1st time at T'giving: the good/bad/ugly?

[vamaggie]

We are planning a trip for T'giving-our first time at the holidays and first since 2007. We are going with another family (that we have traveled with a lot), 8 pple total. Any helpful hints, suggestions, must do's/must misses, etc. We will probably be staying at SoG or WL and most likely won't do the dining plan. Other than that we are open. Thanks!

[Strmchsr]

Depends on when you're arriving. Generally crowds aren't too bad early in the week and things start getting really crowded on Wednesday and last through Sunday. The best plan in that Wednesday through Sunday timeframe is to arrive at opening, take a break for a nap or a swim in the afternoon when crowds are at their peak and then come back in the evenings. That helps maximize your park time. If you can arrive Monday or Tuesday then hit all your "must dos" then. Keep in mind during Thanksgiving week they don't do the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and much of the Epcot stuff doesn't start until after Thanksgiving, so you'll miss some of that but the Osborne Lights will be up and running and the decorations will all be out.

[BigRedDad]

Crowds are manageable until Wednesday before. After that, it is slam packed. It is another one of the busiest times of the year come Wednesday. There are plenty of threads on managing the busiest times of year.

[DisneyFan1979]

I've been at Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Eve and found Thanksgiving to be the least crowded of these 3 peak holiday times. When I was there for Thanksgiving, we had Thanksgiving Day dinner at a relative's so I can't speak specifically to how crowded the park may be on that day. What I do recommend though is doing what we did for Christmas Day dinner and have it at one of the resort hotels--it was a wonderful, relaxing atmosphere as compared to the parks.

[KathyMJ]

My one bit of advice, whether on the dining plan or not, make sure you book your dining early! The restaurants really fill up that week.

Enjoy!!!

[vamaggie]

Thanks for the input. Unfortunately we are arriving on Weds (can't take that much time off to be there all week). Good thing is that both families have been before and don't really feel the need to "do it all". Missing the MVMCP is sad but not devastating-still excited to see all the decorations. Like the suggestion of T'giving dinner at a resort hotel vs park.

Any other suggestions/ideas are more than welcome.

[mousetrapper]

We've "done" Tgiving at WDW twice now. It is crowded but still manageable. I agree with the advice about avoiding MK if you can on the holiday itself. Last year we had Tgiving dinner at 50s PrimeTime Cafe for that "family" feel. It was OK but not outstanding. We did have a turkey leg and beer for lunch last year! (Only minor regret was that we missed the "Harbowl" on Thanksgiving - we're huge RAVENS fans/ticket holders and missed that home game! But we were in WDW so it was fine )

The other time we ate at Liberty Tree Tavern - satisfying home-style food but again, nothing to write home about.

It really is a great time to go...weather is nice and the Christmas decorations really get you in the holiday spirit.

Have a great time!