🍂 Trading Turkey for Sunshine: Why We Spend Thanksgiving in Orlando
I’ll admit it—I was nervous the first time we skipped Thanksgiving with family and headed to Orlando instead. My mom, in classic form, laid on the guilt thick: “You’re going to regret it. It’ll be sad. Lonely. Depressing.” And for a moment, I believed her. After all, the image of 20 loved ones crowded around a table, passing stuffing and stories, is hard to beat. But what I found instead was something unexpected: peace, joy, and a different kind of connection.
That first Thanksgiving in Orlando wasn’t sterile or sad—it was refreshing. We sat poolside at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes, surrounded by other families who had also chosen to trade tradition for tranquility. The kids splashed in the lazy river, we ordered lunch from our lounge chairs, and the vibe was relaxed, warm, and surprisingly festive. It turns out, you don’t need a turkey to feel thankful.
🗓️ How Our Thanksgiving Tradition Evolved
We’ve always done an every-other-year rotation between our families. But as more relatives moved out of New York or started spending the holiday with their spouses’ families, my husband’s side stopped hosting altogether. That gave us a “free year”—and we took full advantage by traveling. Once we relocated full-time and weren’t just a short drive from my family, traveling for Thanksgiving became our new normal. And Orlando quickly became our go-to destination.
🌟 Why Orlando Works for the Holidays
Orlando offers the perfect mix of festivity and flexibility. You can lean into the holiday spirit or keep things low-key. Here are some of our favorite ways to spend Thanksgiving week:
- Disney Springs: A great spot to walk, shop, and soak in the holiday decor. Just note that some stores may be closed on Thanksgiving Day, so plan accordingly.
- Magic Kingdom: Don’t miss the UCA All American Cheerleaders marching down Main Street—our daughter participated last year, and it was absolutely magical.
- STK Orlando: Since my kids don’t eat turkey, we opt for a steak dinner at STK. Chic atmosphere, great food, and no dishes to wash.
- JW Marriott Grande Lakes: Our home base. The lazy river, poolside dining, and spacious grounds make it feel like a true resort escape.
- Movie Night: One year we saw the Taylor Swift concert film—a fun, festive way to spend the evening.
- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: We start the day in our jammies, watching the parade from our hotel room with coffee and pastries.
- Golf at Grande Lakes: For those who want to swap stuffing for a sand trap, the Greg Norman-designed course is a beautiful way to spend the afternoon.
đź’› Redefining What Thanksgiving Can Be
Thanksgiving in Orlando has become a tradition we cherish. It’s not about abandoning family—it’s about embracing a new kind of togetherness. We’ve met other families doing the same, shared stories over poolside cocktails, and created memories that feel just as meaningful as any crowded dining room table.
So if you’re feeling the pull to try something different this year, don’t let guilt or tradition hold you back. Orlando offers warmth, wonder, and a chance to truly unwind—and that’s something to be thankful for.
