What are the Best Things to Do in Orlando during Thanksgiving?

You might not think of Orlando as a Thanksgiving destination but there’s a bounty of things to do in Central Florida. From bountiful feasts to discount shopping and engaging attractions, you’ll find a cornucopia of Turkey Day delights. Want to learn more about things to do in Orlando during Thanksgiving? Read on.

Things to do in Orlando during Thanksgiving

Shopping

Shopping and Thanksgiving go hand-in-hand. With Black Friday sales at outlet malls like Orlando Premium Outlets and high-end stores, along with boutique and box stores, shopping in Orlando is a real treat. You can make the most of Black Friday and get all of your holiday shopping done throughout the Thanksgiving weekend. Check out our Orlando shopping guide to get the scoop on where to shop ’til you drop!

Thanksgiving Dinner

What’s one of the best things to do in Orlando during Thanksgiving? Eat, of course! Plus, sometimes it’s nice to relax, have the meal taken care of and enjoy the holidays season without all the effort. Let the Orlando restaurants cater to your taste buds this Thanksgiving. From family-friendly to intimate and quaint, you can choose the type of Thanksgiving meal atmosphere that’s right for you.

Islands’ Dining Room
Hours: 11:00 am-9:00pm
Enjoy a Thanksgiving buffet while watching South Pacific entertainment and enjoying a meet and greet from Universal Orlando Resort characters. Further, a face painter, balloonist, island musician, and hula dancer are showcased as well. Adults are $59 per person while children (ages 3-9) are $27 per person. Also, guests can add all-you-can-drink mimosas and Bloddy Mary’s for $15. Reservations required. Call 407-503-DINE (3463) or book online.

Roy’s Orlando
Hours: 10:00 am-9:00 pm
Choose from either a Thanksgiving menu at $39.95/person or $59.95 for 2 paired glasses of wine per person. A classic Prix fixe menu is also available, featuring appetizers, entrees, and dessert. Additionally, items from the children’s menu, including turkey dinner with all the trimmings, are offered for just $12.95.

The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel
Hours: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and 5:00 to 10:00 pm
A Thanksgiving Day buffet will be offered from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and 5:00 to 10:00 pm, featuring a chilled seafood bar, sage-butter-roasted turkey, and much more. Moreover, Universal Orlando characters, Magic Man, saloon artists, and face painting will be featured as well. Adults are $67 per person while children (ages 3-9) are $24. Call 407-503-DINE (3463) for reservations.

Amatista Cookhouse
Hours: 11:00 am-9:00 pm
Spend Thanksgiving enjoying a Caribbean-style buffet as the kids are entertained by Universal Orlando Resort characters, balloon artists, face painters, and more. $59 for adults, $27 for children, and children under three years old can eat for free. In addition, guests can add all-you-care-to-enjoy Mimosa and Cubanitas for $19. Call 407-503-DINE (3463) to place your reservations.

Raglan Road Irish Pub
Hours: Dinner Reservations Only
Raglan Road Irish Pub serves up a savory Thanksgiving menu with an Irish twist each year in Disney Springs. $28 per adult and $14 per child. Other menu items are available for purchase as well. Reservations required.

Trattoria del Porto
Hours: 12:oo pm-7:00 pm
A holiday buffet will be offered from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thanksgiving Day, featuring roasted turkey and more. Entertainment includes Universal Orlando characters, a children’s holiday crafts and activities table, a face painter and balloonist, and live music. $67 per adult and $25 for children (ages 3-9). For reservations, call 407-503-DINE (3463) or book online.

310 Park South 
310 Park South offers a traditional Thanksgiving menu this year, including options such as slice turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and more. $24 per adult and $16 for children under the age of 12. To make reservations, call 407 647-7277.

Of course, these are only some of the culinary options open on Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Weekend Events

Did you know Thanksgiving is also the official kickoff to Christmas in Orlando? You can start your holiday off right by visiting Orlando Theme Parks where the spirit of the season will already be in full swing. From Disney World to Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld to LEGOLAND, there are many ways to celebrate the magic of this special time of year.

It is in your best interest to purchase theme park tickets and packages for Thanksgiving weekend in advance. This is a popular time for visitors and the parks fill up fast!

Entertainment

You can also see an Orlando show over Thanksgiving vacation. Blue Man Group, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show, and other productions are open on Thanksgiving Day and have showtimes throughout the weekend.

Fun, Feasts & More