Christmas Deluxe Resort Hopping
Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year. I love the sounds, the sights, the smells and of course the tastes of Christmas. Lots of people like to take family vacations around Christmas time and what a better way to experience the Christmas spirit but with family in the happiest place on Earth. Now there are A LOT of ways to experience Christmas at it’s best at Walt Disney World, but today we are going to explore the Deluxe resorts and see how they do Christmas. Let’s hop on the monorail and get our tour started.
First stop… Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Talk about the scents of Christmas, walk into this Resort and you will smell Christmas before your eye catches a glimpse of the amazing Victorian gingerbread house which resides in the lobby of the Grand Floridian. You may be thinking why do I need to head to Florida to experience a gingerbread house I will just make my own, well before you head to the kitchen you may want to know the Grand Floridian pastry chefs created the 16-foot-high dream house with 1,050 pounds of honey, 600 pounds of powered sugar, 800 pounds of flour, and 140 pints of egg whites and 180 pounds of apricot glaze. Oh and did I mention it takes over 180 hours to decorate?
What would a victorian Christmas be without a grand victorian Chrsistmas tree, good thing we don’t have to find out The Grand Floridian has not only just a tree but a 45 foot tall victorian inspired tree which pictures just can not do it justice. Can you imagine the lights it takes to cover that tree? Well you don’t have to imagine any longer, I am going to tell you, it takes around 60,000 minature lights to light up this centerpiece. And don’t forget to take a moment to listen for one of the singing groups or piano players that are most likely in ear shot. Sure we could hang out here all day and explore all the decorations but we have lots more stops on our trip today.
Contemporary Resort
As we head on over to the Contemporary resort you may be thinking about the ways you get your house ready for Christmas and Disney is no different. Have you ever searched for the perfect wreath for your entrance? You don’t want just anything hanging for everyone to see, well Disney is no different and they found the perfect wreath to welcome you to the Contemporary Resort. Facing the Magic Kingdom this giant Mickey wreath stands nearly 4 stories tall. It is the largest holiday Mickey on display.
When we step off the monorail and inside the Contemporary you will be awed by all the sounds and sights of Christmas, you will find lights, a tree, garland and more but what you may not expect to find is another gingerbread creation, this time not a house, but a Christmas tree. The tree plays tribute to Mary Blair, and it’s a small world. Standing at 17 feet tall and 6 feet wide the tree has 2,000 shingles (but whose counting) and 14 hidden Mickey’s, and don’t forget all the other ingredients and hard work that goes into it, with a total of over 1200 hours mixing, cutting, baking and decorating the bakers are proud to present their creation for your enjoyment each year.
Polynesian
Let’s take a short stop at Polynesian to take in the Island style Christmas. They have many areas of decorations, and usually a gingerbread display! Walk around and enjoy the sights and sounds of an Island Christmas.
Yacht and Beach Club
One thing that is such a classic Christmas item is a train, and the Yacht Club has a beautiful one. When you stop by take a moment to explore the details many aspired from the Yacht Club itself.
Have you noticed a theme? Disney likes gingerbread, here we have another amazing gingerbread creation this one featuring 2011 pieces of gingerbread, 12 hidden Mickey’s and the “Fab Five”. Stop by and take lots of pictures maybe if you can’t find them while there you can see them all later in your pictures.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Although you may not think animals roaming the savannah a Christmas thing, you do not want to miss the decorations at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Expect to see lots of animal shapes and prints, rustic nature-inspired ornaments, and materials like wood, metal, and even grasses to decorate the lodge.
Wilderness Lodge
Wilderness Lodge in my opinion is the epitome of a cozy county Christmas. Can you just picture yourself sitting next to the Fireplace in your Christmas flannel, in the super comfy chairs, sipping hot chocolate? The music playing in the background adds to the amazing setting. There is no life size gingerbread feature, no train set, no carousel, just that old time warm Christmas feeling.
Fort Wilderness Cabins and Campsites
Although not a Deluxe resort I wanted to finish off this segment with one last stop and what a better way to finish off the busy day exploring than by taking a Christmas sleigh ride, available at Fort Wilderness.
Although we could make many more stops I hope that I have given you a good feel for some of the options available at the Resorts around Christmas time. One of the best parts about Disney is there is always a new experience to be had, and exploring the resorts at Christmas time may be one that you haven’t been able to experience yet. I hope you learned something new and are looking forward to your next visit to see the Mouse.