One of our favorite activities at Walt Disney World during the holiday season is checking out the grand Gingerbread displays! We are always in awe of the creativity, time, and craftsmanship that go into these displays. But how do you know where to start? Never fear, we are here to help you find all the gingerbread displays in Walt Disney World.
Christmas at Walt Disney World Gingerbread Displays and Where to Find Them
The gingerbread displays around Walt Disney World Resorts show up in their completed form usually the third week of November. You can see these displays being built earlier than that, but nothing compares to the final product. With so many amazing Christmas decorations at Disney, it really is all about these larger-than-life Gingerbread Houses at Walt Disney World.
The Gingerbread House at The Grand Floridian
By far the most grand of all of the gingerbread displays, the life-size gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian is the main event in the lobby of the Grand Floridian during the holiday season. If you don’t have time for any other gingerbread display at Walt Disney World, this is the one to see. They start working on it in June every year and it is a true work of art! Don’t forget to try to find all 25 Hidden Mickeys while you’re there! It’ll help you notice all the details you would have otherwise missed. Plus an 85-pound chocolate Santa, nutcrackers, toy soldiers, and snowmen that have all been hand-painted by the Grand Floridian Bakery team.
Grand Floridian Resort Gingerbread House Snacks
There is a little shop that opens up in the back of the gingerbread house, specifically for purchasing goodies, including house shingles, that you can take home with you! And this year they feature some of the 50th Anniversary colors to add a little more magic to the season.
- Freshly baked, homemade items, such as Gingerbread Mickeys and Shingles, Stollen Bread, Brownie Christmas Tree, and Chocolate Peppermint Bark
- House-made Gingerbread Ornaments and Gingerbread Houses
- New items like the Gingerbread Latte Whoopie Pie and Hot Cocoa Bombs
- Assorted Gingerbread Cookie Bags, Marshmallow Pops, and Caramel Pecan Fudge Bar
- Gluten-friendly, plant-based, and no sugar added treats
- Grand Floridian Combo Box featuring assorted fan favorite treats, including the Chocolate Mickey Ornament, exclusive to the Combo Box
How to get there: Parking can be pretty strict at the Grand Floridian, so we recommend taking the monorail from Magic Kingdom. Coming from Magic Kingdom, it will be the fourth stop on the route. The Gingerbread House is located in the lobby.
Gingerbread Castle at the Contemporary Resort
The Gingerbread Castle at the Contemporary Resort may not be as grand as the house at the Grand Floridian, but it’s definitely a must-see. The theme of the castle may change from time to time, but its beauty and details of it are always a treat to see. Located near the shops on level WHAT this gingerbread display also has a small shop that sells goodies and gingerbread-themed merch for all of your holiday gingerbread needs. Gingerbread Castle on display starting November 11th, 2022.
Gingerbread Castle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Snacks
- 50th Anniversary Gingerbread Castle Brick (New)
- Family Tradition Cookie Box featuring a Coconut Macaroon from Chef Jeff’s family, a Sugar Cookie from Chef Kelly’s family, a Butterball from Chef Amber’s family, and a Kitchen Sink Cookie representing all the Cast in the Bakery coming together to bring this display back! (New)
- Chocolate Peppermint Cookie
- Linzer Cookie
- Gluten-friendly 5-Legged Goat Sugar Cookie (New)
- Dark Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Bar (New)
- Hot Cocoa Bombs (New)
- Frozen drinks with optional alcohol floaters:
- Frozen Coquito with a rum floater
- Frozen Hot Chocolate with peppermint schnapps
- Frozen Apple Cider with a fireball floater
How to get there: There is a walking path from Magic Kingdom that will take you right to the Contemporary Resort. Or take the monorail from Magic Kingdom. It will be your first stop. Go down one level and the castle is located on the wall opposite the restaurants on the same level.
Gingerbread Cabin at Wilderness Lodge
A brand new addition to gingerbread displays at Walt Disney World this year is the Gingerbread Cabin at Wilderness Lodge. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge makes our list of tops resorts to visit at the holidays anyway, so we were glad to see this cozy addition. Located on the main level, this gingerbread display has its own little cocoa, cider, and goodie station as well. There are currently 5 hidden mickeys on this display so be on the lookout for them all! And keep your eyes peeled for some fun friends as well, you never know who you might spot here.
Edited for 2022: This gingerbread display did not return for 2022. However, you can still get treats and cocoa in the lobby.
How to get there: The easiest way to get to Wilderness Lodge is to take the boat from Magic Kingdom. If you’re coming from any other Park, just take the bus to the resort.
Gingerbread Carousel at The Beach Club
The gingerbread carousel display at The Beach Club is by far one of our favorite displays because it’s a full-size, rotating carousel! The theme changes each year, with 2022’s theme being Disney Princess. This gingerbread display is in our top two (with the Grand Floridian display being #1) to see during the holidays at Walt Disney World. There are 22 hidden mickeys in this one and we love finding them all. It’s so easy to get to the Beach Club if you’re already visiting the Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT. Be sure to put this one on your list!
Gingerbread Carousel at Beach Club Snacks
This display also has a small shop to grab goodies at as well, so be sure to stop by and grab a few favorites.
- Signature Stollen Bread
- Candied Pecans (Plant-based)
- Trio of Fudge
- Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Snowman
- Crispy Rice Treat
- Chocolate Mickey Cookie (New)
- Peppermint Bark
- Gingerbread Shingle
- Chocolate Gingerbread Cookie (Gluten-Friendly)
- Gingerbread Cookie (Gluten-Friendly)
How to get there: From Epcot, go through the back entrance, International Gateway. The Beach Club is the first resort. The gingerbread display is located in the lobby. Or, take the Disney Skyliner to Epcot, and instead of going to Epcot, turn right and head towards the resorts.
Boardwalk Inn Resort Gingerbread Display
While you’re at the Beach Club, make your way over to the Boardwalk Inn and see the adorable replica of the Boardwalk itself. This display does change from time to time but in recent years, they’ve stuck with the same theme for the gingerbread display, so we are hoping this one is around to stay. And since we’re always looking for more reasons to head to the Disney Boardwalk, we’re happy to make the trip. Starting November 17 you can see this display at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn.
Boardwalk Deli Gingerbread Snacks
- Mickey and Minnie Sugar Cookies
- BoardWalk Mickey Sugar Cookie (New)
- Giant Gingerbread Mickey Cookie (New)
- Gluten-Friendly & Plant-based Gingerbread Mickey Cookie
- Artisan Peppermint Marshmallows (New)
- Carnival Bark (New)
- Gingerbread Frost Cocktail
How to get there: From the Beach Club, follow the path that leads you all around the Boardwalk. When you get to the courtyard of the Boardwalk, go up the stairs to the main level and head to the lobby. The gingerbread display is located there.
Gingerbread Village at Saratoga Springs Resort
While the gingerbread display at Saratoga Springs may not be as grand as some of the others, it’s definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area. Modeled after the actual location of Saratoga Springs, New York, this little gingerbread village features, a carousel, and tiny shops all in a snow-covered village.
How to get there: If you’re in Disney Springs, you can walk to Saratoga Springs via the walking path. It’s about a 5-minute walk. Otherwise, you can take a bus from any Disney Park to Saratoga Springs and get off at the Congress Park stop.
Gingerbread Giraffe at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge has joined the Disney Deluxe Resort Gingerbread Craze with a new gingerbread display all its own. This gingerbread giraffe is towering, but not nearly as high as its 45-foot signature Christmas Tree. Still, a cute sight to behold, make sure to stop by and see this gingerbread darling on your next trip to Animal Kingdom Lodge this Christmas. For 2022, Debra the baby zebra has also joined Ginger-affe. She’s made entirely out of chocolate! Such a cute duo, and well worth the trip to see. Check out our Christmas Tour of the Gingerbread Display at Animal Kingdom Lodge!
How to get there: The only way to get to Animal Kingdom Lodge is by bus or car. Grab an Animal Kingdom Lodge from any Disney Park. While the Disney bus system doesn’t run between resorts, we love stopping at Animal Kingdom Lodge on our Animal Kingdom Park Day, as it’s only about a 10-minute bus ride.
Gingerbread Pastry Shop at Amorette’s Patisserie
While you’re getting all of your holiday shopping done at Disney Springs, be sure to stop by Amorette’s Patisserie to see their adorable little gingerbread pastry shop display. And while you’re there, check out all of the goodies they have to offer to satisfy that holiday sweet tooth. Amorette’s is our favorite pastry shop in Walt Disney World and we recommend visiting whenever you have the chance.
How to get there: Amorette’s Patisserie is located in Disney Springs near the World of Disney Store. Take a bus to Disney Springs or drive and park in their free parking garages.
Washington D.C. Gingerbread replica in American Adventure Epcot
Last, but not least, is the only gingerbread display currently in a Walt Disney World Park. You can find this classic Gingerbread display in EPCOT. Located in the American Adventure Pavilion, this gingerbread display features the Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and Washington Monument. Even this gingerbread display has hidden Mickeys, so while you’re admiring the detail of the nation’s capital, see if you can spot all six!
How to get there: The American Adventure Pavilion is located right in the middle of the World Showcase in Epcot, so stroll around the World Showcase until you get there!
Disney Cruise Line Gingerbread Fleet
And if you’re taking a Very Merrytime Christmas Cruise with Disney Cruise Line, be on the lookout for Christmas Gingerbread Ships on each boat. And the brand-new Disney Wish will join in on the legacy for its inaugural holiday season with an 8-foot-tall, eight-layer masterpiece.
There you have it, all eight gingerbread displays throughout Walt Disney World! If you’re looking for a way to escape the crowds, find free Disney fun, or just want to check this off of your holiday bucket list, seeing the gingerbread displays is a must-do activity for us. We hope this post helps you discover all of the wonderful artistry of the season! Have you seen the Gingerbread displays? Which is your favorite?
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