Taking a trip to Disney World Orlando for Thanksgiving? With a wonderful climate, cheerful holiday décor, and fewer-than-average-crowds – Thanksgiving at Disney World in Orlando Florida is a beloved tradition for many. Here we cover some tips for the best times to visit, what times to avoid, weather, Thanksgiving info, and more. We’ll even touch a little on Christmas while we’re at it.
November is a good month to visit even with the holiday crowds. In fact, the weather this time of year tends to make everyone’s demeanor pleasant and cheerful. So, let’s unpack Disney World Orlando for Thanksgiving 2023.
Before you go, we recommend you also check out are coverage of the Disney Genie and Lightening Lanes at Walt Disney World as well as What to Know About Secret Menu Items at Disney World.
Disney World Weather in November
Firstly, we must note that the weather in November is unpredictable at Disney World. That said, on average – the climate is about as perfect as it can be in November. But it is still important to pack for the possibilities because you might see weather in the high 80s or get hit with a cold front and chilly mornings.
We will tell you the best way to pack for a November Disney trip in Disney World: What to Pack for Winter Months. Also, due to the potential for chilly weather one of Disney World’s water parks is always closed in November. For more info on that check out Get the Most from Your Trip to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.
Disney World Events for November
Disney World has exciting events that go on throughout the year. But none of them can compare to the extravagant winter holidays. November and December are naturally the best two months of the year for the entertainment, climate, atmosphere, and special offerings. Be sure to check out our Walt Disney World Guide for Christmas.
A big draw every year for the last 40 years has been Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party which has several dates throughout November. However, this begins on November 6, 2023, before the official start of the holiday season. All around Disney world, decorations begin going up everywhere.
Also worth noting is that Disney’s Magic Kingdom opens and closes early for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party days. The resulting crowds are something you may wish to plan for and avoid in order to make the most out of your time at Disney World Orlando.
Another highly anticipated annual event that goes down through mid-November is Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival. For more on Epcot, check out How to Get the Most Out of Disney’s Epcot. When the festival ends another begins in its wake with the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.
Disney World Refurbishments and New Attractions for November (2023)
As we said above, you can expect Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon to close for refurbishment sometime in November alternatively, Disney’s Blizzard Beach to reopen around the same time. There is always a great deal of construction in the works at Disney World.
However, the project that’s likely to impact guests the most is what’s happening at front of Epcot. Epcot as a whole is undergoing a massive multi-year transformation, so construction is everywhere. Though there have been many improvements to the front of Epcot there is still a big mess with a giant dirt pit in the middle.
On a positive note, though, Space 220 Restaurant, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Creations Shop, Club Cool, Connections Cafe, and Harmonious all debuted in 2022. It is not yet clear if the iconic Cinderella Castle Dream Lights or the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will return. Disney’s announcements made no mention of either.
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