🎄The Official HOLIDAY DECORATIONS at Disney Resorts Thread🎄

[japanese maple]

The Animal Kingdom Lodge tree looks beautiful. We booked the week after Thanksgiving at AKL in 2024 to be sure to be there while the decorations are up.

 

[Disneydawg74]

Last year’s tree at AKL

 

[mickey916]

Don't forget the Swan and Dolphin (mostly the Swan). The usually have some sort of display made of chocolate and it smells amazing!!!!

I haven't been to the Swan Reserve during the Christmas season. Does anyone know if they do anything for a big Christmas display? Or just general Christmas decorations like the Dolphin usually does?

Here's last year's chocolate display at the Swan (which is where we stayed):


This is what we saw at the Swan Reserve:

 

[mrsap]

NEW Gingerbread Display Coming to Yacht Club​

This year, a new display will be available at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort! Disney hasn’t shared what this new display will look like, but we can’t wait to see it.

Guests visiting Walt Disney World during the 2023 holiday season can see Gingerbread Displays at the six following hotels:

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney BoardWalk Resort
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

Does anyone know how long the decorations normally stay up? My trip is 12/29-1/3, hoping to still catch some holiday decor.

 

[mrsap]

The Holidays are Coming to Disney Springs Nov. 10th

Disney Springs kicks off the holidays on November 10th with beautiful decor, delicious dining selections, and delightful shopping options!

Santa will be paying guests a visit at Once Upon a Toy.

The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll will be on full display. There will be 19 Disney-themed trees throughout the Disney Springs district.

 

[TinkAgainU]

Does anyone know how long the decorations normally stay up? My trip is 12/29-1/3, hoping to still catch some holiday decor.

I think you'll catch some decor - I believe people mentioned the Resorts take their decor down fairly quickly (around New Years), but the theme parks keep more up until the Jan race weekend is over around 1/7.

 

[ak517]

We stayed at Jambo House for the 2023 Marathon Weekend and the tree was still up!! I have a picture just like @Disneydawg74 from then.

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

I think you'll catch some decor - I believe people mentioned the Resorts take their decor down fairly quickly (around New Years), but the theme parks keep more up until the Jan race weekend is over around 1/7.

Thanks! Guess I’ll have plan to tour resorts early in the trip for better chances. Would love to see some of the gingerbread houses!

 

[LordVader]

The Holidays are Coming to Disney Springs Nov. 10th

Disney Springs kicks off the holidays on November 10th with beautiful decor, delicious dining selections, and delightful shopping options!

Santa will be paying guests a visit at Once Upon a Toy.

The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll will be on full display. There will be 19 Disney-themed trees throughout the Disney Springs district.

The Holidays are Coming to Disney Springs Nov. 10th

Disney Springs kicks off the holidays on November 10th with beautiful decor, delicious dining selections, and delightful shopping options!

Santa will be paying guests a visit at Once Upon a Toy.

The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll will be on full display. There will be 19 Disney-themed trees throughout the Disney Springs district.

Oh man, that's crazy exciting! My family and I will be at WDW starting on the 9th but will only be able to visit Disney Springs on the 10th! My wife who's birthday is on Christmas Day is absolutely obsessed with Christmas and she's going to be so beyond excited to do the Christmas tree stroll on our one day in Springs!!! This is amazing!!

 

[Shellyred8]

Here's last year's chocolate display at the Swan (which is where we stayed):
View attachment 804392

This is what we saw at the Swan Reserve:
View attachment 804393

Thanks for this info! Now I know I don't need to worry about going over there! LOL!!!

I also love the archway between the swan and dolphin. I love just hanging out over there listening to the music and enjoying the lights.

 

[mickey916]

Thanks for this info! Now I know I don't need to worry about going over there! LOL!!!

I also love the archway between the swan and dolphin. I love just hanging out over there listening to the music and enjoying the lights.

I love that archway too! We love the whole Swan/Dolphin complex...not staying there this year though. Since we booked our trip last minute it was way too expensive!!!

 

[mrsap]

Preparations Begin for 2023 Gingerbread House Installation at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Here’s a look around the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort as teams prepare to start the construction. Last year, the Grand Floridian gingerbread house opened on November 9th. An opening date for the 2023 version will be announced at a later date.

Disney hasn’t announced the opening dates for the gingerbread displays yet, but work will likely begin shortly after Halloween and take a few days to complete. The gingerbread house is built in two stages: first, Walt Disney Imagineering and Buena Vista Construction Company (Disney World’s in-house contractor) build the bones of the house, and then, the culinary team comes in to dress the house in gingerbread shingles and decor.

 

[mrsap]

Preparations Begin for 2023 Gingerbread House Installation at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Here’s a look around the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort as teams prepare to start the construction. Last year, the Grand Floridian gingerbread house opened on November 9th. An opening date for the 2023 version will be announced at a later date.

Disney hasn’t announced the opening dates for the gingerbread displays yet, but work will likely begin shortly after Halloween and take a few days to complete. The gingerbread house is built in two stages: first, Walt Disney Imagineering and Buena Vista Construction Company (Disney World’s in-house contractor) build the bones of the house, and then, the culinary team comes in to dress the house in gingerbread shingles and decor.

UPDATE: red ropes are up and the base has been laid to map out where the Gingerbread House will be. (GF FB guest just posted a pic.)

 

[mrsap]

Construction on Disney’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Has Begun

 

[mrsap]

Work Continues on Grand Floridian Gingerbread House- Cast Members Hand Out Samples

 

[mrsap]

Construction Continues as Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Prepares for November 8th Opening

Guests looking to purchase some fresh gingerbread (and other holiday treats) at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort will be able to starting November 8th. Cast Members at the location are advising guests that the gingerbread house will open for sales starting November 8th and typically remains open through the start of the New Year.

 

[mrsap]

Food Guide to Walt Disney World Gingerbread House Displays During 2023 Holiday Season

Now heading over to Walt Disney World Resort, we’re stopping by Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for their life-sized Gingerbread House! This beloved tradition is back again for its 24th year from Nov. 8 through Jan. 1, 2024, and is filled with plenty of sweet delights and decorations. All across this house, you’ll find white chocolate candy canes, edible snowflakes, sugar poinsettias, and over 10,000 pieces of gingerbread. Not to mention the 85 lb. chocolate Santa (yes, you heard that right), nutcrackers, toy soldiers, and snowmen that are all hand-painted by the Grand Floridian Bakery team led by Pastry Chef de Cuisine Kristine Farmer. The 500 hours spent baking gingerbread and 480 hours spent decorating are well worth it. Be on the lookout for the 24 hidden Mickeys found throughout the entire display to see if you can find them all.

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Menu

If you’re looking to take a taste of gingerbread and the holidays home with you, you’re in luck because this display has quite the lineup of treats available for purchase that will dazzle your taste buds, including:

• Freshly baked, homemade items, such as Gingerbread Mickeys and Shingles, Stollen Bread, Brownie Christmas Tree, and Gingersnap Cookies
• House-made Gingerbread Ornaments and Gingerbread Houses
• Assorted Gingerbread Cookie Bags, Marshmallow Pops, and Milk Chocolate Pecan Fudge
• Grand Floridian Combo Box featuring assorted fan favorite treats, including the cookies n’ cream Christmas Tree, exclusive to this box
• Plant-based, no sugar added, and gluten-friendly options

Joining this impressive lineup this year is the Lighthouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. This brand-new creation was created by Pastry Chef de Cuisine Michael Craig who used the actual blueprints from the real lighthouse located outside the resort along Crescent Lake. This sweet version is not to be missed on your gingerbread festivities this year. Also, available for purchase are some sweet delights sold at the Holiday Pop Up Shop, including the new Lighthouse Fudge, which is a nod to this new offering.




Just next door at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, we’ve got the classic Holiday Carousel gingerbread display. The life-size creation has been at the resort for 22 years and it actually moves – how cool! This year, this gingerbread offering is inspired by Ducktales, with the horses themed after Donald Duck and his nephews, Huey, Duey, and Louie. To celebrate all the years of tradition, there are 22 hidden Mickeys to find throughout the display, as well as 434 pounds of honey, 25 pounds of spices, 200 pounds of icing, and a whole lot of creativity and talent from the culinary team!

Disney’s Beach Club Resort Gingerbread Display Menu

Some of the holiday treats available at this location include:

• Signature Stollen Bread
• Lighthouse Fudge
• Mickey Snowman Pop
• Crispy Rice Treat
• Peppermint Bark
• Gingerbread Shingle
• Hot Chocolate Flight
• Hot Chocolate

As we keep going around Crescent Lake, we get to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn where their display is shore to impress from Nov. 17 through Dec. 27. This creation is a miniature version of some of your favorite spots found along the BoardWalk itself, including the BoardWalk Deli, which is home to none other than the BoardWalk Inn Bakery team led by Pastry Chef Alex Vacher.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Gingerbread Display Menu

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

• Mickey and Minnie Sugar Cookies
• Mickey Caramel Corn Cookie
• Christmas Tree Pop
• Peppermint Bark
• Gingerbread Shingles
• Gluten/ Wheat-Friendly and Plant-based Gingerbread Shingles

Next up, let’s go on a tasty adventure to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge where you’ll find one of the most adorable giraffes and zebras around. In the Jambo House lobby from Nov. 22 through Dec. 31, the Animal Kingdom Lodge bakery led by Pastry Chef Lexy Ross has continued the tradition with the Life-Size Baby Gingerbread Giraffe and Baby Zebra. This can’t-miss giraffe, or should we say ginger-affe, named Ginger and baby zebra, Debra, are made with a combination of gingerbread, sugar dough, and modeling chocolate. In fact, the giraffe stands near 7 feet tall. You’ll also be able to pick up some tasty treats to take with you, like the Gingeraffe Cookie, Hot Cocoa Flight, and beer, wine, and cocktails!



Now, let’s blast off to Disney’s Contemporary Resort where their gingerbread display is back once again for its 12th year led by Pastry Chef Jeff Barnes! Found on the fourth floor of the resort from Nov. 10 through Jan. 6, 2024, this year’s Mary Blair-inspired 100th Celebration-themed Castle Display was designed by Walt Disney Imagineers for this momentous occasion for The Walt Disney Company. It stands over 17 feet tall with 612 pounds of sugar, 1012 pounds of flour, 112 pounds of gingerbread spice, over 4000 castle gingerbread bricks, and 12 sprinklings of magical pixie dust! And, be sure to keep your eyes peeled with the 12 hidden five-legged goats.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display Menu

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

• Gingerbread Castle Brick
• Paint Your Own Cookie Box
• Hot Chocolate Caramel Fudge
• Chocolate Peppermint Cookie
• Pistachio Linzer Cookie
• 5-Legged Goat Cookie
• Gluten/Wheat Friendly Gingerbread Cookie
• Gingerbread Latte Cupcake
• Christmas Tree Butter Cookie
• Frozen Hot Chocolate (Also available with Peppermint Schnapps)
• Frozen Apple Cider (Also available with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky floater)

BEYOND THE RESORTS:

Last but certainly not least for Walt Disney World Resort, we’ve got quite the impressive display at The American Adventure in EPCOT. From Nov. 24 through Dec. 30, this unique display recreates some classic monuments in America and EPCOT alike with gingerbread versions of the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, The American Adventure building with Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue, and even a Festival Marketplace. There are also 6 hidden Mickeys found within. See how many you can find on your next visit to EPCOT.

 

[Evansvillegirl26]

Anyone have the timeline for decorations farther back? I think a lot of the resorts were delayed In 2022 because of the hurricane.

 

[Want2rentpoints]

Food Guide to Walt Disney World Gingerbread House Displays During 2023 Holiday Season

Now heading over to Walt Disney World Resort, we’re stopping by Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for their life-sized Gingerbread House! This beloved tradition is back again for its 24th year from Nov. 8 through Jan. 1, 2024, and is filled with plenty of sweet delights and decorations. All across this house, you’ll find white chocolate candy canes, edible snowflakes, sugar poinsettias, and over 10,000 pieces of gingerbread. Not to mention the 85 lb. chocolate Santa (yes, you heard that right), nutcrackers, toy soldiers, and snowmen that are all hand-painted by the Grand Floridian Bakery team led by Pastry Chef de Cuisine Kristine Farmer. The 500 hours spent baking gingerbread and 480 hours spent decorating are well worth it. Be on the lookout for the 24 hidden Mickeys found throughout the entire display to see if you can find them all.

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Menu

If you’re looking to take a taste of gingerbread and the holidays home with you, you’re in luck because this display has quite the lineup of treats available for purchase that will dazzle your taste buds, including:

• Freshly baked, homemade items, such as Gingerbread Mickeys and Shingles, Stollen Bread, Brownie Christmas Tree, and Gingersnap Cookies
• House-made Gingerbread Ornaments and Gingerbread Houses
• Assorted Gingerbread Cookie Bags, Marshmallow Pops, and Milk Chocolate Pecan Fudge
• Grand Floridian Combo Box featuring assorted fan favorite treats, including the cookies n’ cream Christmas Tree, exclusive to this box
• Plant-based, no sugar added, and gluten-friendly options

Joining this impressive lineup this year is the Lighthouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. This brand-new creation was created by Pastry Chef de Cuisine Michael Craig who used the actual blueprints from the real lighthouse located outside the resort along Crescent Lake. This sweet version is not to be missed on your gingerbread festivities this year. Also, available for purchase are some sweet delights sold at the Holiday Pop Up Shop, including the new Lighthouse Fudge, which is a nod to this new offering.




Just next door at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, we’ve got the classic Holiday Carousel gingerbread display. The life-size creation has been at the resort for 22 years and it actually moves – how cool! This year, this gingerbread offering is inspired by Ducktales, with the horses themed after Donald Duck and his nephews, Huey, Duey, and Louie. To celebrate all the years of tradition, there are 22 hidden Mickeys to find throughout the display, as well as 434 pounds of honey, 25 pounds of spices, 200 pounds of icing, and a whole lot of creativity and talent from the culinary team!

Disney’s Beach Club Resort Gingerbread Display Menu

Some of the holiday treats available at this location include:

• Signature Stollen Bread
• Lighthouse Fudge
• Mickey Snowman Pop
• Crispy Rice Treat
• Peppermint Bark
• Gingerbread Shingle
• Hot Chocolate Flight
• Hot Chocolate

As we keep going around Crescent Lake, we get to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn where their display is shore to impress from Nov. 17 through Dec. 27. This creation is a miniature version of some of your favorite spots found along the BoardWalk itself, including the BoardWalk Deli, which is home to none other than the BoardWalk Inn Bakery team led by Pastry Chef Alex Vacher.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Gingerbread Display Menu

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

• Mickey and Minnie Sugar Cookies
• Mickey Caramel Corn Cookie
• Christmas Tree Pop
• Peppermint Bark
• Gingerbread Shingles
• Gluten/ Wheat-Friendly and Plant-based Gingerbread Shingles

Next up, let’s go on a tasty adventure to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge where you’ll find one of the most adorable giraffes and zebras around. In the Jambo House lobby from Nov. 22 through Dec. 31, the Animal Kingdom Lodge bakery led by Pastry Chef Lexy Ross has continued the tradition with the Life-Size Baby Gingerbread Giraffe and Baby Zebra. This can’t-miss giraffe, or should we say ginger-affe, named Ginger and baby zebra, Debra, are made with a combination of gingerbread, sugar dough, and modeling chocolate. In fact, the giraffe stands near 7 feet tall. You’ll also be able to pick up some tasty treats to take with you, like the Gingeraffe Cookie, Hot Cocoa Flight, and beer, wine, and cocktails!



Now, let’s blast off to Disney’s Contemporary Resort where their gingerbread display is back once again for its 12th year led by Pastry Chef Jeff Barnes! Found on the fourth floor of the resort from Nov. 10 through Jan. 6, 2024, this year’s Mary Blair-inspired 100th Celebration-themed Castle Display was designed by Walt Disney Imagineers for this momentous occasion for The Walt Disney Company. It stands over 17 feet tall with 612 pounds of sugar, 1012 pounds of flour, 112 pounds of gingerbread spice, over 4000 castle gingerbread bricks, and 12 sprinklings of magical pixie dust! And, be sure to keep your eyes peeled with the 12 hidden five-legged goats.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display Menu

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

• Gingerbread Castle Brick
• Paint Your Own Cookie Box
• Hot Chocolate Caramel Fudge
• Chocolate Peppermint Cookie
• Pistachio Linzer Cookie
• 5-Legged Goat Cookie
• Gluten/Wheat Friendly Gingerbread Cookie
• Gingerbread Latte Cupcake
• Christmas Tree Butter Cookie
• Frozen Hot Chocolate (Also available with Peppermint Schnapps)
• Frozen Apple Cider (Also available with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky floater)

BEYOND THE RESORTS:

Last but certainly not least for Walt Disney World Resort, we’ve got quite the impressive display at The American Adventure in EPCOT. From Nov. 24 through Dec. 30, this unique display recreates some classic monuments in America and EPCOT alike with gingerbread versions of the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, The American Adventure building with Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue, and even a Festival Marketplace. There are also 6 hidden Mickeys found within. See how many you can find on your next visit to EPCOT.

Are the resorts the only locations you’re able to purchase the Gingerbread Houses? Or can I still find them all over?