The 5 Most Beautiful Disney Hotels for Christmas
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Heading to Walt Disney World in December? Don’t miss these 5 wonderful Disney hotels for Christmas! They’re definitely worth a visit.
Christmas is one of the best times to plan a family trip to Walt Disney World. In fact, it’s our favourite time to go to Disney!
Disney is already a magical, fairytale place, so everything gets even grander at Christmas! From the theme parks to Disney Springs, not forgetting all the hotels, Disney is transformed into a Christmas paradise.
With over 25 Disney hotels dotted around the 4 theme parks, it can be hard to know which ones to visit!
In this article, we’ve identified the 5 most beautiful Disney hotels for Christmas. Even if you’re not planning to stay at one of these hotels, these 5 Disney hotels are absolutely worth a visit over the Christmas period! You’ll see the most magnificent Christmas decorations and have the chance to sample some of the delights reserved for this time of year.
When is the best time to visit the best Disney hotels for Christmas?
At Walt Disney World in Orlando, the Christmas season officially begins on November 11th and ends on December 31st.
During this period, a host of special activities, decorations, music and sweets are on offer to visitors.
In the theme parks – and in some hotels – Disney’s ‘elves’ get to work the night after Halloween. Hence, you can see Christmas decorations and hear Christmas music as early as November 1st at some Disney locations.
In most cases, all the decorations are up for the start of the festive season on November 11. However, some hotels take an extra week or two to finalise their decorations. So, if you want to visit the best Disney hotels for Christmas and be sure to get a true magical experience, we recommend waiting until the end of November. From Thanksgiving onwards, you’ll be guaranteed the true Disney Christmas experience.
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Is it worth visiting Disney Hotels for Christmas?
YES !!!!! Disney Hotels are worth visiting all year round. They all have unique themes and take a different approach to Disney. What’s more, it’s one of the fun free things to do at Disney that the whole family can enjoy. Visiting Disney hotels is one of our favourite things to do outside of the theme parks.
During the Christmas period, the hotels are particularly beautifully decorated and impressive. You’ll see huge decorated and illuminated Christmas trees, life-size gingerbread houses and carousels.
Disney souvenir shops can also be found in each of the hotels. These shops are generally less busy than those in the theme parks. If you want to do a little shopping for souvenirs to take home, this is a great place to do it.
In short, it’s definitely worth adding a visit to the best-decorated Disney hotels for Christmas to your itinerary.
The 5 best decorated Disney hotels for Christmas
# 1. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The Grand Floridian is the most lavish Disney hotel in Orlando. No matter what time of year it is, I think it’s totally worth visiting this beautiful hotel, located right next to Magic Kingdom.
It’s even more impressive to visit during the Christmas period. The hotel is tastefully decorated for the festive season. You’ll see wreaths, garlands, lights and Christmas trees all over the hotel and its surroundings. In the centre of the hotel is a huge Christmas tree decorated with hundreds of ornaments. The decor is classic and sophisticated – in keeping with the hotel’s overall atmosphere and decor.
However, there is one very special feature that puts the Grand Floridian at the top of the list of the best decorated Disney hotels for Christmas: its life-size gingerbread house. There’s even a shop inside – yes, right inside the real gingerbread house. Special holiday treats, cookies and gingerbread house assembly kits are on sale. There’s also a chimney with smoke coming out of it.
Tons and tons of ingredients are used to build the gingerbread house. Young and old alike will be fascinated by the final product. There are usually some Mickeys hidden in various places on the house. Try to find them!
The smell of Christmas – sweets and gingerbread – wafting through the hotel lobby is an added bonus. The Grand Floridian’s enchanting décor is sure to delight!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is accessible by monorail and ferry from Magic Kingdom. Hotel parking is reserved for guests.
There are several restaurants and cafés on site where you can grab a bite to eat.
#2. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge also tops the list of the most magical Disney hotels for Christmas.
Throughout the year, a rustic northern cottage atmosphere reigns here. However, the warm atmosphere reaches its peak during the winter season. The Wilderness Lodge is one of the most beautifully decorated Disney hotels for Christmas. You’ll find Christmas decorations, usually with a nature-inspired theme, all over the lobby, in the main corridors and on the banisters on each level of the hotel leading to the lobby.
You can take the time to sit by the fireplace and admire the majestic 60-foot Christmas tree and its lovely ornaments. Another great way to enjoy the decor is to go up to the 2nd floor and enjoy a view of the lobby and its magnificent decorations. Rocking chairs and armchairs are available near the doors of the Whispering Canyon Cafe – from here you’ll have a perfect view of the Wilderness Lodge’s Christmas decor.
Finally, you can also complete your visit to the Lodge by adding a stop at the hotel’s second building – the Boulder Ridge Villas. On your walk to this second part of the hotel, you’ll be able to admire even more Christmas decorations.
Inspired by the national park hotels of the American north-west, the decor at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is very realistic. During the festive season, the warmth and decor will make you believe you’re actually in a snowy chalet, far from the palm trees and hot sun of Orlando.
The overall décor and atmosphere at this hotel is the complete opposite of what you’ll find at the Grand Floridian (the hotel featured just before it in this article).
Although the Wilderness Lodge is located near the Magic Kingdom theme park, the hotel is not served by the monorail. You will therefore need to plan a different transport option to get there. Water taxis and Disney buses are excellent options.
Because this hotel is not served by the monorail to Magic Kingdom, the lobby is slightly less crowded than the Grand Floridian – leaving you plenty of room to visit as you please.
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#3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
For a completely different holiday atmosphere, opt for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This Disney hotel brings an African flavour to Christmas traditions.
The gigantic Christmas tree in the centre of the lobby is sure to impress the whole family. Visitors particularly enjoy looking at the African and animal-inspired decorations that adorn the tree. These include small hand carved wooden masks depicting African animals and ribbons made from wax fabrics straight from Africa.
What makes Animal Kingdom Lodge one of the best decorated Disney hotels for Christmas is its brand new sweet addition. In the lobby of the hotel, you can see a baby giraffe and a baby zebra sculpted from gingerbread. These sculptures are the actual size of baby savannah animals.
For a bird’s eye view of the African-flavoured Christmas decor, take the lift to the 5th floor – you’ll have access to the deck and a view of the outdoor savannah.
The hotel has two fireplaces where you can sit and relax: one inside and one outside.
Finally, depending on the year, a village made of chocolate or gingerbread is set up near the BOMA – Flavors of Africa restaurant.
As with Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the route to Animal Kingdom Lodge is a bit more complex. One of the best ways to get there is to take a Disney bus from Disney Springs or one of the four theme parks – the closest being Animal Kingdom.
#4. Disney’s Beach Club Resort
The Beach Club Resort is home to one of Disney’s most beautiful Christmas decorations: a giant gingerbread carousel. What’s more, the carousel turns for real! It’s sure to impress young and old alike.
Each year, the carousel is inspired by a different Disney theme. It’s a magnificent work of culinary art! In 2022, the theme of the carousel was princesses from Disney movies. Each horse on the carousel was inspired by a different princess. The detail and precision of the decor are fascinating.
As well as the carousel, there are beautiful garlands and Christmas trees throughout the hotel.
The hotel is easily accessible. You can walk to the hotel from the International Gateway entrance at EPCOT or use the Disney Skyliner (gondola system).
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# 5. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Within walking distance of the Beach Club Resort, the Yacht Resort Club also deserves its place on the list of the best decorated Disney hotels for Christmas.
Here you’ll find a magnificent Christmas village and a miniature train. Small houses recreate a splendid snow-covered ski resort. Usually,
In addition to this village, you’ll be able to admire garlands, Christmas trees and decorations of all kinds inspired by the nautical world and boats. These decorations blend in well with the hotel’s typical New England architecture.
The hotel is located in the Boardwalk area – close to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. It is accessible via the Disney Skyliner.
Wrapping Up the Most Beautiful Disney Hotels for Christmas
There’s nothing quite like the magic of Disney during the holidays, and these five stunning hotels take it to the next level with their incredible Christmas decorations, festive ambiance, and family-friendly charm. Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter retreat at Wilderness Lodge or a grand celebration at the Grand Floridian, each of these resorts offers something special to make your family’s holiday unforgettable.
From towering Christmas trees to magical holiday activities, staying at one of these Disney hotels during the holiday season is the perfect way to make lasting memories with your loved ones. So, whether you’re dreaming of a Disney Christmas this year or planning ahead for next, you can’t go wrong with any of these beautiful festive hotels.
Get ready for a holiday experience full of magic, wonder, and a little extra pixie dust!
Planning a family trip to Disney? Read these posts next:
– DISNEY WITH TODDLERS: HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS VS EPCOT
– 10 Fun Ways to Entertain Kids while Waiting in Line
– 10 AMAZING FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS IN DISNEY SPRINGS
– HONEST REVIEW OF THE HOLIDAY INN ORLANDO DISNEY SPRINGS
– 7 BEST RIDES FOR TODDLERS AT EPCOT
