Ultimate resort tour of holiday decorations - ideas?

[2xcited2sleep]

I live semi-locally and have a couple of friends who aren’t big Disney fans but have heard the resort decor for the holidays is incredible and want to see it. I’m feeling the pressure to live up to expectations. They won’t have park tickets. My thought is maybe to start at the Epcot resorts (valet park at one), do a tour around the Boardwalk, then maybe hit Disney Springs for lunch and some shopping, and then drive over to hit the monorail resorts. We’d drive between the three. Any thoughts?

I struggled with where to do lunch. DS provides lots of options. Another option for lunch could be AKL and Sanaa - the AKL tree is incredible too and savanna a bonus.

What resort is optimal to start the monorail tour? Would like to work Wilderness Lodge into the tour, what’s the best way to do that? Boat from Contemporary? Or should we start/end the monorail leg at WL?

Overall, any things not to miss? Are there any special activities? Any other resorts worth a visit? Thanks!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Hmmm. I might switch up the order only because the Boardwalk area is so much more lively at night if your friends are at all interested in seeing the entertainment on the Boardwalk? If so, I think I would valet park at CR, boat to WL, monorail to Poly and GF, then head to AK for lunch. After that, head to DS to shop and end with the EP resorts (I would check out all of them as even Swan/Dolphin has some lovely decorations). The carousel at BC is my favorite.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Hmmm. I might switch up the order only because the Boardwalk area is so much more lively at night if your friends are at all interested in seeing the entertainment on the Boardwalk? If so, I think I would valet park at CR, boat to WL, monorail to Poly and GF, then head to AK for lunch. After that, head to DS to shop and end with the EP resorts (I would check out all of them as even Swan/Dolphin has some lovely decorations). The carousel at BC is my favorite.

Thank you! Great suggestions!! I agree the Swan and Dolphin are worth seeing too. I could spend days just hanging out, taking my time, and resort-hopping so a challenge to pack into a day and give them the highlights but not bore them as non-Disney fans.

 

[Deb & Bill]

When do you plan to go? They may or may not allow you to park without an ADR at the resort because of crowds for the holidays.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

When do you plan to go? They may or may not allow you to park without an ADR at the resort because of crowds for the holidays.

Thanks. It will be early/mid-Dec during the week. I don’t expect to be turned away from valet but will have a plan B just in case! Thanks!

 

[Sandi]

You should definitely go over to Fort Wilderness, too. It will not be the traditional, elegant decorations of GF and WL, but those campers go all out with elaborate lights and theming. It is something to behold and a very enjoyable walk around the campground.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

You should definitely go over to Fort Wilderness, too. It will not be the traditional, elegant decorations of GF and WL, but those campers go all out with elaborate lights and theming. It is something to behold and a very enjoyable walk around the campground.

Good call!