Scheduling dilemma: Jersey Week or Thanksgiving Week?

[KelNottAt]

I need to book four 2br villas and one 1br villa in December for a November 2008 family reunion trip (5 nights). All along we knew we’d be going Sun – Fri of Thanksgiving week. Grandma (MIL) doesn’t like this idea b/c it would mean she doesn’t get to host a traditional TGive dinner at her home. But, she’s being a good sport about it and not really rockin’ the boat.

Now, due to a possible change in my kids’ school calendar, we might be able to go during Jersey week instead. This is more appealing due to points, weather, crowds, and Grandma’s wishes. But, there’s one kink.

My son’s cross country state championship meet would fall on Saturday at the end of Jersey week. Assuming he runs varsity and the team makes the finals (they have 3 outta the last 5 years) he would have to stay home.

So, what should I do? When should we plan the trip?

 

[dianeschlicht]

I'd stick with Thanksgiving. You have probably had numerous Thanksgivings at Grandma's, and you will likely have many more. It's important for your DS to be able to be on the family trip.

 

[kend58]

Given the options above I would book Thanksgiving and explain why it's her Grandson and she should care about his happiness afterall.

Alternatives I thought of:

If you had a gazilion points and the right banking window you could book both and then cacel the Jersey week ressies if they make State and Thanksgiving if they don't. That would be optimal but it would require lots of points, knowing about the State meet at least 31 days in advance and some fortitious luck re your UY and banking window.

Yoy could do a cash ressie room only for the Jersey week dates and then bank the Thanksgiving points and pay OOP for the trip if they miss State. That would be a more flexible booking/cancellation alternative but of course has the added $$$$$$$$ cost assuming no short notice DVC availability for Jersey week.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I would go with Thanksgiving week, since your DS can be there for sure.

Bobbi

 

[Luigi's Girl]

I need to book four 2br villas and one 1br villa in December for a November 2008 family reunion trip (5 nights). All along we knew we’d be going Sun – Fri of Thanksgiving week. Grandma (MIL) doesn’t like this idea b/c it would mean she doesn’t get to host a traditional TGive dinner at her home. But, she’s being a good sport about it and not really rockin’ the boat.

Now, due to a possible change in my kids’ school calendar, we might be able to go during Jersey week instead. This is more appealing due to points, weather, crowds, and Grandma’s wishes. But, there’s one kink.

My son’s cross country state championship meet would fall on Saturday at the end of Jersey week. Assuming he runs varsity and the team makes the finals (they have 3 outta the last 5 years) he would have to stay home.

So, what should I do? When should we plan the trip?

I was faced with a similar situation in November 2005. My son was on the Varsity football team and although in previous years he was able to miss a few practices while we would vacation during "Jersey Week", that season he was a Senior and the coach warned him that he would not play in his last Homecoming game if he chose to go on our annual WDW with us. He wanted us to still go since other families were involved in the trip and he said he was fine with staying home. Well, we all cried like babies when we left him behind and the whole trip didn't feel right with me. Now that might not be the case with you since many families dont follow the "no child left behind " rule (mine.. not George Bush's). But since you asked I'm just letting you know my experience when faced with that previous dilemma. If you can, I say plan the Thanksgiving trip. Enjoy vacation with your son and Grandma both while you can.

 

[squirrlygirl]

Thanksgiving week. To book the other would be betting your son isn't varsity and doesn't make the finals. Or saying Grandma's wishes trump his. I don't think you'd want to send either of those messages to your son, regardless of whether he thinks its okay!

 

[ILuvDVC2]

As a non-parent, and a New Jersey resident, I had no clue what you meant by "Jersey Week" until I started reading the thread!

At first I thought, "Is there a particular week at Disney where more Jersey residents visit?"

Now I get it... and feel like I'm not the brightest bulb in the marquis!

Anyway... I vote Thanksgiving Week. It's a great time to be at Disney and I bet the MIL will ultimately enjoy not having to cook the big dinner.

 

[wildernessDad]

I voted stay with Thanksgiving. That is when your DS can make it and your MIL might find that she enjoys some time off from making that turkey dinner!

 

[Tamar]

I'd say Thanksgiving week trumps Jersey week for lower crowds, so besides all the reasons given above, I'd stick with your current ressies.

 

[MinnieGi]

Definetly during T-day week! You can be sure your son can be with you. Enough said.

 

[yaksack]

Being from NJ, I vote for going then, but beware of the people from Southern NJ. They are weird!!!

 

[tiggerguy2000]

Being from NJ, I vote for going then, but beware of the people from Southern NJ. They are weird!!!

A bennie going to bennie week

Going that week would be a nightmare for us living down at the jersey shore.Hey you ruin our summer by invading our southern jersey beaches with traffic problems and by acting stupid.

Jersey week in Disney is like a Bennie convention
No thanks!
tiggerguy

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

What exactly is a "bennie"?

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Another vote for Thanksgiving. Having DS there makes this an easy decision for me.

 

[camack7827]

Being from NJ, I vote for going then, but beware of the people from Southern NJ. They are weird!!!

For those that don't live in NJ, whenever a North Jersey resident calls a South Jersey resident "wierd", what they mean is "nice". You see, there should be a wall along Rt. 195 dividing the state. All those New Jersey jokes you hear on t.v. are funny to us South Jersey residents too, while the North Jersey folks get bent out of shape.

Just Kidding, being from NW Jersey is just as good as being from South Jersey (I moved from Hackettstown to Medford, then to LBI (ahhhh, I miss Beach Haven) then up to Parsippany and now back in Burlington County.

Back on topic, definitely go with Thanksgiving week. Your son can definitely make the trip. If you plan on Jersey week, you'll really be stressed and pulled in different directions until you find out if they will be competing.

Chris

 

[yaksack]

All kidding aside we have gone two time during Jersey Week and loved it.

 

[ccigliano]

I vote Thanksgiving week for two reasons: your son and the Christmas decorations. I don't know if you've ever been there at Christmastime but it is even more magical. Try to catch the Candlelight Processional on the Friday or Saturday after T-day at EPCOT. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at MGM should be up the entire week as well as all the decorations in the parks and the resorts. Stop by the WL and GF to check out the decorations one evening - they are spectacular. Enjoy!!

 

[KelNottAt]

Being from NJ, I vote for going then, but beware of the people from Southern NJ. They are weird!!!

Ha! You crack me up. Out of the 22 people in this traveling party, 18 are from South Jersey. (Pennsauken, Woodbury, West Deptford, Matua)

Well, by the overwhelming majority, we'll be sticking with Thanksgiving week. Definitely. In fact, I probably won't even mention to anyone that this dilemma came up.

 

[draw]

If Grandma still wants she can cook Turkey in 2br kitchen. She will have all family together.