Ready for Thanksgiving Week at Disneyland 2024? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Thanksgiving at Disneyland is a truly unique experience that offers a memorable trip for you and your family. In 2024, starting from November 14, Disneyland Resort will welcome guests with a festive atmosphere, transforming the park into a magical holiday wonderland. This time of year sees a surge in visitors, so if you want to make the most of your 2024 trip, planning ahead is essential.

Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest times of the year at Disneyland, with high demand for tickets and accommodations. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, it’s important to plan and book your tickets and accommodations early. This will help you avoid sold-out tickets and overcrowding, keeping your plans on track.

In this article, I will provide essential information to help you prepare for a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration at Disneyland. You’ll find details on dining options, from traditional Thanksgiving meals to quick snacks. Additionally, I will share tips to maximize your experience with special activities and events happening around the park. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney fan, this guide will make it easier and more exciting to explore Thanksgiving week at Disneyland.

Timing and Booking Plans

Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest times of the year at Disneyland. Although many might think that Thanksgiving Day is a great time to visit the parks because people are at home with their families, the reality is that the parks are incredibly crowded throughout this week. Both tourists and locals flock to Disneyland to spend time with their families at the “Happiest Place on Earth.” From the week before Thanksgiving until the Sunday after Thanksgiving, the crowds are at their peak.

To make the most of your visit during this busy period, planning ahead is crucial. Avoid arriving at the last minute; instead, plan to get to the park early to avoid long lines. Use the Disneyland app to check wait times for rides and dining options. Booking activities and dining reservations in advance is also a smart strategy to prevent missing out on your preferred experiences and to manage crowd levels effectively.

For the busiest days of the holiday season, historical data indicates that the Friday and Saturday immediately following Thanksgiving are the peak times. These are the most crowded days, so if possible, plan to avoid these dates or schedule your activities during less busy times of the day.

If you plan to stay overnight, booking a room at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels early can provide various benefits and options. Early booking not only helps secure better rates but also minimizes the chance of rooms being fully booked, making for a smoother vacation experience. It is crucial to book your tickets and hotel accommodations in advance to ensure availability and avoid the possibility of sold-out situations. Although crowds typically decrease on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, fall weekends remain quite busy. Therefore, consider these factors when planning your trip to ensure a more enjoyable and stress-free experience.

Thanksgiving Dining at Disneyland

Special Thanksgiving Dishes

During Thanksgiving at Disneyland, guests can savor a variety of special holiday dishes throughout the park. Traditional favorites like roast turkey and pumpkin pie are featured prominently. For a classic take, visit Carnation Cafe, Plaza Inn, River Belle Terrace, Blue Bayou Restaurant, and Cafe Orleans, each offering their own unique spin on the Thanksgiving feast. For instance, River Belle Terrace serves a delectable Thanksgiving dinner with oven-roasted turkey breast, country pork belly stuffing, and pumpkin crème brûlée tart. Café Orleans is known for its Thanksgiving Monte Cristo Sandwich, a festive twist on the classic. At Blue Bayou, enjoy a special turkey and glazed ham dinner with andouille stuffing, while Harbour Galley offers a holiday pozole.

Top Dining Spots

• Table Service Restaurants: For a sit-down experience, consider dining at Napa Rose, Storytellers Café, and Goofy’s Kitchen, which provide elaborate Thanksgiving meals. Napa Rose offers a four-course feast with inventive dishes like Grilled Sierra Foothills Turkey and Spiced Pumpkin Bar. Storytellers Café and Goofy’s Kitchen both offer character dining with Thanksgiving favorites, making them ideal for families. Reservations for these restaurants are highly recommended, as they fill up quickly, especially around the holiday season.

• Quick Service Options: If you’re looking for something quick yet festive, there are several quick-service spots to check out. Jolly Holiday Bakery Café on Main Street serves a Holiday Sandwich with turkey, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Royal Street Veranda in New Orleans Square offers seasonal snacks, including holiday-inspired treats. For a unique twist, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta in Disney California Adventure features a Holiday Dinner Pizza topped with turkey, mashed potatoes, bacon, and cranberry sauce.

• Hotel Dining: Disneyland Resort hotels offer a range of Thanksgiving dining options. The GCH Craftsman Grill at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is a top choice for counter-service dining with a relaxed atmosphere. Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill at Disneyland Hotel also offers a more casual dining experience. For a more upscale option, Napa Rose is renowned for its high-quality Thanksgiving feast. Reservations for hotel dining can be made up to 60 days in advance, so plan ahead to secure your spot.

• Other Locations: Beyond the main dining venues, Disneyland offers other spots to enjoy holiday flavors. Carthay Circle Lounge at Disney California Adventure often features seasonal treats like pumpkin ice cream sundaes and apple pie sundaes. Salt & Straw, known for its inventive ice cream flavors, might offer Thanksgiving-themed options such as Salted Caramel Thanksgiving Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple Pecans. Ballast Point provides festive brews like Pumpkin Down Ale, and Marceline’s Confectionery offers themed treats, from caramel apples to crispy rice treats shaped like pumpkin pie.

With these diverse dining options, Disneyland offers a Thanksgiving experience that caters to both traditional tastes and inventive culinary delights, ensuring a memorable holiday feast for every guest.

Holiday Activities

Special Events and Activities

During Thanksgiving week at Disneyland, the park transforms into a festive wonderland filled with unique events and activities. Don’t miss the spectacular parades, such as “Mickey’s Happy Holidays” on Main Street, where Mickey and friends don their holiday attire. The nighttime “Believe… In Holiday Magic” light show features dazzling lights and fireworks, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for capturing memorable photos. Additionally, the park offers a variety of children’s activities, including holiday-themed games, craft-making sessions, and live music performances.

Character Meet and Greets

One of the highlights of visiting Disneyland during Thanksgiving is the opportunity to meet Disney characters dressed in their holiday best. Look out for Mickey, Minnie, and Donald Duck in their festive outfits, available for meet and greets at locations like Toontown and Main Street. These encounters often include interactive experiences, such as photo opportunities and engaging conversations with your favorite characters.

In-Park Activities

While in the park, immerse yourself in the holiday spirit by enjoying various festive activities. Experience the seasonal overlays on classic attractions like “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday. Catch live music performances, explore Christmas-themed decorations throughout the park, and participate in special holiday events. Mickey’s PhilharMagic is another excellent choice for a delightful 3D movie experience.

Outside the Park

For a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle, consider visiting the Grand Californian Hotel lobby. The cozy atmosphere, complete with a crackling fireplace, offers a peaceful retreat where you can unwind. You might also enjoy watching “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” a poignant show that provides historical insights and a reflective experience. This downtime will help you recharge and enhance your overall visit to Disneyland during the holiday season.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Thanksgiving at Disneyland is a truly magical experience that combines the park’s usual charm with the festive spirit of the holiday season. By arriving early and planning ahead, you can make the most of your visit, from enjoying special events and activities to meeting beloved Disney characters in their holiday attire. Be sure to explore both the festive in-park activities and the relaxing experiences outside the park, like the Grand Californian Hotel lobby and “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.”

Whether you’re marveling at the holiday parades, savoring seasonal treats, or simply soaking in the enchanting atmosphere, Disneyland during Thanksgiving offers something for everyone. Embrace the season’s joy and make lasting memories with your family as you experience the magic of the holidays at the Happiest Place on Earth.