Post Thanksgiving Quick Trip

[naplesccbob]

I may have an opportunity to visit Magic Kingdom for one day either the Monday or Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

At one point I think I read that this would be a low volume time for crowds. Do you agree?

Would Magic Kingdom be decorated for Christmas at this time? Any special holiday attractions that would be up and running? (I have never visited at Christmas before) Suggestions on anything special I should include in my day?

Staying offsite and planning to purchase a one day ticket the day before visiting at Guest Services at Disney Market Place. How would I go about reserving fast passes?

Thanks All for your time and suggestions!

 

[cassie58]

Although even slower times are busier than they used to be, we have definitely found lower crowds once the Thanksgiving weekend is over. Yes, everything will be decorated once Thaksgiving comes, with the exception of the large Christmas Tree that I believe goes up for the parade taping the week after. There will be many decorations on Main St. leading up to the castle, which is spectacular all decked out in icicle lights that you will see once it gets dark. Be sure to try and seeing the nightly lighting ceremony - very magical! Also, they add a Christmas portion to the castle projection show that is shown before Wishes. If you haven't seen the regular projection show, it's really cool, and if you have, the Christmas add-ons just make it better! The Jungle Cruise becomes the "Jingle Cruise" with some fun new jokes and decor. Also if you want to hop on the monorail at some pt. during your day, head over to the Grand Floridian to see the life size gingerbread house they build, and you can buy a shingle to sample as well! Enjoy your day - It is my favorite time of year to visit!

 

[cassie58]

Just realized you also had a FP question. I don't know if you already have an MDE account from any previous visits, or if not you could make one and get the app on your phone, if you have a smartphone. Once you buy your ticket, you should be able to link it to your account, and then select your 3 FPs for the next day. Some of the more popular rides may be out of FP already with people making them 60 or 30 days ahead, such as 7DMT, so you could either arrive at RD and try to jump on, go during a parade if you are not watching, or try at the end of the night to jump in line, since lines are generally an hr.+ for it all day. If you are not aware, you can get a 4th FP once you've used your 3, for whatever is still available. Also check Mesa boy's thread on here for FP to get good info.

 

[ttintagel]

My last trip was the week after Thanksgiving, and it was absolutely wonderful. I mean, the parks weren't empty, but the crowds were low enough that we didn't have long waits for anything. The Christmas decorations are up, and it just added a whole other layer of festivity to the parks. We took a day what are the monorail Resorts and see the decorations there, too. Highly recommended.

 

[cgattis]

Just make sure to check the Christmas party dates. They pick back up that Sunday or Monday night. If you're just doing one day, you'll probably want a non-party day so you get to stay for parades/fireworks.

 

[RedAngie]

Just make sure to check the Christmas party dates. They pick back up that Sunday or Monday night. If you're just doing one day, you'll probably want a non-party day so you get to stay for parades/fireworks.

But aren't the non-party days at MK very crowded? If OP is looking for lower crowds, it might make sense to go on a party day. But of course that means missing the fireworks and nighttime parade. One has to choose what has priority during party season.

 

[cgattis]

But aren't the non-party days at MK very crowded? If OP is looking for lower crowds, it might make sense to go on a party day. But of course that means missing the fireworks and nighttime parade. One has to choose what has priority during party season.

The overall crowds that Monday and Tuesday are historically pretty low. We've been that week after Thanksgiving once and it was fantastic, both crowd and weather wise. IMO, you'd still get more done on a full day (until probably 10) than a party day. YMMV of course.