The week before Thanksgiving...BAD Idea??

[michvin]

So, we just got back yesterday from a long weekend...mind you we were there in Oct...and on the drive home my husband says are we going for the "real" vacation in Oct? Meaning, the week long vacation. I was thinking that b/c we loved the weather so much in January and want to totally miss hurricane season, that the week before Thanksgiving AND Thanksgiving weekend would be fun.
I know that Thanksgiving is crazy, but how is the week before? Is it quiet up until thanksgiving day? And if we are going into the parks that weekend just to hang out for a few hours and then go back to the hotel, will we be really miserable cause of the crowds?
We just thought that we would have nice weather, the Christmas decorations, dinner somewhere cool for Thanksgiving, and a few days early on of low crowds before the on slaught...plus the kids only have half days that week, so we wouldn't feel as guilty taking them out.

I need the truth here...I haven't made any plans yet. thanks

 

[loopner67]

We went in 2004 right before Thanksgiving. We were there from Sunday - Wednesday before Turkey Day. Sunday & Monday weren't bad, but the crowds were growing. Tuesday it was getting bad - we tried to fast pass Rock N Rollercoaster and our time was like 5 hours later. ugh. Then the Wednesday before, we were in the MK and it was insane. We asked a CM and he said the park was ALMOST at full capacity and that on Tgiving, it *would* hit capacity. I'm sorry, but it's just not fun when it's that busy. The decorations were great and having Christmas stuff all around the parks was great, but it was too busy for my taste.

 

[aunt kelly]

We went Thanksgiving week in 2000 and 2003. On both trips we arrived on the Monday before Thanksgiving and left on the Monday after Thanksgiving. The crowds were heavy but manageable in 2000. In 2003, the parks were packed. We decided that we'd never go again during Thanksgiving week. Having said that, the Christmas decorations are beautiful and the weather is wonderful in November. If you decide to go Thanksgiving week, just be prepared for long lines at every attraction.

 

[loopner67]

I wanted to add that the week AFTER Thanksgiving, thru Christmas is a *very* low capacity time in WDW. If you could swing going after Thanksgiving, then it would be worth it. You could see all of the Christmas stuff and not deal with the crowds.

 

[JenniferW]

The week after Tday is much better. We were there this time the week before Tday and stayed until the Tuesday after. Friday and Sat were not the best. Sunday and Monday before Tday were pleasant. By Tuesday the crowds were growing and Wed was somewhat busy. Thursday to Sat was swamped for us this year. Sunday starting getting better and Monday was a dream, we flew back Tuesday so not sure how it was for that full week.

I've been 3 other times during Tday and for some reason this was the busiest times.

I love the weather and the decorations also.

Even when I say swamped it's not worse than summer, but we avoid that!

Jenn

 

[2giddy4wdw]

We go the week after Thanksgiving and it's great. We usually leave the friday or saturday after Thanksgiving and that weekend is busy, but starting sunday the crowds drop quite a bit. Love that time of year with the decorations and the christmas party. It's a great way to start the christmas season.