Can you smell the sweet aromas of the Disney World gingerbread houses coming from this page?
Well maybe I am pushing the imagination button just a bit, but I’m super excited to share with you something really cool that Disney does for the holidays.
Each Christmas season, the Disney Parks and resorts displays the most over-the-top gingerbread houses for everyone to enjoy each year.
Many of the beautiful displays can be seen for free and yes, I did just say free!
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Disney Gingerbread Houses At a Glance:
- No admission is required to visit the Gingerbread displays at Disney World; however, you may need a dining reservation to be able to park at a hotel. You can avoid this by parking at Disney Springs and taking the bus over to the resort.
- Dates: Each year Disney presents the first display around the second week of November and this year (2024) it starts on the 6th
- Be sure to wear some festive and holiday-themed clothing to get the best Disney Christmas pictures while you’re here
- Don’t forget to check out the incredible food and entertainment on property
- Be sure to check out my gingerbread-inspired gift recommendations for that special person in your life below!
Where are the gingerbread houses at Disney World?
- Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Beach Club Resort
- BoardWalk Resort
- Contemporary Resort
- Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- EPCOT
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (no house this year but you’ll enjoy a festive selection of sweet treats)
Keep reading to get a full guide on the best way to explore this Disney holiday experience like a pro!
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Is Disney Doing the Gingerbread House this Year?
Absolutely!
Although there was a break in having the gingerbread houses across the parks and resorts due to the 2020 pandemic, Disney is bringing a few back in some of the most popular locations.
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2024 Gingerbread Houses at Disney World Guide + Tips
Although we are missing a few of our favorite locations, let’s go through which Disney hotels have gingerbread houses this year and what to expect at each location.
1. Grand Floridian Resort Gingerbread House
You’ll definitely want to stop by the Grand Floridian to see the signature sweet display now in its 25th year at Walt Disney World.
According to Disney, the classic Austrian recipe inspired the ornaments, cookies and the house that stands 14 feet tall in the lobby of this resort.
By far, this is one of the most stunning resorts to visit during Christmas at Walt Disney World.
According to Disney, this year’s gingerbread house is a life-size storybook gingerbread house with “cinnamon clouds” puffing from the chimney.
It is also beautifully decorated with white chocolate candy canes, edible snowflakes, and sugar poinsettias.
Fun Facts About the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House:
- 10-foot-wide
- 15-foot-long
- 14-foot-tall
- 1050 pounds of honey
- 800 pounds of flour
- 600 pounds of confectioners’ sugar
- 700 pounds of chocolate
- Covered with more than 10,000 pieces of gingerbread
- Has 25 hidden Mickeys
- 88-pound chocolate Santa
- over 500 hours baking the gingerbread
- Nutcrackers, toy soldiers, and snowmen that have all been hand-painted by the Grand Floridian Bakery team
The Gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian also acts as a sweet kiosk called The Bake Shop where you can buy your own holiday treats such as:
- Stollen Bread
- Cookies
- Peppermint bark
- Milk Chocolate Pecan Fudge and so much more!
2024 Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Menu:
- Gingerbread Mickey
- Gingerbread Shingle
- Stollen Bread
- Brownie Pop
- Gingersnap Cookies
- The Gingerbread House Ornament
- Gingerbread House
- The Gingerbread Cookie Bags imported from Germany
- Gingerbread Loaf
- Peppermint Bark
- Grand Floridian Gift Box featuring assorted fan favorite treats, including a Santa Gnome Hot Cocoa Surprise, exclusive to the Combo Box
Hipster Power Tip: If you only want the gingerbread house shingle and the line is too long at the shop, you can visit the Grand Floridian store adjacent to the house to pick up your own shingle with a less wait time. Just know that this is not consistent each year but it doesn’t hurt to try!
How long does the gingerbread house stay up at the Grand Floridian?
This Grand Floridian will go up from November 6, 2024 to January 1, 2025.
You can view it anytime during that time period, but if you want any of the sweet treats, you’ll have to visit the shop inside the house from 9:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. each day.
Disney has made an official statement about parking at the Grand Floridian. Here’s what they’ve stated below:
Because parking at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is limited to guests with hotel and dining reservations, those visiting this sweet holiday display will need to park at the Transportation & Ticket Center and take the resort monorail.
This will cause you to have to pay for parking. If you don’t want to pay for parking, then I suggest parking at Disney Springs and taking the bus over one of the monorail resorts or directly to the Grand Floridian (if available).
Just know that although this path may not cost you money, it will cost you time.
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What happens to the Disney Gingerbread House?
Each year, Cast Members remove all the gingerbread from the house to the Disney Tree Farm to rinse the sugar off.
After it has been thoroughly rinsed, the sugar that comes off is left to feed the bees who’ll go on to pollinate the local flowers and produce honey for us as well.
2. Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Are you ready to check out a Disney-inspired gingerbread carousel that spins?!?
The Mickey’s Christmas Carol-themed majestic horses are all decorated and hand-painted with chocolate, sugar and fondant in this scrumptious classic carousel.
You will get to see all of the famous characters from this Disney movie all made from gingerbread inside Disney’s Beach Club Resort that’s now in it’s 24th year!
Disney Gingerbread Carousel Ingredients:
- 432 pounds of honey
- 200 pounds of icing
- 100 pounds of eggs
- 2024 pieces of gingerbread
- 24 hidden gold Mickeys
- Over the years it has had over 300 pounds of breadflour
- 10 pounds of spices
- 10 pounds of simple syrup
- 100 pounds of confectioner’s sugar
- 50 pound of dark chocolate
- 200 gum paste flowers
- 50 pounds of modeling chocolate
This holiday carousel has been around at Disney’s Beach Club Resort for over 20 years and it still spins with all decorations completely edible!
While you’re there be sure to find all the Hidden Mickeys.
2024 Gingerbread House Menu at Disney Beach Club Resort
- Linzer Cookie
- Spiced Orange and Cranberry Bundt Cake
- Gingerbread Macarons
- Hot Cocoa Brownie
- Hannukah Sugar Cookie
- Stollen
- Gingerbread House
How long does the gingerbread house stay up at Disney’s Beach Club?
This Beach Club Resort display will be up from early November 2024 (starting 6th – 12th) to January 1, 2024.
Since you’ll be visiting the Beach Club Resort, don’t forget to stop by the Boardwalk Resort lobby area and check out the charming gingerbread display that also features fan-favorite spots from the BoardWalk.
I’m excited to see what the theme will be and if it will be a similar design to its sister property, Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
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3. Disney’s Contemporary Resort Gingerbread House
Disney’s Contemporary Resort gingerbread display is back for its 13th year!
The Contemporary Resort had been home to some fun gingerbread houses in the past such as the Frozen-inspired one from a few years ago.
There were also years where there was an 18-ft Cinderella Castle with an “it’s a small world” backdrop.
It was made from more than 5,000 gingerbread shingles, 47 pounds of rolled fondant, 38 pounds of modeling chocolate and so much more!
Back in 2023 it showcased Mary Blair-inspired 100th Celebration-themed Castle Display!
This year you can marvel in the Cinderella Castle Dream Lights yuletide display.
Here’s what you can expect from this Disney Gingerbread house at the Contemporary Resort:
- 17 feet tall
- 25 feet wide
- 613 pounds of sugar
- 1013 pounds of flour
- 113 pounds of gingerbread spice
- 51 pounds of chocolate
- Over 4,000 castle gingerbread bricks
- Look for 13 hidden Mickeys and a five-legged goat
2024 Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Menu:
- Linzer Cookie
- Caramel Apple Cake with Gingerbread Streusel
- Chocolate Hazelnut Log
- Pistachio Cranberry and Cherry Cake
- Santa Peppermint Hot Chocolate Tart
- House-made Christmas Tree Butter Cookie
- Winter Berry Freeze (Alcoholic floater available)
- Frozen Hot Cocoa (Alcoholic floater available)
How long does the gingerbread house stay up at the Contemporary Resort?
The gingerbread team is expected to debuted this years’ display on November 8, 2024 and will run through January 1, 2025 (final ending date pending).
4. Disney’s BoardWalk Resort Gingerbread House
The BoardWalk Resort was another one of my favorite Walt Disney World Resort hotels to visit during the holidays.
Not only was their gingerbread display stunning, the whole resort takes on a life of its own for the holidays.
In previous years, the gingerbread display brought the Disney boardwalk right inside the lobby with a miniature presentation of this family location on property. There were also 25 Hidden Mickeys too when I visited!
So, be sure to walk around the board walk area to see more holiday decorations outside. It’s just so magical.
Plus, you can watch the Epcot fireworks show from the boardwalk for free!
2024 Disney Boardwalk Inn Gingerbread Menu:
- Holiday Mickey and Minnie Sugar Cookie
- Mickey Caramel Corn Cookie
- Gingerbread Loaf
- Gingerbread Shingle
How long does the gingerbread house stay up at the Disney’s Boardwalk Inn?
You’ll be able to enjoy this display from November 12th through December 31, 2024 (final end date pending)!
5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
From from November 24 through December 31, 2024, you’ll be able to check out an adorable gingerbread display in the African-inspired resort.
This year, Disney will display life-sized Baby Gingerbread Giraffe and Baby Zebra for you to gush over in the Jumbo House Lobby at almost 7 feet tall.
You’ll also have an opportunity to purchase a Gingeraffe Cookie, Hot Cocoa Flight, and more!
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6. EPCOT’s Gingerbread House in CommuniCore Hall
Here you’ll get to see Spaceship Earth recreated in the CommuniCore Hall this year!
It is absolutely jaw-dropping and took over 8 hours to create!
Here’s what you can expect from this Disney Gingerbread house at EPCOT:
- 8-foot-tall gingerbread display
- Sphere is made up of almost a thousand handcrafted gingerbread triangles
- 240 pounds of honey dough
- 100 eggs
- 100 ounces lebkuchen spice
- 55 pounds dark chocolate
- 100 pounds royal icing
- 11 hidden Mickeys to represent the 11 countries of the World Showcase
How long does the gingerbread house stay up at EPCOT?
You can enjoy this fun holiday display at EPCOT from November 29th through December 30th of 2024 (final end date pending).
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Take a Look at the Disney World Gingerbread Houses Over the Years
Throughout the years, Walt Disney World has brought the magic of gingerbread making to its parks and resorts.
During the holiday season, the Disney Chefs create their own Yuletide tradition for you to enjoy with one-of-a-kind gingerbread displays that can only be seen at Disney properties.
Take for instance the Grand Floridian life-size gingerbread house that has been bringing in Disney guests from all around the world since 1999.
People who only want to see how this incredible display is created.
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Wilderness Lodge Resort Gingerbread House
A couple of years ago, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort got their own gingerbread house inspired by the majestic bears of the great northwest.
Although there’s no word on if Disney will bring back a gingerbread display for Wilderness Lodge, you will still have plenty of options to explore this year!
Something You Should Know: History of the Gingerbread House
Over the years, legends have stated that gingerbread was first introduced to Europe around the 11th century from crusaders returning from the Middle East.
However, the tradition of baking and creating elaborate gingerbread houses wouldn’t become popular in Europe until the 13th century.
After the release of Brother’s Grimm, the art of gingerbread making was event more popularized in countries such as Germany with Nuremberg, Germany, becoming known as the “Gingerbread Capital of the World” in the 1600s.
Even within the baker’s community, there were a group carved out who only focused on gingerbread making in the 17th century of Europe and were the only ones allowed to bake this delicious treat unless it was Easter or Christmas.
During those two holidays, anyone could make gingerbread.
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Gingerbread Inspired Treats throughout Walt Disney World Resort
This year, you can spice up your holiday season with a magical Gingerbread Martini.
Disney has combined Grey Goose Vodka, RumChata Liqueur, and gingerbread spice featuring a rim of homemade gingerbread (freshly baked of course) for your pleasure at various table service restaurants!
However, if you can’t find the drink at the Disney Lounges and Restaurants this year, be sure to save this article so that you can show the ingredients to your bartender.
More Gingerbread Treat for Christmas at Disney World 2024:
- Mickey and Minnie Gingerbread Cookies (Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs)
- Gingerbread Ganache Square and Gingerbread-Pecan Toffee (The Ganachery in Disney Springs)
- Gingerbread Tiramisu (Vivoli il Gelato in Disney Springs)
- Minnie Gingerbread Bundt Cake (Disney All-Star Resorts)
- Gingerbread Cookie and Gingerbread Eggnog Entremet (Le Petit Café in Disney’s Riviera Resort)
- Gingerbread Cheesecake (Backlot Express in Hollywood Studios)
Hipster Power Tip: Be sure to use #DisneyEats when sharing your photos on social media!
Celebrate National Gingerbread House Day on December 12th at Disney World
Just in case you want to make your holiday touring at Disney special, you should think about doing the Disney World gingerbread house excursion on the national holiday.
Yep, there’s a National Gingerbread House Day that occurs each year on December 12th.
Once you’ve done your enchanted adventure through the seasonal displays across the Disney resort, be sure to go home or back to your hotel room and finish the day off by creating your own gingerbread house.
Disney Gingerbread House Gift Ideas
Did all this talk about gingerbread houses get your mouthwatering yet? If not, here are some cool merchandise ideas that you can look at to jumpstart your festive collection.
So, don’t forget to grab a few Disney Gingerbread inspired Christmas gifts below.
Disney World Gingerbread Ears with Loungefly Bag from Amazon
Definitely treat yourself this holiday season with a pair of Disney Christmas Ears inspired by this sweet Christmas treat!
- Size: Standard
- HIGH-QUALITY VEGAN LEATHER: Crafted from durable vegan leather, this mini backpack offers a luxurious feel and long-lasting use, perfect for holiday festivities and everyday adventures.
- INTRICATE DESIGN DETAILS: Features beautiful appliqued and printed details that bring Mickey and Friends to life as festive gingerbread cookies, adding a touch of holiday magic to your style.
- SECURE AND FUNCTIONAL: Equipped with a 2-way top zipper closure, a convenient carrying handle, and side pockets, this backpack ensures your belongings stay secure and easily accessible.
- COMFORTABLE WEAR: The length-adjustable shoulder straps provide a customizable and comfortable fit, making it ideal for all-day wear during your holiday activities.
Luckily for you, this pair of ears come with the most AMAZING Loungefly holiday design!
Disney Gingerbread House Kit
Just in case you can’t make it out to the Disney resorts this year in hopes of grabbing a piece of the gingerbread displays, why not make your own at home.
If you’re a novice like me, then you’ll want to start out with a beginner’s gingerbread house kit that you can get from Amazon.
Although you can buy these sets on Amazon, I do recommend checking with your local stores first as the cookies are known to easily break during transportation.
Disney Mickey and Minnie Mouse Gingerbread Holiday
This is a cute holiday gift to treat yourself with or to give to someone special to you for the holidays who love bother gingerbread-themed items and Disney.
- Gingerbread Mickey and Minnie design Commemorative 2020 logo Pin
In case this Disney Pin is no longer available, check the Disney Store website for the Disney Gingerbread Houses Mystery Pin Blind Pack that is absolutely INCREDIBLE!
Get all of your Disney gingerbread house inspired merchandise here on the Disney Store!
My Final Thoughts on the Disney World Gingerbread Houses
As you can see, there’s so much to at Walt Disney World for the Christmas season.
Enjoying the beautiful gingerbread houses is just one feature of all the holiday happenings that occur each year.
Remember that you can do this tour for free is you know how to do it the right way!
You can read how with this article, Perfect Disney Resort Christmas Decorations Tour.
Have you ever seen any of the Disney gingerbread houses? If so, let us know in the comments section below.
If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot: FULL GUIDE
- 10 EASY Tips for Doing Christmas at Disney World
- How to Celebrate Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort
- Christmas Town at Busch Gardens: COMPLETE GUID
- SeaWorld Christmas Celebration: A HOLIDAY MUST-DO EVENT!
- Epcot Candlelight Processional: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Until next time, Happy Holidays Hipsters!
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 17, 2014/Updated on November 2, 2024)