Thanksgiving Trip Advice??

[deekaypee]

I was talking to a colleague this week, and found out he's made late plans to spend a week at Disney over the Thanksgiving holiday!

So, once I got past my flirtation with the green-eyed monster because I'm not going to Disney--and he wasn't lime green, thank you!--I began to ask my colleague what kind of planning he'd done already. It turns out he's nothing beyond the biggies: resort reservations (POR), airline, tix. I then asked him about DDP, which turned out to be too expensive for his family of 5 (airfare from our next of the woods is a killer). And when I asked him about ADRs, he replied he thought they'd just do counter service. So far, they also haven't started to plan their touring itinerary.

My co-worker did tell me he'd like to pick my brain about the trip soon, as I'm the local expert. That's incredibly flattering, and I can offer him lots of the basic stuff. I've already suggested the DISboards, UG, allearsnet, and TourGuide Mike. But I don't think he and his family are big planners. And I can offer him basic suggestions for peak season, but I've never been to WDW during Thanksgiving. I've done some research today on DISboards and other sites, taking notes, etc. (I love it, I really do.)

NOW..I'd like to turn it over to the real experts, other DISboarders. If you've gone over Thanksgiving or are planning on going, could you give me some tips, advice, etc.? I'll compile them into a document for my co-worker in hopes that he'll then get motivated to do more research and planning. FYI, his family of five includes 3 children, two tweens (male and female) and a 15 yo boy. They've been to DL quite a few years ago, but don't know WDW.

Thanks so much for all your input!

 

[PamNC]

We're going for Thanksgiving this year and it'll be our third time giving Thanks at the World. We typically just go for a short trip, say leave on Wed befre Thanksgiving, or even Thanksgiving Morning, and stay through the weekend. This time, however, we're going for 8 nights - 11/8-11/26. Never done that before.

As far as tips for this time of year.

* Pack for all types of weather. It can be in the upper 70's lower 80's or it can be chilly. Take a light jacket and some sweatshirts as well as shorts, t's and bathing suit.

* Made ADR for Thanksgiving Dinner as soon as possible. It may be too late at this point.

* Don't miss any of the holiday things like Holidays Around the World @ Epcot, Candlelight Processional and Osborne Lights. These start the day after Thanksgiving.

* Take the time to visit the resorts to check out the decorations.

* Despite what we've read on the boards, the crowds are very manageable. Thanksgiving Day at MK gets crowded, but not first thing in the a.m.

* Be sure to see Illuminations - the Peace on Earth tag is fabulous.

This is a great time of year to go. We go in the warmer months and if we're lucky we go a second time usually during this time frame. It's a grerat way to kick-off your holiday season. Can't imagine a better way.

Hope this helps.

PamNC

 

[AJKMOM]

Take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours, especially in the morning. Keep in mind that the Magic Kingdom will be very crowded on Thanksgiving Day, it could possibly be closed to outside visitors early. That happened twice while we were there.

Osbourne Lights will be going. Other than that, I love looking at the holiday decorations which will be up by the Sunday after.

 

[Harmony]

subbing to this thread.

To the OP...you are a sweetheart for doing the research for someone else! Way to go!

And thanks for asking these questions as I too want to find out about Thanksgiving week. We are planning on going next Thanksgiving so I have a full year of planning to go.

 

[addicted2disney]

Im soooo sad I cant go do Disney over Thanksgiving this year!!!!
We went the past 2 years and I went once before that too.

We have gone to MGM the past 2 thanksgiving days, and its been NOT crowded there. Osbourne Lights start before Thanksgiving Day. Last year it was Nov. 14th. Crowds are worse before Thursday and through the weekend after turkeyday. By Monday, it will be really low crowds. It also turns to value season I believe Sunday or Monday, so the room rates will drop if you check in after thanksgiving. ( or do a split ressie to get the cheaper rate for the value days). I have also found airfare to be rather CHEAP if you fly out on thanksgiving day.

The parades at AK and MGM have a christmasy theme.. Jingle Jungle parade at AK, and Hollyday Parade at MGM.

There is a tree lighting ceremony at Epcot.
Check out the lights of Winter inEpoct in the walkway down from the dancing foutain.. its beautiful when they light that at the tree lighting ceremony!

You can be there when they throw the switch at Osbourne Lights in MGM

It also snows back where the Osbourne lights are. You can wander around back there after Fantasmic too.. we have done that a few times.

 

[deekaypee]

To everyone who's replied, THANK YOU! I know my colleague and his family will benefit from all this information. It's good to know specific recommendations about all the holiday stuff--it looks like Osborne Lights are a real winner--and to get the insider info on crowds.

PamNC: thanks for all the advice, and I'll definitely pass all of this on. I loved the advice about checking out the resorts. People tend to overlook that. And thanks for the reminder about the weather. We live in the North, we so don't tend to think about heat. I think you're right about ADRs, too, so I hope he's prepared for that.

AJKMOM: I'm definitely recommending Extra Magic.... A question, is MK a good choice for Thanksgiving Day with all the crowds and all, or should they do another park?

addicted2disney: GREAT suggestion on split ressies. I'll definitely mention that to him tomorrow...and keep it in mind for myself.

And to Harmony, thanks for the compliment! But it's a little selfish on my part, too. When I heard my colleague was going over Thanksgiving I thought, "THAT's what I'm going to do next year!" So, like you, I'm going to start planning a year in advance. Who knows, we might see each other there.

Keep the good suggestions coming, folks. I really appreciate all your help.

 

[disnut8]

I really have to advise that your co-worker be prepared for VERY crowded conditions for Thanksgiving dinner. We go every other year and each time, we've been witness to people who think they can just walk up to any table service in World Showcase and think they will be able to get a table. They can't. Your friend said they were fine with eating counter service but where do you think all the people who are turned away from the table service places go to eat?

I would advice thinking outside the box for that night. If he can't get offsite, think about the resorts that are close to where they will be that day. Have a lunch instead of dinner. I know we'll be at Epcot this year so I made an ADR at Cape May Buffet. Another option would be Yacht Club Galley. If at Magic Kingdom, think about Grand Floridian Cafe.

Counter Service is doable for Thanksgiving and we've done it. At 2:00 in the afternoon. Just a big heads up so he's not surprised.

 

[01Sweetpea]

ADRs for Thanksgiving Day...alot of places are already fully booked, and those that can't get in somewhere are going to be going to CS...try to get something somewhere.

Know the park hours, EMH, parade times, etc.

Take some time to be able to absorb all the decorations, and everything that is decorated for the holidays.

I hear that CP is not to be missed.

This is our first Thanksgiving trip, and I'm really excited.

 

[addicted2disney]

I would NOT go to Magic Kingdom on THanksgiving Day. Avoid it at all costs if you dont want to be faced with massive crowds. Our very first Thanksgiving, we went to Epcot, arrived that day, got to Epcot around 5pm.. Spaceship earth was a walk on. Epcot always seems like a good choice during crowded times because there is so much to do there. You can browse slowly through the countries, shop, see the different entertainment, drink, eat, just take in the sights. You dont have to stand in line for rides. We have done MGM the past 2 years on Thanksgiving Day. We arrived afternoon both times. I thought MGM was very managable with no huge crowds.

Try calling for a place to eat thanksgiving dinner at not a popular eating time... early afternoon.. try resorts too. Im sure you can still find a few places that have something left.

 

[Got Quattro?]

We have been to thanksgiving and christmas weeks serveral times. It's crowded beyond belief. Tell him not to be dissapointed when he misses some attractions. It is so crowded, there is no way they can see everything. Just save it for next time.