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Disney/Universal over Thankgiving Holiday

Discussion in 'General Chat Forum' started by Chase, Sep 28, 2010.

  1. Chase

    Chase New Member

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    We're thinking about going to Orlando over Thanksgiving now that the kids are out of school the entire week. We would stay at Universal and go there for two days then spend a few days in Disney by driving into the parks each day. Any advice, opinions? How crowded is it then?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Tech Head

    Tech Head New Member

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    My experience is mixed. The days leading up to Thanksgiving are very pleasant - great weather, low crowds. But starting on Thanksgiving Day and the rest of the week, the parks are beyond crowded! On two days, they had to close the Magic Kingdom because they were at capacity. Believe me, you don't want to be there then.

    I don't know about Universal, but that's been my experience at Disney.
     
  3. sharse

    sharse TeamDonzi rocks!!

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    Last year we flew to Orlando the day after Thanksgiving and went to Hollywood Studios a few days after that. It wasn't empty but it wasn't a zoo either.
     
  4. PDILLM

    PDILLM Well-Known Member

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    Have to echo Tech Head's experience. Thanksgiving day on was a zoo and we wound up staying at our disney resort and hanging out at the pool, etc. Its basicially a four day weekend for everyone, so its pretty crowded!
     
  5. Chase

    Chase New Member

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    Thanks for the information! We're still deciding but we'll probably go on Friday night and come back on Thanksgiving and hopefully miss the worst of the crowds.
     
  6. JLC

    JLC Member

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    I have the "Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2010" that I picked up when we were planning on a trip this fall. We're not going and the book is gathering dust. You can have it if you want it.
     
  7. webeadams

    webeadams New Member

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    How about Disney over New Year's? It's probably mobbed, isn't it? Anyone celebrated New Year's at Disney?
     
  8. Winston

    Winston Junior Mint

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    I did a million years ago. The place was wall to wall people. It reached capacity not long after we arrived, and they stopped allowing people in.

    Don't do it unless you're a masochist.
     
  9. Chase

    Chase New Member

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    I think Disney is pretty crowded Xmas week and New Years. Here is a link to a website with a crowd calendar - you have to subscribe to see December but it does show Thanksgiving. I'm guessing it is similar.

    http://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/crowd-calendar

    We are going - flying down on Sunday and back on Thursday so it's a short trip. We're concentrating on Universal though and may not go to Disney.
     
  10. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    It is literally - by all metrics - the busiest time of year at Disney.
     
  11. OHMH

    OHMH New Member

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    We flew down there on Christmas day and back on the 31st. It was crowded but we still got to do all the rides we wanted - even did some twice. I did follow the "Unofficial Guide to Disney" and it worked like magic. Also helped that we stayed within the park and so did not have to deal with traffic going in and out. I would strongly suggest staying within the park to save a few hours to and from parking lots!
     
  12. ExRIGuy

    ExRIGuy New Member

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    I've been to Disney 4 times in 7 years. I went once for the Christmas to New Years week and didn't enjoy it a bit: you will only be able to do half as many rides/attractions, not eat where you want and will stress beyond belief if you have small children as they get lost in the crowd constantly. Any you won't get good hotel deals either . . . my opinion, that's it.
     
  13. T8ergirl

    T8ergirl New Member

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    And no matter when you go, I have to echo the "Unofficial Guide". You simply should not ever do Disney without it. Also, their website www.touringplans.com is very helpful. Another resource is www.allears.net.
     
  14. ExRIGuy

    ExRIGuy New Member

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    also try www.disboards.com
     
  15. webeadams

    webeadams New Member

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    Is this book still available? If not, where can I get one? Thanks for all the good info everyone! I think we are going to try and go the third week in December. So Disney will be all dressed up for Christmas but the crowds will come the following two weeks.
     
  16. JLC

    JLC Member

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    No, someone PM'd me asking for it and I gave it to them. I originally got it from Amazon. Looks like the library might have a copy.
     
  17. Sunny

    Sunny Chief Advisor

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    we went the 3rd or 4th week a few years ago, came home Christmas eve and were in heaven. We got a great rate- each park was magically decorated, and it couldn't have been a better gift for us from us:)
    Have a great time!!
     
  18. Mr. Linux

    Mr. Linux Senior Member & Moderator Forum Staff

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    Buy a copy on Amazon - it's a great investment and worth every penny...
     

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