How are the crowds the week of Thanksgiving?

Very busy. If you have more flexibility, you're much better off going in the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I would suggest doing a search in the WDW forums for "thanksgiving" to get a better idea of what to expect.

We went the week before Thanksgiving but left the day before Thanksgiving. It was not crowded at all during that time.

We went the week before Thanksgiving but left the day before Thanksgiving. It was not crowded at all during that time.

I agree--we've been for Thanksgiving three or four times. It's usually pretty good the few days before. But ON the day of Thanksgiving--it's quite crowded. I think a lot of folks visit family in Florida and head to the parks that weekend.

We flew home the day before Thanksgiving and Orlando airport and BWI were crazy crowded. Thank goodness it was a direct flight.

Every other year we are in Disney from the day after Thanksgiving for a week. The week after T-day is usually not to crowded, we don't wait in lines more then 20minutes- if it's longer we come back later.
We will be going this year and flying for the first time, we used to drive before last year. It looks like it is cheaper to fly Friday then Sat...what do you all think the airports will be like (PHL & MCO).

It looks like it is cheaper to fly Friday then Sat...what do you all think the airports will be like (PHL & MCO).

The airports will be insanely busy, although probably not quite as bad on Friday as they would be on Saturday or especially Sunday. We did a similar trip the year before last. Although I thought it was a pretty good time to be in the Orlando area from the standpoint of crowd sizes and such, the air travel was very hectic and extremely expensive (the total airfare was probably around $500 or so more than we usually pay for a family of 3). I don't really think we would be likely to do that exact schedule again. The crowds aren't much different a week later and the costs and conditions of travel are a lot better.

-Jeff

The crowds aren't much different a week later and the costs and conditions of travel are a lot better.

-Jeff

With driving in the past its never been an issue with crowds. But I will see how it is after this year, I may consider going a week later with the added bonus of being there for DH's b-day which is usually a few days after we get home. In the past I have not even really thought about it, especially with as far behind I already get with Christmas* (my least fav holiday). Although if I don't leave the day after Thanksgiving maybe I could do the decorating, minus the tree, before we leave and I already wrap presents as they are bought so thats not to bad. Hmmm I am really going to have to think about it a lot over the next year...

*You know they should really make it on the same day each year then maybe I would know it's coming and it would be OK. Some how it seems to sneak up on me every year! :eek: :rolleyes: :|

Just to add some weight to my own advice, I'll note that I am likely putting my money where my mouth is here. My wife and I just had a discussion about scheduling our annual trip this year and we are looking at 12/6-12/15... :)

-Jeff

Just to add some weight to my own advice, I'll note that I am likely putting my money where my mouth is here. My wife and I just had a discussion about scheduling our annual trip this year and we are looking at 12/6-12/15... :)

-Jeff


We went Dec 7-15, 2007. Crowds were more than I expected based on crowd predictions and message boards, but I'm wondering if the perfect weather had a lot of locals visiting. It was still manageable, but definitely required some planning to get on the "main attractions."