I know, I know, we’re still a month away from Halloween, but it’s never too early to start planning a Walt Disney World Resort holiday vacation! It is “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” after all! Nobody decks the halls with holiday decor like Walt Disney World, which is why my family makes a trip during the holiday season every year.
Most Guests cannot wait to set their eyes on the festive decorations at the Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks, but my favorite sights during the holiday season at Walt Disney World are the gorgeous displays at the resort hotels.
A beautifully decorated Christmas tree is the perfect way to set the tone for the holiday season, and Walt Disney World Resort has several that will take your breath away. Make your way over to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge to see the giant Christmas tree in the lobby. The tree looks like a traditionally decorated tree at first, but take a closer look and you will find several unique and rustic touches, such as tepees and canoes placed throughout the tree.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Christmas tree
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa also has a grand Christmas tree in the lobby, as well. The nearly four story tree features non-traditional colors such as blue, pink, and white and is decorated with bows and birdcages. It makes for a very sophisticated take on Christmas.

Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Christmas tree
Not to be missed, are the spectacular gingerbread displays featured at several of Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts. Walt Disney World’s pastry chefs work tirelessly to create edible works of art. Disney’s Beach Club Resort features a whimsical gingerbread carousel display in the lobby.

Photo courtesy of Disney Parks
Disney’s Contemporary Resort also has a remarkable gingerbread display each year. The gingerbread display at the Contemporary varies, but last year the chefs created a magnificent gingerbread rendition of Arendelle castle. It featured all of the “Frozen” favorites– Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf in the adorable style of Mary Blair; the famed “It’s a Small World” artist.

Frozen gingerbread display at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Gingerbread Anna and Elsa
The most dazzling of the holiday decorations can be found in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. On one side of the lobby there is a magnificent, life size gingerbread house decked out beautifully in red and white for the holidays. The two story Victorian house is not just for display either; it also functions as a bakery! After you finish marveling at the impressive structure, you can get in line for a tasty seasonal treat or beverage.

Grand Floridian Resort & Spa gingerbread house
Each year the holiday decorations at the resorts are usually in place by mid-November, and stay up until the first week in January. “Resort hopping” to see the holiday displays is one of my very favorite holiday traditions! It is a great way to spend some downtime, and a wonderful way start or cap off your Walt Disney World Resort vacation during the holidays.
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