Walt Disney World at Thanksgiving can be a nice break for families before the busyness of the Christmas holiday comes around. The parks are decorated for Christmas, but many schools have a nice Thanksgiving break, making it a fun place to visit for families who want to get away and enjoy some Florida sunshine! While the Disney Parks are not as crowded as they are at Christmas and over Spring Break, it still takes a bit of planning to navigate effectively and minimize your wait times. So this week, we are going to give you Five Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World at Thanksgiving!
We want to visit a Disney Park on Thanksgiving Day. Which park do you suggest? More than likely, Animal Kingdom will be the least crowded park on Thanksgiving Day. This is a great time to enjoy this smaller park, and plan on having mostly quick service dining for your meals. You can move quickly through Animal Kingdom Park using Fastness, taking in all the shows and trails, and utilizing Quick Service Dining locations. Finish up a bit early, and you’ll be able to return to your resort for a nice swim and possibly a movie.
What tips for you have for enjoying the parks while it’s crowded? First, arrive early. Be sure to check the Times Guide that you are given when you check into your resort, as well as the My Disney Experience app. Both of these will have the most up to date times. Be prepared for long lines in odd places. For example, the restroom. Take frequent breaks and use the restroom, or have your children try to do so, often. This will avoid having a “quick” potty break, that really ends up being a 20 minute or so wait to use the bathroom. Pack some water bottles and healthy snacks in your park bag. The Quick Service locations can have longer lines than usual, even at off peak times. While you may be willing to wait a bit longer to order a meal, if you just want a bottle of water or something to have as a small snack, it probably isn’t worth the wait.
Will the parks be decorated for Thanksgiving? Not so much, unfortunately. You have probably been seeing many photos of guests at the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights, as well as some decoration going up at the resorts. That being said, if you want to find some Thanksgiving decor, head to the Land Pavilion at Epcot. Often times there are pumpkins, gourds, and other Thanksgiving goodies decorating this area. As if it were magic, the resorts turn into a Christmas wonderland the week of Thanksgiving. Be sure to visit them to see the unique Christmas decoration if you need a break from the parks.
Will the pools be open in November? Absolutely. Florida will be in the high 70s or so during the day, so a mid afternoon swim is a great way to relax and enjoy your resort. The pools are heated year round, making them a great way to rest and enjoy your resort.
What are some special Thanksgiving activities we can do while at Walt Disney World? First, visit the Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom or the American Adventure in EPCOT. Enjoying these attractions will give you something fun, educational, and patriotic to visit with your family. Some locations serve pumpkin flavored treats, and of course you can always get an all American turkey leg! If you are trying for last minute dining, try Garden Grill at Epcot. This would be a great all-American Thanksgiving feast for your family!
Are you ready to plan your next family vacation? Contact one of our amazing Dream Team Travel Agents!