Thanksgiving Trip. Lots of questions

[nerdyone]

My wife, 9 month old, and au pair are going to WDW on 11/23-11/27. We are staying at the CBR and were curious about the crowds. Our plan is to do the MK on the 23rd, MGM on the 24th, Epcot on the 25th, and AK on the 26..

Our plan is to do the parks early in the day, take a break back at our rooms at around 2pm, and back out for an early dinner and then back to the room to put the baby to bead and head back out for some night fun around 8pm once the baby and au pair are settled.

I haven't traveled with my son yet, so I am not sure how he is going to react to the crowds. Any input here would be appreciated.

Also, any tips on dinner would be great. My sister made some reservations for us (Mexico, Rose and Crown, Sci Fi, Wolfgangs) but she keeps forgetting we have a son now. Are these places friendly for newborns. The funny thing is that my sister is a CM (takes celebrities on tours) but she drew a blank when I asked her specific baby questions.

Thank you for the help!!

 

[Mickiethepooh]

All Disney restaurants are geared to accomodate children.

 

[mickeystoontown]

First of all, I think you'll enjoy your stay at the CBR. We've stayed there twice and loved it. The theming is carried out throughout the entire resort and the grounds are very pretty.

Our son turned one during our first visit to WDW. Nearly all of the Disney restaurants are child friendly. We have eaten at the Sci-Fi and I would consider it child friendly. You will be seated in cars in a building which resembles a drive in theater. One of you could sit in the front seat and the other could sit in the next seat with the baby carrier on the seat with you. I have seen other parents request a high chair and they had their baby carrier seated on the chair. Don't know how safe that was though.

The Mexico restaurant is a bit crowded but I think it is child friendly. No loud noises other than people talking.

I haven't eaten at Wolfgangs or Rose & Crown so I can't comment on those.

I would like to make you aware that many of the Disney attractions are loud and could possibly scare your 9 month old. But, there are lots and lots of rides and attractions that are not loud and should be enjoyable to everybody in your party.

Let me know if you have more questions, Lisa

 

[nerdyone]

What about the crowds? It's the day after Thanksgiving (black friday) until Tues.

 

[sherabby]

I have read that any time there is a school break the crowds tend to be heavier. We only go in the summer and we deal with the heat and crowds. We also stayed at the CBR too this past August. It is huge but you will love it! We ate at the Sci-Fi and you were given good advice. Maybe you would want to fit in a character meal? Chef Mickey's was awesome! Also we loved our meal at our hotel restaurant...Shutters! Are you on the meal plan?

 

[nerdyone]

We have a character breakfast for two mornings but I don't think we will go. My son is only 9 months old, and I think it would be too much.

We don't have a meal plan. We will grab breakfast at the hotel, lunch in the park, and then have a nice dinner. My wife, au pair, and I aren't big eaters so we should be ok. I am looking forward to hitting the "BARS OF THE WORLD" in Epcot. My wife and I were in Disney around 4 years ago and I was able to hit about 5 countries. My goal this year is to "go around the world" This is of course after my son is safely in bed and it's just me and the wife.

 

[micmacmissy]

Here is what the unofficial guide has to say about the crowds:

Fri 11/23 Very HIGH crowds
Sat 11/24 Very HIGH crowds
Sun 11/25 Medium to high crowds
Mon 11/26 Medium to light crowds
Tues 11/27 Light crowds

Plan those first few days very carefully. I would suggest going to the unofficial guide website, touring plans dot com, to come up with a plan to avoid those crowds.

Have fun!

 

[disnut8]

We've been there many times for Thanksgiving weekend (it's either that or go to the in-laws and well, um, we go to Disney World).

Crowds will be high on Friday and Saturday and then decrease for Sunday as most people (like us) are heading home. MOnday and Tuesday wll be the lowest crowds. The best thing is that on Friday, Christmas begins at Epcot. All the special things start that day. Candlelight Processional, Lights of Winter, lighting of the Christmas tree, and the holiday storytellers. It truly is magical.

As mentioned, there are a lot of Disney attractions that are loud for kids. I don't know if your son can wear earplugs but those might be a good idea to take just in case. Also for your son, make ample use of the Baby Centers which are located in each of the four theme parks. Also, don't think you'll be getting out of changing diapers as all the restrooms are equipped with baby changing stations.

It's good that you have some dining reservations made although I just called yesterday and was able to get a 6:25 PM seating at the Biergarten for our Thanksgiving dinner. Two days late but we didn't wnat to deal with the crowds. ALL Disney restaurants are child friendly. You have nothing to worry about there.

The only other thing I can think of is to maybe take a plastic tablecloth and some clothespins to cover the stroller in case it rains. Also, realize that strollers are not allowed inside any of the attractions so you'll have to leave that outside in a designated parking area and get it when you come out. The Cast Members will probably move it around to "clean up" the area. So make sure your stroller is easily identifiable.