Week Before Thanksgiving

[Red_Rider]

Hi All,

The opportunity has come up to take a trip to Disney World during the week before Thanksgiving (11/13 - 11/19); I was looking to get people's thoughts on that week. How are the crowds? Any good tips for that time of year/things to do? Any info would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks!!

 

[ols386]

I stayed at CSR the week of Thanksgiving last year.

I found the parks to be very crowded, but the resort didn't feel that crowded at all.

The weather was great! Sunny and in the 80s everyday.

 

[got15]

We did that week last year, a few thoughts... 1. weather was fantastic- hot during mid-day (so we could still swim) but pleasant at night- no jacket needed, 2. Crowds were super heavy on our AK and Epcot days (Epcot was due to F&W- which was the last few days of it- and it was incredibly crowded), after we returned we saw on Easy WDW that the crowd projections were off that week (from expected 4 to actual 8/9) 3. we did MVMCP and it was awesome- crowds were decent and DSs had tons of fun staying up late and partying, 4. Xmas decorations were starting to emerge at the GF (where we were staying). If we were to do it again- I would use a park hopper- bc some of the crowds for the end of F&W really were insane, and we saw pockets of it at the other parks. F&W was cool- but bc of the amount of people- we didnt enjoy it. This year we picked the week after- fingers crossed. Either way- you are at WDW and its going to be waaay better than the usual! Enjoy!

 

[twoplustwins]

Used to be my favorite time. It seems to be getting busier each time. We've always had great weather and we love the Cmas decor. Just plan well and you'll be fine.

 

[Red_Rider]

I'm glad to hear that the weather is usually pretty good. When does the Thanksgiving crowd start to show up, or is it always busy?

 

[Laura's Dad]

We went two years ago and had iffy weather (just bad luck I guess). The crowds started to show up on Sunday and Monday before Thanksgiving. WE went tot the AK on a day that was supposed to be an 8 and still did what we wanted to do.

 

[MommaBerd]

This has become our "traditional" week to go. Granted we haven't been since 2013, we found the crowds to be very so-able. We used some touring plans and never waited more than 20-30 minutes. At one point, we actually found that we really didn't need a touring plan. Although I agree with a PP that it starts getting crowded the weekend before Thanksgiving (starting the 19th). I would say that the downside, in the past, is that the parks were not open as late as they are during the summer or around the holidays.

Weather is definitely unpredictable - we've been able to go to the Water Park (which reminds me - only one of the WPs will be open - I think it's TL this year). But we've also needed a light sweater/jacket for the early morning or late evenings.

Christmas decorations are up in the park and some of the resorts. We got some great pics with a PP photographer in front of the tree at AKL when we went to eat at Whispering Canyon.

We'll be there this year, too! I think the most frustrating thing has been that WDW is not updating their operating schedule until maybe six weeks beforehand, but that isn't unique to November. It's been their SOP for the past few months.

 

[Princesca]

This is the week I'm going. I am hearing that the resorts are booked at record levels, and my TA says this is a crowded time of year to go. I haven't ever been this week - I chose the week based on another website's suggestion that it was one of the top 10 weeks of 2016 to go. If you are planning to stay on-site and haven't booked a room yet, good luck... the website is showing there isn't a whole lot available.

 

[Red_Rider]

Wow, that's a bit worrisome about the booking levels. Due to the size of our family, we going to be staying offsite, so booking that hasn't been a problem.

I'm actually excited to see some of the holiday decorations. We ended up going 10+ years ago for the week between Christmas and New Year's and I loved seeding the decorations, but the crowds were insane that week. Are there some "do not miss" holiday decorations we make sure we see?

 

[BoatDriver]

We'll be there the 15th-22nd. The control freak part of me has been stressing about the crowds, but the pragmatic side keeps reminding me to relax and enjoy the vacation. We're lucky in that our kids are 2 & 4, so regardless what happens, they wont know the difference. They'll be thrilled to be there as long as Dad doesn't get grumpy and mess it up.

Plan for the best but prepare for the worst. In the end, we'll still be in Disney instead of work.

 

[jensen]

We are actually looking at this week, as well. We usually go in late January when crowds are at the 1-3 levels... I've always heard these weeks between Halloween and Thanksgiving were similar crowds. I'm a bit disappointed to hear so many saying that crowd levels are going to be higher. I guess it's true that there is NEVER a low season anymore.

 

[goofy4tink]

Are people confusing the two weeks? Thanksgiving week starts Nov 20. The op is talking about the week before that. The crowds should actually be pretty good until that weekend before Thanksgiving. I arrive on Sunday, the 20th. I'm expecting a lot of company in the parks!!

 

[MsPoppinsTX]

If it's any consolation, there is a large conference that week (Nov. 12-16) with the International Foundation of Employee Benefits that is taking up a lot of the hotel rooms. The conference itself is at the Orange County Convention Center and not on Disney property. The hotels that are being offered are: Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club, Coronado Springs and Animal Kingdom Lodge. My family is going that week (i'll be attending the conference and staying at the Polynesian) but I think the affect of the conference will be more on resorts being full and might not have a huge impact on the parks themselves. My fingers are crossed that the crowds won't be terrible considering it is the week after Veterans Day and before Thanksgiving, but who knows.

 

[CandiceF]

That's when we are going too, November 13-21. I don't think it will be that bad. There are 7 resorts with availability for our family of 5 that week and I checked for a family of 4, there were 10 resorts available. If I check the week before and the week after that, there is less availabilty. I think we all picked a good week to go!

 

[BoatDriver]

I've been looking at the availability for the newly released packages. First, if they're offering discounts, it means they're not full. Second, just today, I found 7 resorts that had discounts and availability on our dates; 5 value and 2 moderates. The deluxe resorts are booked solid, but there's obviously still plenty of unsold rooms on property. Now, if only a Poly room or an upgrade to a Club Level Beach Club room would pop up....

 

[MommaBerd]

If it's any consolation, there is a large conference that week (Nov. 12-16) with the International Foundation of Employee Benefits that is taking up a lot of the hotel rooms. The conference itself is at the Orange County Convention Center and not on Disney property. The hotels that are being offered are: Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht Club, Coronado Springs and Animal Kingdom Lodge. My family is going that week (i'll be attending the conference and staying at the Polynesian) but I think the affect of the conference will be more on resorts being full and might not have a huge impact on the parks themselves. My fingers are crossed that the crowds won't be terrible considering it is the week after Veterans Day and before Thanksgiving, but who knows.

That's good info to know! And makes perfect sense with the availability @BoatDriver found. I'm betting it's still a low crowd time to go...

 

[SPOERLX3]

Last year was our first time ever to go during that week and we LOVED it! We must have picked the right parks because for us it was not crowded at all until the Saturday just before Thanksgiving and we were leaving the next morning so we spent the afternoon at DTD when the crowds got too heavy at the parks. The weather was perfect and the decorations for Christmas are amazing! We got to see Osborns Spectacular but it is now gone The Christmas party was amazing so if you can fit that into your budget, it is worth it. We would not hesitate to go that week again. Have fun!

 

[dchronister]

I read on a site somewhere (you know how that goes) that even if all the resort rooms on property were full that it would not have a significance impact on the parks, don't know how true that is but it's what I read. Maybe if everyone went to the same park maybe, but the odds of that happening are slim! Anyway, I went this week in '14 and it was great. Weather was awesome and so were crowds, it did rain all day one day, but I just put on my parka and went on, it was a solo trip and crowds don't affect a solo trip like they do one with several people in it, but it was awesome.

 

[xipotec]

I think there is some confusion here. This is the week BEFORE ThanksGiving week....

F&W end the 14th.
Veterans Day and Jersey Week end the 13th.
Crowds for TG start Sat 20th for arrival.

Crowds are medium and very manageable during this time. The parks are up about 10-30 percent over last year so obviously it will be a larger crowd that say 2013....but that's always going to be the case. Weather can vary from mid 80's to low 60's (former Fl resident). Rainy days are kinda cold (unless your from a cold area.

We go this week or the week prior most years and its a great time to go. Plan your days , look for the parks least likely to be favorites that day, make ADR's and FP and you will have a pretty good day.

See you there BTW.....we are 14-21st

 

[mjmgsssp]

I'll be there that week too! The weather can vary greatly during this time, so check the forecast to ensure you pack correctly (but always plan on layers).

See everyone there!!!!