We’re rapidly approaching Thanksgiving, a time for family and feasting. If you happen to find yourself at Walt Disney World for the holiday, there are plenty of ways for you to enjoy the experience. It can be a crazy time at the parks, so it’s best to set realistic expectations. Here are a few things you need to know about Thanksgiving in the parks.
1. Expect Crowds
First, you should expect the parks to be crowded. Thanksgiving brings out hordes of people, so no matter which park you go to, it’s going to have long lines and heavy foot traffic. Make sure to plan ahead, get your fast passes and figure out which Attractions or shows are a priority before arriving.
2. Don’t Expect Thanksgiving Theming
Immediately after Halloween, Walt Disney World makes its transformation into a winter wonderland of Christmas decor. So if you’re spending Thanksgiving at the parks, don’t expect to see gourds, fall colors, or pilgrims.
3. Weather
If you don’t live in the Florida area, you probably need to understand that the weather doesn’t quite work like it does in the rest of the country. Yes, it’s fall, but don’t expect crisp breezes and rosy cheeks. The average November high in Orlando is 78°, with an average low of 59°.
4. Dining
Of course, for most people the most important part of the Thanksgiving holiday is found at the dinner table. Turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and pumpkin pie are the staples of the day, and you can find traditional Thanksgiving meals in a variety of the park’s restaurants. Unfortunately, Walt Disney World’s web page doesn’t tend to emphasize which restaurants will have Thanksgiving meals. Last year, 28 different locations served special meals for the holiday. Here are a few of the locations that are typically a safe bet: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway Pavilion of Epcot, Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada Pavilion of Epcot, Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, The Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios, and Cinderella’s Royal Table at the Magic Kingdom. Of course, if you want to play it safe simply go to Liberty Tree Tavern on Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom. They serve a Thanksgiving style meal year round. The Patriot’s Platter includes: Roasted Turkey Breast, Pot Roast, and Oven-roasted Pork with Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Herb Stuffing, and House-made Macaroni and Cheese.
If you can’t get a reservation, or don’t want to bother with one, but still want to have a taste of turkey, you can get a smoked turkey leg at the Frontierland Turkey Leg Cart in the Magic Kingdom.
5. Saying Thanks
One final tip: Walt Disney World Cast Members play an enormous role in creating the wonder that is Disney Magic. If you’re in the park on the Thanksgiving holiday, show some gratitude to a Cast Member. Take a second to thank them for the work they do, and then revel in the chance to make some incredible memories.
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