Thanksgiving Travel

[Karmel96]

A friend of mine is planning on visiting WDW the day before Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving Day itself. She's wondering about crowds for those days, as well as good places to eat. She's only planning on going to MK and AK. She'll be travelling with her husband, 2 kids (DD 8, DS 6) and her in-laws. Her family has never been there and she hasn't been there in over 20 years! I told her that people on this site always give great advice, so I'd ask for her! Thanks to all in advance!

 

[Starr W.]

We left Friday after Thanksgiving and plan on doing that this year(coming in on Saturday before).

We did AK on Thanksgiving day and it was crowded, you could barely move in the Africa section due to the number of stollers. Luckily we had done the DVC tour in the morning and had VIP fastpasses which were great for EE & the safari. Lost the DH and eldest twice.

Personally we did MK early in the week(before Wed.), but if AK was packed I am sure MK was too.

I suggest she do some research and call at 180 days to get ADR's for Thanksgiving day and Wednesday night.

 

[minnierocks]

She is definitely going to need to do some planning...

Have her get to the parks early and make sure that she has ADR's. They can still have a great time, as long as they realize that they probably aren't going to be able to do everything. They need to utilize fast passes and prioritize what they really want to do and see. The parks will be busy...
I hope they have a great time!

 

[Karmel96]

Thanks for the info; I'll be sure to pass it along to her! Anyone else with any good tips for surviving the day before and of Thanksgiving? I'll take them!

 

[BlakeNJ]

In general, MGM and AK will be your least crowded parks on those days. We have been the last two Thanksgivings and usually stay away from MK on Thanksgiving. The day before might be a better day for MK and AK on Thanksgiving. I made my Thanksgiving dinner ressies at 180 days to be sure I got what I wanted. Keep in mind, if they are at AK for Thanksgiving, they may want to hit a resort for Thanksgiving dinner as AK does not have too many table service options.

Planning a tour schedule and getting to the park before opening is key to any enjoyable day.

Hope this helps,
Blakely

 

[ajcolorado]

She should definately use www.tourguidemike.com or the Unofficial Guide to WDW. www.buildabettermousetrip.com is more money but they'll do a plan for you.

She should be ready to book her dining as soon as the reservation window opens. No character breakfasts - she'll need those prime early hours after parking opening for attractions. The parks will get busier as the day progresses. Better to do a lunch or Dinner in a sit-down.