Have you been trying to figure out “is Disney Springs open on Thanksgiving”? Join me as I run through everything you need to know about visiting Disney Springs for the holidays!
Ah, isn’t Thanksgiving just one of the best times of the year?
Not only is it an awesome time to get together with the entire family, but you get to eat yourself silly!
Now what could be better than that?!
If you’re in the Florida area, you might be wondering “is Disney Springs open on Thanksgiving?”.
And that’s exactly what I’m here to answer!
I’ll cover everything from opening hours and stores to delicious ideas for Thanksgiving Dinner.
Now let’s uncover everything you need to know about Disney Springs on Thanksgiving Day!
Is Disney Springs Open on Thanksgiving?
Yes, Disney Springs is open on Thanksgiving – just like the parks that are open every single day of the year!
Although many people spend Thanksgiving Day enjoying the attractions at the many Disney parks, Disney Springs is a fabulous place for dinner.
And that’s because restaurants and stores are actually OPEN which you won’t find everywhere in Orlando for the holidays.
It’s important to remember that not every single thing will be open at Disney Springs on Thanksgiving.
But there’s enough here for a hearty Thanksgiving feast and a spot of holiday shopping.
What Are the Opening Hours For Disney Springs on Thanksgiving?
Now that I’ve answered the question “is Disney Springs open on Thanksgiving?”, you might be wondering when to get there!
Disney Springs is open between 10 am and 11 pm on Thanksgiving Day and is typically open an extra half hour the day after.
If you’re even remotely unsure, Disney Springs publishes their official opening hours day by day.
So, you don’t need to worry about missing anything!
Is Disney Springs Busy on Thanksgiving?
Disney Springs is incredibly busy on Thanksgiving.
In fact, it’s actually one of the busiest days of the year at Disney World!
This is partly because people want to take their families out for a big day at Disney (and many other places are closed!).
But it’s also because Thanksgiving is one time of year where a lot of the USA is off work at once.
And for the most part, you just can’t beat that (except on Christmas day, of course!).
For this reason, I always suggest arriving early and securing a dining reservation as early as you can.
I’m talking months in advance here, or you’ll genuinely struggle to secure anything.
But hey – even if you don’t score a dinner reservation, you can always stop by a snack cart or try and get breakfast!
It’s typically slightly less busy if you try and get breakfast at Disney Springs at Thanksgiving (though not always).
Where to Get Thanksgiving Dinner at Disney Springs
Now that I’ve answered the question “is Disney Springs open on Thanksgiving?”, let’s figure out where to head for dinner!
From casual bars serving Deviled Eggs to full Traditional Turkey Dinners, this list has got you covered.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
If you’re on the hunt for places to grab Thanksgiving Dinner at Disney Springs, try out Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’.
They offer a FULL Thanksgiving Feast That includes smoked turkey breast, delicious mashed potatoes, gravy, and cornbread stuffing!
Plus, you’ll also get green beans, and an amazing cranberry sauce added to the mix!
The menu is typically priced at under $40 for adults and is around $16 for little ones.
So, it’s one of the most affordable options for Thanksgiving at Disney Springs by a mile.
Raglan Road Irish Restaurant and Pub
Raglan Road is another spot that serves a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner.
But what sets this place apart is the live music and dancing you get to see every night!
And hey, you can’t beat the large selection of Irish beers and craft brews available here.
Planet Hollywood
It might feel like a weird spot to have Thanksgiving Dinner, but Planet Hollywood is a reliable pick.
This 4-story restaurant is a lower-key option than other spots around the park.
But it still serves an impressive range of Thanksgiving goodies alongside a few regular menu items.
If you’re visiting Disney Springs with the kiddos, I’d say that this was a reasonably reliable option that should see you through!
On the menu, you’ll find classic picks like all-white-meat turkey, gravy, garlic mashed potatoes, and cornbread stuffing.
You know, the old-school favorites!
Wine Bar George
If you can’t get enough of pumpkin pie and perfectly-cooked turkey, you need to book Wine Bar George.
Not only does it offer a classic Thanksgiving Dinner, but it even gives kids the chance to have a kid-friendly dinner.
So, you won’t need to deal with fussy palates if you choose this spot!
And if you’re not a turkey fan, this place usually offers a couple of protein options (like the iconic grilled Delmonico steak!).
Mario & Enzo’s
If you’re craving an Italian-inspired meal this year, you might want to check out Mario & Enzo’s.
Expect to find things like heritage turkey with pancetta and an amazing pumpkin cheesecake on the menu.
Everything’s subject to change of course, but these dishes are always major hits with diners.
Morimoto Asia
Morimoto Asia is the place to visit if you’re craving a Pan-Asian-inspired Thanksgiving Dinner.
Not only will you find an amazing Peking Turkey (I KNOW!), but it’s home to candied yams and fried rice.
Like a few other spots, the menu might change year-on-year.
But there tends to be a selection of go-to favorites each year that appear pretty regularly.
The Edison
Although The Edison is probably one of the more expensive places to get Thanksgiving Dinner, it’s worth it.
You’ll be treated to large portions, a traditional turkey dinner, and even veggie options that you’ll adore.
Seriously, the curried butternut squash they served one year was life-changing.
They usually serve their Thanksgiving Feast all day long, giving you plenty of time to check out the shops beforehand.
City Works Eatery & Pour
Like a bunch of the other restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day in Spring Springs, City Works serves a full feast.
You’ll get a bougie herb-roasted turkey plate along with sumptuous sides and a bunch of glorious desserts.
I’d say the desserts are a highlight (I have a huge sweet tooth!), but the entire meal is great value for money.
Just remember to book EARLY!
I’ve found that calling them is usually a decent option, but they also offer online booking forms if you’re not a phone fan.
STK Orlando
There’s a Thanksgiving Menu on offer at STK for a few days around Thanksgiving, but bookings are hard to come by.
I’d say that the offerings are typically on the bougie side.
So, you can expect to find everything from lobster starters to chestnut stuffing and Yukon mashed potatoes.
With the incredible ingredients they use here, you’ll expect to pay a premium.
But honestly, it’s worth shelling out for as the atmosphere is relaxing and the food tastes GREAT.
The food menu tends to change very slightly year-on-year, but they stick to a few signature dishes.
And don’t worry, herb-roasted turkey breast is always on the menu!
Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew
Okay, so I get this isn’t technically a place for a full-on Thanksgiving Dinner at Disney Springs.
But the holiday donuts at Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew are always worth chowing down on.
Luckily, Everglazed tends to stock their Thanksgiving donuts from mid-month through to the end of the month.
So, you’ll have plenty of time to grab a gorgeous glazed donut and a cold brew.
Just be warned that the crowds can be immense on actual Thanksgiving Day and you’ll want to get in line early.
Otherwise, you run the risk of stock running low or being stuck in-line for ages!
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
To round off my rundown of Thanksgiving restaurants at Disney Springs, I’ve got Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar!
It’s one of the slightly more relaxed spots you can choose, and their holiday croquettes are to die for.
Which Disney Springs Stores Are Open on Thanksgiving?
Much like Disney Parks, Disney Springs is entirely open on Thanksgiving for all of your gift shopping!
As I’ve been known to forget a gift or two (nobody’s perfect!), this is always a huge benefit!
I’ll always recommend visiting World of Disney, but virtually any of the stores here will have sales in lieu of Black Friday.
Oh, and I adore Art of Disney.
Just be warned that World of Disney will be heaving throughout the day – so, try and hit it first!
Important Things to Remember Before Visiting Disney Springs on Thanksgiving
Get there early
Oh man, parking at Disney Springs on Thanksgiving is a total nightmare – I’m not going to sugarcoat it.
It’s not easy at the best of times, but it’s typically full-to-bursting by noon on Thanksgiving Day.
There is a silver lining though.
The parking at Disney Springs is entirely free!
If you’re struggling to find a space, it’s worth trying the lot around Cirque du Soleil as it’s often less busy.
Still – you’ll need to get there early either way!
Be prepared for busy attractions
Not only will Disney World itself be incredibly busy, but every single shop, restaurant, and attraction in Disney Springs will be packed.
For this reason, I suggest setting yourself up for success by being patient during your visit.
You’re going to run into crowds, long lines, an impossible wait for restaurants (if you haven’t booked!), and everything in between.
But it’s well worth it to spend Thanksgiving at the Happiest Place on Earth – trust me!
Check out the holiday activities – Christmas Tree Stroll
If you’re visiting Disney Springs for Thanksgiving but need something to pass the time, check out the Christmas Tree Stroll!
It’s not really a Thanksgiving-themed activity, but Christmas is just around the corner!
The stroll is essentially a casual walk through Disney Springs that showcases gorgeous and elaborate Christmas trees.
Not only is it entirely free, but you can even pick up a guide to run you through everything on display.
Just head to the Welcome Center and get walking!
Is It Worth Visiting Disney Springs at Thanksgiving?
I’d say that it’s worth visiting Disney Springs at any time of year as it’s just loaded with magic.
Plus, you don’t need to purchase park tickets to get a taste of the Disney Bubble during the holidays!
But I will say that it can be a very crowded place to visit and isn’t a great spot to visit if you’re not a fan of large groups.
And if you haven’t managed to make a dinner reservation (but want to eat!), you’re very likely to struggle.
I hope that this ultimate guide has helped answer the question: “is Disney Springs open on Thanksgiving?”.
Have you ever visited Disney Springs during the holidays? Are you planning to head down this year? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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