Want to swap dishes and turkey leftovers for Pixie Dust and Fantasmic! this Thanksgiving? You’re not alone! With kids off school and the parks brimming with holiday cheer, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of year at Walt Disney World. Here are the pros and cons of Thanksgiving at the Happiest Place on Earth.
Pro: The Weather
With hurricane season out of the way and the notorious Florida humidity finally out of the picture, late November tends to be one of the most pleasant times to visit Orlando. Daytime highs are comfortably warm, but evenings can get chilly, so pack a light layer (or pick up a Disney sweatshirt while you’re shopping the parks!).
Pro: Special Events
The parks begin their transformation into a winter wonderland from mid-November. While the official Christmas celebrations ramp up after Thanksgiving, you’ll already see stunning decorations, holiday lights, and themed displays that create a magical atmosphere. And of course, Christmas ticketed events begin in early November so be sure to grab tickets early if you’re interested.
Con: The Crowds
There’s no way around it: Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest times of the year at Walt Disney World. Expect large crowds from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through the weekend. So how can you maximize your park time?
- Plan Ahead: Make dining reservations as soon as possible, especially for Thanksgiving Day meals. Table-service restaurants—especially Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Tree Tavern, where Thanksgiving classics are served 365 days per year!—fill up quickly.
- Use Lightning Lane Multi Pass: If your budget allows, consider using Lightning Lane Multi Pass to minimize wait times for select attractions.
- Arrive Early: If you’re staying on-site, take advantage of early entry to enjoy popular rides with shorter lines.
With thoughtful planning and a little Pixie Dust, your Thanksgiving trip to Walt Disney World can be truly magic—even if it is the busiest time of year. Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving and safe travels!
