Disney World Thanksgiving: Where to Eat & What To Do
Slightly cooler temperatures, giant, tasty turkey legs, and Mickey in pilgrim attire. There is so much to be thankful for when you spend Thanksgiving at Disney World.
Escape the kitchen chores of a traditional Turkey Day when you experience Disney World during Thanksgiving. A Disney Thanksgiving offers plenty of family-friendly activities, with each of the four parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios—all open. Follow along to uncover everything you need to know about your Disney World Thanksgiving.
Enjoy rides and attractions at all four magical parks as you alternate between spine-tingling Twilight Zone Tower of Terror rides and mouthfuls of luscious pumpkin pie.
Scream yourself silly on Space Mountain, or enjoy a traditional meal with all the trimmings at Liberty Tree Tavern.
From where to feast on the best Thanksgiving Dinner at Disney World to the timing of the annual parade, we’ll spill all the tea on giving thanks at Disney.
Disney World Hotels
Before you charge head-first into that turkey coma, you should consider your Disney World lodgings. No matter if you have your heart set on staying at a Disney World Resort or want to relax poolside at one of our other premier Orlando Hotels, we have options for every Disney vacation and budget.
Let kiddies cool off and engage in some H20-fueled fun at the Disney Springs Resort splash pad, or head to Walt Disney’s Pop Century Resort for some hippie-dippie theme fun and video arcade game entertainment. Kick off your gratitude in wild style with a stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, or enjoy free movie screenings at the All-Star Music Resort.
As always, make your Mickey-approved reservation worry-free, knowing you are always guaranteed our best rates online.
Thanksgiving Disney World
The autumnal season ushers in a cornucopia of colors, flavors, and festivities at Disney World. While Disney on Thanksgiving Day may not be dripping in decorations like the Yuletide, this time of year still provides plenty of fall-inspired dining and jaw-dropping entertainment.
Savor the sweet taste of a Holiday Cookie Stroll when you take part in EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays or scream yourself silly on an icy trek through the peaks of the Himalayas.
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Whether you break bread with family and friends at Mickey’s Saratoga Springs Resort Spa or snag a heartwarming selfie with Goofy, a Disney World Thanksgiving delivers a million ways to be grateful.
Where To Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in Disney World?
While we think countless rides on Big Thunder Mountain more than make up for missing Aunt Mabel’s candied yams, you’re in luck if you are craving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at Disney World.*
Many of Disney’s most revered eateries will serve a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. Step up your culinary palate with mouthwatering options such as a pumpkin pie tarte topped with whipped cream and salted caramel mousse or hand-carved prime rib served with grilled lemon-asparagus and creamy mashed potatoes.
Loyal Mouseketeers should know that Turkey Day is one of the busiest times to visit the park. We highly recommend you plan your dining reservations accordingly. Not in the mood for turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce? No worries! Disney’s other iconic eateries will all be open as well. For a heaping helping of gratitude, gravy, and more, head to:
Magic Kingdom Thanksgiving
Liberty Tree Tavern: Calling all traditional turkey lovers! Psych yourself up for one of Disney’s most lauded Turkey Day feasts when you make a date with the USA. The Liberty Tree Tavern is one of our go-to’s, thanks to their famous Patriot’s Platter.
Tuck into roasted turkey breast, pot roast, and carved pork roast, all accompanied by your favorite classic sides. Ditch the pumpkin pie and instead devour a slice of their iconic Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake for dessert.
Epcot Thanksgiving
Biergarten Restaurant: On November 23rd, count your blessings when you stuff yourself silly with Turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing at this German beer hall.
Coral Reef: Tackle a classic Thanksgiving plate and silky Pumpkin Pie dessert with salted caramel mousse at the Coral Reef.
Le Cellier Steakhouse: A turkey plate with all the trimmings? Yes, please! On this holy day of poultry get in your carb loading at Le Cellier.
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The Garden Grill Restaurant: Dig into your favorite roasted turkey with stuffing and sample a new apple cake with caramelized apples and streusel.
Refreshment Port: Put a fun North of the Border twist on your Thanksgiving Day plans with Turkey Poutine and a tasty Pumpkin Spice Ginger Cocktail at Refreshment Port.
Animal Kingdom Thanksgiving
Tiffins: Banish thoughts of dried-out poultry and overcooked green beans from your mind, when you embrace the gourmet offerings of Tiffins. Pique your appetite with a heavenly soup of roasted calabaza, ginger-pear chutney, pickled jalapeño, and chai-spiced and candied pistachios.
Next, diners will have the pleasure of sampling their succulent turkey breast, fine herbs whipped potato, maple glazed carrots, sweet potato pave, wild mushrooms, green bean casserole, cornbread dressing, cranberry gel, and turkey gravy.
Wind down your evening of exotic flavors with a sublime plate of Apple Pie Cheesecake. This otherworldly treat consists of whipped caramel cheesecake, apple pie compote, white chocolate streusel, and cranberry sauce.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
50s Prime Time Café: It’s about to be a very merry holiday in the sock hop era! Channel your inner Pink Lady, when you pile your plate sky high at the 50s Prime Time Cafe. Munch happily away on their holiday plate oven roasted turkey breast, turkey gravy, cornbread stuffing, cranberry relish, green beans, and mashed potato.
The Hollywood Brown Derby: Shake up your Thanksgiving day menu with the elevated offerings of the Derby which include apple-sage stuffing, turkey thigh confit, fall harvest vegetables, and a tart cranberry compote. nbsp;
Disney Springs Thanksgiving
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant: Lucky Irish revelers will have the pleasure of sampling butter-basted turkey, roast garlic mashed potatoes, duck fat roasties, honey-glazed carrots, and more at this Emerald Isle-inspired establishment.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’: Did someone say leftovers? Channel your inner Ross and forget about the moist maker, when you take a bite of this epic Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich.
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Planet Hollywood: Sick of the Bird? Swap out turkey for Prime Rib (for an additional charge) at this ever-popular eatery.
City Works Eatery Pour House: Sneak in a serving of veggies with this tempting meal of hand-carved turkey, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon lardons, corn casserole, and gravy.
Walt Disney World Resort Dinners
In addition to traditional Thanksgiving feasts throughout the theme parks, various Disney World Resort hotels will also serve a Thanksgiving dinner.
Work up an appetite on Thunder Mountain, because you’ll want to heed your hunger with the yummy offerings of cooks Saratoga Springs Resort Spa or a choice of three-holiday skillets from the Whispering Canyon Cafe.
- Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Roaring Fork at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Centertown Market at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Trail’s End Restaurant at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Didn’t score the Turkey Day reservation of your dreams? Don’t sweat it. From Dole Whip to churros to stacked burgers, there are plenty of mouthwatering food options to munch on. For an uber-special meal, you could also swing by the Biergarten Restaurant for Thanksgiving at EPCOT. Sip some lager and celebrate the convivial atmosphere of Oktoberfest with plenty of ales, entertainment, and wursts.
In addition, there’s always the chance that guests will cancel their ADRs (advanced dining reservations). So be sure to keep checking or utilize the walk-up waitlist. When planning the ultimate Disney World Thanksgiving, it pays to be flexible!
What to Do at Disney World on Thanksgiving Day
Curious about the best things to do during a Disney World Thanksgiving vacation? Each park features festive fun, decorations, and the classic Disney attractions you know and love.
Do keep in mind that the theme parks will be packed with people during this holiday, so Genie+ is your best friend. Keep it handy!
See a Thanksgiving Parade**
Wondering what Mickey festivities you can encounter at the Magic Kingdom on Thanksgiving Day? Head to this epicenter of Americana for plenty of Disney characters, joy, and parades. At the Magic Kingdom, you are in for a special bonus as you can watch the Festival of Fantasy Parade and Disney’s Thanksgiving Parade of Bands.
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Prime your ears for plenty of special arrangements, trumpets, and more! This special holiday parade boasts the top marching bands from around the country. Plus, you’ll see Mickey, Minnie, and the gang decked out in pilgrim attire.
*This event is still awaiting confirmation.
Ride Your Favorite Rides
From classic Disney World rides to newer additions such as the land of Pandora – The World of Avatar and Toy Story Land, your Thanksgiving Day will be filled with thrills! For a more toddler-friendly affair, swing by the Magic Kingdom on Thanksgiving to ham it up with your favorite characters, or sing along to It’s A Small World.
Take your time and get in line for all of your favorite rides, shows, and attractions. During a busy time like Thanksgiving weekend Genie+ will be your new BFF. Make sure to download and utilize the app to make it onto popular rides such as Space Mountain, Everest, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, or Test Track!
Have a Thanksgiving Meal To-Go
At parks like the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney Springs, you can grab a giant Disney World turkey leg to-go and skip the massive Thanksgiving meal. This handheld monstrosity offers the ideal way to get your L-tryptophan fix and explore the park’s attractions.
Score this smokey delicacy at the following Disney World eateries:
- Liberty Square Market
- Prince Eric’s Village Market
- Gaston’s Tavern
- Sleepy Hollow
- American Pavillion
- The Smokehouse at House of Blues
Got a hankering for a sweet treat after all of the smoky savoriness? Sidle up to Gideon’s Bakehouse for a gooey handmade chocolate chip cookie the size of your face! Or satisfy your sweet tooth with a cooler treat when you stop by Ahola Isle for an iconic Dole Whip.
Experience an American Adventure
What’s more patriotic than an animatronic journey through our Nation’s History? Pay heed to presidents and revolutionaries past when you swing by the Epcot American Adventure pavilion. Featuring 35 Audio-Animatronics figures, digital rear-projection images, and stirring songs, this dramatic show is a fantastic way to pay homage to the USA.
Meet characters like Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain as you dive into the history of the Mayflower, the Boston Tea Party, the Declaration of Independence, and more.
Lucky Turkey Day visitors will be pleased to experience the smashing refurbishments of this beloved ride. Wondering just exactly when did American Adventure close? This dynamic experience shut down on September 19th, 2022 but reopened to the public last winter.
If you’re still feeling the need to reflect on leaders’ past, head to Magic Kingdom to check out the newly updated Hall of Presidents!
EPCOT International Festival of The Holidays
Magical candlelit processionals plus tantalizing treats from around the world come together in perfect harmony at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. From November 24th through December 30th, Disney lovers of all ages can soak in the seasonal spirit and be inspired by cultures near and far.
Revel in the otherworldly sounds of a 50-piece orchestra and full choir as you brush up on the story of Christmas. Or, give in to that sweet tooth and get your Festival passport stamped when you partake in the Holiday Cookie Stroll.
Get a Sneak Peek of Christmas
During the Thanksgiving holiday, the Disney World Theme Parks will be decked out with beautiful Christmas decorations in preparation for the holiday season to come. It’s an excellent time to embrace the Christmas spirit without dealing with the Christmas crowds.
Plus, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party begins in November, meaning your family can join in the celebrations during your Disney World Thanksgiving adventures! Just remember to purchase your party tickets in advance, as this is a separately ticketed event.
Disney World Thanksgiving FAQs
What Do You Wear to Orlando on Thanksgiving?
As November draws to a close, you can typically expect temperature levels hovering around the mid to high 70s throughout the day. The evening doesn’t tend to bring much relief from the heat, thanks to Florida’s signature humidity. You might find it handy to pack a lightweight jacket, not so much for the outdoor weather, but to offset the chill of air conditioning which often runs colder than the external environment.
Is Disney World Decorated For Christmas at Thanksgiving?
Disney typically starts decorating for Christmas in early November. This means that by the time Thanksgiving rolls around, the park is fully decked out in enchanting holiday finery, ready to bring joy to all its guests. From twinkling lights to grand Christmas trees, the transformation is truly remarkable, setting the perfect backdrop for a festive family vacation.
Celebrate Thanksgiving at Disney World This Year
Whether you’re looking forward to carving the turkey with Mickey Mouse or screaming at the top of your lungs on a rollercoaster, Disney on Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday tradition for every family.
There’s much to be thankful for from irreplaceable Disney Thanksgiving pictures showcasing you and your family with your favorite princesses to satisfying turkey feasts.
Clap along to the finest marching band parades, admire Minnie’s Thanksgiving couture, or usher in the giving season with a hearty helping of Turkey Poutine!
Ready to give thanks for the ultimate Walt Disney World escape? Don’t wait; book your Walt Disney World trip today!
How Will You Be Celebrating Thanksgiving at Disney World?
Leave us a comment below and tell us about your Disney during Thanks plans!
*Please note that at the current time, Disney World Thanksgiving Dinner options are still being updated, and menu listings are based on 2022 offerings. This is not an exhaustive list of Thanksgiving Dinner options but rather a round-up of our favorite Disney Turkey Day options.
