Must see Resort Holiday decor?

[Dis703]

We are going to be at WDW in December and have never been there this close to Christmas. We've done MVMCP in early November, but missed out on the resort decorations. I'm looking to spend arrival day wandering around the resorts and would like to know what others think are the best ones to check out. I think from past things I've read, GF and BC do the giant gingerbread displays? Any other resorts that are all decked out and worth a look?

We won't have a car so we'll be relying on Disney buses, monorail, etc. and traveling with three kids if that makes a difference on places you'd suggest.

Thanks!

 

[focusondisney]

We are going to be at WDW in December and have never been there this close to Christmas. We've done MVMCP in early November, but missed out on the resort decorations. I'm looking to spend arrival day wandering around the resorts and would like to know what others think are the best ones to check out. I think from past things I've read, GF and BC do the giant gingerbread displays? Any other resorts that are all decked out and worth a look?

We won't have a car so we'll be relying on Disney buses, monorail, etc. and traveling with three kids if that makes a difference on places you'd suggest.

Thanks!

Many people love the tree at Wilderness Lodge. It is a rustic theme to fit in with the decor there. Personally, I don't go out of my way to see it, but lots of people think it's the best tree.

I like more traditional looks which the Epcot resorts have. The Grand Floridian has a huge gingerbread house which is large enough that they actually set up a kiosk inside to sell gingerbread from. The Beach Club has a working gingerbread merry go round. It has hidden Mickeys among the decorations. The Yacht Club a has a nautical themed tree & they set up a huge Winter Wonderland type miniature village. There are various winter scenes with Disney miniatures throughout & a train running thru it. The Boardwalk has a tree decorated with traditional glass ornaments. They have had different things like a gingerbread gazebo or a miniature Coney Island type display.


It would be easy enough to check out all three Epcot resort displays. You can walk the area or take the boat between Boardwalk & Yacht & Beach. If you are at GF, you can take the monorail to the Contemporary & then get a boat to Wilderness Lodge. Apparently lots of people decorate their campsites at Fort Wilderness, but I have never checked that out. I think that would be very time consuming.

 

[MHDTS]

The trees in the resort lobbies are spectacular -- each with its own resort theme blending in with its surroundings. We think GF has the most beautiful tree, with Animal Kingdom taking a close second. But all of them are worth seeing -- we always put aside an afternoon and evening just to visit the resorts and see the decorations.

Depending on where you are staying, WDW buses will get you about anywhere, keeping in mind that buses typically don't run routes to/from other resorts. But a little planning, e.g. bus to MK, monorail to CR,PR, GF, boat to WL; or bus to HS, then boat to BWV, BC/YC, etc.

 

[chalee94]

GF is the best IMO.

AKL and WL are similar but both great.

Epcot resorts are worth a stop.

I like CSR best of the moderates.

 

[Wood Nymph]

The Wilderness Lodge has more than just a tree. The whole lobby is decorated and the villas building is decorated, too. It is just beautiful.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is also nicely decorated for Christmas.

 

[Bob Dolewhip]

The Wilderness Lodge tree is very pretty! But there are beautiful decorations all over the World.

See this gallery:

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...istmas-trees-across-walt-disney-world-resort/

 

[Bob Dolewhip]

Ooh also this

http://www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-world-christmas-decorations-tour/

 

[ariane37]

The Epcot resorts are most definitely worth seeing, but don't stop at just the BW, BC and YC- take the time to see the Swan & Dolphin decorations, too! We finally checked both out last year and they were gorgeous! Better than some of the other deluxes.

 

[jwwi]

I will be in wdw 11-16, staying at POR. Will resorts be decorated?

 

[DreamIsaWish]

How long will the decorations stay up? Will we see anything into the first week of January?

 

[goopysolelady]

WL tops my list along with the GF and the Polynesian decorations are subtle but beautiful. Last November was our first trip during the Christmas season and we visited ALL the deluxe resorts. My least favorite was AKL and wasn't to impressed with CR...but don't get me wrong...ALL worth seeing. We were lucky enough to get to see the magnificent tree at the WL be assembled during the evening/night. What a treat!

From this...

to this......in a matter of hours!

 

[GPC0321]

Oooo, I love this thread. We're going next December, and (hopefully) staying at the GF, but I definitely want to at least visit the other monorail resorts and Wilderness Lodge to see the decorations. I love Christmastime so much!

 

[busymommy2pink]

I'll be taking a solo trip November 18-20. Is there any chance resort trees will be up? I'm excited

 

[chalee94]

I'll be taking a solo trip November 18-20. Is there any chance resort trees will be up? I'm excited

based on my past experience, i would expect the trees to be up by at least the 20th (the Sunday before Thanksgiving).

 

[nfouey]

We arrive 1/4 to GF any chance of seeing gingerbread?

 

[MHDTS]

It should still be there.

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

The Wilderness Lodge has more than just a tree. The whole lobby is decorated and the villas building is decorated, too. It is just beautiful.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is also nicely decorated for Christmas.

This is so true! Wilderness Lodge is my absolutely favorite resort for Christmas (okay, it's my favorite resort no matter what, but especially at Christmas) because it is just so beautifully done. I think that the rustic ambiance really lends itself well to the Christmas overlay. They decorate the entire lobby, the tree is gorgeous, and they have Christmas music playing that really fits the setting. You can get some hot cocoa, find a chair by the fireplace, and rock by the fire while listening to the music and taking in all the decor. It's perfect.


As others have mentioned, Grand Floridian is also nice, especially the gingerbread house.

 

[ariane37]

WL tops my list along with the GF and the Polynesian decorations are subtle but beautiful. Last November was our first trip during the Christmas season and we visited ALL the deluxe resorts. My least favorite was AKL and wasn't to impressed with CR...but don't get me wrong...ALL worth seeing. We were lucky enough to get to see the magnificent tree at the WL be assembled during the evening/night. What a treat!

From this...

to this......in a matter of hours!

We didn't hit WL last Thanksgiving but after seeing your "after" picture, and having our first stay there this past August, I need to make sure we go over there next month!

 

[jvsims]

Disney Springs just announced they are having a Christmas tree trail... A dozen trees themed by character.. Muppets, Moana, Mickey/Minnie, etc.. Sounds super cute!

 

[mickeynut1]

As others have posted, all the resorts are nicely decorated and are worth a visit. With that said, our favorite during the holidays is the WL, followed by AKL, GF and BC/YC/BWI.