A Magical Thanksgiving at Disney World (Crowds, food & Tips)

Written By Ashley DeMarie

If you’re wondering whether Thanksgiving week at Disney is too crowded, too chaotic, or totally worth it here’s exactly what it was like, what I would do differently, and whether I would go again.

Why We Chose Disney for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to be with family, enjoy good food and of course it also kicks off the holiday season! This year we decided to ditch our normal turkey and mashed potatoes at home and go to Disney World. Through our Marriott Bonvoy status we were awarded a promotion that allowed us to stay at Marriott’s Harbour Lake for just $500 for 3 nights. This hotel had two bedrooms, two baths, a full kitchen and a living room. It was perfect size for all 5 of us. To be honest this was the main reason we decided to book our Thanksgiving at Disney. It is not often that you are able to stay in a hotel at Disney over a Holiday weekend for just $500.

Marriott’s Harbor Lake link: Orlando Vacation Resort | Marriott's Harbour Lake

Tram ride into Magic Kingdom

Crowds: The Honest Truth + Lighting lane

Lets be real…Disney is always crowded. However, I didn’t find it any more crowded than a normal weekend! Preparation is key when it comes to Disney, and especially on a holiday weekend. Because we were staying off property, we could only book Lightning Lane tickets 3 days before our stay. I got up early and made sure to book all of the rides I knew we wanted first. A few of the popular rides, like Tron and Rise of the Resistance, were already sold out. However, once we actually got into the parks more times opened up, and we were able to get the Lighting Lanes that we wanted (with the exception of Tron).

Pro tip: If you are staying on Disney property, you can book your Lightning Lane up to 7 days in advance.

Thanksgiving Dinner/Food:

Similar to the Lightning Lanes, you also have to book your restaurant reservations far in advance. Reservations open up 60 days in advance at about 7 am. Our family loves Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom, and I knew that was the perfect place for us to have our Thanksgiving meal. The food there is served family-style and is actually Thanksgiving-inspired! Try not to fill up on the rolls and salad, since the food is all-you-can-eat. The servers will continue to bring around your favorites! We also made reservations at San Angel Inn Resturante in Epcot. Although we had a reservation, we waited quite a while for our food. The service was amazing, though, and our waiter brought free margaritas to our table because of the wait! Make sure to get the queso.

Pro tip: In the Magic Kingdom, you can watch the fireworks right outside Liberty Tree Tavern. You will not be able to see the show at the castle, but it is a great way to get away from the crowds while still enjoying the amazing fireworks.

Champaign in “Paris”- Epcot

What I loved:

  • As the designated chef for our family, it was nice to have a break and not worry about cooking

  • The parks are decorated for Christmas already, and it’s a great way to start off the Holiday season

  • Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern was absolutely perfect for Thanksgiving (would be great at Christmas too)

What I’d Do Differently

  • Stay on property

    • Earlier access to Lightning Lane passes and park entry

    • Free Disney transport that limits the driving stress

    • You feel more immersed in the Disney bubble 24/7

Disney Park Essentials Links:

Note: *This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only share products I genuinely love and would and have used myself.

Ashley DeMarie
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