Week After Turkey Day Shenanigans

[RobinDragonryder]

This is the week I'm going!! I'm not staying on property so I'm sure a lot of the FP+s will be gone by the time I can book, but I still have my hopes. I'm going with a couple of friends, one of whom has never been so her desires get priority. She only picked one must-do attraction per park, though, so we have plenty of wiggle room.

My itinerary so far is:

Sunday, Nov. 27 - arrive in Orlando, MVMCP. Reservations at Be Our Guest at 8 PM (trying to snag an earlier one though). Priority - Enchanted Tales with Belle (friend) (does this run during the party, or do we need to do it between 4 and 6?), Space Mountain (me)
Monday, Nov. 28 - EPCOT. Lunch reservation at Teppan Edo at 12:50. Priority - Frozen Ever After/meeting Anna and Elsa (friend), Test Track and Soarin' (me)
Tuesday, Nov. 29 - Hollywood Studios. Fantasmic! Dinner Package reservation at Hollywood Brown Derby at 12:30. Priority - Muppetvision 3D (friend), Star Tours and Fantasmic! (me--HS is my favorite park solely because of Fantasmic!)
Wednesday, Nov. 30 - Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare at 11 (I'm worried we'll feel rushed because they have to get ready to serve lunch, but it was all that was available, and friend really wanted to meet Alice and the Hatter.) Disney Springs/relax rest of day (maybe Medieval Times for dinner? Not sure yet.)
Thursday, Dec. 1 - Animal Kingdom. Lunch at Rainforest Cafe at 2:00 (Friend's choice not mine). Priority - Kali River Rapids if it's not freezing (friend), Festival of the Lion King and Everest (me).
Friday and Saturday are to go back to whichever two parks friend chooses, so no ADRs set for those days.

 

[missnikki411]

I'm struggling with what night to do H&V and the SW fireworks (pending they keep them on the same day of the week schedule)

I have a H&V ADR on 11/26 (fireworks night) and 12/1 (non-fireworks night). Am I nuts to consider going on the Saturday after Thanksgiving? My logic is: If I go 12/1 I need to find another night in the park that wasn't planned (currently would be Wednesday) and what if I do go on Wednesday and something doesn't go according to plan (ie: RAIN!) and then they don't have them Thursday and I leave on Friday. If I go the first night, that leaves me with the option to go another possible night as backup should anything go awry. I'm just concerned about how many people would be trying to squeeze them in that Saturday and how chaotic it would be trying to get a spot.

Thoughts? New attractions and entertainment give me stress because there is so much unknown. I like to consider myself as a Disney expert until something new comes along


EDIT: It rained A LOT the last time we went at this time of year and we even had cancellations during our MVMCP event hence my panic over having backups for rainouts!!!

 

[CCxmas]

Thanks for the feedback. I wanted to schedule in another 1/2 day at AK late in our trip, but if after our first day we don't want to go back then we can change our plans. I feel like those last 2 days are likely going to be changed around while we are there. My touring plan for AK has us busy for a full day there and we are even skipping a few minor things. In general I find it hard to decide now that any park is a "one and done" park. They all sound so fabulous. The only one I'm kind of thinking that on is HS just because it's so small!

If we are getting tired at MK after EMM, we can definitely cut out earlier and take a break at the resort before Epcot late night. Our touring plan has us doing Fantasyland, then over to Liberty Square, Frontierland, Adventureland...then skip back over to Tomorrowland. We could easily leave after Frontierland and save Tomorrowland for the next day at PM EMHs.

Are you suggesting we may want more MK time than I currently have scheduled?

I'll have to look up Trattoria al Frono. So far I have been planning to make breakfast in the resort or have something we can eat on the go most morning. That was part of my reasoning for justifying splurging on a 1 bedroom villa! But who really wants to cook on vacation? haha.

Trattoria is definitely worth a breakfast splurge. I didn't feel it was that expensive in the world of Disney...
Not suggesting you need more time at MK. Its a personal preference. It is such a big area with a ton of rides. Like you said your last 2 days are play it by ear kind of days. If you felt you hadn't had enough AK and not enough MK just swap them!! I have a toddler and a laid back DH so we enjoyed having 3 days.

 

[plumsiren]

Looking good! We'll be at MK with you on 11/29 before the party and 11/30 PM EMHs. Are you doing EMM at MK on 11/29?

Oh man that's a short list at HS! I wondered why you only had a morning scheduled for HS. None of you are into Star Wars I take it?

No EMM - we're doing breakfast at The Wave. As of now I think my bestie has a decent handle on a morning schedule packing in a lot of Fantasyland so I'll just trust her. As long as I get to go on Dumbo with her girls I'll be happy!

Nope, no Star Wars for us! Which is good in a way, because it means I'm less stressed about fitting a lot of stuff in! Big Muppet fan though, I wish they had more of a presence!

I finally looked at your schedule - very well done! I like the blocks of time - may consider doing that myself! I was originally going to have us at Epcot Tuesday night but my aunt has, for whatever reason, decided she only wants to go to Epcot and AK, and has bought a 2-day base ticket, so I'd feel bad about going to one of those parks without her, you know?

 

[Iowamomof4]

I'm struggling with what night to do H&V and the SW fireworks (pending they keep them on the same day of the week schedule)

I have a H&V ADR on 11/26 (fireworks night) and 12/1 (non-fireworks night). Am I nuts to consider going on the Saturday after Thanksgiving? My logic is: If I go 12/1 I need to find another night in the park that wasn't planned (currently would be Wednesday) and what if I do go on Wednesday and something doesn't go according to plan (ie: RAIN!) and then they don't have them Thursday and I leave on Friday. If I go the first night, that leaves me with the option to go another possible night as backup should anything go awry. I'm just concerned about how many people would be trying to squeeze them in that Saturday and how chaotic it would be trying to get a spot.

Thoughts? New attractions and entertainment give me stress because there is so much unknown. I like to consider myself as a Disney expert until something new comes along


EDIT: It rained A LOT the last time we went at this time of year and we even had cancellations during our MVMCP event hence my panic over having backups for rainouts!!!

Well, fwiw, my TA says all of her clients that go during Thanksgiving week want to leave on Saturday so they have Sunday to readjust before heading back to work/school on Monday. I know there are exceptions, but I do think wdw will empty out a bit by Saturday night. It'll probably still be quite crowded, but less so Saturday night than Saturday morning. Also, I would expect MK to be the really crowded place Saturday, Epcot 2nd most crowded, and then AK and DHS would be the least crowded. Epcot will be crowded because all of the Christmas stuff begins on Friday of that week, so everyone who was there over Thanksgiving will try to hit Epcot on either Friday or Saturday (or both) to cram in some of that before they head home. MK is just always crowded on Saturdays and a lot of people like to have that be their last park before they leave so there's that. Also, Sunday will be a party day, so Saturday becomes the last chance for some to catch Wishes even if they aren't leaving until Monday. Not that I know what I'm talking about, but that's how I would think through your scenario.

 

[Happysahd]

Hey all, been enjoying the thread. Myself, DW, DD9 and DD7 staying Nov.28-Dec.3. Sports, FD, hoppers which we've never done before. My youngest's 7th birthday, we went to WDW for my eldest's 7th 9/14 and had FD at CB.

So far itinerary looks like this:
S/27th drive (7hours) to friends place close to WDW for the night.
M/28th, RD HS, stay until the 2pm BATB, take the boat to Epcot, Teppan Edo at 4pm, see candlelight and WS until illiuminations.
T/29th, RD MK all day, early night because of party and long day on 30th, maybe swim.
W/30th, RD Epcot, FW, 4:45 Coral Reef, monorail to MK after dinner for wishes and EMH.
T/1st, sleep in, Disney springs, 12:45 lunch at T-rex, evening at AK, hopefully ROL.
F/2nd, RD MK EMH, 3:35 Ohana dinner, evening at HS.
S/3rd, AK, 4:45 dinner at Y&Y, drive home.

Biggest question marks are where I can get FP+ for FEA and ROL. Found my kids have surprising stamina last trip and didn't want to leave the parks for breaks but planning on a lot of shows and such in the afternoons to keep from wearing the parents out.

 

[CCxmas]

Well, fwiw, my TA says all of her clients that go during Thanksgiving week want to leave on Saturday so they have Sunday to readjust before heading back to work/school on Monday. I know there are exceptions, but I do think wdw will empty out a bit by Saturday night. It'll probably still be quite crowded, but less so Saturday night than Saturday morning. Also, I would expect MK to be the really crowded place Saturday, Epcot 2nd most crowded, and then AK and DHS would be the least crowded. Epcot will be crowded because all of the Christmas stuff begins on Friday of that week, so everyone who was there over Thanksgiving will try to hit Epcot on either Friday or Saturday (or both) to cram in some of that before they head home. MK is just always crowded on Saturdays and a lot of people like to have that be their last park before they leave so there's that. Also, Sunday will be a party day, so Saturday becomes the last chance for some to catch Wishes even if they aren't leaving until Monday. Not that I know what I'm talking about, but that's how I would think through your scenario.

I second this. We arrived Saturday afternoon after Thanksgiving last year. It was really crowded over by Epcot. It look forever to get boat to HS for H&V. Osborne lights was so packed we just admired from afar. Sunday we went to epcot and it was really "slow". I never felt claustrophobic at any point. Monday was MK. It was not that busy considering that it was a non party night.
All that being said, it was not free dining that week last year. I feel the parks will be busier for sure this time around.

 

[plumsiren]

T/29th, RD MK all day, early night because of party and long day on 30th, maybe swim.
W/30th, RD Epcot, FW, 4:45 Coral Reef, monorail to MK after dinner for wishes and EMH.

I wonder how many of us are doing Tuesday am & Wednesday pm at MK! We need a poll!

 

[Iowamomof4]

I wonder how many of us are doing Tuesday am & Wednesday pm at MK! We need a poll!

I've noticed that trend as well! We're doing the Tuesday am part but we'll be at Epcot all day Wednesday.

 

[DisneyGB]

We'll be at MK for a full day & evening on Wed! Hoping the kids can make it all the way to Wishes... we'll see!

 

[Just Peachy]

Well, fwiw, my TA says all of her clients that go during Thanksgiving week want to leave on Saturday so they have Sunday to readjust before heading back to work/school on Monday. I know there are exceptions, but I do think wdw will empty out a bit by Saturday night. It'll probably still be quite crowded, but less so Saturday night than Saturday morning. Also, I would expect MK to be the really crowded place Saturday, Epcot 2nd most crowded, and then AK and DHS would be the least crowded. Epcot will be crowded because all of the Christmas stuff begins on Friday of that week, so everyone who was there over Thanksgiving will try to hit Epcot on either Friday or Saturday (or both) to cram in some of that before they head home. MK is just always crowded on Saturdays and a lot of people like to have that be their last park before they leave so there's that. Also, Sunday will be a party day, so Saturday becomes the last chance for some to catch Wishes even if they aren't leaving until Monday. Not that I know what I'm talking about, but that's how I would think through your scenario.

I've been watching all the crowd prediction sites and they all show the big drop off in crowds starting Friday night. Then medium crowds for Saturday and Sunday with a gradual increase in people through the next week. Also, my DS is working in the DCP at EPCOT and he said that he will be allowed to take time off during the week after Thanksgiving and that will be the only time they are letting the interns take off time until after NYE.

 

[MichiganScott]

I have a H&V ADR on 11/26 (fireworks night) and 12/1 (non-fireworks night).

How do you know, do they have the fireworks nights posted somewhere I missed?

 

[Meeko5]

I'm struggling with what night to do H&V and the SW fireworks (pending they keep them on the same day of the week schedule)

I have a H&V ADR on 11/26 (fireworks night) and 12/1 (non-fireworks night). Am I nuts to consider going on the Saturday after Thanksgiving? My logic is: If I go 12/1 I need to find another night in the park that wasn't planned (currently would be Wednesday) and what if I do go on Wednesday and something doesn't go according to plan (ie: RAIN!) and then they don't have them Thursday and I leave on Friday. If I go the first night, that leaves me with the option to go another possible night as backup should anything go awry. I'm just concerned about how many people would be trying to squeeze them in that Saturday and how chaotic it would be trying to get a spot.

Thoughts? New attractions and entertainment give me stress because there is so much unknown. I like to consider myself as a Disney expert until something new comes along


EDIT: It rained A LOT the last time we went at this time of year and we even had cancellations during our MVMCP event hence my panic over having backups for rainouts!!!

I hear you on the back up plans! I need more days for all the back up plans alone

I think your plan sounds good - yes it will be busy on Saturday but if you plan accordingly and can get there early enough to stake a spot it should be doable.

I really hope it's unseasonably dry for our trip - I'm fine with rain but kids and a wet stroller and all that entails is miserable for all!

 

[Meeko5]

How do you know, do they have the fireworks nights posted somewhere I missed?

It's assuming the schedule stays the same as it is for October and early November so far - it went from nightly to 4 nights/week.

 

[heath92681]

Well, fwiw, my TA says all of her clients that go during Thanksgiving week want to leave on Saturday so they have Sunday to readjust before heading back to work/school on Monday. I know there are exceptions, but I do think wdw will empty out a bit by Saturday night. It'll probably still be quite crowded, but less so Saturday night than Saturday morning. Also, I would expect MK to be the really crowded place Saturday, Epcot 2nd most crowded, and then AK and DHS would be the least crowded. Epcot will be crowded because all of the Christmas stuff begins on Friday of that week, so everyone who was there over Thanksgiving will try to hit Epcot on either Friday or Saturday (or both) to cram in some of that before they head home. MK is just always crowded on Saturdays and a lot of people like to have that be their last park before they leave so there's that. Also, Sunday will be a party day, so Saturday becomes the last chance for some to catch Wishes even if they aren't leaving until Monday. Not that I know what I'm talking about, but that's how I would think through your scenario.

Crazy or not, I'm planning HS all day the 26th!

 

[CCxmas]

I wonder how many of us are doing Tuesday am & Wednesday pm at MK! We need a poll!

Wednesday pm at MK here!!

 

[plumsiren]

Has there been any indication about extended pm hours at AK during our time frame?

 

[BDFmom]

I wonder how many of us are doing Tuesday am & Wednesday pm at MK! We need a poll!

We'll be at EMM on Tuesday...Wed Am in Epcot and head over to MK for a 5pm ADR

I can't believe that FP day is almost here.
Is everyone ready? I'm having second thoughts on the plan for one of my day.


I'm thinking that I need more Epcot. I'm considering going to Epcot all day on 12/2 and not just for the evening.

 

[plumsiren]

I'm thinking that I need more Epcot. I'm considering going to Epcot all day on 12/2 and not just for the evening.

We'll be there all day that day! And by all day I mean for about 11 hours... Oh god what am I thinking?!

 

[Iowamomof4]

We'll be at EMM on Tuesday...Wed Am in Epcot and head over to MK for a 5pm ADR

I can't believe that FP day is almost here.
Is everyone ready? I'm having second thoughts on the plan for one of my day.


I'm thinking that I need more Epcot. I'm considering going to Epcot all day on 12/2 and not just for the evening.

I was working along just fine on getting my fastpasses all figured out and then something blew everything up (can't even remember right now what that was -- oh yeah, the revelation that ROL looks much more likely for our trip now) and now I'm not sure at all! I bet I'm closer than I think though. I just need to get through this weekend and then I can sit down and figure it all out by next Tuesday (just in case I can book early) or Thursday for sure.