Planning a trip to Disney World for Thanksgiving 2024? You’re in for an unforgettable holiday filled with:
- Magic
- Delicious food
- Festive entertainment
Thanksgiving at Disney World offers a combination of seasonal dining experiences, holiday events, and a bustling atmosphere that brings the parks to life.
That is why we want to provide you with a guide for navigating Disney World during one of the busiest times of the year.
We’ll also provide expert tips on handling the crowds, how to maximize your time using Genie+ and Lightning Lane, and which parks offer the best experience during Thanksgiving week.
Disney World Parks Thanksgiving Experience
First, let us touch upon the experience you can get at Disney World parks:
Magic Kingdom
During Thanksgiving week, Magic Kingdom takes on a festive atmosphere with its elaborate holiday decorations and special events.
One of the highlights is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which overlaps with the Thanksgiving period, giving visitors a mix of Thanksgiving and Christmas vibes.
The park will also feature the Festival of Fantasy Parade at 2 PM, showcasing your favorite Disney characters in a delightful procession.
As the day transitions into the evening, guests can enjoy special Thanksgiving-themed fireworks, adding a magical end to the day.
EPCOT
At EPCOT, Thanksgiving coincides with the start of the International Festival of the Holidays, an event that celebrates global holiday traditions through:
- Food
- Music
- Cultural displays
Dining at the American Adventure Pavilion or sampling treats from Holiday Kitchens is a perfect way to embrace the festive spirit.
Thanksgiving night closes with an impressive fireworks show at 9 PM, illuminating the World Showcase Lagoon.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios offers holiday magic through events like Jollywood Nights, featuring classic holiday music and entertainment.
Traditional Thanksgiving meals are served at renowned restaurants like the Brown Derby and 50’s Prime Time Café, offering a delicious holiday experience.
The night wraps up with a fireworks display, followed by Fantasmic at 9:30 PM.
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom offers a unique spin on Thanksgiving with special dining options at Tusker House, Satu’li Canteen, and Tiffins, all offering Thanksgiving-themed menus.
While the park may not host major holiday events like the other parks, its natural beauty and unique atmosphere provide a more relaxed Thanksgiving experience.
Dining Options
Disney World offers a wide variety of dining options with special Thanksgiving menus, catering to every taste and preference.
- Liberty Tree Tavern (Magic Kingdom): Enjoy a classic Thanksgiving feast with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and all the beloved trimmings in a cozy, colonial-style setting.
- Satu’li Canteen (Animal Kingdom): For a special twist, try the Thanksgiving turkey bowl, where Disney combines holiday flavors with a creative presentation in Pandora – The World of Avatar.
- EPCOT Favorites: Restaurants such as Biergarten, Coral Reef, and Le Cellier offer special Thanksgiving menus that showcase their culinary styles, ensuring you can find a delicious feast no matter where you are in the park.
- Resort Dining Options: For those staying at Disney resorts, casual spots like Roaring Fork and Riverside Mill serve Thanksgiving meals, perfect for a relaxed, no-fuss holiday dining experience.
And when it comes to tips for securing reservations, the best ones to have in mind are:
- Since Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year, it’s essential to make dining reservations well in advance. Aim to secure your spot at least 60 days ahead.
- Use this app to not only book your dining reservations but also make mobile orders and join walk-up lists.
- For those who miss out on early reservations, consider dining at places like Whispering Canyon Café or Biergarten, where walk-ins or last-minute reservations might still be available.
Entertainment Options During Thanksgiving
Even though Disney World doesn’t host an official Thanksgiving parade, there are plenty of festive events to keep guests entertained.
Magic Kingdom’s Christmas parades bring holiday cheer, and the daily Festival of Fantasy Parade provides plenty of excitement for Thanksgiving visitors.
For those who love fireworks, each park offers spectacular evening shows to end the day with a bang.
- Magic Kingdom Fireworks: 8 PM
- EPCOT Fireworks: 9 PM
- Hollywood Studios Fireworks: 8:45 PM and 9:30 PM
These displays are the perfect way to wrap up a day of Thanksgiving fun.
For a more culturally enriching experience, EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays kicks off during Thanksgiving week, featuring a blend of global holiday traditions and culinary offerings from around the globe.
- International Festival of the Holidays: Global holiday traditions, music, and cuisine
- Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios: A delightful mix of holiday entertainment and classic Disney charm
For those who want a more historical or patriotic way to celebrate, attractions like the Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom or the American Adventure at EPCOT offer engaging experiences to honor the spirit of Thanksgiving.
- Hall of Presidents: Magic Kingdom’s historical tribute to American leadership
- American Adventure: EPCOT’s celebration of American history and heritage
Thanksgiving at Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a great destination for Thanksgiving dining and entertainment without needing a park reservation.
Restaurants like Wine Bar George, Raglan Road, and Planet Hollywood offer delicious Thanksgiving meals, making it a perfect spot for families or groups who want to enjoy the holiday in a lively environment.
Beyond dining, Disney Springs also offers plenty of entertainment and shopping, providing a full holiday experience.
Though no reservation is needed to visit Disney Springs, it’s important to note that parking can fill up early on Thanksgiving, so arriving early is recommended.
Crowds and Planning Tips
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest weeks at Disney World, so careful planning is essential to maximize your experience.
- Use Genie+ and Lightning Lane: These tools reduce wait times for popular rides, so you can experience more without spending hours in line.
- Dine at Off-Peak Times: Eat meals during non-traditional hours, like an early lunch or late dinner, to avoid peak dining crowds and secure reservations with ease.
- Visit Less Crowded Parks: Escape the crowds by heading to parks like Animal Kingdom, which stays less busy compared to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT during the holiday season.
For those extending their stay beyond Thanksgiving Day, there’s great news:
Starting the Sunday after Thanksgiving, the parks generally see a significant drop in visitors. This makes for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience if you’re able to extend your trip into the following week.
The Bottom Line
Thanksgiving at Disney World in 2024 offers a magical blend of holiday festivities, great food, and unforgettable entertainment.Plan early and use tools like Genie+ and the My Disney Experience app to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable trip.
With so many experiences to choose from, including fireworks and festive dining, you’ll find Disney World the perfect place to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends.
