The winter holidays are one of the best times to visit Walt Disney World®. The entire resort is transformed into a Winter Wonderland, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party makes its way through the Magic Kingdom, and the weather is beautiful! Combine the spirit of the holidays with the magic of Disney, and you will get a truly unforgettable vacation full of many magical memories.
When planning your Disney vacation, the first step is to choose the resort that best fits your needs and budget. Here is our list of the top 5 resorts that are decked out for the holidays.
5. Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club
These resorts provide a turn-of-the-century and nautical flair to the holiday season. The Beach Club display includes an edible gingerbread carousal that actually spins. Over at the Yacht Club, the Christmas touches tie in nicely with the nautical theme of the resort. The Christmas tree and garland in the lobby are loaded with ships, boats, and other maritime-themed displays. Aside from the décor that deck the lobbies, these resorts are an ideal location for those wishing to celebrate Holidays Around the World and the Candlelight Processional at Epcot or the new Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam Nighttime Show at Hollywood Studios. These resorts are within walking distance to Epcot and a short water taxi to Hollywood Studios. 
4. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
This resort brings back memories of piling the family in the car and driving around the local neighborhoods to check out Christmas lights. Guests staying at the resort’s campgrounds are welcome to decorate their campsites for the holidays. Along the route, you may find inflatables, animatronic displays featuring Disney characters, or even working monorails. The resort also offers one-horse open holiday sleigh rides. If the idea of staying in a trailer or tent doesn’t appeal to you, the resort also offers cozy cabins with full kitchens. Fort Wilderness is the ideal retreat for those looking for a down-home country Christmas.
3. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
The thought of animals roaming the savannas may not immediately conjure up the idea of Christmas cheer. However, the rustic charm of the Animal Kingdom Lodge pairs well with yuletide décor. As you enter the lobby, you are greeted by a breathtaking 4-story Christmas tree decorated with an African touch, including animal-shaped and animal print ornaments, safari-themed bows, and African instruments. The banisters are strung with lovely garland and beautiful Christmas lighting lights up the lobby. The Animal Kingdom Lodge is the perfect resort if you are looking for a non-traditional Christmas locale. 
2. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
The Wilderness Lodge is the ultimate resort destination for a cozy Christmas retreat. The rustic outdoorsy-décor lends itself well to the comforts of a homestyle holiday. From the giant fireplace to the four-story Christmas tree to the smell of pine that fills the lobby, you will definitely feel like you are “home” for the holidays. The Christmas tree is adorned with Native American ornaments, plaid ribbon, and lighted tee-pees. The lobby is also lined with festive garland and red poinsettias. So grab your slippers, some hot cider, and cozy up to the fire!
1. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Life is grand at the Grand Floridian and its Christmas décor is no exception. As you enter the extravagant Victorian-style lobby, you will notice the towering white-lit tree that stands over three-stories tall. The tree is decorated with a Victorian flair and adorned with old-fashioned ornaments.
The highlight of the Grand Floridian’s holiday decor is not the Christmas tree, but the life-size gingerbread house. The gingerbread house is made of real ingredients and takes months to prepare. This creation also doubles as a store where you can purchase a shingle from the gingerbread house or sip on hot cocoa. What adds to the Grand Floridian’s charm and appeal is that it is located on the monorail system and is only one stop from the Magic Kingdom.
There are more than 25 resorts on Disney property and each is elaborately decorated to complement the theme of the resort. No matter where you stay, they all offer a unique holiday treat to add a little sparkle to your vacation. To book your holiday stay at the Walt Disney World® resort, contact Believe Vacations at info@believevacations.com or complete our reservation form at www.believevacations.com/#contact. Believe Vacations offers FREE vacation planning services that will help maximize every magical moment of your Disney vacation.
