Walt Disney World is open, you have more DVC points than you thought and you didn’t have to homeschool (that much) this year- so much to be thankful for! I know, I know – that after Halloween, Disney goes into full Christmas Holiday mode. ( Just like the rest of the country. ) It’s not that we don’t love Thanksgiving, it’s that for most businesses- it’s not a huge money maker. (A Venti Gravy and Stuffing Latte at Starbucks, doesn’t have the same ring that a Peppermint Mocha does.) Here is what we do know so far about Having Yourself a Very Merry Disney Thanksgiving. Sorry-not Christmas, THANKSGIVING. Here we go!
Will Disney be busy on Thanksgiving?
Yes…and no. Ok, hear me out, it’s Disney- it’s always busy. Most people think “it’s a holiday, it will be slow”… most people who are visiting family near Orlando from out of town think “You live so close to Disney, we should go for the day!” So yes, with the Christmas decorations up, relatives from up North visiting, and the 50th Anniversary this year, some of the parks will be extremely busy. Recent numbers have shown that on Thanksgiving day, Magic Kingdom and Epcot have a very high attendance. However, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios might have a less than average attendance on Turkey Day. This does make sense. If you are going to Disney for only one day- Magic Kingdom and Epcot are your first two choices. (Those are just statistics, NOT a personal opinion.)
Where to eat Thanksgiving dinner?
Whispering Canyon Cafe: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Only Available November 25th, 2021 from noon to 10pm
$45 per Adult/ $27 per Child (not including tax or gratuity)
Whisper Canyon Cafe will be offering a 3 course meal featuring a crisp salad, all you can eat turkey and their famous BBQ finished off with a holiday dessert platter.
Liberty Tree Tavern
$39 per Adult/ $21 per Child ( not including tax or gratuity)
Patriots Platter is available which includes roast turkey breast, Pennsylvania pot roast, oven roasted pork, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, stuffing, and mac n cheese. Desserts are available a la carte.
Should I skip Black Friday shopping and go to Disney instead?
Ummmm….Yes!
Why?
Epcot’s International Festival of Holidays begins, November 26th! Let’s be honest, how many five dollar fleeces do you need? Skip the retail jungle and head to Epcot and start your journey on the Holiday Cookie Stroll! Grab your festival passport and be on the lookout for five new delicious treats. Purchase and eat all five new holiday cookies to receive a specialty cookie. Because what’s better than five cookies? Six!
WEEK AFTER THANKSGIVING FUN FACT
The week after Thanksgiving is one of the best weeks of the year to visit the parks. The parks are not as busy because it’s in-between the holiday rushes, and all the parks are fully decorated for Christmas. A decorated Disney Park, a chance to walk off Thanksgiving leftovers, and short wait lines- it’s a holiday wish come true!
