Thanksgiving Week BEFORE Thanksgiving

[missypie]

How bad are the crowds the week of Thanksgiving (Sun.-Wed.)? Thanksgiving Day itself? To what time of year would you compare them? How's the weather?

 

[Heather]

I haven't been that exact week, but have been in November three times and it is SIGNIFICANTLY more crowded the closer you get to Thanksgiving. The last time we went, we were there the weekend before Thanksgiving and left on that Monday (before the holiday) and it was about three times as crowded as the week before that the previous year. Also, though, there were the new 9/11 security measures that year and the park hours were drastically reduced compared to previous years because of the feeling at Disney that attendance was down (which it really did not seem at all to be, either to us or to all the cast members we spoke to during the trip).

I'm sure that the closer you get to the actual Thanksgiving Day, the more crowded it gets. Some friends of ours who went then would compare it to Memorial Day weekend, but not to Christmas or mid-July, but they went four years ago.

Hope that is somewhat helpful!!

 

[gogoofygo]

We have gone twice during this time--the weather was great and the crowds were not bad at all- we usually stay through Saturday but do not go to the parks friday or saturday. I actually liked this time over the mid May dates we did this year.

 

[kashkdz]

We've been to Disney world a few times in November, and our last trip was November 16-23 2003. Personally, we prefer to go the week BEFORE Thanksgiving because there are virtually no crowds (ie., other than normal Disney crowds), and the wait time for most rides is between 10-30 at the VERY most. Normally early in the day and later in the evening there are no lines at all. My wife and I prefer less of a crowd, since we have 3 kids (8,5,3), and waiting in long lines or dealing with excessive crowds is too much for everyone. Last year, on our last day (Sat - Nov 23) we went back to MK before our flight and experienced lines of 1 - 1 1/2 hrs; as this was the beginning of the Thankgiving week for those that moreoften stay Sat-Sat. As for the weather, the weather is very comfortable in the mid to low 80's (still can swim)and at night it's a little cool, and would often wear a sweatshirt with shorts.

Hope this helps..and enjoy your vacation !

CK

 

[tink2]

We've been twice during this time and are doing it again this year. We arrive Sunday before Thanksgiving and leave the Saturday after. We do the parks Mon-Fri. Monday - Wednesday are not that crowded at all- very managable! We always do EE - that's when we get the priority rides done at least once. The weather has always been perfect- warm enough for shorts. If you have kids, they may need a light jacket in the mornings and evenings. We love this time of year. The parks aren't decorated- the resorts are though- until Thanksgiving Day. So you see Mk with and without Christmas decorations! Thanksgiving Day itself is very crowded- especially at MK. We do EE to get the major stuff done- we were able to complete Fantasyland two years ago. Then we use the rest of the day for parades, character meals- with PS of course- and people watch. We do a few rides during the day- just expect crowds turkey day! I've heard the other parks aren't that bad though. Friday we usually do a different park- crowded but managable. Just make use of EE and FastPass and you will be fine! I've heard from friends that have gone the weekend before and after that the weekends are a mad house- so we avoid them!
Good luck and we'll see you there!!!!

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Thanksgiving week in 1999 was beautiful. It was warm enough for shorts, but cool enough for a sweater in the early morning and evening. We didn't take a sweater in the morning because we didn't want to carry it all day and we were fine. The outdoor pools at the resorts are heated if you want to take a swim.

Crowds aren't too bad until Thursday. Avoid MK if you can. We did AK in the earlier part of the day and MK late in the afternoon. The park was packed at parade time in the evening. Once the parade and fireworks are over most everyone leaves and you can moved through the rides easily, with little or no wait.

We're planning a trip for Thanksgiving Week 2004.