Thanksgiving Week- worst thing ever or not bad? Which is it?!

[iMadHatter]

I need your help!

I booked a DLR vacation for mid-October of this year for my family of 4 (me, hubby, 7 year old girl, 4 year old girl). We bought tickets for 5 days (because we got one day free!) We wanted to go after the summer when crowds were lower, but before refurbishment time. My hubby is disabled and really does not handle crowds that well. And in those 5 days we could take our time and spend lots of time in the pool, too.

But, I'm a teacher, and my school district just adopted a new policy that prohibits teachers from taking more than 3 days of consecutive leave. I know- it's a crappy policy. But also, there go my DLR trip plans! I am now stuck traveling during the busiest times of the year. This really does not bode well for avoiding the biggest crowds. But thank heavens for the ability to change our tickets!

SO now we're looking at Thanksgiving. Summer is out- I need the time for my summer gig to pay for the trip. Christmas is out because we already had plans, and I'm not waiting until 2020. We would be in the parks Sun, Nov 24- Thanksgiving Day (Thurs). We're staying at the DL Hotel- I've always wanted to stay there, so I'm really excited about our hotel choice!

I've been looking online, reading forums, blog posts, etc. and no one can agree. Some say the week before Thanksgiving is the worst time in the world to be there, some say it's not that bad. I have no choice but to go at Thanksgiving time, but I need to prepare my family. Those of you who have been recently at Thanksgiving time- what should I expect?

Also, any tips, advice, hints, for surviving Thanksgiving at DLR would be most welcome! I was an AP when I was in college, but that was 1997-2003. I haven't really been back since. And I've never been with my family.

Thanks for the advice!!!!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Most likely, and based on Thanksgiving Week 2018 and the week after, it will be crowded. But, it won't be the "worst thing ever" by any means. It won't be like Christmas Week. But it will be crowded. What with all the different district calendars (CA, OR, WA, NV, UT, AZ), teacher furloughs, and university breaks, lots of families plan DLR trips for those two weeks. And word got out on the internet last year that the week after Thanksgiving would be low crowds -- so naturally, everyone planned trips for that week, and... bingo! Crowds! You're smart to already be planning and preparing by posting here. Staying on site will be a big help and will give you EE/EMH each day of your trip. The morning hours at the parks are when you can get so much done. 5 day tickets were a good idea -- are they hoppers? Get MP to help even more. If your husband qualifies for DAS, that could help, too. With good planning and organization (and you're off to a good start!), patience, and a positive attitude from everyone in your group, you can have a wonderful trip!

 

[katyringo]

We were there the Friday-Tuesday after thanksgiving this past year. It will be busy, but having also been there the week between Christmas a New Years the year prior- it was nothing compared to that.

I think it will be a great trip. Especially since your staying on site. You can take advantage of early entry everyday and then take a break in the afternoon when parks at its busiest.

 

[Tara8595]

I was there for Thanksgiving 2016 and the following weekend and found it to be crowded but navigable and would totally do it again. Use your fastpasses wisely and you will be fine. Having access to disabled viewing areas will be helpful also. All that said, with Star Wars area opening in June crowds will be way higher and I think it will be hard to predict how bad it will be and for how long. WDW should take some of the pressure off though when it opens in the fall as SW fanatics worldwide will turn their attention to Florida.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

My husband and I were there over Thanksgiving this past year (2018), I'm a teacher too so we are used to traveling to Disney parks during the busy times. And Disneyland was busy but we didn't think it was too insane. We used Maxpass and rope dropped each morning and we were able to do everything we wanted to. Just plan for a busy day and manage expectations. Keep in mind that Galaxy's Edge will be open by this Thanksgiving so that will change attendance.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Nobody can tell you because no one knows. Period. Thank SWL.

You mention your DH is disabled and does not handle crowds well. If his problem is being packed in lines with people the DAS program might be of assistance as they give you a return time so you can wait somewhere of your choice outside of the confines of the ride line. To use the system you have to go to Ciry Hall/Commerce Dept and explain to a CM why (not the diagnosis, they need to know they actual what will happen to him if he waits in the normal line). If it’s more a general problem with crowds or a mobility issue the DAS program won’t be of assistance.

Other crowd avoidance techniques no matter when you go:
-Do EMH! I know it’s early but it’s the least crowded time in the parks by far.
-Table service. I find this is a great way to get a break from the crowds, but you do need to make reservations

TBH with SWL opening I’m anticipating some very big crowds this holiday season. Why not modify your Oct trip to be leave home Fri after school, parks Sat-Wed and return home after you’re done Wednesday? Do like a half day or something that Wed. The advantages to giving yourself a weekend are more entertainment happens on weekends (Fantasmic) and hours are longer.

If you do Oct you need to adjust your expectations of Oct in the parks. Oct has been very busy the last couple years & there is no reason that should change this year. If I was choosing I’d still do it over Thanksgiving week this year- unless it was during Gay days or UEA time because those are super crazy. 2019 calendar here https://www.disboards.com/threads/2019-calendar-of-events-school-breaks-and-dlr.3708938/

 

[beachdreamr1229]

We go for Thanksgiving week often and will be again this year. It's not as packed as the week between Christmas and New Years. It's just crowded. But, they also have longer hours and mostly everything is open. Very few refurbs usually. And they have the holiday decorations, which I think are part of the charm. No one can say for sure what your experience will be, but we've never had an issue with Thanksgiving week. My mom has a physical disability. She comes with us often and has never had issues except if you're there for nighttime entertainment or parades, since there tends to be limited maneuverability during those times. But, she just hangs out in the hotel or we stay in parts of the parks that don't get too bad during those times.

 

[chickapin parterre]

thanksgiving week 2019 is a very strange week,....SWGE and that 2019 thanksgiving has not been around for awhile....2018 Thanksgiving was on the 22nd and 2019 is on the 28th, which means that a whole week of holiday celebration has disappeared from Disneyland. Many folks say they don't celebrated Christmas until after Thanksgiving,which is strange because Thanksgiving has no numeral date, it just has to fall on the fourth Thursday......so all those folks who put off Disneyland till after Thanksgiving, all those folks who have visited in the past on the week after Thanksgiving, not to be confused with the first week in December, because that week has its own tradition of Disneyland visitors.....is setting up 2019 to not be good. And you have not visited in 16 years....and you family has never visited.....

you prepare for four hours in the morning and 6 hours from 5:00 to 11:00 pm......and the sad thing, that if Thanksgiving is warm like it was in 2017.....the memory your children will have of the visit is the great Disneyland pools and poolside service....and being with their parents in a relaxed lodging environment. That will be your loving memory take away from the vacation. It happens. my son when 5-9 had better memories of the pool and spending relaxing time with me.....than any attraction at Disneyland.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... My mom has a physical disability. She comes with us often and has never had issues except if you're there for nighttime entertainment or parades, since there tends to be limited maneuverability during those times. But, she just hangs out in the hotel or we stay in parts of the parks that don't get too bad during those times.

Good advice. For those who have issues with crowds, one big tip: after a show ends (F!, WOC, fireworks, etc.) don't leave with everybody else. Stay in your place if you can or pull over to the nearest doorway or side gap. Let the hordes push by. If CMs try to push you along, calmly explain that crowds are an issue and you are just waiting for a less packed moment. Chat about the show, have a snack prepared for this waiting period, talk about what ride you want to do next or what shop you want to visit, etc. When the masses have passed you by, then step out, go on your way to your next stop. For example, we never leave the F! viewing area with the rest of the audience. We stay in place, then head in the opposite direction as soon as there is a break in the crowd. We go to the restrooms at HB, ride Winnie the Pooh, enjoy all the breathing room and space, then waltz back through NOS when the crowds have gone. Much less stress, much more enjoyable.

 

[jbh275]

Thanksgiving day in the past hasn't' been that bad. But I wouldn't deal with the park on Fri/Sat at the end of the week. It will be packed.

 

[iMadHatter]

Thank you all for the advice! This helps me plan.

Why not modify your Oct trip to be leave home Fri after school, parks Sat-Wed and return home after you’re done Wednesday? Do like a half day or something that Wed. The advantages to giving yourself a weekend are more entertainment happens on weekends (Fantasmic) and hours are longer.

Unfortunately, we live too far away for this to be feasible. We're driving, not flying, because the nearest airport is over 6 hours away anyway.

For those who have issues with crowds, one big tip: after a show ends (F!, WOC, fireworks, etc.) don't leave with everybody else. Stay in your place if you can or pull over to the nearest doorway or side gap. Let the hordes push by. If CMs try to push you along, calmly explain that crowds are an issue and you are just waiting for a less packed moment. Chat about the show, have a snack prepared for this waiting period, talk about what ride you want to do next or what shop you want to visit, etc. When the masses have passed you by, then step out, go on your way to your next stop. For example, we never leave the F! viewing area with the rest of the audience. We stay in place, then head in the opposite direction as soon as there is a break in the crowd. We go to the restrooms at HB, ride Winnie the Pooh, enjoy all the breathing room and space, then waltz back through NOS when the crowds have gone. Much less stress, much more enjoyable.

This is awesome advice!

I know SWL is throwing off all bets, and so I am glad we'll have some time after it opens to see what crowds are doing through September and October. We'll just move forward and enjoy what we can! Thank you again for all the ideas.