Holiday Resort Hopping at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World during the holiday season is made even more magical when you take the time to explore decorations and festivities around the resorts.

Florida may not be the first place that comes to mind when you picture holiday tidings, cozying up to the fireplace and watching the snow fall.

Yet, Walt Disney World during the holiday season is an even more magical experience, worthy of being added to your Disney “bucket list.”

And while we’re sure never to miss events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in the Magic Kingdom, or the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT, there are various other ways to celebrate the season around property for you to enjoy at your own pace, and often without cost.

One of the most popular attractions during the holidays are the larger-than-life gingerbread displays erected in resort lobbies across property.

From the Grand Floridian to Boardwalk to Animal Kingdom Lodge, gingerbread shingles are artfully crafted into houses, castles, carousels and animals. Scores of guests make their way to take in the sight and smell of the traditional treat, many buying a brick or shingle to take with them as a souvenir.

These displays start to go up around early November, growing in scale and popularity as the end of the year draws closer.
Themes and inspiration vary from year to year, making this a wonderful tradition to add to your family’s annual holiday vacation.

Rather immediately following the Halloween season, Disney property is transformed again into a festive wonderland of garlands, trees and baubles. As the parks are transformed into a scene out of a holiday card, so are the resorts.

One of our favorite ways to spend an afternoon at Walt Disney World during the season is to hop resorts along the monorail, Skyliner or bus lines to see themed decorations woven throughout the lobbies and grounds.
From the retro lights at Pop Century, to the winter train village at Yacht Club and Mardi Gras ornaments at Port Orleans French Quarter, resorts have no shortage of holiday spirit. And just like the gingerbread displays, these adornments are constantly being reimagined and elevated, year after year.

As wonderful a job Cast Members do to transform these resorts, it’s sometimes the GUESTS that bring the most spirit to the season.
Those staying on property during the holidays often choose to decorate their doors, balconies or windows to celebrate. At Fort Wilderness, guests take it even further by crafting wonderful holiday scenes on and around their cabins. We recommend renting a golf cart and driving around the campgrounds for a truly unique and festive way to take it all in.

While you’re at Fort Wilderness, consider diving into your own storybook adventure with a horse-drawn sleigh ride around the resort.

For a fee, your party will embark on a 25-minute tour around the cabins and campsites, set to the sounds of the horse’s stride and the promise of warming comfort food at nearby Pioneer Hall upon your return.

One of Disney’s most creative additions to the holiday season is the Christmas Tree Stroll at Disney Springs.

Modified in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the stroll invites guests to walk through a forest of Christmas Trees, all themed after different Disney and Pixar films. The trees are ornate and plush, filled with beloved character ornaments and colors to celebrate each movie. We love watching younger guests take it all in, and get excited when they find a familiar face or the tree of their favorite film.

Plus, you’re bound to find a must-have ornament for the year, which are available nearby and make for an excellent festive souvenir.
The structure of this year’s stroll is still to come, but whether the trees are bundled together or scattered about the Springs, it’s sure to be at the top of our lists once again.

If you’re headed to Orlando this holiday season, be sure not to overlook the joy peppered throughout the whole property – not just attraction overlays or special ticketed events. The magic of the holidays at Walt Disney World is in the details… and Disney knows details.