Week before Thanksgiving or Christmas?

[imsayin]

I asked this on the "tips" thread, but didn't get any response. My sister's family & I are planning a trip to Disney. With 6 kids of varying ages, taking out of school is not an option. I am thinking of the Fri-Wed before Thanksgiving or before Christmas. Has anyone been at this time? Which days would be less crowded? How crowded will the parks be? Is it better to see all the x-mas decorations? TIA.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

You can expect fairly large crowds for both time periods, with crowd density increasing as the holiday approaches.

All of Thanksgiving week is pretty crowded. Many schools begin their break on the Friday before Thanksgiving. You'll also pay regular season rates on the room. Holiday decorations begin going up in November and may not be completed until Thanksgiving. You would miss any chance at seeing the Osborne Lights, MVMCP or the CP. They don't begin until after Thanksgiving.

For Christmas, some schools do not start their Winter Break until a just couple of days prior to Christmas. So, the week leading up to the holiday will be less crowded (Fri-Wed) than it will later on. If you arrive before Dec. 19, your room will be charged at the value season rate instead of the holiday season rate. In 2004, the MVMCP ran thru Dec. 17. Both the CP and Osborne Lights went thru the New Year.

If I had to choose one, I'd go with the December dates. However, just be warned that it will be crowded and plan accordingly.

 

[Savin4Disney]

We are flying in the Saturday before Thanksgiving (19) and leaving the Friday after (25). So far everyone I have talked to said to expect the crowds to pick up on Thanksgiving. Before that it should be okay.

I will miss my black Friday shopping though!