Thanksgiving - Before or After?

[Mouse13]

Well, we didn't win the AP preview contest for DCA so we've decided to visit DLR at Thanksgiving. We've never been during November or December and are super excited to see the Christmas decorations. We have two choices and I need help making a decision. We can arrive on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and leave on the Saturday after or we can arrive on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and leave on the Wednesday after. Which time period do you think will have less crowds? Is there anything special that we should consider for our Thanksgiving meal? Thanks!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

After for sure.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

The Wednesday to Wednesday will be better. If you go into the park on that first Wednesday, it will likely be super busy. Crowds will still be strong through Thanksgiving weekend, but the last few days of your trip will be much calmer. You will get the best of both worlds, expanded entertainment offerings and long hours for the first part of your trip and smaller crowds for the last part. Keep in mind that unless you have the premium pass, Thanksgiving and the Friday and Saturday following are block out days.

 

[mariners1999]

Well, we didn't win the AP preview contest for DCA so we've decided to visit DLR at Thanksgiving. We've never been during November or December and are super excited to see the Christmas decorations. We have two choices and I need help making a decision. We can arrive on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and leave on the Saturday after or we can arrive on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and leave on the Wednesday after. Which time period do you think will have less crowds? Is there anything special that we should consider for our Thanksgiving meal? Thanks!

You will be there about the same time we will be. We fly in on Tuesday before Thanksgiving and will fly out on December 1st.

I would also say the Wed-Wed plan you have is the best idea.

From what I have read it will be REALLY busy all Thanksgiving week. Somewhere I was reading that the morning of Thanksgiving was not too bad but it gets a little busier in the afternoon. Then on Friday-Sunday of Thanksgiving it is packed.

I don't know about special Thanksgiving meals and would love to hear if someone knows a great place for dinner.

 

[Mouse13]

Thanks to all for your quick response. Looks like we'll go with Wednesday to Wednesday.

Our APs will have expired by then, so we'll be buying 5 day parkhoppers and upgrading to APs again after the black out dates have passed. We have another trip planned for May 2013 and, even with the price increases, the APs still are our best option for two week long trips. DS is getting older now and will probably be working in the summers so these may be our last APs for awhile since we'll probably be limited to one trip a year before long.

But for now, I'm going to enjoy it all! I'm looking forward to the snow, and the decorations, and It's a Small World. I'm hoping for nice weather but will be prepared for most anything.

The hotel dilemma is my biggest concern right now. I have the Anaheim Marriott and the Courtyard both booked (love this location and the shuttle availability) but I'm always looking for a better rate and a warmer swimming pool.

 

[DTDkettleCORNfan]

Regarding meal ideas....not sure if you are looking to eat at DL. But if you are up for a short walk, Mimi's Cafe is just up Harbor. My parents have had Thanksgiving dinner at Mimi's (not the Anaheim location) and said it was fantastic. I'm sure DL will have some great choices too. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Forgot to post anything about meals. We like the buffet at Storyteller's for Thanksgiving dinner. It's kind of become our special thing; we don't eat there at other times of the year. I have found the meats to be tasty and the seasonal sides to be good twists on tradition. The desserts are probably the highlight of the meal though, so maybe that's why I keep going back. I've never been a turkey person.

If I was going to try something new, I would be tempted to do Thanksgiving dinner at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. I have heard that they have an excellent Thanksgiving meal, and I would like to try it someday if we can tear ourselves away from Storyteller's.

Another festive choice is the meal at the DLH ballroom. Again, I haven't tried it, in this case because of the sticker-shock price tag.

There are lots of places in the park that will serve a traditional Thanksgiving plate of turkey and fixings.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

We went the Mon-Wed before Thanksgiving last year, and the crowds were beyond all reason bad. And I am someone who is usually like "crowds? Bring 'em on...". We typically go spring break and summer every year, so I know crowds!

It was so bad the few days before Thanksgiving, that....shhh..I wish we had never gone! They shut down the park gates twice while we were there. You couldn't move, breathe, or order a churro.

I personally love going at holiday time, and our best experience has been the first week of December. Low crowds, high holiday spirit, perfect weather. We love it! So just in case your dates are flexible, I thought I would recommend that.

 

[cyclenut]

I know this is about Disney but I have to recommend you try Knott's for Thanksgiving. You can purchase the meal only or meal and discount park tickets. The meal is a buffet and it includes absolutely everything you cou
D imagine from the traditional to the unique. Unlimited desert included too. Our family has done this meal several times. We love it. Snoopy comes to visit too.

Knott's is close enough you could go for dinner there and back to DLR after. If you chose an earlier time for dinner, say 10 am, they include breakfast items as well.

As an added bonus, two of the venues are actually inside the park, but don't require admission. You can't do rides without a park ticket, but you can browse the crafters village, visit Santa in his barn and even watch the tree lighting show at Calico stage at nightfall (from the side). It all depends on what time you eat dinner and what you want to do. Reservations are required.

 

[DisneytheKid]

The last time I did DLR before thanksgiving was in 2004 but I remember the crowds the week of thanksgiving being busy but manageable.