Thanksgiving trip planning advice please

[Jade+3]

We are planning a trip from Australia in November. There will be myself, DH, DD (nearly 3) and DS (20 months). We are planning on travelling around November 17, and staying for 3 weeks, visiting San Deigo and Las Vegas as well as Disney.

My concern with these dates is Thanksgiving holiday. I have read enough on the boards to know to avoid Disney around this time, so we would most likely be in San Diego. I was hoping someone could explain to me what actually happens over thanksgiving as we do not celebrate it here. Is everything shut (shops etc)? Is it just the one day or will it be busy for the whole week?

I am not sure if we should go ahead and book these dates or leave a week later to avoid crowds.

Thanks guys!

 

[FionaLovesShrek]

Most businesses may be closed for at least half of Thanksgiving Day. Restaurants generally will be open. It is the day after Thanksgiving that is the busiest. It is the biggest shopping day of the year, the start of Christmas shopping season. Some large stores will open at midnight, others 5:00 AM. People are lined up hours earlier to get the best deals. I personally, never take the day off from work, just so I can avoid the huge crowds and traffic. Edited to add I am originally from California. Have a wonderful vacation.

 

[HydroGuy]

I too am originally from California (used to live in San Diego). Note that even though TG (Thanksgiving) is a national holiday, it is very much of a family-oriented holiday. That means many people in Southern California are on the road to visit family. I have gotten in some massive traffic on TG day itself, and thus would recommend not traveling far on TG day.

As you have figured out from the boards, visiting DLR the week before and after TG week are not too bad, and the park hours and entertainment schedules should be at the maximum. Also, stick to Monday-Thursday days (aside from TG week) at DLR and you should be fine as far as crowds.

Aside from TG day and the next day on Friday, the effect on San Diego, Las Vegas, etc., as far as shopping and traffic should not be an issue. As long as you treat that Thursday/Friday special as far as traffic and shopping, and avoid DLR that week, there is no need that I see to delay your trip.

 

[LittleWoodenHead]

Most businesses may be closed for at least half of Thanksgiving Day. Restaurants generally will be open.

Speaking as someone who currently lives in So Cal:

Aside from things like markets and video stores, most businesses are closed the entire day on Thanksgiving. And, since there are a lot of parties and home-cookin' going on that day, 90% of restaurants are too. Ones that are open typically offer special Thanksgiving meals and are frequently booked in advance. Coffee shops [are you familiar with chains like Denny's?] are usually open as well.

FYI, I was at DLR the Wednesday and Thursday after Thanksgiving last year and the parks were great! All the holiday decorations were up, parades and fireworks were scheduled, yet crowds were light. There were minimal waits on most rides at DL (I think the most I waited was 20 minutes for Indy) and DCA was practically empty.

I thought it was a great time to visit -- and plan on doing it again this year.

 

[MATTERHORN]

I (being from Vegas) think you should plan to be in Vegas on Thanksgiving. No major traffic that day, lots of restaurants are open (all the ones in the casinos!) and all of the casinos are open so you would have stuff to do with the kids (fountain shows, shark reef, rides and midway stuff) Nowhere else will you find as much open and able to do as here!!


Andrea

 

[Jade+3]

Thanks everyone for your help. That is exactly the information I was looking for. I really did not want to have to move our vacation back by a week as DD turns 3 early December, and we wanted to save some money by not having to pay entry fees for her.

You guys are great!