Orlando is the perfect place to spend Thanksgiving if you’re looking for sunny weather and plenty of things to do! From visiting the theme parks to indulging in some of the best food Orlando has to offer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So whether you’re spending Thanksgiving with family or friends, be sure to check out this comprehensive guide for the ultimate Orlando Thanksgiving experience.
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What’s the Weather Like in November?
We must say, November is one of the best months of the year to visit our area! Beautiful weather, fewer crowds, and plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy! To be specific, the weather is usually mild, with temperatures averaging in the 70s and 80s. There is a very small chance of rain, so you can enjoy all the outdoor activities Orlando has to offer without having to worry about getting wet.
Orlando Theme Parks
No Orlando vacation is complete without a visit to at least one of the city’s world-famous theme parks! What better time to visit than over Thanksgiving break when the parks are decked out in holiday decor and there are special events and shows happening throughout the week?
If you’re spending Thanksgiving in Orlando, be sure to check out some of the special events happening at the parks, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. You’ll find live entertainment and all the thrills you love about Orlando during this time of year.
Orlando Thanksgiving Accommodations
There are plenty of great places to stay in Orlando for Thanksgiving, whether you’re looking for a large vacation home with plenty of space to spread out for the entire family or a cozy condo for a romantic holiday adventure! To start with, why would you even consider renting a vacation home for a holiday? There are more reasons than we can begin to put within this post!
Here are our top 4 reasons to stay in an Orlando vacation home for Thanksgiving (or any family holiday):
1. Ample Room for Everyone
You can choose a home that fits your needs and gives ample room for the entire family to spread out! Think spacious living areas, multiple dining spaces, large master bedrooms, and even Disney-themed rooms for the kids.
2. Family-Friendly Amenities
A change of scenery does everyone wonders! Just imagine if that comes with a private pool, game rooms, and in-home theaters (great for football games for the guys, a family movie night, or a Disney movie marathon). Not to mention, most of our homes are a short drive to Walt Disney World and the other theme parks in the area.
3. There’s No Need to Clean
Your vacation home will be cleaned to our high housekeeping standards that follow CDC guidelines, and you won’t need to pick up a mop or clean off the counters before the family arrives! Doesn’t that sound much easier than hosting a holiday at home?
4. Fully Stocked Kitchen
Most vacation rentals have fully stocked kitchens, so all the basic Thanksgiving dinner necessities will be here when you arrive!
Planning a Thanksgiving Feast at a Vacation Home
Speaking of fully equipped kitchens, we know it can feel overwhelming if you’re doing all the planning, shopping, and cooking. And, no one needs to be stressed on vacation, especially during the holidays. So, we also put together a list of quick tips to make it all easier to prep your meal while out of town:
Keep it Simple
Make sure you’re not TOO ambitious if you choose to cook Thanksgiving dinner at your vacation rental. Focus on making just the main dish (for instance, your Thanksgiving turkey or holiday ham) and order all your sides and dessert from a local store. Or, focus on making just one or two sides your family can’t live without and order the rest (in our family, it’s the broccoli casserole). Fresh Market or Whole Foods in Orlando are both great choices and provide delivery services. You’ll have a Thanksgiving buffet filled with your favorite dishes ready in no time!
Plan Everything Ahead of Time
Before you leave home, already know what you’ll be doing and plan accordingly! Will you be cooking, dining, or picking up food to go? If you’re cooking at your vacation home, go ahead and create your shopping list. Go online and order everything for the day before you’ll need it (remember stores may be closed on holidays). This way, when you arrive, the food will magically appear.
Prefer to dine out for the holidays? Most restaurants fill up with reservations quickly or may only take a limited number of orders for pickup. No need to be stuck without any dining options. Make reservations in advance or see if the restaurant of your choice offers pre-ordering for pickup orders.
Bring Must-Have Holiday Gear with You
If you’re driving, you’ll want to ensure you pack and bring any special gear you may need for any of your holiday prep. All of our kitchens are well-equipped, but if you MUST have that special cake pan, garlic press, or roasting pan, toss those items in a bag and bring them with you.
While you’re at it, pack your favorite condiments and seasonings so you won’t have to buy them all when you get here. This goes for any items that will enhance your holiday experience. But keep in mind…
Thanksgiving Decorations can be Minimal
All of the Villakey vacation homes have ample dishware, serving utensils, and flatware. Plus, you’ll find lovely place settings! Throw in a centerpiece, and you’re done. Or skip the centerpiece and just enjoy making memories with the people you love the most.
Do an Inventory Check When You Arrive
Whether you’re flying or driving, assess the kitchen equipment when you arrive. Make sure you buy whatever must-haves you still need. If you’re cooking “at home”, there’s nothing like waking up Thanksgiving morning and realizing you don’t have an aluminum roasting pan for your turkey. Or, gasp… the holiday desserts everyone has been looking for!
Best Places to Eat in Orlando for Thanksgiving
Maybe cooking sounds a bit daunting, and it’s time to have a break from meal-prepping this year! Orlando is home to some of the best restaurants in the country, so you’re sure to find something to please everyone in your group.
If you’re looking for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, there are plenty of Orlando restaurants that offer a special Thanksgiving menu. For something a little different, Orlando is also home to many world-class chefs who have their own take on the holiday classics. So whether you’re in the mood for turkey and stuffing or something a little more unique, you’ll find it in Orlando.
For instance, Sharks Underwater Grill at SeaWorld is hosting a special holiday menu between November 16th to December 25th in 2024! We mean, can you beat dinner with family and friends while watching magnificent creatures swim by? Seasonal entrees include a holiday winter mixed green salad, marinated sous vide grilled turkey breast, and a warm banana pretzel bread pudding. Admission to SeaWorld is required, and reservations can be made easily online.
Disney World will also be a popular place for indulging in your favorite pumpkin-flavored delights and special Thanksgiving offerings! While there haven’t been confirmed dinners or items at this time, you’ll find that some fun items have been or will be added to the regular menus. As always, we recommend making advanced dining reservations, and if you don’t see availability at a restaurant you’d like to visit, then keep checking back from time to time for any open spots from cancellations.
Additionally, Disney Springs and the International Drive area are great places to find a-la-carte menus, impressive prix fixe Thanksgiving dinners, live music, and more. Paddlefish Restaurant will be offering a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with herb-roasted turkey breast, andouille cornbread stuffing, whipped potatoes, green beans, cranberry relish, AND pan gravy!
Love downtown Orlando? Don’t miss out on FusionFest, the annual two-day cultural festival hosted at Dr. Phillips Center! This free event will be taking place from 10:00am to 8:00pm on Saturday AND from noon to 6:00pm on Sunday in 2024.
Want to see what restaurants are open on Thanksgiving in Orlando? Check out Visit Orlando’s website for a list of various dining experiences.
Don’t Wait Any Longer to Plan Your Thanksgiving in Orlando
Ready for a change of scenery for the holidays? Choose from a wide variety of affordable Orlando vacation homes near Walt Disney World, theme parks, restaurants, shopping, world-class golf, and more! Our homes in Kissimmee, Davenport, and the greater Orlando area are sure to fit any budget and family size. Search all of our properties now or give us a call, we’d be happy to help you start planning your holiday trip filled with memories that will last a lifetime.
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