Thanksgiving--When does it start to get REALLY crowded?

[EMom]

Last year, we went to WDW for Christmas, visiting from 12/12 to 12/22. From 12/12 until 12/18 it was heaven. On Friday 12/18 the crowds began to flood in, as that was the Friday a week before Christmas and the schools were letting out. The next three days (12/19-12/21) were hellish for us since we are crowd averse, to put it mildly. We spent the last day 12/22 in DTD so the crowds weren't as big an issue.

In 2010, we have a week off at Thanksgiving and could even sneak out of school a few days early. But I know that the crowds are notoriously BAD. So my question is......Around what day does it begin to get ungodly crowded? It must be before Thursday.....Is it Wed.? Mon.? The Friday before Thanksgiving?

Any info would be appreciated!

 

[GeorgeG]

It's been more than a few years since we've spent Thanksgiving week at WDW, but it used to be pretty good the weekend before and then start getting crowded around the middle of the week. Then is just got crowded the weekend before and stayed crowded. The weeks before and after should still be pretty decent, though.

 

[Abbie]

Last couple of times we've been, it's been the Thanksgiving week. My observation is that the week prior is awesome, pretty much a walk on to rides. It really doesn't start to get ugly until the day before, and Thanksgiving itself is a zoo! Last year we went home on Thanksgiving but had time to do a quick run to the Magic Kingdom and were so glad to be leaving as crowds were pouring in! So you should be good right up until the day before.

 

[dizluvah]

We have only been once over Thanksgiving, from the Saturday before to the Sunday after. The only day I remember feeling it was REALLY crowded was Thanksgiving itself at MK - so busy - basically we just enjoyed our Thanksgiving dinner at Crystal Palace and didn't attempt any rides, etc that day.

 

[Frantasmic]

We went on 2005. Sat, Sun, and Mon before are really good. Low crowds, good weather. Tues the crowds build. Wed is pretty crowded. Thanksgiving Day was wall to wall people.