Struggling to plan my thanksgiving trip. help (and a little venting)

[DL1WDW2]

Just read and yes feeling the stress.
I was just watching the MNSSHParty guests arrive for their party and literally stopping in the Plaza Dining area to open the party guides and asking their group what do we want to do first !!!

I usually like making the plans but it is never easy. Especially knowing that Disneyhas made it confusing and not simple and expensive.
My first quick thought is wondering if the Topof the World restricts the number of guests per membership. I also was just at the Contemporary and they had blocked the balcony viewing area and removed most of the metal bench seating which means the bridge will be really crowded . Would not be surprised to see another private viewing party pay per view in that area .
Hope you weren’t planning on that for backup.

I do like to plan one sit down meal to just have a relaxation from crowds every day.
And would prefer a late afternoon time .
Scheduling a breakfast is valuable waste of time so I also like to go to Starbucks in the parks to start my day with caffeine !

Be prepared for many disappointments as the attractions will be down or not evenOpen when the Parks Open and that VQ adds to wasting time watching and waiting for ride to re-open . And the LL will be allowed priority over VQ!
I sometimes wonder if it would be a better idea to skip ticket purchase for a Party event during holidays.
I am still thinking about suggestions .
Success to me would be accomplishing 2 favoriteattractions per day and then whatever. So focus on that for starters. And search for the themed holiday special like Jingle Cruise at MK .
Do you think your group would enjoy the Candlelight Processional dining package?
The Biergarten in Germany is perfect for group dining with Buffett style dining with special holiday music performance .

 

[_19disnA]

When we went to Disney with 2 other families who were relatives we talked ahead of time about what our preferences were and didn't expect any one person to be our 'Disney planner'. It would be a mistake to assume everyone is going to want to do the same things you like or has the same idea how to enjoy Disney. Walking around a park as one big group and expecting everyone wants to do the same rides/shows would likely cause a lot of friction. If some want to shop, the small children will get bored with that and want to do something else.

Some want to get up early and race off to the park, others may enjoy sleeping in or relaxing by the pool. We did some things together but also split up at times. If you choose a few places to eat for lunch or dinner, then each party can do what they want the rest of the time. Some may not be into planning every minute of their time at Disney and there is nothing wrong with that.

I would let each family do their own planning and then they can do whatever they want and won't blame you later on for not having a good time.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Do you think your group would enjoy the Candlelight Processional dining package?
The Biergarten in Germany is perfect for group dining with Buffett style dining with special holiday music performance .

I hope not. CP for the first night sold out in less than a day…

 

[Stacybaeasm]

If it helps - that Friday is the start of Festival of the Holidays at Epcot. It is going to be BUSY but I think it is totally worth it to do the food booths. I'm there the exact same days as you. I've been keeping an eye on crowd calendar and available hotel and dining ressies - just to get an idea of HOW busy it will be. Honestly, while I know it will be busy, I don't think it is going to reach the level of crazy I expected. At last check, there were still 9 hotels with reservations for the exact days (and 3 of them value resorts) and there was lots of open dining ressies for both Thursday and Friday.

My plan is this - I'm going to go harder during the first part of the week (and get LLMP for most of those days). Thanksgiving I will do LLMP for MK (since I have ressies at Diamond Horseshoe) but I'm not going to go super crazy. And Friday, I"m going to do LLSP for Guardians but then just take the rest of the day to enjoy World Showcase and shop. And I echo what many others have said - don't make yourself crazy with plans for all of you all day. Allow time to go your separate ways - either as family groups or allow the kids to do a bit on their own. And, unless this is truly a once in a lifetime trip, allow yourself time to relax!! The rides and characters will be there the next time you go (since you seem to be DVC, I'm going to assume future trips.) Leave time to just take in the holiday decorations and BREATHE!! I know I'm also hoping for some pool time. And above all - have fun!!! Disney shouldn't be this stressful.

 

[Mtraynom]

I was there the first week of December last year, we did EEH at AK and it was so empty. Almost all of the traffic was in Pandora, but all rides, except FOP, were walk on. I know it will be different Thanksgiving week, but I think you could come later in the day, and be fine. Kilimanjaro Safari does close earlier, so make sure you do that one in the afternoon.

 

[mickeymom629]

Do not change something that you planned/want to do spur of the moment during your trip! I was the planner for us and another couple who said that anything I plan is fine with them. Then, during the trip, they suggested things I didn't want to do and that were totally against what I knew was best or wanted to do but I didn't want to seem like I was inflexible. To this day I regret that I went along with their change and missed what I had planned. Just let them go on their way and do what you want.

Plan the trip that you will enjoy and be flexible to the extent that you would have been without them.