Thanksgiving at Universal Orlando – The Ultimate Guide
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you book or buy through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.
Target word count: ~2300 · Primary keyword:
Thanksgiving at Universal OrlandoDistinguishing move: Use the May 2026 press-trip Q&A with Epic Universe spokespeople to confirm Epic-specific Thanksgiving plans before any competitor publishes the 2026 menus, then return for a Thanksgiving update photo log.
Use the recommended H2 structure below to identify gaps in the post body. Add missing sections, expand thin sections, refresh outdated facts. Existing FAQ block at the bottom is already drafted.
- Thanksgiving at Universal Orlando at a Glance
- Are the Parks Open on Thanksgiving Day in 2026
- Thanksgiving Meals Inside Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
- Thanksgiving Meals at Epic Universe
- Thanksgiving Hotel Dining at Helios Grand, Hard Rock, Portofino, Royal Pacific and Sapphire Falls
- Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay
- CityWalk Treats, Bars and Cocktails
- Thanksgiving Crowd Levels and Touring Strategy
- Holiday Overlays Starting Around Thanksgiving Week
- Should UK Visitors Plan a Thanksgiving Trip
- Thanksgiving at Universal Orlando FAQ
The Universal Orlando Resort is open as usual on Thanksgiving. This includes:
- Universal Studios Florida
- Islands of Adventure
- Epic Universe
- Volcano Bay – Provided the weather conditions are met
- Universal CityWalk
- Universal Hotels
In fact, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times at Universal Orlando, second only to Christmas.
Universal Orlando’s Thanksgiving opening times vary depending on the day Thanksgiving falls. From August onwards, these times are announced on the Universal Orlando website.
The Universal Orlando parks have reached capacity on Thanksgiving in the past. However, these higher crowd levels aren’t limited to Thanksgiving day.
Instead, the theme parks’ capacity levels are often met again over the weekend. That’s because many people pair a trip to Universal with visiting family for the holidays or extra time off work.
These higher crowd levels unsurprisingly result in longer wait times for rides and attractions. Over Thanksgiving, you can expect to wait around 2 hours for the park’s most popular rides.
With a Universal Express Pass, you will save time waiting for rides. However, due to dynamic pricing, the pass will be more expensive. As such, it can be cheaper to stay in a Premier onsite hotel with free Universal Express Passes instead.
There is no special Thanksgiving decor at Universal Orlando. However, Universal is decorated for Christmas before Thanksgiving. As such, you’ll be able to see all the special holiday decor. Plus, the incredible special holiday events include:
- Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s
- Grinchmas
- Christmas In The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
Planning for Thanksgiving Day at Universal Orlando
Here’s how I’d plan for visiting Universal Orlando over Thanksgiving:
- Decide which of the Universal Orlando park I wanted to visit.
- Buy my theme park tickets online in advance.
- Check the opening times for that park on Thanksgiving.
- Research the most popular rides to decide which I wanted to go on first.
If I had the budget, I’d also compare the cost of a Universal Express Pass to the price of staying at Signature on-site hotels, which include the pass for free.
Universal Orlando Thanksgiving Itinerary
On the morning of my visit to Universal Orlando, I would have breakfast before setting off to the resort. That way, I could go straight onto the rides rather than stopping for food.
I’d also aim to be at the theme park gates at least 45 minutes before opening. The first hour inside the park is the quietest of the day, so I would go to rides with the longest wait times.
The crowds begin balancing out around 2–3 hours after the park opens. The wait times shown then are often the same until the early evening. Making this the perfect time for lunch.
If I wanted a table-service meal at CityWalk, I would reserve it as far in advance as possible. Alternatively, if I were doing quick service, I would aim for places with mobile ordering. That way, I wouldn’t have to wait in line.
I wouldn’t go park-to-park on Thanksgiving. If the other park were at capacity, I would have to wait to try to get in. Plus, once I left the first park, if that were at capacity, I would have to wait to return to the park I had left.
At around 6pm, Universal’s crowd levels start to lower, making it a great time to go on any last-minute rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the questions readers ask me most often about a Thanksgiving-week trip to Universal Orlando.
Is Universal Orlando open on Thanksgiving?
Yes. All three theme parks, Volcano Bay, CityWalk, and the on-site hotels operate as normal on Thanksgiving Day. Park hours are typically extended through the holiday week to handle higher demand.
How busy is Universal Orlando on Thanksgiving?
Very busy, second only to Christmas week. Crowd calendars rate Thanksgiving week 9 to 10 out of 10, and parks have hit capacity in past years. I’d plan Express Pass, rope drop, and dining reservations well before the trip.
Does Universal Orlando do a Thanksgiving dinner?
Yes, across multiple in-park restaurants, CityWalk venues, and on-site hotel dining rooms. Three-course Thanksgiving menus typically run at venues like Lombard’s, Finnegan’s, Bigfire (CityWalk), and the hotel buffets at Hard Rock, Portofino Bay, and Sapphire Falls, with prices ranging from around $22 at the Value hotel buffets to $85 at Trattoria del Porto. Bookings open up to six months ahead.
Are Christmas decorations up at Universal Orlando for Thanksgiving?
Yes. The Universal Orlando Holidays celebration runs November 14, 2026 through January 3, 2027, so by Thanksgiving week the Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s, Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure, and Christmas in the Wizarding World are all fully operational. Thanksgiving visitors get full holiday entertainment without the late-December crowds.
Is Volcano Bay open on Thanksgiving?
Usually yes, but on a reduced seasonal schedule. Since November 2025, Volcano Bay has operated five days a week through the cool months and closes for weather (lightning, cold temperatures). Check the official park hours close to the trip dates, and have a backup plan in case it closes for cold.
Should I get Express Pass for Universal Orlando during Thanksgiving?
Yes for most families. With crowd levels at 9 to 10 out of 10, single-park waits routinely exceed 90 minutes on headliner rides, and Epic Universe rides regularly post 100 plus minute waits. The free Express Unlimited at Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, and Royal Pacific covers USF and IOA only, so you’d still need a separate paid Express Pass for Epic Universe.
