Thanksgiving night - what to do festive???

[princess angel]

this will be our third annual Thanksgiving trip at WDW. The previuos yrs, we went to Osbourne lights in thevening on Thanksgiving, now that they are not going on this year, I cant think of what to do that night that will be "holiday festive" ...?
all the holiday events begin after thanksgiving... such as the tree lightings, candlelight proicessional...etc...
so, what can we do that is in the holiday season on that night???

the only thing I can think of is resort hop to see the decorations, but we dont use a car, so that can be a bit much on thanksgiving night...
anything fun & festive you can think of???

thanks!!!

Laura

 

[susy]

Hey Laura,

This will be our first time at Thanksgiving so I thought you'd be the one to tell us . We will be going to Epcot that day and after a break at WL, we're off to Chef Mickey for Thankgiving dinner .Not really planning on doing anything after. Maybe watching the EWP/fireworks from either CR or WL (depending on how late dinner runs). We added a night (checking out on Monday),so we could do the first MVMCP on the Sunday night. It's DS' 6th b-day , so we couldn't see spending his b-day on the road.

Resort hopping sounds like fun, but it could be too much with the crowds. How about booking a fireworks cruise or doing PI (take a cab!)

 

[BraveMom3]

I'm wondering the same thing. Last year was our first time at Thanksgiving, and we went to MGM for the Osbourne lights. We'll be having T'giving dinner at WCC (staying at WL) at 5:00, and I would like to have something festive to do afterwards. Nothing too high energy, though, since we might be "stuffed" from dinner! One of the things that I liked about the lights was being able to casually stroll through. Any ideas? I'm thinking about taking the boat across to MK and soaking us some atmosphere, not really interested in fighting to get on the rides if too crowded.

 

[princess angel]

oh susy!!!!
I could give you a ton of tips for spending Thanksgiving at WDW! but, I am looking for something specific....it has to be holiday festive!!! not just an illuminations cruise, or fireworks, or pleasure island... that is regular anytime of year events... I want something special and unique to the holiday season and thanksgiving!!!
we have our tradition of Cinderellas castle for thanksgiving breakfast, then head back to the YC to relax, go in storm a long bay, and then an early dinner at Yacht Club Galley (they have an excellent Thanksgiving buffet! truly amazing last year!!!) and then... we usually rest and digest... in the room for about an hour, and then head to MGM for Osbourne lights to kick off the season.......
the rest of our trip we go to the tree lightings, candlelight processinal, 2 or 3 MVMCP, listen to the Santa storytellers in World Showcase.... etc...etc...

BUT.... now what for Thanksgiving night!???? there has to be some great idea that I am just not thinking of!

Laura

 

[BraveMom3]

Plan B: (if MK is absolutely a terrible idea!) What about heading to DD for some shopping, strolling, have a drink, ice cream at Ghiradellis...? Are all the decorations up by then? When does Santa start appearing?

 

[princess angel]

Hi Bravemom,

we'll be at MK in the morning for breakfast, I'm not keen on the idea of going back ther in the evening, especially since we are staying at the YC, adn the bus is a nightmare when the park is very very crowded, so that wouldnt be a great way to end the night for me. But MK is the most magical place on earth, so I would think for you staying at the WL, that is a great choice for thanksgiving night!!!

going to DTD is an option, I am sure it will be very festive there. I wish Santa would be there, I doubt he starts coming out til after thanksgiving is over, but hey, ya never know!!!

I am so excited for this trip!!!!!!!!!!!!

Laura

 

[Heather]

Originally posted by princess angel
oh susy!!!!
I could give you a ton of tips for spending Thanksgiving at WDW!

Princess Angel -- I'd LOVE to hear some of those tips!! I know it doesn't solve your problem of what to do special that night, but it sure would help me!

A couple of passing thoughts, though (although I'm sure you've already thought of these):

A fireworks cruise
Resort hopping just at the MK resorts, then watching the fireworks from one of the beaches/docks/observation decks
Since you are staying over near the Boardwalk, you could rent a surrey and do that (although after a big meal, that might be ambitious!) or stroll the Boardwalk and then watch the Epcot fireworks from the bridge.
Or you could take the boat over to the Studios for a nice relaxing ride and watch Fantasmic.

Just a couple of thoughts. Hope they lead you to a great idea!!

 

[BraveMom3]

I think I'll log in both of those options for T'giving night. Ease of getting around is definitely paramount in the decision-making! While taking the boat across to MK is always super convenient, I'll have my car and have discovered that driving to DD is the only way to go (unless one plans on having more than one or two drinks!). It's good especially if we're shopping, since I can take packages to the car instead of hauling them around. I'm really looking forward to this trip, too. It will be time for a break by the time it gets here.

 

[gottaluvEeyore]

We will be spending our Thanksgiving at WDW as well. This is our first trip so I would love to hear some tips anyone may have. We're thinking of going to eat at Crystal Palace. Do any of you have other suggestions?

 

[susy]

Actually, I have heard from some people here that MK is "not that bad" on Thanksgiving night and that someone rode one of the mountains a few times in a row with no wait. The Osborne lights sounds so perfect, I don't know WHAT could replace it! I would love to resort hop, but I think I'll be beat and with a 6yo and my mom in tow I think things will be moving a bit slower. Hey! Maybe you could book the one night at the WL! A vacation while you are on vacation! At least it would be a short boat ride to MK. Okay, now I am just being silly!The truth is: I DON'T HAVE ANY GOOD IDEAS!