Walt Disney World Resorts Christmas Decorations Tour

Whether you’re heading to the parks or not, there is plenty of “Christmas” at the Disney World Resort. From special gingerbread displays, to multi-story trees, specialty snacks and menus, there is plenty to do at Disney Resorts for the holidays, even with out the pricey park tickets. If you’re looking for a fun way to add a little more relaxation to your vacation, and a little more Festive to your fun, try our Disney World Resort Christmas Decorations Tour for the holidays. 

If you’re traveling to Walt Disney World during the holidays you’ll notice a few things. Crowds and craziness, and waiting in lines are all part of the holiday hoopla at Disney World. So much so, that it may have you wondering when the “vacation” part of your vacation will start. That’s where a Disney Resort Christmas Decorations Tour comes in. Luckily, we’re sharing what you can find at each resort at Walt Disney World for the holidays, to get you started!

Christmas at Disney Resorts Details

One of the best ways to save money during a Christmas Vacation to Disney World is to add a non park day or two to your trip. There are so many Christmas things happening across the resorts and Disney Springs, that you can always count on ways to find all the festive fun without stepping foot in the parks. Here are a few things to know before you go. 

When are Christmas Decorations up at Disney World Resorts?

Christmas Decorations at Disney World Resorts are some of the last parts of Walt Disney World to get decorated. Disney World Resorts Decorations are typically up by the third week in November. This includes the elaborate Gingerbread  Houses and Legacy Christmas Trees at Deluxe Resorts. 

Do all Disney World Resorts Decorate for Christmas?

Yes! You can find Disney World Resort Christmas Decorations at all the WDW resorts. While some resorts have elaborate displays featuring gingerbread houses, and 60 foot trees, others simply just have Christmas Trees. That said, ALL Disney Resorts get Christmas Snacks, Christmas Merch, and play Holiday Films for the nightly Movies Under the Stars during the holiday season. Decorations typically include a large lobby Christmas Tree, garlands and wreaths. And certain resorts even host Christmas crafts and activities. At Disney Deluxe Resorts, you can even see the larger than life Gingerbread Displays featuring Disney themed masterpieces made completely from gingerbread. 

What’s the Best Way to Visit the Disney World Resorts for Christmas?

One of our favorite ways to take a break from the parks is by visiting Disney Resorts to check out all the holiday decorations. However, it’s not always easy to add in the extra time, especially if you’re tackling all the Disney Christmas things like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, or Christmas at Animal Kingdom. That said, the easiest ways to see Disney Resorts during the holidays is by visiting the ones that all share a transportation route! You know the ones, they’re the same Disney Resorts that make it easy to Resort hop at Disney World when you aren’t staying there. Remember with over 25 resorts at Walt Disney World, you probably won’t get to all of these. So take a look at each resort in this post to see which are going to be on your Disney World Resort Christmas Decorations Tour Checklist. 

• Monorail Resorts: From Magic Kingdom. 
• Boardwalk Resorts: By walking from EPCOT
• The Wilderness Resorts: By boat from Magic Kingdom
• Animal Kingdom Lodge: By bus, from any Disney Park or Disney Springs
• Coronado Springs: By bus, from any Disney Park or Disney Springs
• Skyliner Resorts: From any Skyliner station

Disney’s All-Stars Resorts | Christmas Trees & Treats

Disney’s All-Stars Music, All-Stars Movies, and All-Stars Sports Resorts are collectively known as Disney’s All-Star Value Resorts. Offering up loads of holiday fun. You’ll find holiday Movies Under the Stars, Christmas Snacks in the commissaries, and Christmas Trees and decorations in the lobby.  However, each resort has its own schedules and activities. During the holidays, activities at the pool get a festive twist, and the gift shops get loaded up with Christmas merch.

Disney Pro Tip: These resorts are all connected by a walking path, so you can explore all the Disney World Resort Christmas Decorations at these three resorts during your visit. 

Animal Kingdom Lodge | Christmas Tree and Gingerbread Display

As one of our favorite resorts, the Animal Kingdom Lodge goes all out for the holidays. You can sometimes see carolers here, take part in card making, crafts and activities. Even if you’re just visiting these activities are for everyone. Plus, you can learn more about African culture and their holiday traditions too. Due to the easy nature of this resort, plan for rocking chair time on the porch, and fireside s’mores on the terrace. And just like other Disney Deluxe Resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge dresses up for the holidays with Gingerbread Displays, and a Legacy Christmas Tree at Jambo House. The smaller building at this resort, Kidani Village, gets Christmas Trees of its own and you can reach explore that by taking the walking path between Jambo House and Kidani Village, or grabbing the shuttle. The best way to get to Animal Kingdom Lodge is by Disney Bus from a park, or Disney Springs. It’s not connected to any other transportation line, though is closest to Animal Kingdom Park.

Disney Pro Tip: If you venture to the 5th floor you can get access to the bridge for a better view of the tree. Check out the Gingerbread Display at Animal Kingdom Lodge featuring the Giraffe, and Zebra displays. Sometimes there are also gingerbread treats for sale! 

Art of Animation | Christmas Trees & Treats

As one of Walt Disney World’s most popular resorts, Disney’s Art of Animation Hotel boasts the most colorful building areas featuring Cars, Little Mermaid, Lion King, and Finding Nemo. In addition to all the decorations, merchandise, and snacks, you can also head to the poolside bar for seasonal drinks. Make time to enjoy holiday movies and grab popcorn or cocoa from the commissary before you settle in. See the Christmas Tree in the lobby. And be sure to browse seasonal merchandise in the gift shop. As home to one of our favorite commissaries, Landscape of Flavors, you’re sure to find holiday foods throughout the season.

Disney Pro Tip: Art of Animation Resort is the beginning of the Skyliner line, and connected to Pop Century Resort via a path that spans the lake. Once here you can hop aboard the Skyliner to visit all connecting Resorts, or walk over to Pop Century to see their Christmas decorations as well.  

The Beach Club Resort | Gingerbread Carousel Display

Located on the Disney Boardwalk is Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Featuring one of the most popular Gingerbread displays at Disney World this is where you can see the iconic moveable Gingerbread Carousel. Part of a 20+ years of Disney Gingerbread Displays Tradition this larger than life display takes on a different theme each year, featuring Disney Characters. From Little Mermaid to Lilo and Stitch to Ducktales, the details on this carousel are incredible. Set right in the middle of the lobby, this is one of the most elaborate Disney World Resort Christmas Decorations. While the Beach Club also has Christmas trees, they are smaller, and simply accents to the main attraction. The carousel can typically be seen at the resort beginning early November and stays up just until January 6. 

Disney Pro Tip: You can also usually find hidden Mickeys on this carousel. In this photo you’ll notice the first hidden mickey is easy to find on the horses leg sash and at the base of the display. But keep your eyes peeled because they pop up everywhere. 

The Boardwalk Inn Resort | Boardwalk Gingerbread Village

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort is located near the restaurant side of Disney’s Boardwalk. Laying claim to restaurants like the Boardwalk Ice Cream Shop, Deli, and Trattoria al Forno, there is plenty to do in this area when you visit. Featuring some of the best Disney World Resort Christmas Decorations, you can find trees and a gingerbread display here. The resort itself is a throwback to turn of the century days along the New England Atlantic coastline. Featuring elements from places like Atlantic City, and Ocean City, you this is a seaside resort town space. 

Set in the center of the lobby, you can find the mini gingerbread house village that showcases the Boardwalk shops. Inside this display, you’ll see Mickey cooking up a storm. In addition to the gingerbread display, this resort also features decorated Christmas Trees in the seaside and carousel themes. A small table with gingerbread snacks for sale sits right across from the display. And truthfully, if you’re looking for a lobby to lounge in and revel in the season, you can find that at Boardwalk Inn. This  resort also has holiday movies shown on the projector each evening that is typically situated on the front lawn, for anyone to enjoy. Performers, dancers, and magicians also show up on the Boardwalk in front of this resort during weekend evenings. 

Disney Pro Tip: Just off the lobby of the Boardwalk Inn, you can find Carousel Coffee, which offers seasonal drinks, and treats as well. Be sure to stop and grab something while you’re walking around looking at the decorations. 

Caribbean Beach | Christmas Trees & Treats

Head to the islands for the holidays at Caribbean Beach Resort! This moderate resort gets dressed up with garlands, wreaths, and a tree in the lobby. And if visiting, you can plan for holiday movies outside the food court, roasting smores at the firepit, and seasonal treats at Centertown Market. In addition to the holiday fun at Caribbean Beach, the walking paths also get you access to Disney’s Riviera Resort, and the Disney Skyliner! Offering up, even more, holiday stops for your holiday tour at Walt Disney World. This resort makes our Best Disney World Resorts for Christmas list for good reason. So, if you’re looking for a reason to dip your toes in the sand, and relax, you can find that here. 

Disney Pro Tip: Want to add a little more holiday to your day at Caribbean Beach? Both Banana Cabana and Sebastian’s Bistro sometimes offer seasonal menus and drinks. Be sure to check out the menus ahead of time and all the New Disney Christmas Snacks to try while you’re touring the Disney World Resort Christmas Decorations. 

Contemporary Resort | Christmas Gingerbread Castle

Disney’s Contemporary Resort has an annual tradition of setting up a themed gingerbread house right behind the Fantasia shop. This is easy to see when you arrive on the monorail at this resort. Next to the display, you’ll find a sign with fun facts and how many hidden mickeys you can hunt for. This is such a fun resort during the holidays, simply because they have some of the best Disney Christmas Merch in the shop here.

Most importantly, it is home to Contempo Cafe, which is one of our favorite Disney Quick Service Restaurants.  No matter what time of year you visit, you can always find something new and seasonal in the bakery case here. And the holidays are no exception! After all, being on the monorail line from Magic Kingdom, you can not only stop at the Contemporary but also the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian for loads of holiday fun.

Disney Pro Tip: This Gingerbread display has hidden mickeys. Here you can see tiny gold mickey head stickers, as well as a few just carved into the gingerbread. You’ll also find a small station where you can purchase little gingerbread snacks and other treats to hold you over until your next stop.

Coronado Springs Resort | Christmas Trees & Treats

While Disney’s Coronado Springs is only accessible by Disney Bus, from the parks or Disney Springs it is DEFINITELY worth the visit. We’ve had such wonderful stays at Coronado Springs’s new Gran Destino Tower. And Christmas at Coronado Springs Resort is just gorgeous. Combining beautiful Spanish architectural details with an elegant Christmas Tree in the lobby and multiple trees all over the tower, you can really feel Christmas at this resort.

Disney Pro Tip: When choosing your Coronado Springs room, choose a Gran Destino Tower room. This gets you in close proximity to the Barcelona Lounge and Toledo Restaurant‘s rooftop dining! As one of Disney World’s largest resorts, you will want the convenience of having your dining options close!

Fort Wilderness Resort at Christmas | Light Up Displays

Another place to visit for the holidays at Disney World is Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. Accessible by Disney Bus, or the Boat from Magic Kingdom, Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds offers the best escape from just about everything. During the holidays all the campers, RV’s, and Cabins get spruced for the season. You can walk the 21 camping loops at Fort Wilderness or Rent a Golf Cart and make a day of it. Grab dinner at Trails End, and then head out as it gets dark to see the lights all over this resort. Guests even bring blow-up decorations too. Be sure to check out the perks of Staying in an RV at Fort Wilderness if you want to get close to the action. 

Disney Pro Tip: If you’re staying late to see the Christmas lights, head to Chip and Dales Campfire Sing Along and stay for the movie afterward. Then simply head back to Magic Kingdom by boat to catch the bus, back to your resort. Boats typically run until 10:30 PM, but check the My Disney Experience App for details. 

Grand Floridian Resort | Tree and Gingerbread House

By far the busiest Disney World Resort at Christmas, the Grand Floridian really embraces the holidays with a floor-to-ceiling tree and a life-sized gingerbread house. This gingerbread creation takes 2 months to put together and also features a small treat shop so that you can buy a variety of gingerbread snacks while you’re there. This is one of the cornerstone Disney World Resort Christmas Decorations of the Gingerbread Displays during the Holidays.

You can typically plan to see the gingerbread house by the second week of November, the tree, however, doesn’t make its debut until Thanksgiving week along with the other resort decorations. Keep an eye out for the hidden mickeys and the smoke billowing out of the chimney. The Disney Grand Floridian Christmas Tree is almost 40 feet tall, and dons all things gold and pink. Typically decorated in variations of the Twelve Days of Christmas, you can find classic Victorian Christmas decorations. Things like birdcages, gold rings, and delicate little ornaments are strewn amongst feather filled branches, and little filigreed ornaments.  

Disney Pro Tip: You can buy a gingerbread shingle at the little shop for about  9 dollars, big enough for two to share and worth getting it for an authentic Gingerbread fix. 

Old Key West Resort | Christmas Trees & Treats

Sailing into the holidays, Old Key West Resort brings out garlands, trees, and colorful bright decorations and lights for the season. With seasonal merchandise in the Conch Flats General Store and seaside elements, like starfish, shells, and fish ornaments, this resort makes you feel like you’re in Key West for the season. After all, as one of the Disney Vacation Club Resorts, Old Key West can easily feel like your home away from home for the season. You can always visit here, even if you’re not DVC, so be sure to take some time to explore. 

Disney Pro Tip: Known for having some of the better Disney Christmas Treats, if you’re not staying here, the easiest way to visit is by heading to Disney Springs and grabbing the boat to Old Key West. You can also, however, grab the bus, and even take the walking path, that passes Saratoga Springs along the way. 

The Polynesian Village Resort | Christmas Trees & Treats

If you’re looking for a laid-back holiday then The Polynesian Village Resort should be on your Disney World Resort Christmas Decorations list. With a tree in the lobby, and decorations throughout you can also grab festive treats, merchandise, and even special seasonal treats at the restaurants. We love Ohana for an easy family-style dinner and all the coffee at Kona Island. But, this time of year, you can also get seasonal Dole Whip, and Moana-inspired treats!

If you’d like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island, then Disney’s Polynesian Resort is the place to be. While the resort doesn’t get overhauled for the holiday, like some, you can still count on Christmas things in the Gift Shop, an Island decorated Christmas tree and Christmas treats at Captain Cooks. And you definitely count on hearing Melikalikimaka more than once to add a little holiday to your soundtrack. 

Disney Pro Tip: Don’t forget the seasonal drinks at the Polynesian Resort Lounges. Both Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace and Tambu Lounge often add a few festive things to the menu. 

Pop Century Resort |Christmas Trees & Treats

Disney World’s Pop Century Resort is one of our favorite resorts at Walt Disney World. With the convenience of the Disney Skyliner and shared pathways with Art of Animation, this resort gets you close to the action for the holidays. For instance, a hop on the Skyliner can bring you to Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort. To get in even more holiday resort hopping! In addition to the holiday movies on the lawn, there are also decorations, a Christmas tree in the lobby, and seasonal foods and drinks for the season. Found at Everything POP Shopping and Dining, seasonal flavors like pumpkin, and apple can be found in the treat case along with a variety of alcoholic drinks too. 

Disney Pro Tip: Pop Century Resort also has access to surrey bikes, that you can rent and ride around the resort for an easy Disney World Resort Christmas Decorations tour. Keep an eye out for room windows that guests have decorated for the season- you’re sure to see Christmas lights somewhere! 

Port Orleans Resorts- Riverside and French Quarter | Christmas Trees & Treats

As Ferry Resorts at Walt Disney World, both Disney’s French Quarter Resort and Port Orleans Riverside Resort get the benefit of waterside decorations and evening strolls to the sounds of holiday music. Visiting these resorts also get you close to Disney Springs, via a short ferry ride. Perfect for all that last-minute holiday shopping! French Quarter displays up colorful Mardi-Gras-inspired trees, garlands, and wreaths colored in rich blues, pinks, and purples. While Riverside shines with classic southern Christmas Decorations, complete with Magnolia flowers and classic accents. Meanwhile, you can sometimes find Gingerbread Beignets at Sassagoula Floatworks Factory, and at the Scat Cat Cafe. 

Disney Pro Tip: These resorts are a great place to visit when you need a break from the Disney Springs crowds. Especially during the holidays. Simply take the boat from Disney Springs, and head to Port Orleans for snacks and lounge time. 

Disney’s Riviera Resort | Christmas Trees & Treats

As the newest Disney Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Riviera Resort brings a sense of all things European to the holidays. With a tree in the lobby and festive foods both at Primo Piatto and Topolino’s Terrace, there are plenty of holiday flavors to be had. In other words, plan to stay here for a while. Grab a seat in the library next to Le Petit Cafe, order your coffee, and grab a treat and relax! Riviera is such an easygoing resort it’s a nice break from the crowds. Likewise, you can add even more ease to your day with a stroll along the pathway leading to the Caribbean Beach Resort.

Disney Pro Tip: Featuring Disney World Resort Christmas Decorations inspired by the French and Italian Riviera, take time to see the ornaments on the trees, visit Walt’s Library, and get a game of bocce ball in while you’re here. We most like heading to the coffee shop, Le Petit Cafe for seasonal coffees and treats you can’t get anywhere else. 

Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa | Gingerbread Village

Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa sports is an equestrian-themed resort. And displays a multi-story tree in the lobby covered in horse-related ornaments. Small trophies, jockeys, horses, and all things found at the derby are sure to be found on this Christmas tree. In addition to the regular lineup of holiday activities and treats, you can also find a Gingerbread Village of Saratoga Springs. Small storefronts and a village church and carousel all get decorated for the holiday. Stop by to see this little village and grab gingerbread treats from the gingerbread shop in the lobby.

Disney Pro Tip: Saratoga Springs is right next door to Disney Springs! So even if you’re not staying here, it’s super easy to get to. Simply take the walking path from Disney Springs to the nearest resort. One here, you can try out the restaurants, see the gift shop, and ogle holiday displays in the lobby. 

Swan and Dolphin Hotels | Special Experiences

So, you’re thinking of staying at the Swan and Dolphin Hotels? and worried there may not be enough Disney Holiday fun? Never fear. Staying at either the Swan Hotel or Dolphin Hotel gets you close to the Disney Boardwalk and offers Holiday fun at both resorts and experiences you can’t see at any other Disney resort. Check with the resort for details on seasonal activities, and schedules.

Disney Pro Tip: The Dolphin Hotel features an avenue of Palm Trees that light up and sync to music in the evenings. During the holidays you can see this show set to Christmas music. Located in the Disney Boardwalk area this is a fun show to see and if you’re visiting the amazing resorts in the area, will be easy to add to your Disney Resort Christmas Decorations tour. 

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge | Christmas Trees & Treats

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is absolutely gorgeous on any normal day, so add a 4 story tree to the lobby, and it quickly becomes our favorite place to be and an absolute must-see tree during the holidays. The tree is decorated with Native American ornaments, all things bear, moose, camping, and anything great outdoors. Some years have even seen a little Gingerbread Log Cabin. Either way, the Christmas Tree is a must-see, and we highly recommend climbing the stairs to the other floors to see it from all angles. The Disney World Resort Christmas Decorations here are absolutely gorgeous. We say, grab a s’mores latte from roaring Fork Cafe, head to the lobby and settle in, because there is nothing better than just lounging in this space. 

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge can be reached by Disney bus from any Disney Park, or Disney Springs and it’s one of the Best Disney Resorts to Visit for the Holidays. However, if you’re just at Magic Kingdom, then to head to the wilderness for a little Christmas all you need is a boat ride. One of the Best Disney Resorts to Stay at for Christmas, Wilderness Lodge is the perfect place to get cozy by the fire, with a seasonal treat to take in the season.

Disney Pro Tip: Plan for lunch at Roaring Fork or a meal at Whispering Canyon Cafe or Geyser Point Bar and Grill to make the visit a little more substantial. We also love Territory Lounge for drinks, in a subdued atmosphere when you may need a break from the holiday crazy.  

The Yacht Club |Train Village and Gingerbread Lighthouse

Disney’s Yacht Club on Disney’s Boardwalk has quickly become one of our favorite Disney Resorts, even if it’s gray exterior makes it look a little blah to begin with. Featuring both a Gingerbread Lighthouse and a train display with a small Christmas village, you can also see a large signature Christmas Tree here. Covered in yachts, and sailing gear with blue, white, and silver vibes for the season. This is also a great resort to stop and take a break. We love visiting Ale and Compass Restaurant and Lounge while we’re here, whether it’s for breakfast or drinks. And the patio area always has rocking chair for extra time admiring the gardens and waterfront. 

Disney Pro Tip: The Yacht Club is home to the Market at Ale and Compass, which is a little gift shop, and coffee counter. As such you can find seasonal treats here, and refill your refillable mug with cocoa to really get into the mood. 

Disney World Resort Christmas Decorations for the Holidays

There you have it. Everything happening across Disney Resorts for the holidays. While we can never get enough Christmas inside the parks, it’s wonderful to experience the variety of Christmas happenings at all the resorts. With gingerbread displays, holiday snacks, merchandise, activities, holiday movies, and more, there is plenty to do, see and eat this season! Whether you’re trying to pack in all the things or just have a fun-filled family Christmas at Disney, we recommend taking a tiny break to see some of the resorts we share here. The downtime will probably be much needed. Enjoy!