Happy family having Thanksgiving together.

The Bear’s Den Resort Orlando Blog Celebrate Thanksgiving in Orlando with New and Favorite Traditions

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A stay at The Bear’s Den Resort Orlando during Thanksgiving weekend is the opportunity to enjoy your favorite holiday traditions — and start some new ones — while relaxing in sunny Orlando. All fun, no work. Who’s in?

Thanksgiving Dinner

Savor your Thanksgiving Day with loved ones. Let our chefs cook your bird and all the trimmings, including a delicious dessert! We’ll deliver your favorite dishes to your Bear’s Den home, and your meal will be hot and ready to serve. Our Thanksgiving dinner to go feeds six to eight adults and features:

  • 9-pound crispy skin, oven-roasted boneless turkey breast
  • Caramelized onion turkey gravy
  • Hawaiian stuffing
  • Herb-roasted potato or roasted garlic, red-skin mashed potato
  • Seasonal vegetables
  • Cranberry sauce
  • Rolls with butter
  • 2 warm apple pies
Family having Thanksgiving dinner and cutting turkey.

Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K

Now in its 32nd year, Track Shack’s Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K is a Thanksgiving morning tradition. Meet at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando on November 25 to gobble up your miles before you feast! Costume judging begins at 7 AM, and the race kicks off at 8 AM. This event benefits Meals on Wheels and other programs that support seniors in our community. With your entry fee, you’ll receive a T-shirt and a finisher medal. You can register online now or in person on race day.

People running in a 5K race.

College Hoops

Just minutes away from The Bear’s Den Resort Orlando, ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World hosts the 2021 ESPN Events Invitational from November 25 to 28. Celebrate Thanksgiving with some of the best teams in college basketball! Eight teams will play a total of 12 games to see who takes home the title. Two teams in the 2021 field — Alabama and Kansas — appeared in the ESPN Way-Too-Early Top 25. Tickets are now available online.

Two men playing basketball.

Shopping

If your sport is shopping, you are in luck! Both Disney Springs and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets are a short drive from Encore Resort at Reunion. Disney Springs is an outdoor entertainment complex with one-of-a-kind restaurants and stores at Walt Disney World. Admission and parking are free. Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets is an upscale, luxury outlet center with more than 160 designer and name-brand outlet stores. Be sure to bring an extra suitcase for all your fabulous finds!

Woman walking with shopping bags at the shopping mall.

Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s

Want the excitement of the traditional parade without the cold weather of New York City? Orlando has its own version of the popular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade at Universal Orlando Resort. Giant balloons and floats based on characters from Universal rides travel through the streets of Universal Studios daily beginning November 13. Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is included in regular admission.

Universal Orlando Resort holiday parade with balloons and floats.

Kickoff to Christmas

For many, Thanksgiving weekend marks the start of their Christmas celebrations. And Orlando’s world-class theme parks are prepared for visitors who are ready to kick off the holidays! Put these dates on your calendar: 

  • Disney Very Merriest After Hours Party — November 8
  • Walt Disney World — November 12
  • Universal Orlando Resort — November 13
  • SeaWorld Orlando — November 13
  • Epcot International Festival of the Holidays — November 26
Walt Disney World Christmas parade featuring Santa Claus.

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

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