7 Theme Parks to Visit for Thanksgiving

Make the most of Thanksgiving break. Let gourmet chefs worry about the turkey, skip Black Friday madness and head to these theme parks for extra family fun.

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September 28, 2019

By: Deanne Revel

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Knott's Berry Farm

If you love to brunch, head to Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, Calif., for a special Thanksgiving Day brunch at Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. You'll find all the Thanksgiving classics plus the park's iconic boysenberry pie. Reservations are strongly encouraged through OpenTable.

BOOK NOW: Knott's Berry Farm Tours & Tickets | TripAdvisor, Starting at $57.99

Walt Disney World

Have Thanksgiving dinner with Minnie and Mickey! In the Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Backyard BBQ, an outdoor picnic pavilion at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, kicks it up a notch for Thanksgiving with Mickey’s Backyard BBQ Feast. Not only do you get to see a hoe-down show with Minnie, Mickey, Goofy and more pals, but the all-you-can-eat buffet features mouth-watering country classics and desserts.

BOOK NOW: Walt Disney World Tickets | Best of Orlando

Walt Disney World

If you want more refined Thanksgiving fair, head to Artist Point at Disney's Wilderness Lodge in the Magic Kingdom. Their Thanksgiving Day menu includes stunners like smoked turkey breast with sage butter, dried cherry and fig dressing, plus pumpkin cheesecake with pomegranate-apple cider caramel and pumpkin seed brittle. For another Magic Kingdom option, mosey on over to Frontierland to partake in the Thanksgiving spread at Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn and Cafe that includes classics like turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce and gravy.

BOOK NOW: Walt Disney World Tickets | Best of Orlando

Walt Disney World

If you're traveling to the Valley of Mo'ara at Disney's Animal Kingdom, you'll find that the Na'vi have created their own version of a traditional Thanksgiving meal on Pandora. Satu'li Canteen will serve up wood-grilled roasted turkey breast with gravy, apple and sage stuffing, green beans, orange marmalade-glazed sweet potatoes with candied pecans, mashed potatoes and cranberry boba pearls. And for dessert, you'll find a delicious pumpkin cheesecake mousse.

BOOK NOW: Walt Disney World Tickets | Best of Orlando

Disneyland Park

No time between rides? Take your turkey dinner on the go at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. The giant smoked turkey legs are an iconic theme park snack and you can find them at most snack kiosks and quick service stations throughout the parks.

BOOK NOW: Disneyland Resort Tickets | City Pass

Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Studios Orlando brings the magic of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade from New York to Florida. No coats needed to watch this show! Universal's Holiday Parade features iconic Macy's characters plus Universal favorites such as Minions, Shrek and animals from Madagascar.

BOOK NOW: Universal Studios Tickets | Best of Orlando

Universal Studios Orlando

Several Universal Studios Orlando on-site hotels are offering special Thanksgiving Day meals, from a breakfast buffet at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort's Amatista Cookhouse to a turkey carving station at Cabana Bay Beach Resort's Bayliner Diner. The Kitchen at the Hard Rock Hotel will offer a special character Thanksgiving buffet and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel will even have a kids' table with fun holiday crafts.

BOOK NOW: Universal Studios Tickets | Best of Orlando

Dollywood

Let Dolly do the cookin'! Although Dollywood kicks off its incredible Christmas celebration in November, you can eat a traditional Thanksgiving meal at Aunt Granny's. Get your fill of classic Southern comfort sides plus a buffet of Thanksgiving desserts.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Dollywood Visitor Reviews | TripAdvisor

Carowinds

Black Friday kicks off Carowinds' annual WinterFest, a season of special holiday decorations, entertainment and treats. Skip watching football on TV and the crazy mall parking lots, and spend the day making memories together as a family.

BOOK NOW: Carowinds Tickets | TripAdvisor, Starting at $55.99

Hersheypark

If Black Friday stresses you out, head to The Hotel Hershey for pumpkin spa treatments. Yes, you read that right. The Hersheypark hotel will also serve a special brunch and dinner buffet on Thanksgiving Day.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: The Hotel Hershey Visitor Reviews | TripAdvisor

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7 Theme Parks to Visit for Thanksgiving

Related To:

Shop This Look

Knott's Berry Farm

Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World

Disneyland Park

Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Studios Orlando

Dollywood

Carowinds

Hersheypark

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