To those who went on Thanksgiving...

[05ChristmasSurprise]

We are planning a trip for next year's Thanksgiving and it is my understanding that the parks are RIDICULOUSLY crowded now during this time of year. (In fact, when I called they said they are changing this week to a non-value time in their calendar)

Anyway - we are actually arriving on Thanksgiving, I think - and plan to have a nice dinner at the Swan upon check-in. But, I think it will be hard for the kiddos to NOT go to a park. (Plus, the days after will be crowded as well, yes?)

We will be there for the full week after Thanksgiving weekend, so our itinerary is kind of open. Can you recommend a park or parks to visit on the days that are typically super crowded? (Thanksgiving, the day after <friday>, and the Saturday and Sunday that follow?)

Thanks!

 

[DisneyKidds]

I wouldn't worry too much about crowds. I wouldn't plan on a full day at the MK on Friday or Saturday, but other than that you'll be fine. We've been going after Thanksgiving (Friday after through the whole next week) the past three years and we've nver had a problem with crowds.

As for your itinerary, if you are checking into the Swan on Thanksgiving day, I'd plan on hopping a boat or walking over to Epcot for the evening. Epcot swallows up crowds, and catching the Candlelight Processional and Illuminations would be a great way to start the trip. Hit AK and MGM on Friday and Saturday, and from there things should be wide open.

This year we did the AK on Friday during the day and hopped over to the MK for SpectroMagic and Wishes. AK was not crowded at all, and we got to the MK about an hour before SpectroMagic, rode the train a full circle tour, and got a decent spot for the parade about 30 minutes before (psst....by the barber shop is usually a great place to get a nice spot fairly close to parade time ).

Saturday we did MGM.....no problem with crowds. Sunday was Epcot.....no problem with crowds (other than Test Track, which ALWAYS has a long line and FP times 6 hours in the future). Then, from Monday on it was dead.

You don't know rediculously crowded until you have seen the MK on Easter. Post Thanksgiving isn't even in the same ballpark. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Cheesehead66]

DisneyKidds -

Would AK be decorated for the holidays by that weekend? I see the AK Xmas parade didn't start until the Wednesday after, just wondering if the tree and dressed-up characters were out before that.

 

[MelanieC]

Hi there,
You'll be fine. Many years we have arrived on Thanksgiving. We usually do Chef Mickey's on Thanksgiving and just go to a park and ride a few rides. This year we went for the entire day on Thanksgiving. Managed to do two weeks since the kids were out of school the entire week of Thanksgiving. Friday we do AK and its never been real bad. Saturday is a still a little busy, but by Sunday it starts clearing out.

The parks are decorated by Thanksgiving day and the Osbourne lights opens up the day prior to Thanksgiving.

 

[goofy4tink]

You know, I just got back my photos from our trip 11/25-12/1 and we were at AK on Sat., the 27th and we saw the Christmas parade then!! I thought that maybe it was different but it wasn't it. The same as the photos that were posted here. So, it should be happening that week-end next year too.

We did find Epcot to be pretty crowded the Friday afternoon after Thanksgiving. But, I'm comparing that to mid-August. I just got very short in the patience dept. and couldn't wait to get back to my room!!! Guess it's all relative! But the weather was terrific and after Monday the crowds were way down.

So, I would play some mini-golf. Fantasia Gardens is right across the street from the Swan. Then I would spend some time in the evening at World Showcase. Maybe tour the different resorts. I did that last year and it was wonderful fun. You get to ride on the monorail and the boats, so the kids will have fun. Go over to Fort Wilderness and check out the petting zoo and the stables.

 

[Minnie824]

We're going next year too...the Sat after Thanksgiving to the following Friday...planning on going to Chef Mickeys for dinner the first night, then maybe taking a monorail ride around. My kids will be 4 and 1.5, never been before, so they won't know the difference of not going to a park that night. When DH and I went in 2000 though, on Thanksgiving night we went and strolled around the Osbourne lights in MGM. Thats a nice idea too.