🎄The Official HOLIDAY DECORATIONS at Disney Resorts Thread - 2024🎄 - *UPDATE 11/27

[snacks]

I'm always amazed at how quickly the ginger bread house, and the holiday decorations in general, go up.
If only refurbs and construction projects worked at the same pace!

 

[mrsap]

Disney’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Almost Complete for 2024 Holidays​

At this point, the bakery team will focus on details like icing flowers and pastry Santa Claus figures. The house isn’t always decorated exactly the same and there already appear to be some differences between the 2023 and 2024 houses. For example, this year there are gingerbread Mickey icons on the decorative fascia of the gable roof. And last year, the walls around the bay windows on the right were not covered in gingerbread.



We expect the Grand Floridian gingerbread house to be finished this weekend but an opening date has not been announced. Last year, the house officially opened on November 8. Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort officially begin on November 12, 2024. This is the 25th anniversary of the Grand Floridian gingerbread house.

 

[mrsap]

The Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Is Finished!

The year’s Grand Floridian gingerbread house is truly a sight to behold.

If you look closely, you will notice that the house’s address reads “1999.” That refers to the first year the gingerbread house was constructed.

The backside of the gingerbread house also features a large sign that reads” established 1999.

*click link for videos.

 

[mrsap]

Displays Announced for Walt Disney World​

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Gingerbread Giraffe and Zebra​

The life-size gingerbread baby giraffe and baby zebra will return to the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge on November 24. These displays are nearly 7 feet tall and are made of a combo of gingerbread, sugar dough, and modeling chocolate.

New to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge this year is a limited edition pin, cookie jar, and holiday ornament. Holiday treats will include the returning Gingeraffe Cookieand specialty cocktails.

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House​

The Grand Floridian gingerbread house will open for its 25th year on November 6. The display features white chocolate candy canes, edible snowflakes, sugar poinsettias, and an 88-pound white chocolate Santa. The over 10,000 pieces of gingerbread are baked with 1050 pounds of honey, 800 pounds of flour, and 600 pounds of confectioners’ sugar. The decorations include 700 pounds of chocolate. The team spent over 500 hours baking the gingerbread and 480 hours bringing the display to life. There are 25 hidden Mickeys on the display in honor of the 25th anniversary.


A limited-edition collection of 25th-anniversary merchandise includes a pin, ornament, cookie jar, magnet, tumbler, t-shirt, and more.



These treats will be available to purchase from the house:

• Gingerbread Mickey
• Gingerbread Shingle
• Stollen Bread
• Brownie Pop
• Gingersnap Cookies
• Gingerbread House Ornament
• Gingerbread House
• Gingerbread Cookie Bags imported from Germany
• Gingerbread Loaf
• Peppermint Bark
• Grand Floridian Gift Box featuring assorted fan-favorite treats, including a Santa Gnome Hot Cocoa Surprise, exclusive to the Combo Box

Because parking at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is limited to guests with hotel and dining reservations, those visiting this sweet holiday display will need to park at the Transportation & Ticket Center and take the resort monorail.

Mickey’s Christmas Carol Carousel​

This year’s gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort will be inspired by “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.” The spinning display is masterfully created with chocolate, sugar, and fondant with hand-painted characters and handcrafted gingerbread shingles. It’s made of 432 pounds of honey, 200 pounds of icing, 100 pounds of eggs, and 2024 pieces of gingerbread.

For the carousel’s 24th year, there are 24 hidden gold Mickeys on the display. There will be a limited-edition pin, cookie jar, and holiday ornament available for purchase.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort Gingerbread Display Menu​

Some of the holiday treats available at this location include:

• Linzer Cookie
• Spiced Orange and Cranberry Bundt Cake
• Gingerbread Macarons
• Hot Cocoa Brownie
• Hannukah Sugar Cookie
• Stollen
• Gingerbread House

BoardWalk Deli Gingerbread House​

Just a short trip around crescent lake, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn plays host to a miniature gingerbread version of its iconic and fan-favorite spots from the BoardWalk itself. The BoardWalk Deli Gingerbread House, starting November 12, is beautifully created with details that look just like the seaside escape, but just in a smaller and sweet form. The BoardWalk Deli itself is home to none other than the BoardWalk Inn Bakery team, who brings this display to life. This year, there’s also a limited-edition pin, cookie jar, and holiday ornament available for purchase to bring the gingerbread magic home with you!

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Before leaving, be sure to check out some of the treats made by the team, like:

• Holiday Mickey and Minnie Sugar Cookie
• Mickey Caramel Corn Cookie
• Gingerbread Loaf
• Gingerbread Shingle

Gingerbread Castle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort​

Starting November 8, Disney’s Contemporary Resort will be getting an extra holiday (and sweet) touch with their Castle Display. This dazzling creation, back for its 13th year, can be found on the 4th floor of the resort. Walt Disney Imagineers have designed this new overlay inspired by the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights.


The Contemporary Bakery team has been hard at work creating this display that stands over 17 feet tall and 25 feet wide. It’s made with 613 pounds of sugar, 1013 pounds of flour, 113 pounds of gingerbread spice, 51 pounds of chocolate, over 4,000 castle gingerbread bricks, and plenty of pixie dust! Don’t forget to search for the 13 hidden Mickeys and the one and only, 5-legged goat. You can also purchase limited-edition pins, cookie jar, and holiday ornament here, too!

​

For those wanting a sweet treat, the following will also be available for purchase:

• Linzer Cookie
• Caramel Apple Cake with Gingerbread Streusel
• Chocolate Hazelnut Log
• Pistachio Cranberry and Cherry Cake
• Santa Peppermint Hot Chocolate Tart
• House-made Christmas Tree Butter Cookie
• Winter Berry Freeze (Alcoholic floater available)
• Frozen Hot Cocoa (Alcoholic floater available)

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge​

For guests taking a trip to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, nestled in the lobby, you’ll find a delicious selection of sweet treats. Starting November 21, get in the holiday spirit with bites like:

• Dark Chocolate Bar
• Cheddar Gougère
• Molasses Crackle Cookie
• Cookie Box

 

[mrsap]

Full List of 2024 Holiday Food & Beverages at Walt Disney World Resort​

 

[mrsap]

**IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER**​

*GRAND FLORIDIAN GINGERBREAD DISPLAY - GINGERBREAD HOUSE TREAT STAND - OPENING 11/6


*CONTEMPORARY GINGERBREAD DISPLAY - STARTING 11/8


*BOARDWALK GINGERBREAD DISPLAY - STARTING 11/12


*WILDERNESS LODGE TREAT STAND - STARTING 11/21


*AKL GINGERBREAD DISPLAY - STARTING 11/24


*BEACH CLUB CAROUSEL - NO DATE ANNOUNCED

 

[mrsap]

The Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Now Open for 25th Anniversary at Disney World​

The Grand Floridian gingerbread house is now open for its 25th year at Walt Disney World. Located in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the gingerbread house is an annual tradition where the bakery team creates a giant confection that doubles as a market selling festive baked goods.



The house has been complete for a few days, but it’s now open and operating as a shop in the lobby.




The basic house stays the same from year to year with new decorations. This year, the porch and other areas are decorated with character-themed trees, including one designed to look like Figment wearing his holiday sweater.


A 25th anniversary cake is in the attic and the windows are topped with character murals.

Baked Goods​

Gingerbread Mickey – $11.49​

Gingerbread Shingle – $11.79​

Stollen Bread – $24.99​

Brownie Pop – $7.49​

Gingersnap Cookie – $5.79​

Gingerbread House Ornament – $13.99​

Gingerbread House – $94.99​

Imported Cookie Bags – $16.29​

imported from Germany

Gingerbread Loaf – $5.79​

Peppermint Bark – $14.99​

Grand Box – $62.99​

featuring assorted fan-favorite treats, including a Santa Gnome Hot Cocoa Surprise, exclusive to the Combo Box

The Grand Holiday Bar – $8.99

 

[mrsap]

Dream Lights Gingerbread Castle Revealed at Disney’s Contemporary Resort​

The gingerbread castle inspired by the defunct Cinderella Castle Dream Lights has been unveiled at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, though construction of the massive confection continues.


Gingerbread Castle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort



Earlier this week, the display was hidden behind royal blue curtains.


Now, guests can see the castle display, albeit partially obscured by potted plants and shrubbery. The display is not officially open just yet.



A bakery Cast Member was actively working on the display when we were walking by.


The gingerbread castle and its base are constructed with gingerbread “bricks.” The strands of “Dream Lights” can be seen wrapped around the shorter turret on the left in this photo.



Other strands of lights are wrapped around the blue tops of the other castle turrets. Gold icing creates filigree details and outlines for the full castle shape.


To the left of the display is a counter, which will eventually offer various food and beverage items for purchase. Merchandise for this display will include limited edition pins, a cookie jar, and a holiday ornament.



This year’s display takes inspiration from the now-defunct Cinderella Castle Dream Lights, and marks the 13th year of the display at the resort. It was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and decorated by the Contemporary Resort Bakery Team.

The display is comprised of:

• 1,013 pounds of flour
• 113 pounds of gingerbread spice
• 25 pounds of chocolate
• 70 pounds of modeling chocolate
• 60 pounds of fondant
• 613 pounds of sugar
• 43 pounds of royal icing
• 440 jars of honey
• 513 eggs
• 13 gallons of milk

It took 30 days to assemble the display, which stands 17 feet and six inches tall and 25 feet and four inches wide. There are 13 hidden Mickeys to find, as well as one hidden 5-Legged Goat. Once complete, over 4,000 gingerbread bricks will be part of the display, which is being decorated by 40 Cast Members.

 

[TNMickey6924]

I saw that the treat stand at Widerness Lodge will not be open until Nov 21. Do we know if the resort itself will be decorated before then? Have a reservation at Whispering Canyon for breakfast on Nov 19 and just wondering if their tree will be up.

 

[mrsap]

I saw that the treat stand at Widerness Lodge will not be open until Nov 21. Do we know if the resort itself will be decorated before then? Have a reservation at Whispering Canyon for breakfast on Nov 19 and just wondering if their tree will be up.

Unfortunately, there’s no set time for decorations. There’s a lottery system to decide which order. All we can do is check dates from past years and try to take a guess. The tree probably will not be up before the treat stand.

I want to assume it will not be up until Thanksgiving week, but it’s so late this year, so my guess is it might go up the week before, at some point. If anything is announced, I’ll be sure to post it here!

 

[TNMickey6924]

Unfortunately, there’s no set time for decorations. There’s a lottery system to decide which order. All we can do is check dates from past years and try to take a guess. The tree probably will not be up before the treat stand.

I want to assume it will not be up until Thanksgiving week, but it’s so late this year, so my guess is it might go up the week before, at some point. If anything is announced, I’ll be sure to post it here!

Thanks for the info!

 

[mrsap]

Thanks for the info!

Sure. Wish I had more accurate info for you Not sure if you looked at Page 1, but past holiday decoration dates are posted there. Enjoy!

 

[mrsap]

Disney’s Contemporary Gingerbread Castle Opens TODAY


Starting today, Contemporary’s Castle is open to guests! This sweet display is back for its 13th year and is located on the resort’s 4th floor.

Created by the talented Contemporary Bakery team, this display is over 17 feet tall and 25 feet wide.

This year, Walt Disney Imagineers have designed a new overlay inspired by the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights.

Guests should keep their eyes open for the 13 hidden Mickeys and the iconic 5-legged goat in the display.

While you are there, you can also indulge in holiday drinks and tasty treats.

There are so many delicious offerings! Check them out below:

The treats include these house-made Christmas Tree Butter Cookies…

…and these delicious Caramel Apple Cake with Gingerbread Streusels!

Indulge in a Mickey Linzer Cookie…

Or snack on this Gingerbread treat!

After enjoying a tasty treat, be sure to check out the holiday merchandise available.

There are so many cute and festive options that are perfect for Disney fans.

Disney’s Contemporary Gingerbread Castle is open at 9:30am– be sure to stop by.

ETA: MORE PICTURES WITH PRICES HERE!

 

[danikoski]

How long do the gingerbread houses stay up? We are arriving on Jan. 1, and I know resort Christmas decorations should still be up, but I wasn't sure about the gingerbread houses.

 

[MinnieMSue]

Oh wow I’m going to have to get a locker at MK after shopping at Contemporary and Grand Floridian.

 

[mrsap]

How long do the gingerbread houses stay up? We are arriving on Jan. 1, and I know resort Christmas decorations should still be up, but I wasn't sure about the gingerbread houses.

Just did a quick search and found Disney Parks Blog’s Post from 2023 and here are the dates shown for the displays…


Grand Floridian - 11/8 to 1/1

Boardwalk - 11/17 to 12/27

Animal Kingdom Lodge - 11/22 to 12/31

Contemporary - 11/10 to 1/6

Beach Club - No dates given


Just to note: DPB did not give end dates for 2024 displays.

 

[kdka421]

Saw on facebook that the Beach Club carousel went up early this morning!

 

[mrsap]

The Carousel has gone up at Disney’s Beach Club!! Unfortunately, there have been no pictures posted on Blogs yet, but I was able to find this video on TikTok for anyone who can watch HERE. I’ll update this post as soon as a blog posts! Thanks @kdka421
for the heads up!







Guess the theme?!

 

[Disney Spaz]

My DD swears the theme is Mickey's Christmas Carole.

 

[mrsap]

Hey all… I know everyone wants to go see the Gingerbread House and Decorations at The Grand Floridian, but just wanted to let you know it appears they are enforcing no parking at the resort without a resort or dinner reservation. This includes no valet parking without reservations of either kind. This was shared by a guest who has visited the past couple days.


As an FYI: This information was posted under the GF Gingerbread House information…


“Because parking at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is limited to guests with hotel and dining reservations, those visiting this sweet holiday display will need to park at the Transportation & Ticket Center and take the resort monorail.”


Just wanted to share so you can plan accordingly prior to arriving.