Help! Very impromptu short trip during Thanksgiving

[mommyluvsnoah]

So our in-laws have purchased a condo on Marco Island and we are going down the week of Thanksgiving to visit them. They called this weekend to say they would like to take us to Orlando for a couple of days during that week but they want us to pick whether to go at the beginning or end of Thanksgiving week. This is so last minute and I have not researched anything at this point so thought y'all might be able to help me figure out where to look for crowds, etc. We are flying down on Sunday Nov 20th and leaving that following Saturday so we would be looking at Monday/Tuesday of that Week or possibly Thursday/Friday. Any advice?

BTW, not even sure which parks yet but probably Universal will be one (which I know is not part of Disney) and one of the Disney parks will be the other day.

TIA for any guidance you can offer!

 

[R W B]

From what ive read on here from others is that thanksgiving week is the busiest week next to the week between Xmas and new years. I've never been but I would say expect a heavy crowd no matter which days you go.

 

[mickeysshoes]

We have been for the week of Thanksgiving but was back in 2007. I really dont recall how it was then..but I would suggest going at the beging of the week. Either one you choose you will hit traffic on the roads getting into the area...you might want to make your choice around when traffic will be better!!!

 

[mommyluvsnoah]

Thanks for the advice. I figured earlier would be better but thought I would double check. Of course this isn't the ideal week we would pick but it's a free trip so we are thrilled and thankful anyway!

 

[wdwmemories]

I agree - if you can get the trip in earlier you will be a little better off.

I checked the touring plans . com web site. They said Monday had (8 out of 10) crowd levels, the rest of the week as (10 out of 10).

So it will definitely be crowded, but maybe a bit less early on.

BTW, I'm not paid for this but the touring plans site may be helpful - it shows the least crowded parks and crowd estimates.

Have fun and enjoy!

 

[coachwnh]

spent the last 2 thanksgivings in wdw. we arrive the day before, after 9 pm. the crowds are big the next few days, but by sunday evening things start to quiet down. by the end of the following week, its very manageable and actually a great time to spend at wdw! hope this helps

 

[Dad 2 M & M]

spent the last 2 thanksgivings in wdw. we arrive the day before, after 9 pm. the crowds are big the next few days, but by sunday evening things start to quiet down. by the end of the following week, its very manageable and actually a great time to spend at wdw! hope this helps

I would say Monday and Tuesday would be way better than Thursday/Friday. If at all possible, wait until the week after.

 

[Retlaw Yensid]

I've gone every Thanksgiving (will be going for this one too) for the last 5 years or so and I don't mind the crowds. Supposedly it is one of the busiest weeks of the year, but I'm accustomed to it from going during this time so often and don't have a problem with it. I always manage to be able to hit all my favorites anyway. Unfortunately, I don't think you will be able to get any dining reservations since you found out about the trip so late. One time we were on the Magical Express on the way to our resort and some lady was on the phone trying to make dining reservations for the week and based on her reposnses the caste member helping her must have thought she was a lunatic for trying to make reservations so late. Good luck though!

 

[Princess_Minnie]

We went at Thanksgiving last year braced for crowds, but really didn't get any. :shrug: It was actually less crowded than Spring Break. So either we had really good timing and just beat the crowd everywhere we went, or it just wasn't packed...I don't know. But it wasn't bad.

Check the touring plans site. We hit AK on Thanksgiving and it was very manageable, since most of the people went to MK to start their day. We ate an early Thanksgiving dinner at a place kinda off the map, then hit the parks when most of the crowds would be having their food. Just try to think opposite of everyone else and you will have the best chance to get everything done.

 

[hemloc]

Black Friday is historically the worst day of the year at WDW... Avoid at all costs, lol!!

 

[kstella]

I would suggest that if you are planning on a ts meal, you make an ADR asap!

 

[lbrad]

Although this was 3 years ago ... we arrived on Black Friday ....stayed at POFQ ... went to DHS for Osbourne Lights... we were there EARLY when they "flipped the switch" and did great ... crowds starting forming as the night went on.

EPCOT Saturday ... Holidays Around the World... back to resort for a swim/nap ... back to EPCOT for dinner & Candlelight Processional & Illuminations. Gorgeous day ... light crowd.

DTD Sunday for lunch at T Rex ... back to resort for swim/nap... TO MK for MVMCP ... park was almost empty (rain/drizzle) :sohappy:

Flew home Monday

 

[Lisalyn]

Except for this year, I've been the past 3 years over Thanksgiving week - the whole week. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are very do-able and not to bad at all. Come Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving....you have to go commando LOL You actually see a surge in crowds and wait times that are unbelievable..at points 90 minutes to 2 hours and most fast passes and done by 10 a.m.- 11 a.m. You can still ride Wednesday and on..but you are going to wait forever. So if you have a couple days to choose...take Sunday and Monday. If I remember correctly my daughter and I didn't wait longer then 30 minutes or so for anything...Have fun!:wave:

And PS - the holiday decorations and such at WDW are amazing! I love going this time of year. Definitely puts you in the Christmas spirit and such. Do NOT miss Osborne Lights at Disney Hollywood Studios. If you can get there for the flip of the "light switch" to get the show going - its a moment you will never forget. Hands down my favorite favorite thing at WDW.

Lisa