Hi!
My husband and I just decided that we'd like to celebrate our 5th wedding anniverary in Disney World for 5 nights over Thanksgiving! My husband has never been to Disney World, and I've been twice with family growing up. These are the planning questions I have:
Do you have suggestions on hotels? We're 30 yrs old, have fun like we're 10 yrs old, and enjoy luxuries in travel.
How much of a difference in our overall experience, distance to attractions and cost do you think it makes if we stay at a Disney property vs a non-Disney property?
Would you recommend renting a car?
Is it better to purchase a Disney vacation package or book everything separately (air/hotel/car/"hopper passes")?
Are hopper passes worth it?
I've read other posts about Dining and have seen California Grill mentioned quite a bit. We're vegetarian - will we enjoy it as well?
Is there something in particular that would be amazing to do/visit on Thanksgiving Day?

Ok, this should be an amazing start in planning with your help!! Thank you so much!

I've never been to the California Grill. Every time I've tried to book a table it's been full.

If you like luxury, stay at the Grand Floridian. You won't need a car.

Hopper passes are worth it if you plan to visit more than one park in a day.

My favorite restaurant at WDW is Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

On Thanksgiving Day, stay in your room and watch the Lions on TV!

Have a great trip!

Jim

It's going to be very crowded that time of year so I would make sure that you have a plan for each day. Purchase "The Unofficial Guide" to Disneyworld and follow the touring plans that are given. Really. If you want to see and do everything, you'll have to get up early and be at the parks at least 30 minutes before they open and then follow the touring plan.

As for renting a car, I would simply because then you are not at the mercy of Disney transportation and while it is very good, you'll save time by having your own car. Cars are cheap to rent in Orlando.

I like to stay on property, just because it's more of the total "Disney" experience. You'd probably like staying at the Beach Club, Yacht Club or Boardwalk because there is lots of activity at night within walking distance and you can also walk to Epcot and Disney Studios. Buying a hopper pass is good so you have more flexibility.....Magic Kingdom in the morning, Epcot at night for Illuminations or dinner in one of the countries. Make your dining reservations now! You can always change or cancel later, but do not plan on just walking in and being seated. My husband was at Disney for a meeting this week and they tried to get into California Grill on a tuesday night and were turned away.....

I went to Epcot on Thanksgiving day a couple of years ago and it was packed in the morning but a little better in the afternoon....I suppose that people go to the parks early in the day and then leave for their dinner. If you want a really special thanksgiving dinner, look into driving to the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes. I'm sure they'll have something pretty special going on. It's about 20-25 minutes from Disney I'd guess.

Go to www.disboards.com for tons of information about Disney..
Have fun!

Definitely look at disboards and www.allearsnet.com. Between them, every possible Disney question is asked and answered. Allears has menus for sit-down and counter service restaurants (both theme park and resort) on its site; you'll see that Disney has an improved variety of food for vegetarians. Much better than the old burger-or-hot-dog days!

"I've read other posts about Dining and have seen California Grill mentioned quite a bit. We're vegetarian - will we enjoy it as well?"

California Grill is a great special occasion restaurant. You can check their typical menus here: http://www.allears.net/menu/menu_cg.htm

"Is it better to purchase a Disney vacation package or book everything separately (air/hotel/car/"hopper passes")?"

There are several good packages mentioned on this thread: http://tinyurl.com/lhe94q

We are staying for a third time at Animal Kingdom Lodge, with a view of the savannah and animals. Find sitting on the balcony watching a giraffe very relaxing. Would second the recommendation for Boma, a wonderful Africa theamed buffet. We choose staying on Disney property so we can leave our car in one location, forget paying for parking, etc. Will be doing the park hopper for sure. Enjoy your stay, it is a magical place.

Forgot to say, we enjoyed California Grill, can't comment on vegetarian menu. It has a great view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks if your timing is right.

Here's another website that I found useful:

http://www.mousesavers.com/

I took my 10 year old niece to WDW the first week of June. I think staying on property (we stayed at the Armed Forces - Shades of Green) was a great way to do it, but we also had a car to get off property for a dinner show one night. As an adult, I really wanted to spend more time at Animal Kingdom so I think rncheryl's suggestion of Animal Kingdom Lodge would be a good one.

I too would recommend staying in the Boardwalk area---Yacht and Beach Club, Boardwalk or Swan/Dolphin You can actually walk to Epcot or the Studios from there or take the "Friendship boats". Then you could enjoy the evening entertainment at the Boardwalk.