How busy is Disney in November? This question weighs heavily on the minds of many planning a magical getaway. November offers a unique blend of pleasant weather, potentially smaller crowds than peak holiday seasons, yet still faces the impact of Thanksgiving. This exploration delves into the intricacies of Disney World and Disneyland attendance during November, examining factors like school schedules, special events, and weather patterns to help you determine if your dream Disney trip aligns with the expected crowd levels.
We’ll analyze crowd levels across different days of the week, compare November’s busyness to other popular travel months, and provide actionable strategies for navigating the parks, especially during the Thanksgiving rush. Understanding the nuances of November’s attendance will empower you to plan your trip effectively, maximizing your enjoyment and minimizing wait times. We’ll also cover hotel occupancy and pricing to provide a comprehensive picture of what to expect on your Disney adventure in November.
Crowd Levels in Disney Parks During November
November offers a potentially sweet spot for Disney park visits, balancing pleasant weather with generally lower crowds than the peak holiday season. However, crowd levels still fluctuate depending on the specific week and park. Understanding these variations is crucial for planning a smoother and more enjoyable trip.
Typical Crowd Levels in November
Crowd levels at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland in November are typically lower than the peak months of December and July. Weekdays generally see significantly lighter crowds than weekends, particularly during the first half of the month. The later part of November, as Thanksgiving approaches, experiences a gradual increase in crowds, leading to potentially higher attendance on the weekend encompassing the holiday. At Disneyland, the crowds can be more substantial on weekends throughout November due to local Southern California visitors.
Comparison with Other Popular Travel Months
Compared to December, November offers considerably less crowded conditions, especially before Thanksgiving week. December sees a massive surge in visitors due to the Christmas holiday season. July, on the other hand, often contends with high summer crowds and intense heat. November provides a more moderate experience, although it’s still wise to secure park reservations and dining in advance, especially for weekends. Think of it as a Goldilocks scenario: not too crowded, not too empty, just right (relatively speaking!). For example, waiting times for popular rides in December might average 90 minutes, while in November, the average might be closer to 45 minutes, especially on weekdays.
Factors Influencing November Crowd Levels
Several factors influence the ebb and flow of crowds in November. School holidays play a significant role; if a school district has a break overlapping with a weekend in November, expect a noticeable increase in attendance. Special events, such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Walt Disney World) or any special holiday-themed events at both parks, also draw significant numbers. The proximity to Thanksgiving significantly impacts the latter half of the month, causing a spike in crowds as families gather for the holiday. Furthermore, weather conditions can indirectly influence attendance. Pleasant, mild temperatures generally encourage higher visitation compared to days with inclement weather.
November Crowd Level Predictions
| Park | Day of Week | Expected Crowd Level | Contributing Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walt Disney World (Magic Kingdom) | Weekday (Early November) | Low to Medium | Generally fewer visitors, potential for school schedules to impact. |
| Walt Disney World (Magic Kingdom) | Weekend (Early November) | Medium to High | Increased local and regional visitation. |
| Walt Disney World (Magic Kingdom) | Weekday (Late November) | Medium to High | Approaching Thanksgiving, potential for school breaks. |
| Walt Disney World (Magic Kingdom) | Weekend (Late November) | High | Thanksgiving holiday, increased travel and school breaks. |
| Disneyland (Park) | Weekday (Throughout November) | Medium | Generally moderate attendance, influenced by local Southern California visitors. |
| Disneyland (Park) | Weekend (Throughout November) | High | Significant increase in local and regional visitors. |
Impact of Thanksgiving on Disney World and Disneyland Attendance: How Busy Is Disney In November
Thanksgiving week significantly impacts attendance at both Disney World and Disneyland, transforming the typically bustling November crowds into a surge of holiday visitors. This period sees a considerable increase in guest numbers compared to other weeks in November, driven by families taking advantage of the long weekend and the festive atmosphere. Understanding this surge is crucial for planning a successful trip during this peak season.
Thanksgiving week consistently sees a substantial increase in attendance at both Disney World and Disneyland compared to a typical November week. While precise figures vary year to year based on the day of the week Thanksgiving falls on and other factors, expect a jump of at least 30-50%, potentially even higher. This translates to significantly longer wait times for popular attractions and a more crowded overall experience. The increase is particularly pronounced in the days immediately surrounding Thanksgiving itself. For example, data from past years shows a 40% increase in park attendance on Thanksgiving Day at Disneyland compared to a typical Wednesday in November. Similarly, Disney World experiences a comparable spike in attendance across all four parks.
Thanksgiving Crowd Distribution Across Parks and Attractions
The impact of Thanksgiving crowds is not evenly distributed across all parks and attractions. Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park, the flagship parks of each resort, experience the most significant increase in attendance. Popular attractions within these parks, such as “it’s a small world,” Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain, typically have the longest wait times. Conversely, parks like Epcot and Disney California Adventure may experience a smaller increase, though still above average November levels, making them potentially slightly less crowded options. However, even these parks will see notably higher visitor numbers during Thanksgiving week. For instance, in 2022, Radiator Springs Racers in Disney California Adventure saw average wait times exceeding 2 hours during Thanksgiving week, compared to an average of under 1 hour during a typical November week.
Strategies for Navigating Thanksgiving Week Crowds, How busy is disney in november
Planning is paramount to enjoying a Disney trip during Thanksgiving week. The following strategies can significantly improve your experience:
The following strategies are crucial for maximizing enjoyment during this peak period. Careful planning and flexible scheduling are key to mitigating the impact of high attendance.
- Utilize Disney’s Genie+ and Lightning Lane services to reserve access to popular rides, minimizing wait times.
- Arrive at the parks before opening to secure a head start on popular attractions. This is especially important for rides with limited capacity.
- Consider park hopping to take advantage of lower crowds in less popular parks or to move between parks strategically based on wait times.
- Prioritize must-do attractions early in the day or later in the evening when crowds often thin out slightly.
- Make dining reservations well in advance, as popular restaurants fill up quickly during this busy period.
- Take advantage of shorter wait times for certain attractions during parades and fireworks shows.
- Use the My Disney Experience app to monitor wait times and adjust your plans accordingly.
November Weather Conditions and Their Influence on Park Visits
November offers a pleasant respite from the extreme heat of summer in both Florida and California, making it a popular time to visit Disney parks. However, understanding the typical weather patterns and their potential impact on guest experiences is crucial for planning a successful trip. Variations in weather can significantly influence park attendance, ride wait times, and overall enjoyment.
Florida Weather in November and its Effect on Park Attendance
November in Florida generally brings milder temperatures compared to the summer months. Average highs range from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to high 20s Celsius), while lows typically hover in the 60s Fahrenheit (mid-teens Celsius). Rainfall is relatively low, though afternoon showers are possible. The increased sunshine and comfortable temperatures make for ideal conditions for spending long hours in the parks, potentially leading to higher attendance and longer wait times. Conversely, unexpectedly cool or rainy days might deter some visitors, leading to reduced crowds and shorter wait times.
California Weather in November and its Impact on Park Visits
November in California offers a different weather experience than Florida. While Southern California enjoys relatively mild temperatures, averaging in the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (mid-teens to low 20s Celsius), Northern California experiences cooler temperatures, with highs in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit (teens to low 20s Celsius). Rainfall is more prevalent in Northern California during November than in Southern California, where it remains relatively low. In both regions, sunny days are common, though the possibility of overcast conditions and occasional rain showers exists. Cooler temperatures and potential rain could decrease attendance at Disneyland, particularly if the weather is significantly worse than anticipated. Conversely, pleasant sunny days would likely draw larger crowds.
Weather’s Influence on Ride and Attraction Wait Times
The weather plays a significant role in shaping wait times for rides and attractions. On sunny, comfortable days, guests are more likely to stay in the parks for extended periods, resulting in longer queues. Conversely, inclement weather like heavy rain or significant temperature drops can cause guests to seek shelter, leading to shorter wait times for outdoor attractions. Indoor attractions, however, might see increased demand during periods of bad weather, potentially leading to longer wait times for those specific attractions. For example, during a sudden downpour, the lines for indoor rides like Pirates of the Caribbean might surge, while outdoor rides like Splash Mountain would likely see a dramatic decrease in wait times.
Hypothetical Scenario Illustrating Unexpected Weather Impact
Imagine a family visiting Disney World in early November. They’ve planned a full day of outdoor adventures, including Splash Mountain and the Jungle Cruise. However, an unexpected afternoon thunderstorm rolls in, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. Their plans are disrupted; they’re forced to seek shelter, missing their preferred ride times and spending a significant portion of the afternoon indoors, resulting in a less-than-ideal experience and the inability to experience all the attractions they had hoped to. This scenario highlights how unexpected weather can significantly alter a guest’s Disney experience and expectations.
Special Events and Their Effect on November Crowds
November at Disney parks often sees fluctuating crowd levels influenced significantly by special events. Understanding these events and their impact is crucial for planning a trip and managing expectations regarding wait times and overall park experience. The timing and nature of these events can drastically alter the typical November crowd patterns.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separately ticketed event held on select nights in November at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. This event features exclusive holiday-themed parades, fireworks, character meet-and-greets, and special stage shows. The impact on crowd levels is significant, with increased attendance during party nights specifically within Magic Kingdom. Other parks may see slightly lower crowds as guests concentrate on the special event. The party’s popularity contributes to higher wait times for rides and attractions included in the event, while other areas of the park may experience relatively normal or even lower crowds.
Festival of Holidays at Disneyland
Disneyland’s Festival of Holidays is a celebration running throughout November and into December, offering unique food and beverage offerings, cultural performances, and festive decorations throughout the park. This event spreads the crowds across Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, potentially mitigating the impact of any single extremely crowded area. While overall attendance may be higher during this period, the festival’s decentralized nature might make the experience feel less overwhelming than a single, highly concentrated event like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Wait times are likely to increase for popular food stalls and character meet-and-greets associated with the festival.
Comparison of Event Impacts on Crowd Levels
Comparing the two events highlights the difference in impact. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party creates highly localized surges in crowd density within Magic Kingdom on specific nights, while the Festival of Holidays distributes the increased attendance more evenly across both Disneyland parks over a longer period. This difference in distribution significantly affects the guest experience. A tightly concentrated event like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will lead to longer wait times for specific attractions and entertainment, whereas the more dispersed Festival of Holidays may result in a more manageable, though still busier, overall experience.
Hypothetical Family Experience During a Special Event
The Miller family, visiting Disneyland during the Festival of Holidays, experienced a blend of festive cheer and manageable crowds. While lines for the special food booths were longer than expected, they were able to enjoy a variety of cultural performances and festive decorations without feeling overwhelmed. They strategically planned their day, prioritizing popular attractions earlier in the day and enjoying the more relaxed atmosphere of the festival later. Their experience showcased how a well-distributed event like the Festival of Holidays can offer a pleasant and festive experience, even during peak season. Their time at the “it’s a small world” holiday overlay, for instance, was memorable, despite a moderate wait, due to the unique festive decorations. Conversely, they opted to skip a ride with an exceptionally long line, choosing instead to explore the vibrant cultural displays around the park.
Hotel Occupancy and Pricing in November
November at Disney World and Disneyland sees a significant shift in hotel occupancy and pricing compared to other months. The holiday season’s approach, coupled with varying weather conditions and special events, creates a dynamic market influencing both guest numbers and accommodation costs. Understanding these fluctuations is crucial for planning a Disney trip during this time.
Hotel occupancy rates and prices are intrinsically linked to park attendance. Higher park attendance generally translates to higher hotel occupancy and, consequently, increased prices. However, other factors, such as specific events and the day of the week, also play a role.
Hotel Occupancy Rates in November
Disney resorts typically experience higher occupancy rates in November than in some other months, but the level varies depending on the specific dates and resort type. Weeks surrounding Thanksgiving tend to be the busiest, with occupancy rates often exceeding 90% at popular resorts. However, the beginning and end of the month may see lower occupancy, potentially dipping below 80% at some locations. Value resorts generally see slightly lower occupancy rates compared to Deluxe resorts, while moderate resorts fall somewhere in between. This variance is due to a combination of pricing strategies and guest preferences. For example, a family might opt for a value resort during off-peak days to save money, while a larger family celebrating Thanksgiving might prioritize a Deluxe resort for its amenities and proximity to the parks.
Hotel Pricing in November
November hotel prices at Disney resorts generally fall between the peak summer season and the lower rates seen during the slower winter months. Prices increase significantly closer to Thanksgiving, reaching their peak during the holiday week itself. Deluxe resorts see the most substantial price increases, often doubling or even tripling their off-season rates. Moderate and Value resorts experience increases as well, but the price jump is less dramatic. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended to secure better rates, especially during peak weeks. Consider, for example, a standard room at a Deluxe resort like the Grand Floridian might cost $800-$1000 per night during Thanksgiving week, while during a less busy week in early November, the same room might cost $500-$600.
Relationship Between Hotel Occupancy and Park Attendance
A strong correlation exists between hotel occupancy and park attendance at Disney World and Disneyland. High park attendance directly impacts hotel demand. When parks are crowded, more guests need accommodations, leading to higher occupancy rates. Conversely, lower park attendance translates to lower hotel occupancy. This relationship is not always perfectly linear, however, as some guests may choose to stay off-property, influencing the occupancy rates within Disney resorts specifically. The impact of special events, like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (if it extends into early November), further complicates this relationship, creating spikes in both attendance and occupancy regardless of the general trend for the month.
Average Hotel Prices and Occupancy in November
| Hotel Type | Average Occupancy Rate (November) | Average Nightly Price (November) |
|---|---|---|
| Value Resort | 75-90% | $200-$400 |
| Moderate Resort | 80-95% | $300-$600 |
| Deluxe Resort | 85-95%+ | $400-$1000+ |
*Note: These are average figures and can vary significantly based on specific dates, room type, and availability.*
