Best Themed Resort For Christmas?

mickeyboy16

Earning My Ears
Joined
Dec 20, 2002
Messages
24
I am planning our next trip and i was wondering in your opioion what is the best themed resort on property?
 
We were lucky enough top spend some time this December at WL. I cannot imagine any place being more in the spirit except perhaps GF which was also beautiful. I just prefer the woodsy homey look of the Lodge. That 45 foot tree was spectacular.
 
If you can afford it, then the Grand Floridian is DEFINITELY the BEST as far as Christmas theming. It is absolutely gorgeous!!!

We have stayed in the WL at Christmas time, and it was nice... definitely fit the theming for the rustic type Christmas, but it just didn't compare, for us, to the theming and decorations at the GF. That would definitely get my vote!
 
This past December my mother and I took a tour of some of the resorts to check out the decorations and were a bit surprised by the results. No doubt GF sets the standard with the huge gingerbread house, giant Christmas tree and decorations that blended effortlessly with the elegant decor of the resort. We also visited the CR and the Poly while on the monorail loop, but were sadly disappointed. I am sure there are CR fans out there, but for the life of us we can not see what would attract one to this resort, other than nostalgic memories. The place was bare with hardly a decoration in site. The Poly was also lacking, but given the tropical nature of the resort holiday decorations would appear a bit out of place anyways.

I pleaded with my mother to visit the WL, as I was certain they would be fully decked out, but being a northerner she has no desire to see rustic decor and pine trees while in Florida. We did visit AKL and the decorations were decent, but again hard to meld with the unique theming present there. Upon conclusion of our tour we returned to CSR, where we were staying, and realized that there is no place like home. I stayed at CSR 12/01 so was pleasantly surprised to find the resort more beautiful than ever. The place was fully decked out with lit garlands, trees and overflowing with the lush poinsettas. What a site!!
 

We stayed at POLY Christmas 2001, very disappointed. We did spend lots of time in GF that year which was decorated more for the occassion.
 
I agree that all of the holiday decorations are great. For the most part, Disney's Christmas decorations are somewhat understated. Having said that, there's nothing more spectactular than Main Street's decorations. Some people express surprise that the castle is very "undecorated", but that is all part of the theme.

I had the pleasure of staying at the WLV in Christmas 2001. The decorations are spectacular and are spread through the resort. There are wreaths and smaller Christmas trees throughout beside the huge lobby tree. There are garlands everywhere. There was even a wreath at the boat dock! As mentioned, WL is rustic in look and the decorations match the theme in every way. I would not hesitate to stay at the WL again at Christmas.

The GF is also spectacular with Victorian decorations. If you like the Victorian mode, the GF is definitely for you! It is the most beautiful of the Disney resorts.

This year we stayed at Riverside. At Riverside (and perhaps the other moderates as well), the main building was beautifully decorated. There were garlands and a tree and wreaths. Very Christmas like. However, there were no decorations on any of the buildings or along the paths. When you got away from the main building you would never have known it was Christmas. That didn't matter to me, but it might matter to some!

I also agree that the Contemporary is unspectacular (having stayed there, I think that every more). The Poly just doesn't appeal to me any way, but DS wants to stay there so some day we shall! To each their own.

We also visited the Yacht Club and Beach Club during Christmas. Both resorts have spectacular decorated trees in their lobbies. I think the Yacht Club is a beautiful resort anyway.

I stayed at AKL in Christmas 2001 also and their lobby tree was also spectacular!! There were small trees throughout the lodge as well.

I would save my money and stay in either WL (bayview) or the WLV or the GF for the best resort decorations, in my opinion.

Other Christmas tips - definitely see the Candlelight Processional (good for Christmas Eve), check out the 4 park trees and the Downtown Disney tree to see which one is your favorite (I think Epcot is the best!!), and make a PS at your favorite restaurant for Christmas dinner. Have fun!!!
 














Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE













DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top