Survive Disney World During Thanksgiving

No one does the holidays like Disney World and we mean NO ONE! Anytime you can get there is a great time to visit, but when you visit during a specific holiday, there is just extra magic everywhere! There are also extra crowds. This means it can be a stressful time to visit, if you allow it to be. Disney World can be stressful? Yes, it can. Don’t worry! Walt Express has 10 great tips to help get you through the Thanksgiving holidays at Disney World.

10 Tips On How To Survive Disney World During Thanksgiving Holidays

When schools in the U.S. are out, the crowds in Disney World will increase. Especially during a holiday time. The crowds during Thanksgiving are really unpredictable. Early in the week, you may see low crowds. Later in the week, BAM! Everyone shows up! There is a secret to surviving: PLAN, PLAN and then PLAN some more! A travel planner would be a great addition during this time! In this time of Covid, Thanksgiving at Disney World is going to look a little different. Be sure you KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

1. Dining reservations. Definitely grab reservations at the 60 day mark! Some restaurants in the parks and the resorts will host a traditional Thanksgiving feast, but you will want to grab that reservation early! Don’t wait!
2. NO Fast passes. Sadly, no fast passes for this year. Be sure to stay up to date on wait times through the My Disney Experience APP!
3. Rest. Don’t wear yourself out! Find the best resting spots right here: TOP SPOTS FOR A BREAK!
4. Good attitude. This is KEY! You KNOW it will be crowded and you KNOW the lines will be long. You ARE in Disney World…concentrate on the magic and have a good attitude.
5. Weather. For the most part, the weather is very pleasant during this time! Be prepared for rain. Bring ponchos and rain gear, just incase.
6. Which park to choose? This one is tricky. Magic Kingdom WILL BE the most crowded park. I mean, who doesn’t want to spend Thanksgiving Day in the Magic Kingdom? Choose another park to spend the day in or see number 8.
7. Be nice to cast members. Cast members are away from their families during the holidays so they can bring magic to YOUR family!
8. Avoid the parks. Resort hop on Thanksgiving day! Grab a dining reservation for Thanksgiving lunch or dinner at one of Disney World’s Resorts. Definitely think about a “family day” at the resort. Grab lunch or dinner at your resort (or hop over to another resort), lounge by the pool and RELAX! After all, you will want to save your energy for Black Friday shopping in Disney Springs!
9. Lines everywhere. There WILL be crowds and lines pretty much everywhere, but it’s totally doable! Be patient. Social distancing will be strictly enforced this year, making crowds appear larger.
10. Staying on-site. Seriously think about staying on-site for big holidays, especially for the “first timers”. Staying on-site does make getting around Walt Disney World property a lot easier when there are big crowds!

Extra Social Distancing Tips

• Bring and wear your mask!
• Be prepared for temperature checks, not only in the parks, but in sit down/table service restaurants.
• Social distancing will be strictly enforced.
• BE sure to check out Disney World’s KNOW BEFORE YOU GO page to stay up to date!

Patience Required To Survive Disney World During Thanksgiving

While there are tons of ways to “do Disney”, these are just some tips and tricks that we have learned along the way. If this is the only time you and your family are able to visit Disney World, then it’s a perfect time! Our editor and chief has been going on Thanksgiving for many years. Although it is not her favorite time to go, due to the crowds, it is still an adventure and makes for great family memories. The secret to her success is patience!

What are your thoughts about visiting Disney World on Thanksgiving? Did you survive? We would love to hear all about it!

Head on over to our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, for lots of Disney World tips and fun!

Our travel planners over at Walt Express Travel can help you plan the most magical experience ever! And, their services are FREE!

The post 10 Tips On How To Survive Disney World During Thanksgiving Holidays appeared first on WaltExpress.com.

What To Expect In Disney World During The Month Of November

Disney World in November is a pretty magical place to be! The Holidays are in full force beginning on November 1st! A Halloween to Christmas transformation happens pretty much overnight!

Magical Happenings

Festivals, new lands, delicious foods to try and parties, November has it ALL! There will also be crowds! Read on to find out when the crowds are the worst!

Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival will still be going strong this month. Learn how to get the absolute most out of your Food and Wine experience! This festival will end on November 12th!

Toy Story Land just opened in late summer, so there is a whole new land to explore. We have some great videos of this new land. Just click the link!

Beginning on November 18th, the Festival of the Holidays will begin! This is a beautiful AND yummy festival, letting you see and feel how Christmas is celebrated in different countries. What a sight to behold!

Also back this month, is the Candlelight Processional. Click the link and find out why you don’t want miss this one! It will begin Thanksgiving weekend, November 22nd!

Saving the BEST for last, guess what else is back? Yep, MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY!! This one is absolutely amazing!! The dates for this year’s party are:

• November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27 and 29

Weather in November

November is a tricky month as far as weather is concerned. Average temps are around high 70’s. The evenings may get a little chilly, so bring a light jacket. It still rains a good bit, so keep those ponchos in check and close by!

Crowds in November

There are some slower moments in the month of November, but Veteran’s Day and of course, Thanksgiving, will bring A LOT of people!  Dad’s CROWD CALENDAR for the month of November can help.

If you are someone who does not like crowds or experience anxiety in a crowded area here is HELP when dealing with crowds at Disney World!

Refurbishments and Closures

It’s never fun to plan a trip to Disney World and then find out your favorite attraction is undergoing refurbishments. While there is still a ton to do, it’s still nice to have a backup plan. From attractions to dining to the resorts, if there are any refurbishments going on, we will list it here.

Please note that our information comes straight from Disney and sometimes this information changes daily. We will do our best to keep it updated.

MONORAIL

The Disney World Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. If Guests plan to use this form of transportation during their visit they should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. Ongoing until further notice.

Be prepared for delays. If you plan on using the monorail and you have dining reservations, you will want to allow for extra time!

MAGIC KINGDOM

• Liberty Square Riverboat: Jan. 8, 2018 – TBD

EPCOT

• Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe: Feb. 26, 2018 – TBD

ANIMAL KINGDOM

• No reported refurbishments

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

• No reported refurbishments

RESORTS

• Caribbean Beach: This resort begins a lengthy refurbishment beginning in early May. Refurbishments include Old Port Royale Food Court, Shutters at Old Port Royale, Banana Cabana Pool Bar and Calypso Trading Post. This process will be ongoing from May of this year until 2018. Find out ALL of the details you will need to know about this refurbishment right HERE: Caribbean Beach Refurbishment.
• Disney Skyliner: We have embarked on creating a new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, which will give Guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9am. Will be going on through Fall 2018.

• Art of Animation: Disney Skyliner
  We have embarked on creating a new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, which will give Guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9 am. Ongoing through 2018.
• Boardwalk Inn and Villas: In an effort to make future visits more magical, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas is currently undergoing some refurbishment projects across the Resort. During this time, the Resort will be in full operation with all amenities available, including dining, merchandise and recreation locations. It is possible that construction may be seen or heard, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 am. Ongoing until further notice.
• Pop Century:  Disney Skyliner
  We have embarked on creating a new transportation system, Disney Skyliner, which will give Guests a bird’s-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort while traveling via gondolas. During this time construction noise may be seen or heard throughout the resort, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9am.
• All Star Movies:  Rooms Refurbishment
  During this time, it is possible that Guests may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 am. All resort amenities including dining and merchandise locations will remain in full operation. Early 2019. We recently visited this resort and were sprinkled with pixie dust! Click the link and take a peek at the newly refurbished rooms!

• Coronado Springs: A few refurbishments are going on.

The Dig Site, home to The Lost City of Cibola Pool, volleyball court, playground, Iguana Arcade and Siestas Cantina, will be closed for refurbishment. While this work takes place, our other exceptional amenities, including three leisure pools, dining and merchandise locations, La Vida Health Club, Salon & Spa and recreation activities, including Movies Under the Stars and Campfires with Marshmallows, will remain available. Fall through Winter 2018.

Room Refurbishment: During this time, amenities including dining locations (such as the newly re-imagined Rix Sports Bar and Grill) and merchandise locations, pools, La Vida Health Club with the spa and salon, and recreation activities such as beach volleyball, Iguana Arcade, Movies Under the Stars and more, will remain available. Please note that noise will be heard while our Resort is undergoing refurbishments, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms prior to 9:00 am daily. Ongoing.

Pepper Market:
During this time, the quick-service restaurant, Pepper Market, will undergo minor refurbishment work, but will remain in operation. If Guests would like to experience one of the other dining locations, they can visit Maya Grill, Las Ventanas, Café Rix, Laguna Bar, Siestas Cantina and the newly reimagined space, Rix Sports Bar & Grill, featuring a variety of sandwiches, salads and refreshing beverages. All amenities will remain in operation, including the Dig Site pool area, La Vida Health Club, Salon & Spa and the Iguana Arcade. Through Summer 2019.

• Animal Kingdom Lodge. Jambo House – Rooms Refurbishment
  During this room refurbishment, it is possible that Guests may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 am. Mid-August 2018 through Fall 2019.
• Port Orleans French Quarter: Pool Refurbishments
  Room Refurbishments
  During this room refurbishment, it is possible that Guests may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 am. All dining and merchandise locations will remain in full operation. July 2018 through Early 2019.
• Port Orleans Riverside: Room Refurbishments
  During this room refurbishment, it is possible that Guests may see or hear construction, but noise should not be heard from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 am. All dining and merchandise locations will remain in full operation. July 2018 through Early 2019.

For more information on the new transportation options coming, check out: New Transportation Options

DISNEY SPRINGS

• No reported refurbishments

WATER PARKS

• Blizzard Beach closed on October 28 for it’s regular refurbishment. It is scheduled to reopen on January 5, 2019.

runDisney

• Wine and Dine Marathon Weekend will be November 1-4, 2018.

ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS

Intermittent overnight lane closures, lane shifts, traffic congestion and noise impacts can be expected along Osceola Parkway / Victory Way.

Be sure to check the calendar right here: ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS CALENDAR.

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