Updated November 3, 2026
It’s one of my favorite holidays!
What a wonderful time to give thanks.
Let’s see how Disneyland celebrates.
Basic Holiday Time Scoop
The following posts are important for the holiday season, including Thanksgiving:
Candy canes start the day after Thanksgiving! Don’t miss this time honored tradition.
Dining Options
Storytellers Cafe
Storytellers Cafe at the Grand Californian Hotel hosts a Thanksgiving celebration at both brunch and dinner.
Disney shares:
“Gather with Mickey Mouse, Scrooge McDuck and Disney friends at a sumptuous Thanksgiving feast filled with harvest-inspired fare and an extra helping of autumn wonder.”
Find pricing and more info here and book asap, as this will sell out.
Goofy’s Kitchen
Goofy’s Kitchen is celebrating too!
Disney shares:
“Join Goofy and friends for a heartwarming Thanksgiving celebration! Savor a bountiful brunch or dinner featuring holiday favorites and seasonal desserts as some favorite Disney pals stop by in their charming fall attire.”
Find pricing and more info here and book asap, as this will sell out.
Other suggestions include:
- Wander through Festival of Holidays at DCA and dine at the booths
- Plaza Inn at Disneyland serves classic chicken & mashed potatoes that I would be happy to eat for Thanksgiving – no reservations needed
- Carnation Cafe has classic, home style plates, but this restaurant requires a reservation.
- The nicest restaurants in each park include Blue Bayou at Disneyland and Carthay Circle at California Adventure. Either would be lovely for a nice meal.
- Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Hotel is ideal for a fancy Thanksgiving meal. Make reservations now!
- Paseo is the nicest restaurant in Downtown Disney and it has a Michelin star chef!
What the Parks are Like
It will be busy!!! Very busy. Disneyland is almost always full on big holidays and Thanksgiving is no exception.
I encourage you to arrive early and focus on rides in the morning. I share how to make the most of your days with and without Lightning Lanes with my strategies here.
With them, you should limit your wait time to 20 minutes or less for nearly every ride in each park.
Looking Ahead to Christmas
Check out these gift suggestions I’ve shared over the years:
- Keepsake Recipe Box – I started this for our kids for their collection down the road
- “it’s a small world” book – Just over $4
- Going to Guides book – I was a contributor!
Additional Resources
Planning a trip? Start with this post. It shares all sorts of basic planning info that will help you get organized.
Need discounted tickets and hotels? Check out my travel partner, Get Away Today. In business since 1990, they’re the absolute best with both pricing and service. This link takes you to them. Or you can call 855.GET.AWAY toll free.
***Use code DDaily for an additional $10 off when you book hotel and tickets
Let me know how I can help you plan!!
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