Is Disney Busy on Thanksgiving?
The Disney Thanksgiving Rush
As the holiday season approaches, Disney fans are eagerly anticipating the opening of their favorite theme parks and resorts. One of the most popular destinations for families and thrill-seekers is the Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland and Disney World. However, with the holiday season in full swing, Disney is indeed busy on Thanksgiving. But is it too busy?
Pre-Thanksgiving Planning
Before we dive into the busy-ness of Disney on Thanksgiving, let’s take a look at what’s happening in the lead-up to the holiday.
- Park Hours: Disneyland and Disney World will be open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with extended hours on Thanksgiving Day.
- Special Events: Disney will be hosting special events and activities throughout the day, including character meet-and-greets, parades, and fireworks displays.
- Food and Drink: Disney will be offering special Thanksgiving-themed food and drinks, including turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
The Busy-ness of Disney on Thanksgiving
Now that we’ve covered the pre-Thanksgiving planning, let’s take a look at what’s happening on the actual day.
- Crowds: Disney is expecting a large crowd on Thanksgiving Day, with some areas of the parks experiencing wait times of up to 2 hours.
- Specialty Restaurants: Disney will be offering special Thanksgiving-themed menus at some of its restaurants, including the Blue Bayou Restaurant at Disneyland and the Garden Grill at Disney World.
- Character Meet-and-Greets: Disney will be hosting character meet-and-greets throughout the day, including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
Tips for Visiting Disney on Thanksgiving
If you’re planning to visit Disney on Thanksgiving, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your day:
- Arrive Early: Get to the parks early to beat the crowds and make the most of your day.
- 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.
- Take Advantage of Early Morning Extra Magic Hours: If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, take advantage of Early Morning Extra Magic Hours to beat the crowds and enjoy the parks before the crowds arrive.
The Pros and Cons of Visiting Disney on Thanksgiving
While Disney is busy on Thanksgiving, there are some pros and cons to consider:
- Pros:
- Special Events: Disney will be hosting special events and activities throughout the day, including character meet-and-greets and parades.
- Food and Drink: Disney will be offering special Thanksgiving-themed food and drinks, including turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
- Specialty Restaurants: Disney will be offering special Thanksgiving-themed menus at some of its restaurants.
- Cons:
- Crowds: Disney is expecting a large crowd on Thanksgiving Day, with some areas of the parks experiencing wait times of up to 2 hours.
- Long Wait Times: Some areas of the parks may experience long wait times, especially for popular attractions like Space Mountain and Splash Mountain.
- Limited Dining Options: Some restaurants may be closed or have limited hours on Thanksgiving Day.
Conclusion
Disney is indeed busy on Thanksgiving, but with some planning and preparation, you can make the most of your day. From special events and character meet-and-greets to food and drink options, there’s something for everyone at the Happiest Place on Earth. By following these tips and considering the pros and cons, you can have a magical and memorable Thanksgiving at Disney.