What is WDW like the week after Thanksgiving?

[deedee2177]

We are checking into AoA on 11/24 and will be leaving on 11/29. Though I have been to WDW a number of times I have never been during this time of the year. Can anyone share their experiences that may have visited at this time?

Thanks for any insight you can share

 

[kerplop]

We're going the 27th onward for 13 nights, so I've done a ton of research about it. From what people have said I think it's packed until Monday following (the 26th) and then is quiet-ish until Christmas. Not really "slow" since WDW has very few slow periods now, but it's not nearly as crazy as the holidays or summer.

 

[yarlenna]

Please know that the weather at that time can be anything! I live near and I have been able to swim some years - and other years I was wearing my winter clothes. Bring clothes that layer easily.
I love that time of year at the mouse house. The Christmas decor is up and the music is playing. I am trying to put together enough to do a visit in early Dec. Good luck whatever you decide to do..

 

[sassysuejones]

We went the day after Thanksgiving, stayed for 6 days after...We had a great time, crowds were not bad at all. However, the weather took us by surprise. First day was warm...and the next few dropped down to the 50s and even 40s. be prepared, bring some long pants, and at least a light jacket. Everyone was scrambling to buy sweatshirts,which can become rather pricey!

 

[Aerorea]

The week after Thanksgiving is our favorite time to go. Monday - Thursday, the crowds are not bad at all. The decorations are up and the weather is usually pleasant. Be aware that the weather can and does change quickly during that time of year though. In 2010, we arrived to temps in the 80s. DH complained about how hot it was. It turned very cold within a few days and my light jacket wasn't enough, so I had to break down and buy a sweatshirt to go under my jacket. The CMs in the gift shop were discussing the snow flurries that morning as I was buying my sweatshirt.

Definitely plan on bringing layers that can easily be removed. Generally, the mornings can be cool and it warms up during the day before turning colder at night.

We're hoping for the typical milder, less-extreme temps this year.

 

[aubreysmom09]

I was thinking of asking this. We will be there Sunday November 25-Saturday December-1. The calendars all show low crowds, but they aren't always accurate.

 

[kimnvbva]

Perfect!! We went in 2010. It was the best time to go. The weather was chilly though. By the end of the week we were wearing jeans hoodies! I packed a lot of different clothing, shorts, capris, jeans. Wore it all. But other than that the crowds were great! Never waited too long for any ride. Even watched the taping of the Christmas parade. That usually happens the first weekend in December. Have a great time!

 

[aubreysmom09]

Perfect!! We went in 2010. It was the best time to go. The weather was chilly though. By the end of the week we were wearing jeans hoodies! I packed a lot of different clothing, shorts, capris, jeans. Wore it all. But other than that the crowds were great! Never waited too long for any ride. Even watched the taping of the Christmas parade. That usually happens the first weekend in December. Have a great time!

We're you able to enjoy the pool, or was it to chilly?

 

[Missytara]

We're you able to enjoy the pool, or was it to chilly?

You are asking a very subjective question, but I can tell you I have been that week almost every year since 2000 and the weather has hardly been the same twice. You won't know the temps until two days before you leave.

It is not like the Caribbean; it is part of the Atlantic. You will have to decide if you can tolerate the walk to and from the room based on the temps and what you can tolerate at home.

 

[cmac609]

Perfect time. The crowds are less during that week. The closer you actually get to the holiday, the more crowds and locals during the weekends to see the decorations.

Weather will be hard. We went a few years ago and the first night was in the 30s, then 50s and at the end of the week it was 70s. Layers and layers

 

[kimnvbva]

We're you able to enjoy the pool, or was it to chilly?

We used the pool twice in the beginning of the week. After that a cold front came through and it was jeans & hoodies! But the CM's at the resort were saying that it was unusual for it to be that cold so soon. The pool is heated which helped. The ducks enjoyed more than the guests!

 

[Mickeygolf]

Great time to go. We've been 4 different times and it's always been great. Yes the weather can be a little tricky, but if you prepare it will be awesome. Even when it was cold we all swam. The pools are heated and there are always plenty of towels. We always had great luck from the Sunday after Thanksgiving up to the Friday. The Christmas Day parade taping is usually that Friday and Saturday so MK can be a bit of a zoo, but the other parks are still relatively quiet.

We never left thinking we didn't get to do everything we wanted. It was a great time of year to go with the Christmas decorations and Osborne Family Lights at DHS. The resorts are incredible too. Plus you'll have an opportunity to do MVMCP which our family never missed.

Good luck!!!

 

[deedee2177]

Thanks for the guidance about the weather. We're keeping our fingers crossed that it's warm enough for the pool, but cool enough to be comfortable in the parks...I know wishful thinking, huh? Thanks again for all the replies!

 

[magrudersmakes3]

We went at this time a few years ago. It was cooler than we would have liked as temps were ranging from 55-65 during the day and then low 50 at night. We are from IL so my husband and daughter still swam.

The crowds were minimal and our wait time was probably 15 minutes at the longest. This was the first time we rode soarin twice in one park visit without a FP.

The Christmas decorations were up and were amazing to see.

 

[jnfr2424]

This will be our 7th year in the World for Thanksgiving
Agreeing with other posts be prepared for any kind of weather in 2009 is was cold and last year in 2011 it was 85 every day.
Crowds do leave after Monday and its busy but not crazy busy then again I am trying not to jinx it because the more we all report how quiet the parks are it seems the attendance spikes up!