Last updated on June 13th, 2025 at 09:17 pm
Thanksgiving at Disneyland Resort sounds like the most magical of holidays: imagine no cooking, no cleaning, and relatives are totally optional.
If you’re dreaming of a Thanksgiving trip to Disneyland in 2025, this comprehensive guide has everything you need to know to make it truly unforgettable.
- Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 27, 2025, many people will make it a 4-day weekend.
- Dining reservations open 60 days in advance, but sometimes later signing up for free dining alerts with MouseDining here.
- Plan in advance and prepare for crowds to maximize your magical holiday!
There are so many places to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at Disneyland. Most require advance reservations which can be made up to 60 days in advance or by
Thanksgiving Planning is Key
Keep this list handy for advance planning for the smoothest vacation:
- Tickets for Thanksgiving Day are available now, get them at a discount here.
- Theme Park reservations are open and REQUIRED for Thanksgiving at Disneyland.
- Dining reservations open 60 days in advance, but there are also quick service Thanksgiving dinner choices.
Most of these highly sought-after experiences require advance dining reservations, which typically open up to 60 days in advance. For Thanksgiving 2025, that means reservations could become available as early as late September 2025.
While I mention how important it is to plan early, Disney itself isn’t super great about publishing the Thanksgiving menus in advance. Even with that in mind you can always make dining reservations when they open since no payment is required up front. Then when menus are released you can make a final decision.
Disneyland offers a quality selection of Thanksgiving dining experiences, from character buffets to sit-down meals and quick service dining. I’ll discuss each of them in more detail below.
Thanksgiving Character Meals
The three Disney owned hotels, The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, The Disneyland Hotel and Pixar Place Hotel are all known for their unique assortment of dining and snack options.
Plus, when you dine at any of these Disneyland Resort Hotel restaraunts, no theme park tickets are required and parking validation is included.
Thanksgiving Day brings that unique flavor to the forefront as we celebrate together with a mix of tradition and Disney flare. Look out for Thanksgiving menus specifically at:
- Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
- Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
- Goofy’s Kitchen at The Disneyland Hotel
- Great Maple at Pixar Place Hotel
Thanksgiving at Goofy’s Kitchen
Take part in American tradition with a scrumptious buffet feast, along with some favorite friends at the Disneyland Hotel on Thanksgiving Day!
Disney Characters will be on hand to make your Thanksgiving meal an especially memorable outing for this special family meal.
- Brunch Buffet at Goofy’s Kitchen
- Character Dining
- Time typically 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Adult Prices: about $62
- Child Prices (ages 3 to 9): about $34
Get an early start to your Thanksgiving celebration with a bountiful brunch featuring turkey and all the tasty sides and desserts you love. Prices do not include tax and gratuities.
- Dinner Buffet at Goofy’s Kitchen
- Character Dining
- Time typically 1:30 PM to 9:00 PM (with the last seating at 8:45 PM)
- Adult Prices: about $75
- Child Prices (ages 3 to 9): about $37
Dinner Buffet Savor a delectable dinner featuring turkey, popular Thanksgiving sides, prime ribeye, seafood cocktail, and pumpkin and assorted pies. Prices do not include tax and gratuities.
Make your reservation for Goofy’s Kitchen on Thanksgiving Day here. Remember, if no spots are showing available sign up for free dining alerts with MouseDining here.
Thanksgiving at Storytellers Cafe
Storytellers is all about bounty, and your Thanksgiving Day will include all the traditional elements in a brunch or dinner buffet—along with some beloved Disney Characters at the Grand Californian Hotel.
Begin your Thanksgiving meal with a trip to the all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet. Wave hello and grab a selfie when Disney Characters come to your table to visit.
The buffet menu will feature holiday favorites and breakfast foods, including: carved turkey, popular Thanksgiving sides, pumpkin and assorted pies, and a full array of breakfast options, both hot and cold
- Brunch Buffet at Storytellers Cafe
- Character Dining
- Time typically 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Adult Prices: about $65
- Child Prices (ages 3 to 9): about $40
Get an early start to your Thanksgiving celebration with a bountiful brunch featuring turkey and all the tasty sides and desserts you love. Prices do not include tax and gratuities.
- Dinner Buffet at Storytellers Cafe
- Character Dining
- Time typically 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM (with the last seating at 8:45 PM)
- Adult Prices: about $75
- Child Prices (ages 3 to 9): about $45
Make your reservation for Storytellers Cafe on Thanksgiving Day here. Remember, if no spots are showing available sign up for free dining alerts with MouseDining here.
Thanksgiving Meals at Disney Hotels
In addition to the character Thanksgiving meals listed above, there are a couple other Thanksgiving day dining choices at the Disneyland Resort Hotels.
These options typically do not feature Disney characters while dining, so keep that in mind as you plan.
Thanksgiving at Napa Rose
Another dining option at The Grand Californian is Napa Rose. Here, you’ll be treated to a Thanksgiving feast featuring authentic California cuisine.
Celebrate family and friends over a Thanksgiving experience with the Chef’s special Thanksgiving dinner menu.
- Dinner at Napa Rose Restaurant
- No characters during dinner
- Time typically 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Adult Prices about $140 per adult
- Child Prices (ages 3 to 9) about $50
A wine pairing for an additional fee for guests ages 21 and up. Prices do not include tax and gratuities.
Make your reservation for Napa Rose on Thanksgiving Day here. Remember, if no spots are showing available sign up for free dining alerts with MouseDining here.
Thanksgiving at Great Maple
Great Maple is located at Pixar Place Hotel. I love the ambiance and decor here, plus the food is delicious!
Having dinner away from the busy theme parks is also such a nice break.
- Dinner at Great Maple
- No characters during dinner
- Time typically 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Menu prices a la carte
You can snag a reservation for Great Maple with free dining alerts here.
Sit Down Dining Inside the Parks
Many restaurants across Disneyland Resort jazz up their menus just in time for Thanksgiving day. I’ll start with places that require reservations and then move into quick service options (best paired with mobile order when available).
Reservations Restaurants at Disneyland Park
- Blue Bayou where you can dine inside Pirates of the Caribbean
- Cafe Orleans overlooking Rivers of America
- Carnation Cafe on Main Street, U.S.A.
- River Belle Terrace in Frontierland
Reservations Restaurants at California Adventure Park
- Carthay Circle for fine dining at California Adventure
- Lamplight Lounge overlooking Paradise Bay
- Wine Country Trattoria a quiet escape at the park
Day-of Thanksgiving Dinner Options
If you’re spending a day in Disneyland Park or California Adventure, you may not have time to sit down for a two or three hour Thanksgiving Day meal. Or maybe you missed out on dining reservations, and that’s totally okay.
The following gives you an idea of which restaurants typically serve a Thanksgiving menu and specialty items previously offered during Thanksgiving week.
- Flo’s V8 Cafe at California Adventure Park – Fried Chicken with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Gravy and Seasonal Vegetables.
- Jolly Holiday at Disneyland Park – Jolly Holiday Holiday Sandwich with Roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce on rustic bread served with house-made chips or Turkey Noodle Soup
- Paradise Garden Grillat California Adventure Park – Traditional Pork Tamales with Golden Rice and Black Beans, topped with Cheese and Red Chile Sauce.
- Smokejumpers Grill at California Adventure Park – Cranberry Turkey Burger with seasoned sweet potato fries/
- Plaza Inn at Disneyland Park – Three pieces of Chicken fried to a golden brown and seasoned with distinctive Herbs and Spices, served with Mashed Potatoes, Buttermilk Biscuit and a mixture of Vegetables.
- Turkey Leg Carts throughout the park for turkey on the go.
- Rancho del Zocalo at Disneyland Park – 1/2 Chicken seasoned in a Savory Marinade of Chile and Citrus served with Mexican Rice and Refried Beans.
Downtown Disney Thanksgiving Dinner
Looking for a day out, a day of relaxation and maybe some shopping? Downtown Disney is ready to celebrate Thanksgiving with special dining you only get once a year.
These Downtown Disney dining choices typically offer special menus Thanksgiving day:
- Jazz Kitchen
- Black Tap Burgers and Shakes
- Centrico
- Splittsville
Crowds and Tips
Is it going to be crowded at Disneyland on Thanksgiving? You’d be surprised at how many people want to spend their Thanksgiving day at Disneyland as well.
But don’t let that deter you. Even if it’s not completely empty, here’s how to make the most of Thanksgiving at Disneyland:
- Get discount tickets and book reservations prior to your arrival
- Download the official Disneyland app and get familiar with layout layout of the resort
- See what holiday festivities you can enjoy during your Thanksgiving visit
- Grab our free featured guide (updated for the Holidays in early November)
We have covered a lot of food in this short time! I would love to see what you eat at Disneyland on Thanksgiving day, please send your Thanksgiving food photos to be featured in this article.
Retired: Thanksgiving at Disneyland Hotel
The last time we saw the Disneyland Hotel classic Thanksgiving dinner was 2019. Disney seems to be favoring smaller, more intimate Thanksgiving meals rather than the massive, indulgent spread that once was hosted in the Disneyland Hotel’s Grand Ballroom.
While we no longer have this as an option, you can take a look back at 2019’s offering at The Disneyland Hotel.
Disneyland Hotel Thanksgiving Dinner in 2019 cost $180 for adults, $70 for kids ages 3-9, and free for children under 3. Prices includes tax and gratuity. 
This Thanksgiving Disneyland meal was always an over-the-top amazing buffet style meal.
While you wait to be seated, kids can enjoy a movie and festive fall crafts. Upon checking in, you’ll also receive your special gift which in years past was a Thanksgiving Day button or trading pin. You’ll show this as your parking validation when you exit the hotel.
Disneyland Hotel Thanksgiving Day Menu consists of various buffet options, along with an extensive list of eats for kids like chicken nuggets, Mac and cheese and more. But let’s start with a photo of dessert, because why not?
Adults will enjoy all the kid food including these options available for everyone:
- Salad Station featuring spinach blend, harvest blend, vegetable ratatouille blend, sweet potato
- Cold Side Starters with assorted cheeses and meats, smoked salmon, jumbo prawns
- Carving Station with prime rib or beef, chicken, turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy
- Pasta Station with various pastas, accompany meats and sauces, along with vegetarian options
- Soup Station features seasonal soups
- Hot Side Dishes like mashed potatoes, cranberry apple stuffing, sweet potatoes, vegetables and fish
And of course, an abundance of Thanksgiving Day desserts like soft serve ice cream station, chocolate fondue fountain and mini treats all in smaller portions so you can enjoy the variety.
Thanksgiving dinner at the Disneyland Hotel isn’t all about the food. You’ll also be serenaded by live music during your meal.
And enjoy the company of some of your favorite Disney friends. Each family receives a time to visit characters for photo ops so you can have the best Thanksgiving meal possible, without a ton of waiting.
Princesses take turns making a visit, so yours may be different but Snow White and Dopey arrived in style and posed next to the wishing well. Pocahontas and Meeko arrived for the occasion, as well as Pluto, Donald, Mickey, Minnie, Chip and Dale.
Always the characters, those two! And let’s throw in one more picture of the food because we totally can picture ourselves right here! Each family also received a parting gift as they left.
While I am sad to see this option no longer available, I do like the idea of a smaller, less frazzled Thanksgiving feast at Napa Rose, Storytellers Cafe or even Goofy’s Kitchen. The more intimate settings with a more focused, compact buffet set up is much better for families as well.
