Disney World on Thanksgiving: A Busy and Exciting Time for Families
The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Disney World Trip on Thanksgiving
For many families, Disney World is a beloved destination for their holiday celebrations. However, with the holiday season in full swing, it’s essential to know what to expect when it comes to crowds and planning your trip. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Disney World on Thanksgiving, providing you with the latest information on how busy it is and how to make the most of your trip.
The Crowds: A Look at the Numbers
Before we dive into the planning process, let’s take a look at the numbers. According to the official Disney World website, the park is typically busiest on Thanksgiving Day, with 500,000 guests visiting the Magic Kingdom alone. This is a significant increase from the average crowd of around 200,000 on this day.
Here’s a breakdown of the crowd levels for each park:
| Park | Average Crowd | Thanksgiving Day |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Kingdom | 200,000 | 500,000 |
| Epcot | 150,000 | 300,000 |
| Hollywood Studios | 100,000 | 250,000 |
| Animal Kingdom | 50,000 | 150,000 |
Tips for Planning Your Disney World Trip on Thanksgiving
While the crowds can be overwhelming, there are ways to make the most of your trip. Here are some tips to help you plan your Disney World trip on Thanksgiving:
- Book your accommodations early: Disney World offers a range of on-site hotels, from value to deluxe options. Booking your accommodations well in advance can help you save money and ensure availability.
- Plan your park days: With the crowds, it’s essential to plan your park days carefully. Consider visiting the most popular attractions in the morning and then taking a break in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
- Use the My Disney Experience app: The My Disney Experience app allows you to check wait times, make dining reservations, and even order food from your phone. It’s a game-changer for planning your trip.
- Consider a character dining experience: Character dining experiences are a great way to meet your favorite Disney characters while enjoying a meal. They’re also a great way to avoid the crowds at the main restaurants.
- Take advantage of early morning Extra Magic Hours: If you’re staying at an on-site hotel, consider taking advantage of Early Morning Extra Magic Hours (EMH) to beat the crowds.
The Best Times to Visit
While the crowds can be overwhelming, there are times of the day when they’re less busy. Here are some of the best times to visit Disney World on Thanksgiving:
- Morning: Arrive at the parks early and take advantage of shorter lines for popular attractions.
- Late afternoon: Take a break in the afternoon and avoid the crowds that tend to build up in the late afternoon.
- Evening: If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, consider visiting the parks in the evening. The crowds tend to die down, and you can enjoy the evening entertainment without the chaos.
The Best Attractions to Visit
With the crowds, it’s essential to prioritize the attractions that are most important to you. Here are some of the best attractions to visit on Thanksgiving:
- Haunted Mansion: This classic attraction is a must-visit on Thanksgiving. The crowds are smaller than usual, and it’s a great way to experience the spooky atmosphere.
- It’s a Small World: This iconic attraction is a great way to experience the Disney magic. The crowds are smaller than usual, and it’s a great way to enjoy the ride without the chaos.
- Space Mountain: If you’re looking for a thrill, Space Mountain is a great option. The crowds are smaller than usual, and it’s a great way to experience the excitement of the ride.
The Best Dining Experiences
Dining at Disney World is a highlight of any trip. Here are some of the best dining experiences to try on Thanksgiving:
- Be Our Guest Restaurant: This restaurant is a must-visit for any Disney fan. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is elegant and sophisticated.
- Cinderella’s Royal Table: This character dining experience is a great way to meet your favorite Disney characters while enjoying a meal. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is magical.
- Ohana: This character dining experience is a great way to experience the Disney magic. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is fun and lively.
Conclusion
Disney World on Thanksgiving can be a busy and exciting time for families. By planning your trip carefully, using the My Disney Experience app, and taking advantage of early morning Extra Magic Hours, you can make the most of your trip. Remember to prioritize the attractions that are most important to you, and don’t be afraid to take a break and enjoy the evening entertainment. With a little planning and preparation, you can have a magical and memorable trip to Disney World on Thanksgiving.
Additional Tips and Resources
- Disney World’s Official Website: The official Disney World website is a great resource for planning your trip. It offers a range of tools and resources, including a crowd calendar and a dining reservation system.
- Disney World’s My Disney Experience App: The My Disney Experience app is a game-changer for planning your trip. It allows you to check wait times, make dining reservations, and even order food from your phone.
- Disney World’s Crowd Calendar: The crowd calendar is a great resource for planning your trip. It shows the crowd levels for each park and attraction, and helps you plan your day accordingly.
- Disney World’s Dining Reservation System: The dining reservation system is a great way to plan your meals. It allows you to make reservations for popular restaurants, and helps you avoid the crowds.