looks to be just as bad!

We went Thanksgiving week last year and are going again this year, 11/19-11/26. I know the crowd calendars make it look scary and I can't really compare to the summer as the only time we've been is late Aug. when it's the lowest crowds anyway. But I will say, we were a bit nervous last year and the crowds ended up being nothing like we thought - they were better Yes you'd definitely call it "crowded"; you needed to do RD if you wanted to re-ride headliners; eat at off times if you wanted to avoid crazy long lines at QS. But otherwise we had no issues - obviously, or we wouldn't be going back! If you'd prefer doing parks before your cruise so you can go-go-go and then relax, I say give Thanksgiving week a chance.
Just don't come looking for me if it's too crowded for you