When is the best time to visit the parks?

[KYFamily]

We are planning on bringing our children to Disney for their first visit. They will be 4 and 6 at the time of travel. We were planning on going the week of Thanksgiving to celebrate our daughter's 7th birthday but have been told it is a horrible time to be there. Is the week before Thanksgiving or the week after Thanksgiving a good time to visit?

We plan to stay on site - any recommendations on where to stay - size, activities, pools etc ?!?

Thanks!

 

[Metro West]

 

[mickeystoontown]

First of all, welcome to the Disboards!

We have been to Disney over Thanksgiving week. I noticed as the week progressed, the crowds got larger and larger. The day after Thanksgiving, they were a bit better and the Saturday after they were a little better too. I would think this may mean that the week after Thanksgiving might be a good time to visit.

We've been to Disney 14 times and our next trip is 215 day away....not that I am counting.

If I had a little bit more information about your family, I would probably be able to help you out.

Do you have a certain budget you'd like to stay under?

Will you be spending much time in your resort or more time in the parks?

 

[pittsburghmarc]

I feel besides budget, resort location in proximity to the parks is important. For kids of your's ages, the Magic Kingdom might be their favorite park. No coincidence these resorts are some of the most expensive.

If you don't have deep pockets, the moderate or value resorts might fit your budget better, but you will sacrifice travel time to the Magic Kingdom.

Last tip, even though your kids wouldn't think of riding in a stroller at home, bringing light "umbrella" strollers can be a life saver. Much better pushing strollers until park closing hours rather than having to leave the parks early because your kids are exhausted.

Have fun!!!!

 

[2Tiggies]

To add to what the previous poster has said, if your budget doesn't allow one of the MK resorts as an option to you, the values are great fun for the kids as they tend to be nicely themed. I wanted the Poly or Wilderness Lodge on our last trip and DD 7 was set on All Star Music because of the theming. We had a great time there and although the bus trip might take an extra 10 or 15 minutes, as opposed to staying on the monorail route or thereabouts, the bus service was really efficient and unless you intend making several trips to and from your resort each day with the kids, it won't ruin your vacation.

Another point for consideration is your routine. Usually kids at the age yours are thrive on routine so a planned, structured day with dedicated meal times, rest times and time for running about is really important.

Be realistic with your expectations too. Kids take in the experience where they are at - they don't have the same expectations as we do and are far less critical than we are. If they get cranky, it isn't that they aren't enjoying themselves (or the vacation you have sacrificed so much to pay for), they are probably tired. Disney is a sensory overload and it is exhausting. When my daughter gets cranky, I just stop as soon as it is practical and we get something to drink/snack and do something simple like look for ladybugs in the bushes, try spot hidden mickeys, or whatever appeals to her. The simpler the better. The idea is to break the intensity. So if it costs me 45 minutes of doing "nothing" as an investment in the next few hours being pleasant, it is worth it. Park hours are not "long" in November, compared with the peak and holiday periods, but a 12 hour day at the MK is enough to wipe out even the fittest adult!

Make a list of the things you would most like to see and do together.
Accept that some of these things may turn out not to appeal to the kids (to your utmost surprise ..... my DD freaked out on Finding Nemo, then insisted on going again and again on the Rock N Rollercoaster - you never know, even when you think you do!) Few people only make one trip to WDW. What you don't do this time, you can do next time.
Savour the moment. Don't get so busy running from one attraction to the next that you miss all the beautiful things around you - and point them out to the kids.

Above all, ask all the questions you need to. Everyone here wants to help and all of us have been on the receiving end of tons of help from others.

 

[ktaggie]

We always go in December so I don't know about the crowds at Thanksgiving but I would guess that they would be better the week before or after. They tend to be better when it is not a holiday.

We have always stayed at value resorts because budget requires it. We don't spend much time in the room so why pay extra. The value resorts all have "typical hotel" rooms. Nothing fancy but fine for sleeping. They have all been clean and the only problems we have had have been taken care of.

I agree with the stroller suggestion.