Disney World Thanksgiving – your must-have guide!
Disney World Thanksgiving set to be a fun and magical time — with plenty of events and dining opportunities for all ages to enjoy
Spending Thanksgiving at Disney World is a great way to enjoy the holiday. Nowhere else feels quite as enchanting as experiencing the season with family and friends when the park is decorated and full of festive atmosphere. With the holidays kicking off across the resort, Thanksgiving week 2025 promises timeless family fun and festivity like nowhere else on Earth.
Thanksgiving Day in 2025 falls on Thursday, November 27, and by then Disney World will already be sparkling with its early holiday magic. Magic Kingdom starts spreading festive joy with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (select nights from November through December 2025) and Hollywood Studios marks the season in style with its enchanting Jollywood Nights (select nights from November through December 2025). Over at EPCOT, the park prepares to launch its beloved International Festival of the Holidays from November 28 through December 30, 2025, bringing global flavors and festive storytelling to life.
Thanksgiving weekend also coincides with the ESPN Events Invitational, held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from November 27-28, 2025, inviting sporting fans and families to sample the festive magic of Disney World while enjoying top-tier basketball action.
If you’re planning a trip to Disney World for Thanksgiving, take a look at our luxury Orlando villas for Thanksgiving.
Is Disney World open on Thanksgiving?
Yes, indeed! Showcasing the festive season with themed decorations and tempting seasonal dining, Disney World Thanksgiving week is a time to kick start and celebrate the holidays.
When visiting Disney World this Thanksgiving, you’ll find all the beloved elements of the resort – from its four theme parks to the Disney Springs shopping and entertainment complex – open and ready to greet holiday crowds. All that’s waiting is for you and your family to dive into the magic!
Walt Disney World Thanksgiving Opening Hours
Here’s a glance at the expected park opening times for Thanksgiving Day, 2025 (Thursday, November 27):
- Magic Kingdom: 9am – 10pm (or later)
- EPCOT: 9am – 9pm
- Hollywood Studios: 9am – 9pm
- Animal Kingdom: 8am – 6pm
- Disney Springs: 10am – 11pm
Note: Official park hours are typically confirmed a few weeks before Thanksgiving – check the Walt Disney World calendar or the My Disney Experience app for the latest times.
Whether you’re seeking the festive thrills of Magic Kingdom, the cultural holiday vibes of EPCOT, the cinematic wonder of Hollywood Studios, the natural beauty of Animal Kingdom, or a shopping and dining experience at Disney Springs, you’ll feel grateful for all the fun you’ve had at Disney World this Thanksgiving!
Is Thanksgiving busy at Disney World?
Yes – Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year at Disney World, along with the 4th of July and Christmas week. Be prepared for a surge in visitor numbers on the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of Thanksgiving week. Knowing how to navigate the crowds will be your ticket to making the most of your festive park trip.
Book Thanksgiving dining well in advance and keep track of Disney Park Pass availability. Certain parks, especially EPCOT (for the start of the Festival of the Holidays), Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, may reach capacity on key holiday dates. Staying in the know with helpful crowd calendars and the Disney apps will ensure your valuable time isn’t “gobbled” up.
How crowded is Disney World during Thanksgiving week?
The answer is, very! Thanksgiving week at Disney World is one of the most popular times to visit, and as a result it does get crowded. With this in mind, it’s best not to leave your Disney experience to chance. Having a game plan before you step foot inside the park will ensure you have your best foot forward when negotiating the increased crowd numbers. Whether you’re all about thrilling rides, immersing yourself in the atmosphere, or savoring the holiday magic, our top tips will help you create unforgettable Disney World Thanksgiving memories.
How crowded is Disney World during Thanksgiving week?
In short, very! Thanksgiving week at Disney World is one of the most popular times to visit. To make the most of your experience, have a plan before you arrive. Whether you’re all about thrilling rides, immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere, or savoring holiday treats, a smart strategy will help you create unforgettable Thanksgiving memories.
Tips for Disney World Thanksgiving
1. Plan ahead with Park Priorities
Start by compiling a list of must-dos for each family member. This way, you can plan your park days down to a t, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy their favourite attractions.
Use ready-made Park Plans or apps like Orlando Planning and My Disney Experience to customize your itinerary and make dining reservations in advance.
2. Beat the crowds with Disney Genie+
Add Disney Genie+ to your itinerary to maximize ride time and minimize queuing. This optional paid service lets you reserve access to attractions through the Lightning Lane entrance – a lifesaver during peak periods like Thanksgiving week.
3. Join a Virtual Queue with My Disney Experience
Check the My Disney Experience app each morning for rides operating with virtual queues. This gives you flexibility and helps avoid long waits during the busy Thanksgiving period.
Thanksgiving dinner at Disney World
When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, Disney World’s dining scene is as legendary as its rides. Whether you prefer quick-service favourites, seasonal table-service meals, or special character dining, the options are plentiful – just be sure to book early (up to 60 days in advance)!
Top Thanksgiving dining experiences:
- Hollywood Studios: Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine, The Hollywood Brown Derby, and 50’s Prime Time Café
- Magic Kingdom: Liberty Tree Tavern offers a traditional Thanksgiving feast in a colonial setting
- EPCOT: The Garden Grill Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Biergarten Restaurant, Coral Reef Restaurant, and American Holiday Table during the Festival of the Holidays
- Animal Kingdom: Tiffins, Tusker House, Satu’li Canteen, and Restaurantosaurus
- Disney Springs: City Works Eatery & Pour House, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, Earl of Sandwich, Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant, STK Steakhouse, and Wine Bar George
Before planning your festive meal, check Thanksgiving menu availability dates for each restaurant, as these can vary.
Top dining tips:
- Plan ahead: Reservations open 60 days in advance, and Thanksgiving tables fill quickly.
- Use the My Disney Experience app: Manage reservations, join walk-up lists, and order ahead with Mobile Order. Keep checking for last-minute cancellations.
- Dine off-peak: Consider early or late dining to avoid crowds and free up park time
EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays
If you’re visiting over Thanksgiving weekend, don’t miss the start of EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, which runs from November 28 through December 30, 2025. This event celebrates cultural traditions from around the world through live performances, seasonal décor, and Holiday Kitchens serving global cuisine.
- American Holiday Table – for classic turkey and trimmings
- Bavaria Holiday Kitchen – celebrate with Bavarian delights
- L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen – enjoy traditional Jewish favourites
- Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen – savor Mexican holiday dishes
- Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen – enjoy tempting French seasonal treats
- Tuscany Holiday Kitchen – Tuck into festive (and flavoursome) Italian fare
Best Thanksgiving treats at Disney World
Our favourite treats for Thanksgiving at Disney World 2025 go beyond the classics and embrace a full seasonal lineup across the resort. Expect to find pumpkin-spiced and turkey-themed sweets, like speciality cupcakes, bundt cakes and festive mousse creations offered at quick-service and resort bakery locations. Seasonal snacks typically debut in early November and remain available through late December 2025, with many eligible for mobile ordering.
Disney World Thanksgiving Parade
Best Thanksgiving treats at Disney World
Disney’s 2025 holiday treats lineup hasn’t yet been officially revealed, but guests can expect returning favourites and new creations at resorts and parks across the property – from pumpkin mousse and bundt cakes to Thanksgiving donuts and themed cupcakes.
Seasonal snacks typically debut in early November and remain available through late December 2025, with many available via mobile ordering.
Disney World Thanksgiving Parade
There’s no official Thanksgiving parade at Disney World, but you’ll find plenty of festive magic to enjoy. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom features Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, complete with “snowfall” on Main Street U.S.A.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place on select nights from November through December 2025, from 7pm to midnight (ticket holders may enter the park starting at 4pm).
Where to stay for a magical Disney World Thanksgiving
If you’re visiting Orlando for Thanksgiving week, our family-friendly vacation rentals are the perfect base. Located close to Disney World, many feature themed kids’ bedrooms, game rooms, private heated pools, and access to 5-star resort amenities. Some even offer complimentary Disney park shuttles.
Plus, you can enhance your stay with concierge services – from booking park tickets and transportation to arranging private chefs and in-villa celebrations.
Make it a Thanksgiving week to remember – explore our incredible range of Orlando vacation rentals today!
Note: All event dates and park hours are subject to change. For the latest information, visit the official Walt Disney World Resort calendar or check the My Disney Experience app before your visit.
