Greetings, Diana! Thanks for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question!
How wonderful that you will be visiting during the week of Thanksgiving - I am certainly thankful for all the joy and memories that the Disneyland Resort has given me over the years! The start of the Holidays has occurred in mid-November in years past. So, while the official dates and information on the Holidays has yet to be released for this year, you will most likely get to experience all the
holiday decor glory while you are at the parks. This includes Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle, the amazing light display on "it's a small world," the magnificent Christmas tree in Town Square, and miles and miles of garland and holiday lights adorning nearly every inch of the parks.
The parks will certainly be open on Thanksgiving and might even have extended hours that day. You can start checking official park hours about six weeks prior to your travel dates. As for dining on Thanksgiving, oh boy, get ready to feast!
In the past, special menu items and meals were abundant on that day with the main event happening at the Disneyland Hotel Grand Ballroom. Last year, a traditional buffet with all the Thanksgiving favorites plus all the trimmings was served from lunch until dinner. Plenty of other restaurants participated as well by offering seasonal dishes. Traditionally, characters are not available during these special meals, but keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog in September/October for official information for this year and to see if perhaps characters are added to the mix.
I hope your trip leaves you with a full stomach and an even fuller heart! Have a magical day!
-Linda M.