I have several families headed to Disney World over Thanksgiving, and I've been deep in planning mode for all of them.
Thanksgiving week is magical. The parks are dressed up for the holidays, the weather is gorgeous, and families finally have a few days off together.
It's also one of the busiest weeks of the entire year. So let's talk about how you actually do Disney when everyone else had the same idea. 😅
Here's my honest take: during a busy season, you can't guarantee everything. But you can absolutely have a great trip. It just takes a different game plan.
1. Always Have a Backup Plan (and a Backup for the Backup)
During busy weeks, the reservations everyone wants go fast. Character meals, Cinderella's Royal Table, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, signature dining... even with perfect timing at 60 days out, sometimes a reservation is just gone.
That's why every family I plan for has a Plan A, a Plan B, and usually a Plan C:
Plan A: The dream reservation we go after the second your window opens
Plan B: A similar experience that's a little easier to get (Akershus instead of Cinderella's Royal Table, for example)
Plan C: A great quick-service option nearby with mobile order, so nobody is hangry if A and B don't come through
And missing at drop doesn't mean we stop trying. I track the reservations still on your wish list, so when someone cancels (and people always cancel, especially in the last week before a holiday trip), I can grab it for you.
2. Lightning Lane Isn't Optional During Busy Weeks
On a regular week, I'll sometimes tell families they can skip Lightning Lane on certain days. Thanksgiving week is not one of those weeks.
When standby waits stretch to 90 minutes or more, Lightning Lane is how you actually get your must-dos done. Here's what matters most:
Book the second your window opens. Disney resort guests can buy up to 7 days before their stay starts, and everyone else 3 days before each park day, starting at 7:00 AM Eastern. During busy weeks, the best return times go fast.
Lead with your biggest must-do. Book the ride that matters most to your family first, not the one with the best time slot.
Budget for Single Pass. Prices change by date, and the most popular rides cost more during peak weeks. If Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or TRON is a must, plan for it ahead of time.
Consider Premier Pass for a big day. If you only have one day at Magic Kingdom and it lands on a holiday, it might be worth it. We'll talk through it together.
3. Flexibility Is Your Best Friend
The families who have the best time during busy seasons are the ones who go with the flow. A few ways to build flexibility in:
Rope drop. Get there before the park opens and knock out a few rides while waits are at their lowest.
Take a midday break. Head back to the pool or the room when crowds peak, then come back for the evening.
Check the evening schedule. Some nights, Magic Kingdom closes early to regular guests for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. I'll flag those dates when we plan your park days.
Plan a rest day. You know I love a mid-trip rest day, and it matters even more when the parks are packed.
Let go of the checklist. You might not ride everything. And that's okay! Some of my favorite Disney memories happened in between the rides.
4. Kindness Is KEY 🤍
This one might be the most important. During holiday weeks, the parks are full, lines are long, and everyone is a little tired. That includes the Cast Members, many of whom are spending their own holiday away from family so we can make memories with ours.
A little patience and a "thank you" go a long way. My favorite saying, especially these times of year is “Pack your patience!” Remember to be kind to the Cast Member at the Lightning Lane entrance. Be kind to the family who accidentally bumped your stroller. Be kind to yourself when the plan doesn't go perfectly.
Kindness doesn't just make someone else's day better. It makes yours better too.
Let Me Do the Heavy Lifting
Planning a busy-season trip takes more strategy, more early mornings, and more backup plans. That's exactly what I'm here for. As a licensed Travelmation travel agent who specializes in all things Disney, I'll build your dining wish list (with backups), set up your Lightning Lane plan, map out your park days around events and crowds, and keep hunting for reservations right up until you leave.
Thinking about Christmas, spring break, or next Thanksgiving? Head to thatkatiefath.com/travel and let's start planning.
xoxo,
Katie