Tips for Visiting Disney World at Thanksgiving
Walt Disney World celebrates all holidays in a spectacular fashion and Thanksgiving is no exception. The Orlando, Florida vacation destination offers four major theme parks, two water parks, multiple resorts and some of the best dining in Central Florida.
When visiting or planning to visit Disney World at Thanksgiving there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Timing the Trip
It is important to note that the week before Thanksgiving is considered a low traffic time. This means that there are generally less people in the parks and wait times for rides and attractions may be minimal. The weeks that include Thanksgiving and follow Thanksgiving are considered higher traffic times, meaning the crowds will be heavier and wait times longer.
- Stay at a Disney Resort
Staying in one of Disney’s themed resorts treats Thanksgiving guests to the amazing holiday decorations that enhance an already festive atmosphere. According to the Disney Moms’ Panel, when visiting during Thanksgiving, guests should be able to see most if not all of the spectacular Disney Christmas decorations. Children (and adults, too) will enjoy waking up each morning and seeing another area of their resort transformed with Holiday decorations like magic overnight.
- Set Dining Reservations
It is always a good idea to reserve dinner reservations for your favorite Disney restaurant. Reservations for Thanksgiving dinner are essential, even if you do not plan on participating in one of the many traditional dinners offered throughout the parks and resorts. Several of Disney’s popular restaurants offer a full, traditional Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving. To obtain a list of which restaurants will be offering the meal this year, contact Dining Reservations at (407) WDW – DINE or (407) 939 – 3463. Disney dining reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance.
- Extra Magic Hours
To get even more fun out of your Thanksgiving Disney visit, take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours. Extra Magic Hours allow guests of the resorts to arrive one hour before the park opens or stay one hour after the scheduled closing time. To use this perk, simply present a valid Theme Park ticket/Resort ID when you enter the park for the day. To find out which park has the Extra Magic Hours during your Thanksgiving vacation, see the concierge at your resort main house. The information may be found also online at Disney.com.
- Not to be Missed
When visiting Disney World over the Thanksgiving holiday, guests may enjoy several seasonal events. Not to be missed, especially when traveling with children, is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party held in the Magic Kingdom. This special holiday event does require reservations and a separate ticket. Other spectacular holiday sites that need to be seen include the giant gingerbread house on display at the Grand Floridian resort and the Christmas displays in the various international pavilions in EPCOT’s World Showcase.
Spending the Thanksgiving holiday at Walt Disney World is just as amazing as spending Christmas there. The parks are decorated and everything in the “happiest place on Earth” is just a bit more magical than usual. It is a great time to do a little Christmas shopping, enjoy some delectable foods and celebrate America’s Thanksgiving with Mickey, Minnie and all the Disney friends.
