2024 Thanksgiving at Universal Orlando: Where You Can Eat

Hey Universal Vacationers! Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, great food, and creating unforgettable memories with loved ones. If you’re spending Thanksgiving at Universal Orlando this year, you’re in for a treat. From decadent buffets to immersive dining experiences, Universal’s on-site resorts deliver everything you need for a festive celebration. Plus, the return of Holiday Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel adds an extra sparkle to the holiday weekend.

Here’s your guide to making the most of Thanksgiving at Universal Orlando.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Thanksgiving Day Buffet – Trattoria del Porto

Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Experience an elegant Thanksgiving buffet at Trattoria del Porto, where every dish is crafted to perfection. Highlights include:

• Main Courses: Rosemary slow-roasted turkey and herb-crusted beef rib roast.
• Seafood Selection: A variety of fresh seafood delights.
• Italian Specialties: Five-cheese tortellini and other Italian-inspired dishes.
• Sides & Desserts: Traditional holiday sides and a lineup of decadent desserts.

Atmosphere: Enjoy live music that sets the holiday mood for a refined and festive dining experience.

Reservations: Book here or call 407-503-DINE (3463).

Thanksgiving Dinner – Mama Della’s Ristorante

Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Savor a specially curated three-course menu featuring seasonal Italian-inspired flavors.

• Appetizer: Creamy garlic cauliflower soup.
• Main Course: Pan-seared Chilean duck breast.
• Dessert: Dark chocolate praline crunch bar.

Experience: The evening comes alive with opera singers and strolling musicians, adding a classic Italian charm to your Thanksgiving dinner.

Reservations: Book here or call 407-503-DINE (3463).

Holiday Harbor Nights

Date: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Kick off the holiday season at Harbor Piazza with twinkling lights, Italian cuisine, wine tastings, and live music by The Buzzcatz. Don’t miss the Christmas tree lighting for a truly magical evening.

Tickets: Purchase here.

Hard Rock Hotel

Thanksgiving Day Buffet – The Kitchen

Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

At The Kitchen, you’ll enjoy a rock-star-worthy Thanksgiving buffet:

• Carving Station: Turkey and prime rib.
• Seafood Station: Fresh seafood selections.
• Holiday Sides: All your festive favorites.
• Desserts: A decadent dessert display to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Atmosphere: Live entertainment creates the perfect soundtrack for your holiday meal.

Reservations: Book here or call 407-503-DINE (3463).

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Thanksgiving Day Buffet – Islands Dining Room

Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Transport yourself to a South Seas-inspired Thanksgiving feast:

• Main Dishes: Carved turkey and prime rib.
• Specialty Stations: Sushi and stir-fry.
• Desserts: A variety of sweet treats to end your meal.

Entertainment: Enjoy live ukulele music and hula dancing while the kids are entertained by a balloon artist.

Reservations: Book here or call 407-503-DINE (3463).

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Thanksgiving Day Buffet – Amatista Cookhouse

Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Amatista Cookhouse offers a unique blend of traditional Thanksgiving favorites with a Caribbean twist:

• Main Dishes: Carved turkey and prime rib.
• Seafood: A ceviche display.
• Sides & Desserts: A mix of traditional and Caribbean-inspired flavors.

Entertainment: Dine to the soothing rhythms of a live Caribbean soloist while kids enjoy face painting and balloon art.

Reservations: Book here or call 407-503-DINE (3463).

Make Thanksgiving Memorable at Universal Orlando

Thanksgiving at Universal Orlando isn’t just a meal—it’s a full-blown experience. With indulgent dining options, festive entertainment, and plenty of holiday cheer, your family will remember this Thanksgiving for years to come.

Pro Tip: Reservations fill up fast, so secure your spot early to avoid missing out on these incredible experiences.

Whether you’re indulging in a lavish buffet, enjoying live music, or soaking in the holiday ambiance, Universal Orlando delivers Thanksgiving celebrations unlike any other.

20% Off site-wide, plus Free Shipping on all orders of $65+

Over 75+ Designs! Your next park shirt is just a click away

Save time & money on your vacation

Your Universal vacation should create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you’re a first-time Universal vacationer or looking to plan your next epic adventure, it isn’t enough just to go on a Universal vacation. We want you to talk about your vacation for years to come and create memories you’ll cherish forever. Vacation is calling! Are you ready to answer?

REQUEST QUOTE

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Jonathan Cotton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I’m no stranger to Disney planning, as a Disneyland magic key holder and DVC member. I’m the person people ask for trip planning advice. But I had never been on a Disney cruise, and had heard great about Nate and decided to reach out. I’m so glad I did because we could not have been happier with our experience. His tips and insights were incredibly helpful, and he was incredibly responsive any time we had a question. Who do the Disney experts turn to when they need help? Nate, that’s who.

We’ll definitely be using him again.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Andria Skornik 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Our experience working with Nate as our Disney vacation planner was exceptional. He was responsive and thorough. He gave us insights that made the trip go much more smoothly. We were able to really relax and focus on quality time as a family and have so much fun doing it! I will definitely reach out for any future trips.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 rpwoodjr 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Could not have wanted or expected more from Nate, our Distrips and More agent as we planned our 2025 Disney World trip. Nate was VERY responsive to emails and texts and more than willing to do whatever he could to guide us and answer our questions.  On several occasions I emailed him over the weekend not expecting a response until Monday but each time he responded before the weekend was over.  He even participated in a Zoom session with our group of five seniors as we planned our trip. He also helped us at the 11th hour when we added a family member to our travel group less than a month before our trip.  Without a doubt, I will reach out to Nate when I'm ready to plan my next trip to Disney World!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Homero Rendon 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We are so thankful we used Nate to plan not only our first Disney trip, but also our second. He made the process so easy for us, especially for us since it was our first time going. There was a lot to consider and many decisions to make, such as where to stay, when to go, and what to experience. Nate really helped us narrow down what we wanted to do overall, but he didn’t stop there. He provided detailed guides to help us navigate the airport and find our transportation to the resort, as well as a guide to explore the resorts and make sure we saw the best Christmas decorations. One of the many amazing things he also did was set up our dinner reservations for us. This saved us so much stress and allowed us to get some of our top choices. From the moment we landed in Orlando to the moment we headed back home, he made sure everything went smoothly. You truly can’t go wrong with going to him for your next trip.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Lee Mathes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nate was absolutely the best planner I have ever had.  Will most definitely be using him again.   He took care of everything and kept me on track.  Was so very helpful in making all the dining reservations and everything.   Can't thank him enough.   He made our trip completely stress free!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Amanda Moran 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nathan has been an amazing trip planner for me! So helpful and responsive. I am a very type A person -- so someone who is even more on top of their game than me -- is so so appreciated! Nathan has booked 3 trips for me (1 completed 2 pending) and it was perfection. Thanks again!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Hyperion Adventures Podcast 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nate has helped us with our vacation planning for the last couple of years and we couldn't be happier with his service and expertise. We've used other travel agents in the past and none of them have done as phenomenal a job to make sure every detail is taken care of as he has. Switching to Nate was one of the best decisions we've ever made. He's always quick to answer questions and works tirelessly to make sure we get everything we want from our trips. Plus, he's just a genuinely great person who is wonderful to work with. Whether you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, or any other vacation, Nate is the guy you want putting it all together! Five stars across the board!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 7 reviews 
 
   
 
 

Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!