Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year — a moment to slow down, be grateful, and enjoy precious family time. And if you’re lucky enough to spend it at Walt Disney World, you are in for a truly magical holiday! As a dad and someone who spends almost every day driving guests to Disney, I want to share my best tips, fun facts, and hidden gems to make your Thanksgiving unforgettable.
Forget the traditional dinner at home — Disney takes the holiday feast to a whole new level!
Here are some of the best spots for a delicious Thanksgiving meal:
  • Liberty Tree Tavern (Magic Kingdom)
    A classic family-style Thanksgiving feast served every day of the year!
    Think roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes — comfort food heaven.
  • Garden Grill (EPCOT)
    A rotating restaurant with Chip ’n’ Dale in adorable harvest outfits. Kids love it!
  • Tusker House (Animal Kingdom)
    A Thanksgiving-inspired buffet with Donald Duck in safari gear 🦆🌽
  • Disney Resort Restaurants
    If the parks are packed, resorts are a hidden secret!
 
The Grand Floridian Café, Ale & Compass, and Whispering Canyon usually offer special seasonal dishes.
 
Tip: Reservations fill up FAST during Thanksgiving week, so secure dining options as soon as possible!
Thanksgiving week kicks off the full Christmas season at Disney — double the magic!
Here’s what you don’t want to miss:
  • 🎄 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (special-ticket event)
  • Holiday parades, cookies, snow on Main Street… yes, snow in Florida! ❄️
  •  
    🎆 Holiday Fireworks at Magic Kingdom
    Grab a spot early — crowds are bigger than usual.
  •  
    🌐 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
    Holiday storytellers and seasonal snacks from around the world 🍱
  •  
    🐘 Animal Kingdom
    Keep an eye out for special character costumes and themed treats.
🚗 Transportation Tips From a Local Dad Behind the Wheel 🙋‍♂️
As owner of The Sun Shuttle, Thanksgiving week is one of our busiest — and there’s a reason:
🚫 Rideshare wait times can jump above 40 minutes

🚗 Parking lots reach capacity before lunchtime

🧳 Families with strollers and luggage → stress overload
 
Here’s my honest dad-to-dad advice:
✔️ Book transportation ahead of time
Avoid the scramble and start your day smoothly.
✔️ Consider resort dining
You can enjoy the magic without entering crowded parks — and we can get you right to your hotel lobby.
✔️ Use Disney Springs as a hub
Great Thanksgiving shopping + easier access + amazing food!
 
💡 And don’t forget — we offer:
🛬 Meet & Greet at the airport 
👶 Free car seats 
👟 Authorized premium  strollers ready at pickup 
🛒 Grocery stops  before your hotel check-in
📲 Text or call us anytime to plan your Thanksgiving transportation — we’ll keep the magic rolling!
🧡 Final Thoughts From One Disney Dad to Another
Thanksgiving at Disney World is more than food and rides — it’s about family.
The laughter, the excitement, the “wow” moments… those become memories forever.
If you’re traveling to Orlando this holiday season, my family and I are here to welcome yours with open arms—and a comfortable ride! 🚘✨
Happy Thanksgiving, and welcome to Walt Disney World — the most magical place to give thanks!
🦃✨
— Fabian
Owner & Family Dad
The Sun Shuttle