Heading to Disney World for the Holidays? And want to add more festive fun to your day without going into the parks? You can find Christmas decorations, holiday activities and Gingerbread Displays at certain Disney Resorts and we’re sharing one of our favorites. At Disney’s Beach Club Resort you can find a life size, moving, Gingerbread Carousel, decorated with all sorts of Christmas things. Honoring a Disney theme each year, this Christmas display spans 20+ years of tradition, complete with photos, hidden mickeys and more.
During the holidays at Walt Disney World, you can take a Disney Resort Christmas Decorations Tour. Or hunt down all the best new holiday treats. But one of our favorite parts of the holidays at Disney are the Disney Resort Gingerbread Displays. And the carousel at the Beach Club offers a new Disney theme every year. In addition, you can find Hidden Mickeys strewn across the display and a recipe sheet detailing every last ingredient!
Beach Club Christmas Gingerbread Carousel History
One of those resorts is the Disney Beach Club Resort, which has the privilege of showing off a life-size Gingerbread Carousel! We look forward to seeing it whenever we are at Walt Disney World for the holidays, and it’s also a really great way to get a break from those holiday crowds. The Disney Beach Club Resort is located on the Disney Boardwalk in the EPCOT Resort area, and easily accessible via Disney Skyliner or by Disney Bus if traveling from a park or Disney Springs.
Best of all, this is one of our favorite free things to do during the holidays at Disney! So what does that mean exactly? It means they’ve added new merchandise, treats, and a super fun overlay to the Gingerbread carousel. So let’s take a look at this new masterpiece, shall we?!?!
Beach Club Christmas Gingerbread Carousel Themes
The gingerbread display at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is something to behold. A life-size, fully functioning carousel, this gingerbread display gets a different theme every year. For the 20th Anniversary of the Gingerbread Carousel, the Beach Club chose the theme of Peter Pan. Be sure to take notice of all the little details because trust me, there are a lot! From the ceiling to the floor, there is so much to notice in this year’s gingerbread display at The Beach Club.
The carousel features all of your favorite characters from Peter Pan, including Peter himself, Wendy Darling, Smee, Tinkerbell, and Captain Hook. You’ll notice a few others in cameos on the carousel as well, such as Tiger Lily, so be sure to keep an eye out for them!
Gingerbread Peter Pan Carousel 20th Anniversary Edition
Look all the way to the top of the carousel and not only will you see the London skyline, but also Peter and the Darlings flying off to Neverland! Pay close attention to each horse as they all have lots of details pertaining to the character they are referencing! And even Nana makes a special appearance near the Wendy Darling horse, because well, of course, she has to watch over everyone! And we love seeing all of Tinkerbell’s tinkering accessories! Don’t worry, Peter hasn’t forgotten about the lost boys! They’re all still right with him:)
Since the Beach Club crafts this handmade life-size gingerbread castle every year, there’s sure to be a list! Check out Disney’s Beach Club Carousel Themes by Year in this list we’ve made so far!
- 2013- Fab 5 plus Tinkerbell and a Yacht Club Lighthouse and Under the Sea castle. Horses included Snofia, Jingle, Pixie, Holiday and Captain. 2013 Beach Club Gingerbread Carousel Photos.
- 2014- A Santa Goofy topped carousel with Christmas Horses ( Mistletoe, Fleet, Splendor, Snowball)
- 2015- Yacht and Beach Club themed Horses ( Julia, Sasha, Marina, Admiral)
- 2016- Fab 5 Character Horses ( Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto)
- 2017- Lilo and Stitch
- 2018- Disney Couples: Donald and Daisy
- 2019- Peter Pan ( 20th Anniversary Edition)
- 2020- No Carousel was designed, but miniature Gingerbread Carousels were on sale through the Covid-19 pandemic.
- 2021- The Little Mermaid
- 2022- Disney Princesses: including Belle, Tiana, Snow White, Elsa and Jasmine
- 2023- Ducktales, Featuring Donald Duck, Huey, Dewey, and Louie
- 2024- Mickey’s Christmas Carol
- 2025: Coming November!
You can also find hidden mickeys throughout the Gingerbread Display too, so don’t forget to be on the hunt for those! Like many of the other Gingerbread displays, there is a small shop that you can purchase Gingerbread goodies, other snacks, and even some merch, including a mug, special edition pin, ears, and more!
Beach Club Christmas Gingerbread Carousel Treats
In addition to the holiday treats at the nearby counter in the lobby, you can also find some fun Disney Christmas snacks at the resort’s quick service location, Beach Club Marketplace. Offering both pre packaged treats, and treats to enjoy while you oogle the carousel there is plenty to choose from here. The list of Beach Club Carousel Snacks changes every year, so we’ll be sure share the latest here, once they are announced.
Christmas at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Whatever your plans at Walt Disney World this season, we do hope you can make it over to the Gingerbread display at The Beach Club! The carousel theme changes every year and it’s such a treat! Just a short walk from the Disney Skyliner, or through the international gateway at Epcot, the Gingerbread carousel at The Beach Club is by far one of our favorite holiday destinations.
It’s perfect for the whole family, and whether you’re strolling the Boardwalk or looking to take a break from the Parks we think it’s something you’ll all enjoy! Be sure to check out the Gingerbread for Christmas at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, you won’t be disappointed!
Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she’s not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she’s seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip
