Talk to me about Thanksgiving...

[kristinhawk]

We are seasoned DL visitors - have been driving there from Phx to visit 3-4 times/year for many years. We have been there every season, dealt with all types of weather, in crazy big crowds and crowds so small we felt we had the run of the place. However - we have never attempted an actual holiday. This year, we are meeting folks there for (gasp) THANKSGIVING. Will be there Weds-Sun. My kids are now 7, 4 and 6 months. We will be with another family with children ages 11, 13 and 18. 10 of us in total

Trolling around, I have seen many dire warnings - "one of the worst times to visit", "count on gate closures", "avoid, avoid, avoid."

BUT - we find that we like the park on busy days - all lines open, all food stands running, fully staffed park - it can be frustrating when it's not that crowded but not everything is running full throttle. Plus, because we visit often, we are not insane about doing EVERYTHING all at once, and we have our own system that works well for us. We will be staying on property.

That said, I can handle the truth, and you guys are awesome in sharing your experiences. Give me the low down. Is this a bad call? What does "gate closure" really mean to us (AP holders) and will it definitely happen? What would be your game plan?

Also - we don't yet have any meal reservations - too late? Any reccomendations?

Thanks so much!

[curtsinore]

You are seasoned DL visitors, you will have no problems during the Thanksgiving visit. I was there in 2007 and been watching this holiday as we have a large famiy gathering in 2011 on Thanksgiving. I have a trip report for that year 2007, about 16 pages back on trip report post. Wednesday night will be crowded, Thursday will be light, not sure about the rest of the weekend. I have not read of any gate closures for this week or any crowded visits. So this is not a bad call, HOWEVER, I think it will be crowded for your age group of children in terms of waiting for rides. Whereas the other family has older children that can benifit from the use of fastpasses. So, I think your biggest problem is coming to terms with splitting up age groups for their dark rides and gathering together to do all the age approriate rides like soaring, grizz, buzz, small world, etc. I think the holiday will have a impact on ride choice for you age groups.

[CADisneyFam]

yes please let me know. I've always wanted to go for thanksgiving week and if my husband can get the time off we might go for 2011.

[808Disney]

My family has been in Disneyland for Halloween,Thanksgiving, Christmas, and we will be there for New Years this year. We live in Hawaii but we travel there every other year... Holidays are our very FAVORITE TIME because to us its extra special!! As my experience... Its extremely crowded during the Holidays. And thats no lie! However, we always spend a week there so we take our time and soak in all the Disney Magic. I have never seen a gate closure during the Holidays I've been there...but we always stay in the park until the end. As for your age of children I agree with curtsinore! Its a bit hard with little ones and dealing with people pushing in the crowds especially when it comes to strollers. Most crowds would be during parades or waiting for any shows. However, if you love Disney like we do.... Crowds or not we just "Charge"!!! If you love you live it!!!:p

[Malcon10t]

Gate closures are really only noticed if you are on the outside trying to get in. If you ride the train and realize it is happening, you can see the lines waiting to get in.

Christmas is my favorite time to be there.

[kristinhawk]

Thanks or the input so far. My 4 and 7 year olds are TALL and can ride almost everything, so I think we will be good with fastpasses. The other family we're traveling with is family : ) and we visit Disneyland together often so that also will help - we are great at handing off, using the switch pass, etc. Looking forward to it! Still looking for any/all suggestions/advice!

[sierranevada]

I was there last year on Thanksgiving and it was very uncrowded - even the CM's commented on it. I know it gets more crowded Fri - Sun but if you are seasoned DL visitors, you will still have fun! Love the holiday decorations - it is a great time to visit!

[janell]

Gate clouseres happen every year on new years eve day. ( I've gone for 25+ years over new years). Some years the gate closed by 11:00 am.

I hear Thanksgivng slower. I assume Sunday would be a busier day as it tends to be an unblocked ap day. Not sure about that weekend.