Are you spending Thanksgiving at Disney World? How exciting! Or, planning a Thanksgiving Day trip? Here are 5 tips for visiting Disney World during Thanksgiving.
1. Be Prepared For Crowds
Thanksgiving Day and the weekend that follows are a busy time for Disney World. Good news for guests visiting on Thanksgiving, it’s not as crowded as Christmas Day or Fourth of July (when Magic Kingdom can reach capacity in the morning). As long as guests prepare for the crowds, Thanksgiving will be pleasant to visit. Do so by making Fastpass+ prior to your visit (60 days out/on site, 30 days out/off site). Also, an early start will help to curb the crowds in the morning. If it gets too crowded and you need to break away, consider these 20 walk on attractions at Disney World that rarely have a wait.
2. Utilize Park Hopper
Park Hopper is not worth it to every guest, as there is much to do in one park each for a day. However, on a Holiday at Disney World park hopper is a nice option to have. It allows guests the ability to visit more than one park in a day, therefore is one park is just too busy hop over to another.
3. Enjoy Festival of The Holidays
Even though it is Thanksgiving, Disney World is in full swing for the holiday season. Therefore, guests can enjoy the over-the-top Christmas decorations Disney World offers (with little to no Thanksgiving decorations). Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays begins mid-November running through end of December each year. Bringing holiday entertainment, holiday kitchens and more to Epcot.
4. Enjoy A Turkey Leg
Guests can enjoy a Turkey Leg all year long, with no reservation necessary. After all, turkey on Thanksgiving is a must. Learn where to find Turkey legs at Disney World.
Find Turkey Legs at Disney World:
- Magic Kingdom – Tortuga Tavern in Adventureland or Turkey Leg Cart in Frontierland
- Epcot – Fife & Drum Tavern at the American Adventure pavilion in the World Showcase
- Animal Kingdom – Yak & Yeti Quality Beverages in Asia
5. Thanksgiving Meal
If a traditional Thanksgiving Meal is something you enjoy, guests will find Holiday meals at select restaurants. Advanced dining reservations are recommended (and most likely, necessary). Below is a list of Disney World restaurants that have offered Thanksgiving Day specials in the past.
Thanksgiving Day Meals (2018):
- Ale & Compass (Yacht Club Resort) – Brunch and dinner
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Epcot) – Lunch and dinner
- Biergarten Restaurant (Epcot) – Lunch and dinner
- California Grill (Contemporary Resort) – Dinner
- Cape May Café (Beach Club Resort) – Dinner
- Coral Reef Restaurant (Epcot) – Lunch and dinner
- Le Cellier Steakhouse (Epcot) – Lunch and dinner
- Raglan Road (Disney Springs) – Dinner
- Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room (Epcot) – Lunch and dinner
- Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Villas) – Lunch and Dinner
- Trail’s End Restaurant (Fort Wilderness Resort) – Brunch and dinner
- Whispering Canyon Café (Wilderness Lodge) – Lunch and dinner
Thanks, Sara
Learn more about the Walt Disney World Parks including attractions, secrets, tips and more. Plus my friends at Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation.