We went to Disney and Epcot one year for T'giving and found crowds smaller than usual. This year I'm considering Sea World. Would you expect crowds to be lighter than usual that Wed/Thur/Fri?

I'm sure we can spend two days there. Any nearby hotel recommendations for a family of four plus Grandma and FIL?

Thanks.
Kristine

We, too have found Thanksgiving a lighter than usual time to go. I don't know if this is the norm or if we just lucked out. One thing about Sea World, even if it gets crowded, it seems to be much easier to get around than Disney.
Try to purchase your tickets in advance and go as early in the morning as you can. We usually show up about 45 minutes before opening.
The Residence Inn by Sea World looked nice. Rooms range from studios, 1 bedrooms, and 2 bedrooms. All rooms have kitchenettes,complete with dishwasher, full fridge, stove top, and microwave and your whole family will have a full hot breakfast in the morning at no charge.
No matter which room you choose, most Residence Inns also have a sofa sleeper in the living area.

egret,

Funny to see you again I live in FL but post/read the Alaska page all the time as I'm planning a AK trip in July. Where do you live? Curious as I see you on the FL and AK page.

My Dad pased away in 2004 and that Thanksgiving we needed something 'different' so we spent it at Disney and Epcot. We had a great T'ging dinner in Norway at Epcot!!! I'm hoping we can get away to Sea World this Thanksgiving. Me, the family planner, has taken it on again and going to book it and then tell everyone 'Guess where we're going for T'giving?'

Kristine

Hey, Kristine!
I live in Jacksonville--where do you live?
Egret

I am not sure how long ago you went to Disney over Thanksgiving, but that is one of their busiest weekends all year. We went to Seaworld right after Thanksgiving 2006. It was pretty manageable, but it was busy.

Hilton's HGVC condos are across the street from Seaworld. You can get 2 or 3 bedroom units complete with washer and dryers. It would make a very nice vacation.

Scarborough, We went in 2004 for Wed & Thurs and then drove home Friday. I hope Sea World is a lighter crowd too.

Egret, I'm in West Palm Beach area, Palm Beach county.

Thanks for the recommendations for lodging. I've got to book it.

Magic Kingdom closed on Thanksgiving 2006 due to capacity crowds. There were some lower crowd days because it was rainy.

My friend went to Universal and found it less busy - SeaWorld is probably much the same.

I always recommend having a good touring plan - it can literally save you hours of time wasted in long lines. I've used the unofficial guide, www.buildabettermousetrip.com, and www.tourguidemike.com.

Thanks to another Fodor's post, i found this great site with a wealth of knowledge.
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=32

I'm still searching for lodging that will work.

On that site I'd read alot about special dining at the Shark Grill or with Shamu. I'll book at the entrance with the Shark Grill. Also read that good lunches are found at the hospitality house.

Anymore great tips?

Dining with Shamu was fun. The food was nothing special, but it is servicable. The place you eat is quiet and relaxed, and the we all enjoyed watching the whales.

If the budget allows, you might stay at one of the Universal Studios hotels. All three are close to Sea World and they have a shuttle service to Sea World. Your room key gets you a front-of-the-line pass at most of the rides at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. That helps take the edge off of the Thanksgiving crowds.