Strategy for Thanksgiving Week?

[SaintsManiac]

Hi Everyone:

I had every intention of going into this trip with one 1 ADR for Thanksgiving dinner (Garden Grill), but I've seen reports that QS lines were insane that week. This will be my first holiday trip to the World, so I could use some input.

Should I plan to do a few more TS for when the crowds pick up? We are driving in on 11/15 to do Universal for 2 days before checking into the Contemporary on 11/17. We check out on Black Friday.

We can pick up snacks at a grocery store, but I would rather eat meals on site. We will NOT be on the DDP.

I was thinking we could even leave the parks and eat meals at the resorts before we hop in the evening.

I just wasn't planning on ADR stress this time, but if I have to do it I want to start thinking about it now before time gets away from me.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Wish Upon A Starbucks]

We were there at thanksgiving and yes the QS lines were insane at times. But an ADR will take a lot of time too (for table service). If you are willing to eat early (or maybe late) the QS won't be too bad. We ate lunch around 11:15-11:30 each day and it was very manageable. So if you use QS my advice is to eat early!

 

[sharonabe]

I was thinking we could even leave the parks and eat meals at the resorts before we hop in the evening.

This is a really good idea and a great way to get away from the crowds. Hit up the QS places on the monorail loop. If you're going to EP, go to MK first and take a bus to one of the EP resorts and eat along the Boardwalk. If you're going to AK, again go to MK first and take a bus to AKL. Build in a little more time here to see the animals on the savannah.

Another good way to beat the crowds is to eat at off times. Eat lunch just before 11:00 or wait until around 2:00. This means you'll need some snacks in there somewhere, so either bring your own or use it as an excuse to get something fun and yummy from the carts. Just don't forget you'll be eating dinner somewhere, so don't make that "lunch" too late unless you're going to make dinner pretty late too.

 

[SaintsManiac]

We don't mind eating at "off" times. I have to get my CHH lobster roll fix!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . I had every intention of going into this trip with one 1 ADR for Thanksgiving dinner (Garden Grill), but I've seen reports that QS lines were insane that week. This will be my first holiday trip to the World, so I could use some input . . . Should I plan to do a few more TS for when the crowds pick up?

1) Yes, QS lines during Thanksgiving week are ALWAYS long.
2) Thanksgiving week is the busiest week at WDW.
3) Sure, we have vacationers, but locals also come out due to no-school.
4) And, locals don't eat that many TS meals, due to cost.
5) So, fast food gets lots of business.
6) And for you, I would make TS ressies (ADR's), or just wait in the QSQ lines.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I appreciate the input. We are going to pick a few TS and then roll with it. Thanks again!

 

[adg06]

2) Thanksgiving week is the busiest week at WDW.

Wow, I did not know this. We are contemplating Thanksgiving week this year, but may want to rethink that and postpone until Spring Break 2018. I thought spring break would be busier.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Wow, I did not know this. We are contemplating Thanksgiving week this year, but may want to rethink that and postpone until Spring Break 2018. I thought spring break would be busier.

You'll hear different opinions on this. The general consensus is that Christmas week and Easter week are the busiest.

 

[adg06]

You'll hear different opinions on this. The general consensus is that Christmas week and Easter week are the busiest.

Good to know. I'm now trying to talk DH into mid-October. Kids have "fall break" which is only 3 days, so would still have to take them out 2 days for a week long trip. But it's also F&W at Epcot!! Totally worth it IMO.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I agree with the PP's. QS lines are super long and resort restaurants (TS and QS) are the way to go. Over Christmas week two years ago, we escaped to the Wave after MK became unbearable crowded and the line for Cosmic Ray's was out the door. I would also suggest getting a Landry's Select Card which can be used at Yak & Yeti, Rainforest Cafe (both in AK and DS) and TRex. It's $25, but that $25 goes toward your bill and you also get a $25 birthday month credit (which can be any month you choose). The card gets you priority seating even before ADR reservations at these restaurants, so, at least in AK (and DS), you know you can get into a TS without much wait whenever you decide to show up for your meal. We did this at Yak & Yeti the week before Christmas and had about a 1 minute wait.

So for MK, I would escape on the monorail, for DHS and EP, escape to the Boardwalk, for AK, get the Landry's Card. I would also check MDE on your phone while in the parks for last minute reservations. Especially in EP, your chance of scoring a last minute TS are pretty good.