Thanksgiving Week

[Rxchalk]

We are planning a trip for the week of Thanksgiving. Has anyone been there during this time? Is it really busy? Are the Christmas decorations up yet? I may hold off and go the first week in December but if I go over Thanksgiving, I only have to take the kids out of school for 3 days instead of 5. Any ideas?

 

[Minniemom97]

The beginning of the week isn't too bad, but as you get closer to Thanksgiving the more crowded it gets, but it is doable. A friend of mine went the week after Thanksgiving (we had been the week of Thanksgiving the same year) and said the crowds were very low. If you do go the week of Thanksgiving, the temps aren't bad so to me, so I could tolerate the crowds better than in the summer heat!

 

[ElleBelle]

My husband and I were in WDW Nov. 21st-Dec 2nd this past year for our honeymoon (Right over thanksgiving). What a wonderful time to go! Christmas decorations were up- however, it wasn't until later in the week that the specialty christmas shows began (osborne lights, candlelight processional, etc...).
Thanksgiving was absolutely wonderful. We went to the Magic Kingdom all morning and got there right when it opened. Lines were moderate, not overly long- fastpass is a must. For dinner we went to Ohana's at the Polynesian and had a wonderful thanksgiving meal. We got a HUGE skillet of turkey, stuffing, greenbeans, mashed potatoes etc.... And were able to watch "wishes" (the fireworks show in the MK) from our table. We were so stuffed we had to take the pumpkin pie for dessert back to the resort!
Although the week of the 21st-27th (Thanksgiving week) was great- I would definitely reccommend going the following week. As soon as Sunday the 28th hit the parks were empty! All of the holiday travelers had gone home and we had a wonderful last 5 days of our honeymoon with all the christmas decorations and happenings in full swing- and the rides to ourselves! Have fun!
-Joelle

 

[pennyplanner]

Given the option of 3 days vs. 5 days, we chose Thanksgiving Week back in 2002. Friends went in 2003 and we are going again this year. It is increasingly difficult to miss school as your children get older!

We found the parks to be moderately crowded until Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after. Then it really was MK that was jammed. (We always leave Friday afternoon so I cannot speak for the rest of the weekend.)

Then again, I think that MK is always crowded! We were able to go to MK early on Thanksgiving morning and then head to other parks.

It is a magical time to be at WDW! The weather is beautiful and the holiday decorations are spectacular.

Any other questions?

--penny