Weds/Thursday Thanksgiving week 2013

[Kristina1218]

We've been to WDW twice this year so far and this is our 3rd trip. I have been begging and begging to do Thanksgiving at WDW and finally got him to cave! We first went during the post-thanksgiving/pre-christmas sweet spot which was amazing for my birthday. We went back in april and it wasn't too bad but certainly more crowded than in the winter. From reading I know it's going to be significantly busy... Most either leave before these dates or arrive after. But due to a demanding nursing school schedule and having weekday passes... This is our only shot until our passes expire!

So lay it on me folks- who has done these days and just how bad is it? Is it mostly just MK? Or in general all parks are a hot mess? Any tips to get through it? I'm planning on making the most of Wednesday (being there at opening and doing everything we can) and letting Thursday be less structured in an attempt to not get frustrated with crazy lines/people.

 

[ninjaprincesst]

We go at Thanksgiving every year. It is really not that bad. Just try to avoid the Magic Kingdom on Thanksgiving day if possible, it is doable it is just by far the most crowded park, that being said, we did Magic Kingdom last year on Thanksgiving Day and it was not that bad. There were some long wait times but we still did everything we wanted to.

 

[coachwnh]

we have done three of the past four Thanksgivings. It can be crowded, but we always go into the parks early and get a lot done. The busiest days are Thanksgiving day through that Saturday. It does thin out by Sunday night and through the following week. Have fun!

 

[75disney]

We have gone at Thanksgiving for our last three trips. Crowds are manageable. It is crowded but I have never had to wait in any lines for more than 20 minutes (going in at rope drop and using Fast Pass of course). It is a great way to kick off the holiday season!

 

[Kristina1218]

Thanks!! Very much looking forward to it and hoping for some FL "winter" weather!

Is the thanksgiving parade in only MK? Or is it across all parks like the parades usually are?

 

[ToTBellHop]

Thanks!! Very much looking forward to it and hoping for some FL "winter" weather!

Is the thanksgiving parade in only MK? Or is it across all parks like the parades usually are?

There is no Thanksgiving Parade.

 

[Kristina1218]

There is no Thanksgiving Parade.

That's odd, I've seen it referenced quite a few times in other places.

 

[ToTBellHop]

That's odd, I've seen it referenced quite a few times in other places.

Where? WDW has never had one. They have a Christmas parade and had an Easter one. Only Thanksgiving parade is Macy's in NYC.

 

[Nemo14]

???

 

[ToTBellHop]

???

Pre parade I'd imagine? I'm sure CaDCT follows that handful of free workers and the mayor.

 

[Nemo14]

 

[ToTBellHop]

Exactly. 1 float with some hens is not a parade.

 

[raugust]

Confusion may lay in the fact that the annual WDW Christmas Parade is taped in a 2 or 3 day period right around the Thanksgiving Holiday.

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

We've been twice at Thanksgiving; once in 2001 and once in 2010. I don;t remember much about 2001 but 2010 was pretty crowded but we still did everything we wanted to do. We utilized FP to the max. I don't remember much about wait times other than Small World had a 25 minute wait. I think this past May when we went (Memorial Day week) was more crowed than Thanksgiving week.