Should I go the Saturday after Thanksgiving?

by John
(Little Rock, Arkansas, USA)

I am planning my first trip to Disney World since 1981... My wife has never been, and we don't get to vacation often at all. We are looking at a 12 day stay at Port Orleans River View in early December 2016. My question is this: with Pop Warner being in town around the 6th or so, would the crowds be better if we started our stay on the Saturday after Thanksgiving? Any help would be much appreciated.

You can even see Santa in the Snow on Main Street - Photo by Disney Photo Snapper

Dad's might be a good idea Answer

John,

Hi neighbor (I'm in Oklahoma).

Crowds in late November and early December are pretty light. Even the Pop Warner Football and Cheerleader Championships don't really affect crowds except at the Magic Kingdom.

I think arriving on the day after Thanksgiving would probably be the best plan. If you come any later you'll get the full week of Pop Warner. Even though Pop Warner crowds aren't bad, missing them will make things better.

Dad's November Disney World Crowds page
Dad's December Disney World Crowds page

For years, I've made the week after Thanksgiving one of my top picks for the best weeks to visit WDW.

Dad's Best Weeks to Visit WDW in 2014 page

Yeah, I need to get the 2015 list up, but it will be about the same as 2014.

Twelve days will be plenty to see everything at a nice leisurely pace. That would be enough even with big crowds. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and Dad's Favorite time to visit WDW.

Dad's Christmas at Disney World page

 

John, I do hope that you will get in touch with our partners at Destinations to Travel. The do an incredible job of preparing you for a trip. For a first time, or first time in a long time, guest I would really recommend it.

Yes, if you book with them from my site I'll get some money, but this is not about money. I want you to have the best possible experience and Destinations to Travel will give you the help you need and be there if you need anything at all.

Dad's Bottom Line

John, since you are staying 12 days, the crowds won't matter much, but you've picked about the best time to go. You'll have a great time. Who knows, you might see even get to see Dad himself.