Last updated: November 7, 2026
Thanksgiving week is one of the most magical and busiest times of the year at Walt Disney World. The parks are fully decked out for Christmas, holiday parties are in full swing and EPCOT’s holiday festival kicks off right after the big day. Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and here is everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Thanksgiving Week 2026 Park Hours
Disney has extended park hours at three parks to help handle the holiday crowds. Here are the changes Disney has made for Thanksgiving week:
Magic Kingdom
- Saturday, November 21: Open until 11 p.m.
- Sunday, November 22: Open until 11 p.m.
- Monday, November 23: Open until 11 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 24: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Early Theme Park Entry at 7:30 a.m.), closing early for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving): 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Early Theme Park Entry at 7:30 a.m.)
- Saturday, November 28: Open until 11 p.m.
EPCOT
- 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of Thanksgiving week
- Extended Evening Hours for select Disney Resort hotel guests on Monday, November 23, from 9 to 11 p.m.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Monday, November 23: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Early Theme Park Entry at 8 a.m.), closing early for Disney Jollywood Nights
- Tuesday, November 24: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Early Theme Park Entry at 8 a.m.)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Opens at 8 a.m. with Early Theme Park Entry at 7:30 a.m.
- Sunday, November 22: Open until 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 24: Open until 8 p.m.
Park hours can change, so always double check the official calendar on the Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience app before you go.
Where to Find a Thanksgiving Dinner at Disney World
You do not have to skip the turkey just because you are on vacation. Here are some of the best places to look.
Served Year Round in the Parks
- Liberty Tree Tavern, Magic Kingdom: The classic choice. Its all you care to enjoy family style meal features roasted turkey, pot roast, mashed potatoes, stuffing and more, so it feels like Thanksgiving every day of the year.
- The Diamond Horseshoe, Magic Kingdom: Another all you care to enjoy family style meal with a menu similar to Liberty Tree Tavern.
- The Garden Grill, EPCOT: A family style character meal with Mickey, Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale, featuring roasted meats, mashed potatoes and dessert.
Thanksgiving Day Specials
Many Disney Resort restaurants traditionally add a turkey dinner or special Thanksgiving menu on the holiday itself. In past years, that has included spots like Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge, Ale and Compass at the Yacht Club, Steakhouse 71 at the Contemporary, Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Olivia’s Cafe at Old Key West. Many resort quick service spots also offer a turkey dinner plate on Thanksgiving Day.
Disney typically shares its holiday menus closer to Thanksgiving, and we will update this guide as 2026 menus are announced.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a great option if you want a sit down Thanksgiving meal without a park ticket. Restaurants such as Raglan Road, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, City Works, The Edison and Rainforest Cafe have offered Thanksgiving specials in past years.
Our Top Tip: Book Now
Thanksgiving dining reservations go fast. If you have your heart set on a turkey dinner, book as soon as possible in the My Disney Experience app and keep checking back for cancellations. For more ideas, check out Disney World Holiday Food 2026 Guide: The Festive Treats We Can’t Wait to Try.
Holiday Events During Thanksgiving Week
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on Tuesday, November 24. Heads up: all November party nights are sold out, so if you do not already have tickets, look at the remaining December dates. Get the details in What’s New at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2026: A Stitchmas! Dance Party and a New Home for Pooh and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2026 Freebies: Free Ornament, Cookie Locations and Photo Ops.
Disney Jollywood Nights
Disney’s Hollywood Studios hosts Disney Jollywood Nights on Monday, November 23, and Saturday, November 28. The November 28 party is already sold out. Read Disney Jollywood Nights 2026: Everything to Know Before the Party Starts Saturday before you go.
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays and Candlelight Processional
The day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 27, EPCOT kicks off the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, which runs through December 30. It brings holiday kitchens around World Showcase and the beloved Candlelight Processional at the America Gardens Theatre.
Thanksgiving weekend narrators include:
- November 27 and 28: Auli’i Cravalho
- November 29 and 30: Gary Sinise
Shows are scheduled at 4:45, 6:30 and 8 p.m. Seating fills up quickly, so arrive early or book a Candlelight Processional dining package for reserved seating.
See Disney’s Hexed
Need a break from the parks? Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new movie, Hexed, opens in theaters on Wednesday, November 25, the day before Thanksgiving. The AMC at Disney Springs is just a short trip from your resort.
Tips for Visiting Disney World on Thanksgiving
- Expect big crowds: Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest weeks of the year, especially at Magic Kingdom. Plan to arrive at rope drop and use Early Theme Park Entry if you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel.
- Use Lightning Lane: Lines will be long, so Lightning Lane Multi Pass can save you a lot of time. Book as early as your booking window allows.
- Buy tickets early: Holiday dates can sell out, so lock in your tickets and plans as early as you can.
- Take a midday break: Head back to your resort for a swim or a nap, then return in the evening when the decorations and lights are at their best.
- Visit the resort decorations: The gingerbread displays and Christmas trees at resorts like the Grand Floridian, Beach Club and Contemporary are a free and less crowded way to enjoy the holidays.
Planning a Holiday Trip?
Thanksgiving and Christmas week are some of the hardest times to find a room at Walt Disney World. If you still need to book, you can get a free, no obligation quote from our preferred travel partner MEI/Mouse Fan Travel.
And if you want to get into the holiday spirit before your trip, check out New Christmas Movies 2026: Every Holiday Movie Coming to Disney+, Netflix, Hallmark and Theaters.
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