When to go

[pixieprincessmom]

We were planning to go to DW for Thanksgiving Week, but I've been hearing lately that it's REALLY crowded. We went at that time 3 years ago and MK was the only park I found crowded, but we left on Wed. This year we plan to stay until Saturday. Being from Louisiana, I am beginning to consider Mardi Gras week (Feb. or March) because the kids will be off. Any suggestions?

 

[chyam]

A good rule of thumb........ANYTIME that the schools are out for breaks it's going to be crowded. So I would imagine that since many schools in your area are out for Mardi Gras it will be busy also, I find that when I go skiing during that time the ski area is full of folks from your area, just my observation. So I don't think one time or the other for you will make much difference in the crowds.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

If you go during Thanksgiving week you may have some days that are not overwhelmingly crowded. And too, you will be able to enjoy many of the Christmas season decorations and perhaps the CP and MVMCP. Not sure of the dates on either of those, but they may be on when you are here.

 

[Kaycee]

While it's true that anytime the schools are out, WDW will be more crowded than times when there aren't any school breaks, it will be less crowded during regional school breaks (like your school break for Mardi Gras when schools in most other areas of the country will still be in session) than it will be for major holiday breaks when every school in the country is out (like Thanksgiving).

Given your choices, I'd go with February/March instead of Thanksgiving.

 

[laceemouse]

I agree with Kaycee, nobody else is off for Mardi Gras. I was raised in Louisiana and when I tell my kids I had it off they say "NO FAIR!" I have heard that lots of cajuns go skiing during Mardi Gras, but I don't think it would have a huge impact on Disney.