Thanksgiving trip

[year2late]

We are planning on going to WDW the week of Thanksgiving (Saturday to Saturday).

How busy will the parks be right prior to Thanksgiving?

I am trying to decide on a resort. We probably will not rent a car. I am totally ok with Value resorts, but I was thinking if it was real bust we would spring for a Deluxe to be right on the Monorail line.

Any thoughts?

 

[kashkdz]

We went to WDW 11/16/02 - 11/23/02, and the parks were pratically empty. We had such a nice time, having at most a 15 minute wait during peak times. Also the parks/resorts starting decorating for Christmas. Temps were in the mid 70s to low 80s. Now, on the last day (Sat-11/23), we did MK one last time before our flight (8pm flight departure)....this time the park was PACKED !!! W-o-w....it's was a good thing we did all we wanted to do in MK earlier in our trip because you couldn't even move in Main Street and ride times were at 90 minutes for most. I figured it was the Sat-Sat Thanksgiving week crowd that had just arrived. Having said that, I've also read on these boards that the week of Thanksgiving (both in '02/'03), crowd levels are unpredicatble throughout the week, and on Thanksgiving Day it is not bad. I can only tell you from my experience...remember anytime their is a holiday/school vacation park attaendance will rise. Enjoy regardless !!!

 

[bradyloganmom]

We were there Nov.23-28, 2003 which means the Sunday before Thanksgiving to the Fri. after. Sunday before at MK was much more crowded than expected and we were new to the fastpass system so it was an unorganized day. The rest of our schedule was Mon--MGM; Tues, AK & Epcot; Wed. MK/Epcot; Thurs MGM and Fri MK. Friday at MK was crowded but this time we were much more prepared and enjoyed it. THe other days at the other parks were busy but not unbearable. We were at a Value resort and our only complaint was waiting for busses--especially at the parks to come back to resort (& especially at Epcot). This Thanksgiving we're going back and staying at POR.

 

[year2late]

That helps alot.

Thanks.

I would appreciate any more info.

 

[susy]

We were at the WL this past Thanksgiving. It was heaven!!!!! We had such a wonderful time. we got there the day before T-day, so it was already crowded, but nowhere near what I expected. If I were you, I would do Mk early in the week and then do Epcot, MGM, and AK over the weekend. We went to Epcot on T-day and it was perfect. You would have never known it was a holiday. Had dinner at chef Mickey's (make your PS's 90 days out-bright and early) and we walked up at 5:30 and were seated immediately-not crowded at all! You may want to use thurs and Fri as resort days. Also, SWIM if it is warm!!! We did our first three days and then woke up to freezing temps on the Saturday!!!

 

[year2late]

Would staying on the monorail line make alot of difference? We really don't care about the room (we have loved ASM and CBR) - but if staying in a monorail resort would add alot of convience, we would justify the splurge.

 

[TerriBelle]

We were there in 2002 - Friday - Friday. It got more and more crowded as the week went on. We did the MK early in the week Mon-Tues. The weather worked out for us and we swam and did DTD on Thanksgiving day instead of going to a park. We stayed at the BCV and had dinner at Cape May. It was great. They had all the regular thanksgiving food, plus the seafood that they normally serve.

I would stay were you want and not worry about the monorail. Usually that time of year Epcot is the park that stays open the latest. We like staying in the EPCOT area because you can walk/boat to MGM & EPCOT plus the Boardwalk has entertainers at night, so there is more to do once the MK closes.

Have fun!

 

[year2late]

Ohhhh, great tip about Epcot. Thanks.

 

[KatieBelle]

We went Thursday to Thursday last year, and left Thanksgiving day. As others have said, it gets busier the closer you get to Thanksgiving, but the crowds were okay. The weather was nice, and we were able to swim. The Christmas decorations were up at the resorts and some of the Christmas shows/events started at MK on Thanksgiving day. Note that if you stay at the GF with a room near the MK, you may be able to hear them practicing the Christmas shows at the MK late into the night.