Though the Christmas season hit the Magic Kingdom the first week of November, it’s only now that the resorts are getting decked out in all their glory. Over the last few weeks, everything from elaborate garlands to towering trees have sprung up to add festive flair to every corner of property. If you’re in town over the holiday season and have a little extra time in your agenda, take an afternoon or evening stroll to one – or several – of these stunning resorts.
1. Disney’s Grand Floridian
For timeless holiday flair, it simply doesn’t get better than the Grand Floridian. The Victorian lobby sports a massive Christmas tree, and the live band on the second floor balcony fills the space with classy Christmas tunes.
If you notice the air smelling a bit sweeter this time of year, it’s not just the holiday cheer. The Grand Floridian sports a giant Gingerbread house complete with a snack shop inside.
Outside, the decorations are worth a stroll around property, particularly after dark. Reindeer greet you at the door and decorative garlands make every walkway shine.
2. Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The highlight of the Contemporary’s holiday decorations this year is a massive Frozen themed gingerbread display. The towering design features over 1500 gingerbread shingles and has 14 hidden Olafs included throughout. Baked with 514 pounds of flour, 311 pounds of honey, and 212 eggs, this masterpiece is a must-see that’s distinctly different from designs in previous years. Beside the Frozen gingerbread display is a small stand selling Frozen themed treats, and the gift shop opposite offers ample Frozen merchandise so you can get a full fix while you’re here.
The Contemporary also features a massive Christmas tree outside that you can walk up to for an unforgettable holiday photo op. Though the resort did opt not to use the iconic Mickey wreath that it’s displayed in years past, it’s still a smart stop if you’re looking for holiday décor.
Situated on the monorail, this resort is easy to pass through on the same day you visit the Grand Floridian. While the Polynesian is on this track too, it didn’t make our list this year due to the extensive renovations that have most of the lobby walled off.
3. Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club has several holiday displays that just beg you to come in and explore. The trees and garlands are appropriately festooned in nautical ornaments featuring everything from boats on the Yacht side to smiling crabs at the Beach Club.
Outside the Beach Club Marketplace, you can see a dragon made completely from chocolate, but a more festive display is found outside the Yacht Club’s Fittings and Fairings, where you’ll find Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post in gingerbread.
The Yacht Club lobby has an elaborate Christmas town with a working train circling it. Make sure you check it out from both sides, as one has a classic Christmas town, while the other features Santa and Mickey’s Village.
At the Beach Club, you’ll find a moving gingerbread carousel in the lobby. The concoction is so sweet the entire lobby has a sugary smell that’s almost too much.
4. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn is just a short walk from the Yacht and Beach Club so you can easily see both in one trip. Here, the holiday decorations include stunning garlands over every doorway, and liberally draped along the stairwells.
In the lobby, there’s a Gingerbread Cones ice cream shop where you can pick up a festive treat.
5. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge lacks the gingerbread masterpieces of other hotels, but you’ll forget all about that when you step inside. The Christmas tree is so tall it’s best seen from the balcony of an upper floor.
The ornaments feature teepees, canoes, pinecones, and animal-themed decorations to suit the theme of the lodge.
The upper floors have ample garlands, but they’re less elaborate than those at the Boardwalk Inn, so the tree is really allowed to shine.
Other displays around the hotel feature black bears to complete the theming. The bridge over the bubbling springs is a particularly good photo op with garlands on the bridge and wreaths behind.
6. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Image: Disney
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is worth a stop for its truly unique theme. Like the Wilderness Lodge and Grand Floridian, this hotel is designed with a multi-story lobby that’s ideal for a gigantic Christmas tree. The design here doesn’t disappoint.
While the tree is stunning at any distance, it’s best when seen up close, where you can appreciate the African art and ornaments featuring masks and animals.
If you’re planning a Disney vacation over the holidays, don’t miss these great resorts for a pleasant dinner, gorgeous decorations, and plenty of amazing photo opportunities.
