Visiting DLR and DCA during Thanksgiving

[Thomas_M]

Hello Everyone,

I haven't posted on here in quite a while but I constantly browse the site. More so the Disneyland portion of this site because I recently booked a trip to visit L.A. for a few days. I'm not staying in Anaheim so only have one full day to spend at both parks.

I am arriving the Wednesday before thanksgiving and wanted to spend a full day at DLR/DCA. Fortunately for me the parks are open early and close late due to the holidays.

My main question, if someone would be so kind to assist me, would be when if at all during the Thanksgiving weekend (Thurs-Sun) is the best time to go. For instance would going on Thursday mean the parks will be LESS busy or MORE busy because of the holiday? Due to the hours I will spend the entire day regardless but a heads up would be greatful.

Also, a couple of side questions:

Would making advance reservations at Blue Bayou be recommended now, because I hear that is the best spot to dine for dinner if you're going to spend the day at the park (and request a window table)

Where is the best spot in the park to watch the "Believe" fireworks show at night? I don't think it's possible to get a good spot to watch the show and then run to make the 930 fantasmic show but I figured it would be worth a shot, lol

I appreciate everyone's time and patience reading through this and am very grateful for your answers. Enjoy the rest of your day. :wave:

 

[Nicole220]

Hm. I think the whole week is going to be very busy because of the holiday. Most schools let out for the last part of the week. I'd say go Friday, maybe Thrusday. Avoid Saturday and Sunday, weekends are horrific!

Definitely make reservations for Blue Bayou...that place fills up fast!

The best place to watch Believe...in Holiday Magic is right in front of the castle. They shoot some amazing pyro from the castle...it shouldn't be missed! If you're facing the castle, try to get a spot to the right, because the trees block the fireworks on the left side. Definitely get there 1-2 hours before the show starts to get a good seat.

Here's a sample of the pyro that goes off from the castle:


If you really want to see Fantasmic, then you can sit in front of Tom Sawyer's Island. They play the music there and you still have a great view of the fireworks. The snow also falls there.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
Enjoy your trip!!

 

[mouselvrmom]

Thomas, I have nothing to add about your questions, but I just wanted to say that I love your avatar! We haven't seen the white rabbit in forever and we miss him.

 

[MainSt1993]

Hey Thomas!

Thanksgiving Day (Thursday) will likely be the busiest of the whole weekend. Sunday will be your safest bet. Plan to get there when (or better yet before) the park opens. This is a weekend the park will reach capacity.

You'll definitely want to be on Main St for the fireworks, where it "snows" at the end. I'd opt for the 10:30 Fantasmic instead of the 9 pm. Understand that it's difficult moving that many people all at once, so just follow the direction of the friendly cast members and go with the flow - you'll get there on time. For Fantasmic viewing, if the riverfront is full (which is likely to be the case) the viewing area behind the center tower is the next best place. Don't worry - the tower will raise before show time.

You may want to consider 2 days to see everything, especially because it will be busy. I'm looking forward to my own trip - I'll be there 11/19!

 

[MainSt1993]

Oh, and definitely make reservations for Blue Bayou. You can't request waterside when making the reservation, but when you arrive you can request it. It's usually an additional 30-45 minute wait.