Thanksgiving/December Trip planning advice

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natster1983

New Member
Hi everyone! I'm new to this and planning my first trip to WDW as an adult. Hubby and I are planning to stay at POFQ for 14 nights at the start of Dec for my 30th birthday and I have a couple of questions that I'm hoping you might be able to help with...

Firstly, we would be arriving on Thanksgiving day and, being Brits, wondered what that meant for shops and restaurants and things on property and in Orlando in general. Will everything be open as usual? Also, will the parks be super busy on Black Friday?

I've heard that weather wise, Florida will still be pretty warm in December but have heard that temps vary between 50 and 73 degrees (which is almost the difference between summer and winter here!) So I'm really struggling to know how we'd need to pack. I'm guessing light clothes with a couple of jumpers and a light coat but am worried I'm being optimistic!

Lastly, in Disneyland Paris, opening times are really reduced in Winter... is it the same at WDW or will we still be able to use the parks in the evening?

Sorry if these are stupid questions but I wanted to be sure about the dates before I put down our savings! Any help would be much appreciated x
 
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bethymouse

bethymouse

Well-Known Member
No stupid questions!:)
Thanksgiving is quite a busy time of year! All of everything Disney is open ( unless too cold: then waterparks are closed). I can't say much for Orlando itself, but I'm sure that most places are open. Black Friday will be extremely busy! But, the best part is the Christmas decorations are up, and you can attend the Very Merry Christmas Party @ Magic Kingdom ( for an extra price of course).;)
Make your advanced dining reservations right away!
There are special Thanksgiving meals available @ certain restaurants. Allears.net can help you with menus and such!:)
Most of all, enjoy the time @ the most magical place on earth!:)
if you haven't decided where you're staying, or what park tickets to get, or whether to add the dining plan, then the actual Walt Disney World website is pretty good to look at!:)
Have fun!:D
 
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ratherbeinwdw

ratherbeinwdw

Well-Known Member
natster1983 said:
Hi everyone! I'm new to this and planning my first trip to WDW as an adult. Hubby and I are planning to stay at POFQ for 14 nights at the start of Dec for my 30th birthday and I have a couple of questions that I'm hoping you might be able to help with...

Firstly, we would be arriving on Thanksgiving day and, being Brits, wondered what that meant for shops and restaurants and things on property and in Orlando in general. Will everything be open as usual? Also, will the parks be super busy on Black Friday?

I've heard that weather wise, Florida will still be pretty warm in December but have heard that temps vary between 50 and 73 degrees (which is almost the difference between summer and winter here!) So I'm really struggling to know how we'd need to pack. I'm guessing light clothes with a couple of jumpers and a light coat but am worried I'm being optimistic!

Lastly, in Disneyland Paris, opening times are really reduced in Winter... is it the same at WDW or will we still be able to use the parks in the evening?

Sorry if these are stupid questions but I wanted to be sure about the dates before I put down our savings! Any help would be e]
They will be crazy crowded on Thanksgiving and the day after. Make sure and make advance reservations for Thanksgiving dinner if you plan to eat in the parks. Make them at 180 days out or you may not get any.
The week after Thanksgiving the crowds will thin out. It may still be crowded, but nothing like Thanksgiving week. You should have at least a week of okay crowds.
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RedDad

RedDad

Smitty Werben JagerManJensen
We've been twice during the week of thanksgiving and its a great time to go! Crowds will be extremely heavy from thanksgiving day thru Sat or Sun, but the week after is usually great. There's nothing like WDW all decked out for Xmas, and I also recommend Mickeys Very Merry Xmas party!
 
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smk

smk

Well-Known Member
Never been at Thanksgiving but several trip were we have arrived on Christmas morning. It is a very busy time but manageable if you don't try to power thru. The weather is fine, cold and damp most mornings but warms up nicely. Just don't panic, 14 days is plenty of time even if the crowds are huge. Have a great trip and Happy Birthday!
 
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bigorangeandy

bigorangeandy

Well-Known Member
Thanksgiving will a very busy time in the world. Around Orlando many restaurants maybe closed, but those attached to the motels will be operating. Shopping will be very limited off site on Thanksgiving, with many grocery stores closed, or open for limited hours only. For the world make sure to make some ADR's from Thanksgiving through the weekend, if you don't want to be eating quick service for all your meals. For 14 days you might see both the warmer and cooler temps during your stay. Think about wearing layers if the cooler temps do arrive. Have a great time!
 
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