5 Best Disney Resorts at Christmas (Enjoy Them for FREE!)

It doesn’t quite feel like the holidays until you make a trip to the Disney resorts at Christmas!

There’s nothing like the holiday season at Walt Disney World. Even if it’s just sitting cozily next to a fireplace with family or feeling the spirit of Christmas while walking around the Walt Disney World onsite hotels.

Although I love both activities, I think you’d probably guess that the latter has become my new holiday tradition.

A few years ago I discovered this cool new way of enjoying a free visit for Christmas at Disney World.

Christmas at Disney Boardwalk Inn and Villas Christmas Tree on Green Lawn
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort

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At a Glance (Disney Resorts at Christmastime):

  • My favorite Disney resort at Christmas is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • You can do your own Disney holiday tour for free
  • I’ll also give you the 5 Best Disney Resorts at Christmas, Your Personal Itinerary for Doing Christmas at Disney Hotels and Tips for Touring the Disney Resorts During Christmas

Keep reading to learn more about this festive experience at Walt Disney World!

Why You Must Visit the Disney Resorts for Christmas

When I first set out to do a post to help you save on your theme park holiday fun, I had no idea I’d discover how wonderful AND FREE a Disney holiday experience could be.

NikkyJ exploring Disney Resorts at Christmas. One of the best things to Do at Disney World for Christmas. Disney Grand Floridian Resort

During the holiday months all of Walt Disney World Resort is transformed into a Christmas mecca for everyone and every culture.

Disney Contemporary Resort large Christmas Tree Outside. Keep reading to learn about the best Disney Resorts at Christmas!

So, it shouldn’t be a surprise to see the fun flowing over into the already majestic hotels on the Disney property.

A few years ago I walked through Fort Wilderness Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa during the holidays and I was officially hooked!

fort wilderness disney with Bay Lake in the Background for christmas in orlando. Disney Resorts at Christmas.
Christmas at Fort Wilderness Cabins

As each year passed, I would add a new hotel in my Disney holiday route and that’s how I was able to come up with the best Disney resorts at Christmas for you to visit.

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5 Best Disney Resorts You Have to Visit for Christmas

I’m so excited to take you on this journey through my favorite Disney hotels during the holidays. Do keep in mind that you don’t have to visit them on Christmas.

You can start visiting the hotels around early to mid-November as that is the time that Disney starts decorating for Christmas.

…and remember that this can be done for free!

Disney Magic Kingdom Main Street USA with Christmas Tree

Read: How to Tour the Disney Resorts during Christmas for free here!

1. Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

You must visit this Victorian-inspired resort on your visit to Walt Disney World.

As soon as you walk through the magical doors you’ll be flooded into sensory overload with the festive smells, sounds, and sights.

Holiday Tree at Disney Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Christmas. One of the best resorts at Disney World for Christmas.

The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa takes Christmas in the most magical direction with smells of gingerbread flooding your spirit and a spectacular Christmas tree that stands perfectly in the center of the lobby.

NikkyJ and Friend at Disney Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Christmas. One of the best resorts at Disney World for Christmas.

If that wasn’t enough, you’ll hear yuletide music coming from a live band that automatically puts you in such a great mood (hopefully they’ll return this year).

 

As you go deeper into the Grand Floridian, you’ll notice that the ginger smell is actually coming from a life-size gingerbread house that sells cookies and other sweets for to complete your holiday voyage at Walt Disney World.

Disney Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Gingerbread House Entrance. Keep reading to learn about the best Disney Resorts at Christmas!

While at the Grand Floridian be sure to take a walk around the resort to get some epic views of the fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom to complete you visit.

Gingerbread House at Disney Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Christmas. One of the best resorts at Disney World for Christmas.

You can also grab dinner at Victoria & Albert’s or Afternoon Tea (when it opens) if you’re feeling fancy!

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2. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

This Northwestern-inspired Disney Resort is quintessential Christmas to me. Not only are welcomed into a massive lobby, you’re greeted with a majestic tree right in the middle.

Disney Wilderness Lodge at Christmas with Large Christmas Tree and Gingerbread house cabin. One of the best things to Do at Disney World for Christmas

With the rustic feel reminiscent of any outdoorsy adventure, you can sit in over-sized chairs while you listen to holiday tunes and feel the warmth coming from the fireplaces.

Large Christmas at Ft. Wilderness Lodge in the lobby. Disney Resorts at Christmas.

When you’re not basking in the cozy cabin feel, be sure to admire all of the incredible decorations that will make you feel as if you’ve been placed directly into your own Hallmark movie!

Large Christmas Tree in Disney Wilderness Lodge. Keep reading to learn about the best Disney Resorts at Christmas!

Also, when planning your visit to the resort remember that on each night there’s something for you to do that’s a holiday activity to get you into the Christmas spirit such as:

  • A Choir singing Christmas songs in the lobby
  • The Hand Bell Ensemble playing yuletide tunes
  • Gift shops with Christmas trinkets and gifts perfect for grabbing your holiday essentials
Christmas Tree up close at Disney Fort Wilderness Lodge Resort. Keep reading to learn about the best Disney Resorts at Christmas!

While you’re visiting Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, be sure to take the walking trail over to Fort Wilderness Campgrounds.

This area will also be decked out in its own rustic Christmas finest décor.

Plus, I just love how peaceful the walk through the woods is since it reminds me of growing up in Lake County, Florida.

Recommended: 5 Best Disney World Deluxe Resorts to Stay at Right Now

3. Animal Kingdom Lodge

At Animal Kingdom Lodge you get to escape deep into an African adventure on your Walt Disney World visit.

Animal Kingdom Lodge lobby

While there be sure to enjoy all of the Christmas décor and holiday traditions explained by the Cast Members.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Christmas Tree. Disney Resorts at Christmas.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Christmas Tree

The Cast Members come from all over Africa from places such as Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, and Botswana to welcome you with oral tales of their culture.

The lobby of the Animal Kingdom Lodge has a similar feel to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge that’s complete with a grandiose entry with a huge Christmas tree in the center to greet you!

Disney Christmas Tree in Lobby at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Keep reading to learn about the best Disney Resorts at Christmas!
Disney at Christmas Animal Kingdom Lodge

Hipster Power Tip: Be sure to go up close to the Christmas tree to check out all the unique ornaments on it.

Not only do you get to cozy up in front of fire-pits, you can sit on the back-patio area of the resort in a classic rocking chair while watching the exotic animals on the Savanna.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House Serengeti Overlook

It’s absolutely breathtaking and a great way to enjoy Christmas at Disney World!

4. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Step into a time of classic Americana charm in this turn-of-the-century Atlantic City-inspired resort.

Christmas at Disney Boardwalk Inn and Villas Christmas Tree Design on Green Lawn. One of the best resorts at Disney World for Christmas.

Here you’ll get to smell the pure, sweet magic of a gingerbread house and the opportunity to taste the holiday cookie.

Boardwalk Inn Gingerbread House and Christmas Tree. Keep reading to learn about the best Disney Resorts at Christmas!

Disney’s BoardWalk area in the back of the resort is the perfect romantic spot where you’ll get to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, take a stroll, have dinner, and watch the fireworks at both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Free romantic date ideas for Disney at Boardwalk Inn with NikkyJ. Disney Resorts at Christmas.
Disney’s BoardWalk During Christmastime

You can do all this holiday fun for free, unless you have dinner and it’s a great way to enjoy Christmas at the Disney hotels without spending a fortune.

5. Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort

Here you’ll get a two-for-one as you make your way through both Disney resorts enjoying the enchanting holiday decor of a New England town.

Disney Gingerbread House Carousel at Beach Club Resort with Wendy from Peter Pan horse. Keep reading to learn about the best Disney Resorts at Christmas!

Every year, Disney creates a wonderful gingerbread carousel display that features some of the most iconic holiday characters.

Yacht and Beach Club Resort During Christmas at Disney World. One of the best resorts at Disney World for Christmas.

And while you’re there, be sure to grab a delicious steak at the Yachtsman Steakhouse Restaurant and an over-the-top dessert at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop.

Disney Beach Club Resort Hotel Beaches and Cream Banana Split with Chocolate Strawberry and Vanilla Ice Cream
Classic Banana Split

This one of the best places to visit on your free Disney holiday tour!

Disney Yacht Club Christmas Tree Outside People Watching Movie on the Lawn

Recommended: 27 Most Festive Things to Do in Orlando for Christmas 

Your Personal Itinerary for Doing Christmas at Disney Hotels

As you get yourself ready to enjoy Christmas at the Disney hotels, let’s go through a sample day I had on my last holiday visit.

Free Disney Christmas Resort Hopping Route Itinerary
Here’s Your Sample Disney Resort Hopping Christmas Itinerary

My day began at Hollywood Studios parking lot. I then made my way over to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn to start my yuletide hotel adventure.

Gertie Dinosaur for Christmas at Hollywood Studios. Keep reading to learn about the best Disney Resorts at Christmas!

It was then followed by Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa to top the day off.

Let’s walk through my photo journey across the Walt Disney World hotels to see how each hotel celebrates this joyous season!

Christmas at Hollywood Studios Decorate Dinosaur in Santa Hat on Lake Echo

First I took a scenic walk from Hollywood Studios along the Swan and Dolphin canal to the BoardWalk Inn.

Christmas at BoardWalk Inn

On my visit there was a life-size replica of a Jersey Shore Boardwalk concession stand made of gingerbread.

Disney Boardwalk Inn Christmas Tree with Gingerbread Shop Menu. Keep reading to learn about the best Disney Resorts at Christmas!
Disney Boardwalk Inn Christmas Tree

It was serving holiday treats such as ice cream cones, gingerbread houses, cookies and stollen bread.

Boardwalk Gingerbread house. One of the best things to Do at Disney World for Christmas
Gingerbread House at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

There were also sweet wreaths and Mickey and Minnie-shaped gingerbreads that decorated the house.

On your visit, you may have the opportunity to make your own gingerbread house with kits for sale.

Christmas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

After the ole time holiday tour of the Boardwalk Resort, I hopped onto the next bus to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Relaxing by the rustic fireplace at Disney's Wilderness Lodge NikkyJ of ThemeParkHipster. Keep reading to learn about the best Disney Resorts at Christmas!
Relaxing by the fireplace at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

I spent a lot of time here discovering all the nooks and crannies. I was also able to sit down for an hour just to relax and rest my feet.

Recommended: 25 AMAZING Things to Do in Florida at Christmas

Christmas at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Now it was time for the last hotel of the fun filled day.

I boarded the ferry for a ride to the Magic Kingdom front area in order to board the next monorail (or boat ride) to the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

Disney Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Gingerbread House Construction and Decorating. Keep reading to learn about the best Disney Resorts at Christmas!

Once inside I could immediately smell the sweet scent coming from the life-size gingerbread house.

This house celebrated the 16+ years at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Disney Grand Floridian Gingerbread house with Christmas Tree in background. Keep reading to learn about the best Disney Resorts at Christmas!

The pastry chefs are known for using the same building plans to re-create a fresh masterpiece each year by using a classic gingerbread recipe from Austria.

They estimate 400 hours of baking.

Disney Gingerbread House Fun Facts
  • The gingerbread house stands 16 feet high
  • Features 40 window panes
  • Made with 1,050 pounds of honey
  • Has 700 pounds of chocolate
  • Uses 600 pounds of confectioner’s sugar
  • Made with 35 pounds of spices
  • Has 800 pounds of flour
  • Uses 140 pints of egg whites
  • Has 180 pounds of apricot glaze
  • Features more than 10,000 pieces of gingerbread to make up the house
More Gingerbread Fun at The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

You can enjoy gingerbread house decorating demos daily during the holidays.

Disney Grand Floridian Gingerbread house menu. Keep reading to learn about the best Disney Resorts at Christmas!

While you’re there be sure to buy gingerbread cookies, stollen, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate-peppermint bark, gingerbread ornaments, mini-gingerbread houses and other goodies.

3 Easy Tips for Touring the Disney Resorts During Christmas for Free!

Now that you know what the best Disney Resorts are for Christmas and you have your itinerary together, let’s go through some tips to help you have an easy day.

Christmas at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa White Deer in Christmas Lights. Keep reading to learn about the best Disney Resorts at Christmas!
Christmas Decor at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

1. Start Early

If you plan on using the Walt Disney World transportation system to save money, then I suggest you start your holiday hotel adventure early.

Although you may not be spending your money, you will be investing a significant amount of time waiting for the buses and other forms of transportation.

ORDER NOW to secure your Walt Disney World theme park ticket! GET MY TICKETS.

2. Park at Disney Springs for Free

You can currently park in Disney Springs at no cost. However, it may make your holiday hotel hopping a bit longer.

If you are a Disney Passholder, then I suggest you park your vehicle at your favorite theme park and catch a bus to the first hotel you would like to start at.

On my last trip I parked at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and walked over to the Boardwalk Inn for my first stop.

Hollywood Studios Christmas tree and decorations with pink poodle dog like large ornaments

It’s a scenic route especially when the Florida weather is smiling perfectly on you.

3. Take loads of photos when visiting the Disney Resorts at Christmas!

The Walt Disney World Resort hotels offer so many picturesque photo opportunities for the season.

Christmas Tree on Green Lawn at Disney Boardwalk Inn and Villas. One of the best resorts at Disney World for Christmas.

Disney onsite hotels are already exquisite, but the holiday detail added by Cast Members puts a magical finish to the décor.

The hotel transformation affects many of the sense! Especially, the smell of sweet, savory gingerbread and other sugary delights in the air.

It makes the free Christmas at Disney World experience more enchanting.

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My Final Thoughts on the Best Disney Resorts at Christmas

If you want to start a new Disney holiday tradition (for FREE), then I suggest you take the holiday hotel tour.

Christmas at Epcot 2013 Germany Pavilion with Toy Solider

It’s something you will totally enjoy and will look forward to doing each and every year! I hope you all will be able to experience this new way of enjoying Christmastime at Disney.

Theme Park Travel Guide to the Best Disney Resorts at Christmas with Toy Soldiers on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom.
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What’s your favorite way to enjoy Christmas at Disney World? Let us know in the comments section below!

If you enjoy this article, then you’ll love these:

Until next time, Happy Holidays Hipsters!

Hoop Dee Doo Revue NikkyJ Dinner Show Disney World. Author bio of theme park expert Nikida Metellus.

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

(Original Article Date: December 26, 2014/Updated October 20, 2023)

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1 thought on “5 Best Disney Resorts at Christmas (Enjoy Them for FREE!)”

  1. I LOVE Disney during Christmastime! And you’re right… plenty of amenities for free. The chocolate houses and displays at Boardwalk and the Grand Floridian are my favorite. Truly beautiful art!

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