Thanksgiving 2007 Will we regret it?

[rlt431]

We usually go in Late Oct. early Nov when my son has his fall break. But in 2007 they do not get a fall break so the only time we can go is the Sat. before Thanksgiving through the day after Thanksgiving. I am bringing family with us for the first time.

I have been reading that this year Thanksgiving is sold out. Are we going to be miserable going that week? Your opinions requested.

Thanks.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I hope not, because we will be there during that time frame too, and we will even be doing a Disney Wedding then. I think as long as you do the bulk of your park touring early in the morning, avoid midday times, and go back to tour late afternoon and evenings, you will get plenty of park time in and avoid the worst of the crowds. The best thing is that you will get to see the Holiday decor!

 

[Parkhopper13]

Remember, a bad day at Disney is still better than a good day at work!!!

 

[dumbo71]

I have been reading that this year Thanksgiving is sold out. Are we going to be miserable going that week? Your opinions requested.

Thanks.

That depends. If you are going to do the parks, then yes you'll be miserable. The family that you are bringing will probably never want to go to WDW again. It is that unbearable. Wall to wall people with 1 hour waits the norm.

Now, since you are going you can alleviate things by spending more time enjoying the resort. Also, following the preceding advice of mornings and then evenings will help. I hope you have all of your ADR's???? If not you'll be cooking in or eating counter service more than likely.

I know I'm painting a scary picture (on Halloween, no less ) but maybe this warning will prepare you and you'll be pleasantly surprised. I hope so. Thanksgiving and Christmas are two times we don't visit.

Shaky weather + stressed out people + long lines + cold pools = us visiting at another time.

I hope I'm dead wrong and you guys have the time of your lives. Good luck.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I hope you have all of your ADR's???? If not you'll be cooking in or eating counter service more than likely.

No need for them to get ADRs yet (in fact they can't do it more than a year in advance), but we do, in fact plan to prepare our own Thanksgiving meal in our villa next year and probably not go to the parks at all that day unless we wander over early in the morning. We'll likely just spend the Thanksgiving day much as we would at home with dinner, games, and good conversation. We will just have the added bonus of being at Disney and being able to enjoy the amenities of OKW and maybe a swim or hot tub as well as a trip to DTD.

 

[SleepyatDVC]

We usually go in Late Oct. early Nov when my son has his fall break. But in 2007 they do not get a fall break so the only time we can go is the Sat. before Thanksgiving through the day after Thanksgiving. I am bringing family with us for the first time.

I have been reading that this year Thanksgiving is sold out. Are we going to be miserable going that week? Your opinions requested.

Thanks.

I personally don't think that you will be in danger of being miserable that week because of it will being Thanksgiving Week. It's a wonerful time to go. The holiday decorations. The weather, esp. if it is frigid back home, Just being in the Magic.

However, I can't guarantee that you won't be miserable that week because you are bringing family!!!

Here's hoping you have family that gives you the warm fuzzies rather than the painful ulcers!

 

[sparkysfriends]

Because you are going the Saturday before Thanksgiving you shouldn't be in bad shape. Traditionally, Thanksgiving day and the 3 days that follow it are very crowded in the parks, but if you do most of your park visits towards the beginning of your trip, even up to early in the day on Wednesday, you really shouldn't have much problem. Have fun!

 

[3DisneyKids]

That depends. If you are going to do the parks, then yes you'll be miserable. The family that you are bringing will probably never want to go to WDW again. It is that unbearable. Wall to wall people with 1 hour waits the norm.

Now, since you are going you can alleviate things by spending more time enjoying the resort. Also, following the preceding advice of mornings and then evenings will help. I hope you have all of your ADR's???? If not you'll be cooking in or eating counter service more than likely.

I know I'm painting a scary picture (on Halloween, no less ) but maybe this warning will prepare you and you'll be pleasantly surprised. I hope so. Thanksgiving and Christmas are two times we don't visit.

Shaky weather + stressed out people + long lines + cold pools = us visiting at another time.

I hope I'm dead wrong and you guys have the time of your lives. Good luck.

I actually disagree with this 100%. The week BEFORE T'giving (as you are considering) is usually great! We went this week one year, and it was the best trip ever. Yes, the parks get very crowded T'giving Day and the following week-end. But leading up to T'giving...everything was a walk-on, etc. We spent one day at Typhoon Lagoon, and all of the CMs knew all of our kids' names b/c it was so empty. One CM kept popping up in different places all over the park and would call out to my girls...it was a riot! Another CM offered to let my youngest "help" her collect the tubes at the end of Crush'n'Gusher while I took my oldest child on the ride, etc. Truly amazing week for both weather and crowds. I hope you will be this lucky!

 

[ro80]

No need for them to get ADRs yet (in fact they can't do it more than a year in advance), but we do, in fact plan to prepare our own Thanksgiving meal in our villa next year and probably not go to the parks at all that day unless we wander over early in the morning. We'll likely just spend the Thanksgiving day much as we would at home with dinner, games, and good conversation. We will just have the added bonus of being at Disney and being able to enjoy the amenities of OKW and maybe a swim or hot tub as well as a trip to DTD.

I'm jealous!! I wish my family would agree to do a holiday in Disney. It sounds like such a wonderful time!!! I'll be thinking of you.

 

[rlt431]

I appreciate all your opinions. I just want my family and friends to have a wonderful time. I would hate their first trip be a bad experience. I will keep my fingers crossed that before Thursday it will be ok.

When do they put up the Christmas decorations? Will they all be up before we leave on Nov. 23 or 24th?

 

[dumbo71]

No need for them to get ADRs yet (in fact they can't do it more than a year in advance), but we do, in fact plan to prepare our own Thanksgiving meal in our villa next year and probably not go to the parks at all that day unless we wander over early in the morning. We'll likely just spend the Thanksgiving day much as we would at home with dinner, games, and good conversation. We will just have the added bonus of being at Disney and being able to enjoy the amenities of OKW and maybe a swim or hot tub as well as a trip to DTD.

Oh man do I have mud on my face!!!!! Thanksgiving 2007!!!!! Sorry I catch on slow.

Have a great trip OP. Edit: you too Diane.

 

[DeeDeeDis]

We will be going for our first holiday trip to wdw THIS Thanksgiving so thanks all for the great tips.

I am so looking forward to this trip just the fact that I dont have to cook a big feast will be worth the crowds or long waits on Thanksgiving day.

 

[LoriBW]

We have been T-giving week four times. It has gotten busier over the years, but is still bearable. Ride the most popular rides early in the week. You will be able to get a lot accomplished in those few days. Once the holiday and the weekend hits, it does get crowded, but it's also a good time to stroll through the shops and do things that you normally pass up trying to get to that 'must ride' attraction.

One year we ate T-giving dinner at the Beach Club and they had reserved a banquet room with big screens for the football fans and dinner was buffet-style but great. We then went to Epcot and strolled through the countries and watched Illuminations. It was a very relaxing day. MK has a parade, so we steer clear.

As long as you plan ahead and have realistic expectations, you will have a great time. Enjoy the Christmas decorations that appear overnight in the MK!

Have FUN!

 

[Cruelladeville]

By the way, does anyone know where the schedule is posted for decorating the resorts?? I remember that "the elves" come in and decorate 11 pm to 7 am time period, and if you can stand it, you can sit in the lobby and watch all night long. That might be a cool thing to watch around Thanksgiving.

 

[jemiaule]

By the way, does anyone know where the schedule is posted for decorating the resorts?? I remember that "the elves" come in and decorate 11 pm to 7 am time period, and if you can stand it, you can sit in the lobby and watch all night long. That might be a cool thing to watch around Thanksgiving.

I wish I knew the schedule but I can tell you it is a lot of fun sitting and watching. A few years back we stayed up watching them put up the tree at Wilderness Lodge. (Just the tree part, no decor) it was facinating watching how it all came together.

The actual tree decorations they did during the day, not late at night. I was sort of surprised they did thise during the daytime with guests walking around. But there is SO much to decorate at WDW I imagine that to get it all done some stuff HAS to be done during the day.

 

[FOTM_Ring_Bearer]

We were at the BCV 2 years ago. Arrived the Friday before Thanksgiving and left on Tuesday. The resorts were decorated. We watched them decorate the gingerbread carrousel at the BC. It took them all day to do it. It was amazing to watch. The crowds at the parks increased each day. But if you do the park in the morning, take a break in the afternoon and go back later, it works really well. They also had the MK open later than what was originally scheduled, too. That helped a lot.

We've also stayed thru Thanksgiving day. But we stayed away from the MK that day. I really like going that week. Can't do in now though. DD18 is in college and she has classes Monday thru Wednesday.

 

[Fellowship9798]

Any opinions on the week AFTER Thanksgiving? That's our plan for 2007. Are the high crowds limited to just the holiday itself and the following weekend or do they carry over to the next week too?

 

[colieolie]

This will be our 9th year going for Thanksgiving. It has gotten more crowded over the years, however, the few days before Thanksgiving, get to the parks early, take advantage of the early openings and head back to the hotel for a rest in the afternoons..This has worked well for us over the year.

On T-Day, plan a trip to the spa and enjoy yourself or go play a round of golf. in my case, my husband does T-Day and does not want any help so i go off and enjoy myself. The next day is his day and he goes to play golf, while i go and do some shopping off site from Disney and get some great sales. that is a bit crazy, however, your on vacation so who cares.

The Christmas decorations are absolutely beautiful. it is amazing how most of disney is transformed over nite.
We love going for Thanksgiving.......

 

[brandip22]

How's the weather that week? thanks

 

[colieolie]

It varies. Be prepared to bring a light jacket and at least a pair of jeans.
at nite, it sometimes tends to get a little chilly.
otherwise, we have had luck during the days with shorts and tshirts.


its almost tomorrow and then it is 6 days til we leave for disney.....