Is the Week After Thanksgiving Busy at Disney World?
The week after Thanksgiving is a popular time for families to visit Disney World in Florida. However, is it truly busy? Let’s dive into the facts and figures to find out.
Pre-Thanksgiving Rush
Before the holiday, Disney World experiences a significant surge in attendance. This is due to the fact that many people take time off from work to spend with their families during the Thanksgiving holiday. According to Disney’s own data, the week before Thanksgiving is the busiest time of the year for the resort. This is because families with young children, who are often the primary reason for their visits, tend to plan their vacations around this time.
Peak Season
The week after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the peak season for Disney World. This is when the resort is at its busiest, with long lines and crowded attractions. The park’s attendance peaks on the Monday after Thanksgiving, with an average of 50,000 guests per day. This is followed by a steady stream of visitors throughout the week, with the busiest days being Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Special Events and Festivals
The week after Thanksgiving also coincides with several special events and festivals at Disney World. The Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival are just two of the many events that take place during this time. These events attract large crowds, with some areas of the park experiencing wait times of over an hour.
Crowd Calendars
To help plan your visit, Disney World has released crowd calendars for the week after Thanksgiving. These calendars provide a detailed breakdown of the park’s attendance and wait times for each day of the week. Here is a sample crowd calendar for the week after Thanksgiving:
| Day | Attendance | Wait Times |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 50,000+ | 30-60 minutes |
| Tuesday | 40,000+ | 20-40 minutes |
| Wednesday | 35,000+ | 15-30 minutes |
| Thursday | 30,000+ | 10-20 minutes |
| Friday | 25,000+ | 5-15 minutes |
| Saturday | 20,000+ | 2-10 minutes |
| Sunday | 15,000+ | 1-5 minutes |
Tips for Visiting During the Week After Thanksgiving
If you’re planning to visit Disney World during this time, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your trip:
- Arrive early: Get to the park as soon as it opens to beat the crowds and take advantage of shorter wait times.
- Use the My Disney Experience app: This app allows you to check wait times, make dining reservations, and even order food from your phone.
- Consider a park hopper ticket: If you want to visit multiple parks in one day, a park hopper ticket is a great option.
- Take advantage of early morning Extra Magic Hours: If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, take advantage of early morning Extra Magic Hours to beat the crowds.
- Pack snacks and water: Bringing your own snacks and water can help you avoid long lines and make your day more enjoyable.
Crowd Levels
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some crowd levels for the week after Thanksgiving:
- Monday after Thanksgiving: 50,000+ guests per day
- Tuesday after Thanksgiving: 40,000+ guests per day
- Wednesday after Thanksgiving: 35,000+ guests per day
- Thursday after Thanksgiving: 30,000+ guests per day
- Friday after Thanksgiving: 25,000+ guests per day
- Saturday after Thanksgiving: 20,000+ guests per day
- Sunday after Thanksgiving: 15,000+ guests per day
Conclusion
The week after Thanksgiving is a busy time for Disney World, but it’s not impossible to visit. By planning ahead, using the right tools, and taking advantage of special events and festivals, you can make the most of your trip. Remember to arrive early, use the My Disney Experience app, and take advantage of early morning Extra Magic Hours to make your day more enjoyable. With a little planning and preparation, you can have a magical time at Disney World, even during the busiest time of the year.