Need A Christmas Decorated Hotel

[DVCJman]

Looking for everyone's opinion on what WDW hotel is the best decorated for Christmas Holidays.

Planning on attending WDW in December and will stay on-site at a DVC resort for a few days, but wanted to experience one of the WDW resort hotels also. Only times I have ever been to WDW were in the summer months of June and July, so this would be a new experience.

So what hotel(s) have the nicest Christmas decorations or something that should been seen and not missed. We would plan to stay 2 or 3 nights at a WDW resort hotel before/after our DVC stay.

Thanks for the input...

 

[scanne]

The Grand Floridian has an enormous Christmas tree and gingerbread house. Their decorations are beautiful. Animal Kingdom Lodge's decorations were pretty, too, and on Christmas morning there were goody bags on everyone's door with candies and Christmas goodies. I don't know if all the resorts did this. I've heard the Yacht Club has nice decorations, but I haven't seen them. I'm sure others will post. Have fun!

 

[Cousin Orville]

Last Christmas we stayed at the BWV which of course was decorated beautifully for Christmas. We also stayed several days at the Coronado which was wonderfully decorated. If you're looking for somewhere a bit nicer, I would say the Grand Floridian was the decorated the best. We also visited the Wilderness Lodge which of course was nice but nothing outstanding like everyone made it out to be. Decorated on a lesser scare were the Poly and Contemp. The Dolphin and Swan were actually quite done up as well, but I'm not really a fan of there general theme. I thought the Beach Club was on par with the BW. So of all the resorts I would rank Chirstmas Decor as:

GF
BW & BC
CSR
WL (maybe I'm biased towards CSR since I stayed there)
Contemp & Swan/Dolphin
Poly
AKL (neat tree but not much else)

Hope this helps.

 

[eeyore0062]

Well, there are 2 that are real standouts! If you like a rustic Christmas...then definitely head for the WL. There is a huge tree in the lobby done up in reds and greens. Also, the balconies overlooking the lobby is festooned with real pine garland with big red bows. The fireplace is warm and inviting, as well. This resort is absolutely gorgeous at Christmas, and even if you don't stay there, is it worth a look!

The other resort that does Christmas right is the Grand Floridian. They have a full sized gingerbread house in the lobby where they sell treats. The huge Christmas tree is decorated in Victorian ornaments. There is a minature train on the 2nd floor of the lobby. And all around you, you are surrounded by Victorian touches of Christmas... many poinsettas, etc. It is breathtaking!

Have a great time

 

[DisneyKidds]

I second the recommendation for WL and GF.

If you are going to stay at a DVC resort do the VWL. The whole resort exudes Christmas with Christmas music playing, beautiful decorations, and a warm, cozy atmosphere.

If you want to swith to another WDW resort, splurge on the GF. It is pricey, but the decorations are incredible. The GF is a resort that everyone should be lucky enough to stay at at least once.

IMO, while the GF has the best decorations, the WL has the best overall Christmas atmosphere.

Enjoy .

 

[Bstanley]

Even though all of the resorts have decorations and Gingerbread 'Worlds' (house just doesn't do them justice the WL and GF just seem to lend themselves to Christmas decorating better than the other resorts.

I personally prefer the WL because I like the more 'wood-sey' feel to it - also it even SMELLS like Christmas because of the big fireplace. And when the weather is a little cooler the WL just sort of comes into it's own.

The GF is a perfect Martha Stewart kinda Christmas place - and they really do it up so well. Bows, garlands, poinsettias - everything just like it should be.

 

[mrsltg]

DH and I stayed at CSR the first week in December last year... it was beautiful! The lobby was absolutely breathtaking, and El Centro looked as if anything that stood still long enough got a red bow tacked to it! I was in awe. I'm sure that every resort is like this at Disney... look at the way they do up Main Street!!!

Erin

 

[ducklite]

The GF is decorated and lovely, but over the top IMHO.

All of the resorts have at least some decorations.

The BW lobby was stunning this year, I much preferred it to the GF.

The AKL had very beautiful and unique decorations, but nothing I would consider traditional.

Anne

 

[*Belle*]

You may view all the resorts at christmas at www.laughingplace.com/info-id-wdw-holiday2000.asp#resorts I hope the link works.

 

[jaguar9748]

Another vote for the WL and the GF. The WL and the WLV are spectacular at Christmas. Christmas morning there was also a gift bag on every door in the WLV - a nice and surprising touch! There were trees and wreaths everywhere you turned. The GF is a spectacular resort and even more so at Christmas.

Also, since you're going at Christmas, be sure and check out the tree at each park and Downtown Disney. The trees are fabulous - I think the one in Epcot is the best!

 

[ead79]

My votes are the GF, WL, and AKL in that order. They are all really spectacular, and you should try to see any that you don't stay at. Have a wonderful time--December is a great time of year to visit with all the decorations up.

 

[DVCJman]

Thanks everyone for your help....I would say that my tendency right now would be to stay at the WL....