Experienced Travelers Tell Me about Thanksgiving Week

[tinkersmom96]

I have never been during a holiday week. I was there last Dec during Pop Warner and never noticed any difference, wait times were normal. But because I didn't want to take my DD out of school, we're booked for Thanksgiving week this year, and I'm nervous about the crowds. What is it like during the week of Thanksgiving? I also noticed last year they did not do MVMCP during that week, is this normal? I'd appreciate any help. DD didn't get to go last Dec, so this is her first holiday trip.

 

[Hakunamatata]

I have never been during a holiday week. I was there last Dec during Pop Warner and never noticed any difference, wait times were normal. But because I didn't want to take my DD out of school, we're booked for Thanksgiving week this year, and I'm nervous about the crowds. What is it like during the week of Thanksgiving? I also noticed last year they did not do MVMCP during that week, is this normal? I'd appreciate any help. DD didn't get to go last Dec, so this is her first holiday trip.

Very popular topic.

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http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=17254&highlight=thanksgiving+week

 

[RiversideBunny]

A few comments, rather random-
We went once for Thanksgiving, mainly to see what it was like.

There were no special Thanksgiving decorations like at Christmas.

On the day after Thanksgiving we were the first to see the Christmas tree in the MK when we entered; they, at that time, put it up on that day.
Christmas decorations in general were in place on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

You might want to reserve a place for Thanksgiving dinner or lunch. A lot of the eating places have special menus for Thanksgiving. We went to Mickey's Backyard BBQ which had a special Thanksgiving theme for that day. It was very good. Got stuffed- all you can eat.

The crowds were not bad, except on Thanksgiving afternoon when it seemed that all of Orlando had finished their Thanksgiving meal and then headed for the MK. The Friday after Thanksgiving was more crowded than the days before it.

The airlines stick it to you, price wise, because everyone flies at about the same time for Thanksgiving. Reservations are harder to get than in December.

We've decided to go back to visiting WDW in December.
Actually we'll go anytime we can, though.

Have fun.

 

[tinkersmom96]

Wow, thank you all so much. I read through the links too. Last year I heard they came out with the decorations before Thanksgiving. How soon before did they go up? They had Osborne Lights before Thanksgiving last year, and I thought I read MVMCP started before too, but I saw no dates posted during actual TG Week. We will be there the 17-23. DD really wants to see the Christmas Decorations etc, but trying to work it around her school break is killing me. Anyone know when the events began last year? I didn't see it in any of the links posted.

 

[PhilharMagician]

MVMCP started last year on Nov 13th, but as already said it does not run during Thanksgiving week.

The Christmas decorations will start going up in early November.

Osborne lights started around Nov 13th last year also.

Epcot holiday celebrations start on the day after Thanksgiving. At that point you can see the Candlelight Processional, the Christmas story telling at each country around the World Showcase, Illuminations W/ the holiday tag and the tree lighting ceremony.

The Holly Dolly holidays parade in MGM Studios started last year in mid Nov.

The Jingle Jungle holiday parade in AK started in mid Nov last year.


So there is a lot of thing to see and do during that week. Just be ready for the crowds. We have been there for the past couple of years over the Thanksgiving week and it is quite crowded. Make sure you make any dining reservations at the 180 days mark or you may find it difficult to find a place for Thanksgiving dinner.

 

[Tiggerfanatic]

The Christmas decoration are beautiful but I would never go on Thanksgiving again. The crowds this year were awful. Luckily, this was the last time I have to plan around school vacation.

 

[tinkersmom96]

Thank you, that information is what I needed. I hate having to plan around school break, but I just can't see taking her out of school either. Our other option was the week between Christmas and New Years and I figured Thanksgiving was the lesser of two busy weeks. I am probably wrong :brick: DD can miss the Christmas Party if WDW is all :xmas: up, it will make it special for her. She keeps saying she can't wait to see the gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian. Last year they didn't change Country Bears, I really hope they bring back the Christmas show. We've never seen it! Thanks again!