What to do Thanksgiving day?

[princesspiglet]

We are arriving on t-day at around 1pm. i figure we will be at SOG by 2pm. Should we use one day of our passes to go to a park, or do you think it will be too busy? We don't have any plans for t-day dinner, so we are kinda just winging it. However, I don't want to waste 1 day of a pass if all of the parks are swamped. TIA!

 

[AJKMOM]

Thanksgiving Day can be crowded, so I wouldn't plan on using a day pass for it. A few years ago, the MK was closed to outside visitors when we were there. When we go at that time, we plan to avoid the theme parks on Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after. You can go to DTD, there are several restaurants there; my DSIL had turkey at the Rainforest Cafe.

 

[Simba's Mom]

We went to MGM last year, and surprisingly, it wasn't totally swamped. We went around 10:00-1:30, then went back to freshen up and eat dinner at AP (great dinner). Afterwards, we went back to MGM and this was when I expected it to be really crowded. We thought seeing the Osborne Lights would be a great way to "usher in" the Christmas season, but we figured alot of other people would think so too. Surprisingly, it wasn't very crowded at all.

 

[jlovesee]

We are going to MGM following other people's advice on these boards. All of us except 1 (there is a total of 5 in our party) have AP's so thankfully we don't have to worry about wasting days. But I agree with the 1st reply, if you are going to be there for a while you might want to take it easy on the first day.

Jennifer

 

[isyt]

A couple of years ago we arrived at 5p at AKL on Thanksgiving and rushed over to Whispering Cafe for dinner with friends. It was great, we had ap's so we went to MK afterwards for fireworks, it wasn't as bad as I thought. I would make some kind of reservations. MGM might be nice I would assume it would be the least crowded.

 

[BamaFan121s]

MK is VERY crowded on T'giving day...often times past capacity. I would steer clear of there.

 

[daMomma]

We aren't planning on going to any of the parks on Thanksgiving. We thought we should avoid the crowds. Instead we are going to enjoy our resort and check out holiday decorations at other resorts. I wouldn't waste the day going to any of the parks.

 

[mecllap]

Our plan at this point is also to see some of the resort decorations on T-day -- and we're going to try to finally get in a round of mini-golf (haven't ever done that). Staying at a TS off-site so probably will have grocery store turkey dinner there.

 

[vamom]

Thanks for the advice. We are going Thanksgiving 2007 and we were planning on the MK during the day- dinner @ Liberty Tree Tavern & then over to MGM for Osborne lights. We may need to re-think these plans. Thanks again. Happy planning everyone!!

 

[Frantasmic]

OP. When you say you get there at 1 p.m. and figure you will be at SOG at 2 p.m., are you coming from the airport? Are you using Magical Express?

If you are using ME, I suspect it will take longer than 1 hour to get there during a busy time. If that is the case, I think you will be arriving at SOG later than you think, and I wouldn't suggest using a park pass for that day.

If you can get there around the time you are thinking, maybe you can go to a park. Last year, MK was open until 11 I think on Thanksgiving day.

 

[Moonpie]

We're going to be there during Thanksgiving too! We're planning on doing the Sunrise Safari in the morning, and AK for the day. I hope it won't be too crowded...but it looks like MK is the one that attracts the crowds on Thanksgiving.

Edit: Oh, and we've got Thankgiving dinner ressies at Jiko!

 

[minnierocks]

Last year, we spent the day at MGM and it was busy, but not crowded! It depends on which pass you are buying... EX-the difference between buying a 7 day pass and an 8 day pass is only $1/pass...
For me, I would pay the extra dollar just for the option...

We had a blast at MGM!
We made reservations for the Fantasmic! dinner package, watched the afternoon parade (which was all decked out for Christmas! and included Santa at the end ), checked out the Osbourne Christmas lights (which are NOT to be missed ) and then went to Fantasmic!

Have a great trip!!!

 

[luke6417]

I'm looking for something todo as well

 

[princesspiglet]

We have a rental car, so last time it only took an hour from arrival to get to our resort and checked in. I usually grab the car while DH gets the luggage.

I am thinking we will upgrade to another day on our pass just to have the option. Heck it will only cost us $6! That would be worth it just to see the lights at MGM.. My DD4 is not one for just "hanging out" and touring the resort. She is a go, go , go girl. From 6am to 10pm, the girl can go! She likes to be entertained, so that is why we are thinking about going to a park. So I think we will hit MGM and see how busy it is and go from there. Thanks everyone!
If you see a couple with a little blond girl with glasses all in Mickey tie-dyed tshirts with a lime green baggalini bag on, thats us- come over and say hi!!!

 

[ellyn2000]

There is very little certainty about crowds @each park on Thanksgiving day. I've been to MGM on Thanksgiving day and it took nearly 2 hours to make it through the gate. Have been to MK on Thanksgiving day where park was @full capacity and you couldn't even turn around. Was @Epcot last year and year before and it was great. One thing is certain----no park will have really low crowds, so be prepared for anything.

 

[Glendamax]

Hope all of you in WDW are having a GREAT time!