Top 5 Disney Resorts to Stay at During the Holiday Season

Even though it’s mid-October, people still need to plan their vacations in advance. Especially a holiday trip to Walt Disney World!

There’s certainly a lot of entertainment offerings at both Disney Springs and the theme parks. But what resorts offer the most for seasonal cheer and decorations? To answer that question, we made a list of our top five Disney World resorts to stay at during the holiday season!

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds 

If one of your favorite things about the holidays is seeing your neighborhood all lit up in celebration, then Fort Wilderness is the resort for you.  A visit to the campground loops will have you in awe as inflatable Christmas displays featuring animatronic Disney characters and even working mini monorails line the route.  The way that families decorate their sites is nothing short of amazing. Check out this video for a glimpse of  Fort Wilderness’ Christmas celebration:

Add to this the beautiful country feel of the main buildings and also lovely little add-ons like the one-horse-open Holiday Sleigh Rides on offer and it’s a country-style Christmas you won’t soon forget.   And for those that don’t feel like pitching a tent or hitching up the RV, there’s also quaint cozy cabins with full kitchens perfect for cooking up Christmas dinner.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Though majestic animals roaming the savanna doesn’t seem very Christmas-y, when you finally arrive at this breathtaking resort,  you’ll be blown away by its exotic Christmas charm.  There’s just something about the rustic interior of the Lodge that lends itself so well to the Season.  From the beautiful garlands that line the giant atrium lobby to lights dazzling in celebration of the holidays, a stay here will definitely conjure up the Christmas spirit.  Guests will also be blown away by one of the largest Christmas trees on Disney property decorated with delightful African-inspired touches. The lovely theming is also carried throughout each of the Lodge’s wonderful restaurants as well as over at Kidani Village.  Definitely a worthy resort if you’re looking for a lovely yet non-traditional Christmas retreat. Guests this year will want to be mindful however that the central pool at Jambo House will be closed during the Holiday Season for refurbishments. Guests have the option of being bused over to Kidani Village to use their central pool. Though this may spell bad news for those that like a pool at your doorstep, it is great for bargain hunters as rates and availability are great!

Related: Celebrate National Dessert Day With These 7 Disney Desserts!

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort 

For those looking to experience the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, take in the Candlelight Processional, or enjoy the Christmas decorations at Hollywood Studios, the Epcot resorts are a perfect fit as they are within walking distance of Epcot and a short water taxi to Hollywood Studios.  These resorts also offer a beautiful turn-of-the-century take on Christmas with their beautifully themed decorations.  Over at the Beach Club, you’ll be delighted by the giant edible Christmas Carousel display and trimmings that perfectly keep with the theme not only of the season but of this beach-side setting.  The Yacht Club also has one of my favorite Christmas displays each year, a beautiful Christmas Village filled with lots of nautical touches and incredibly intricate details. You’ll have to see it for yourself this holiday season!

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort 

For Disney visitors that return year-on-year for Christmas, Wilderness Lodge is synonymous with the Holiday Season.  Maybe its the giant fireplace greeting guests in the main lobby, the grand central Christmas Tree extending to the rafters or the smell of pine that greets you when you walk through the front door.  Whatever it is, this resort certainly conjures up the feeling of being home for the holidays.  The added beauty of Wilderness Lodge is also that it is located just a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom making it perfect for those late-in-the-day trips to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

For those really wanting that “Wow!” factor with their Disney stay, I can’t imagine a better place at Christmas than the Grand Floridian.  Their holiday lobby display is unrivalled.  Where else can you see towering gingerbread creations that double as storefronts where you can nibble on a shingle (that you buy of course) while sipping on a hot cocoa or taking in the towering Victorian-themed Christmas-tree (be sure to check out all of the little details.)   You’re also conveniently located just a monorail or boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom and a quick ride or walk away from the other monorail resorts where you’ll want to pay a quick visit to see their Christmas displays.

Related: Should the Haunted Mansion Holiday Overlay be added at Walt Disney World?

With 25+ resorts on Disney property, each one is a perfect holiday treat in its own right but we love the way that these 5 resorts go that extra mile to pack in the Christmas splendor.  So whether you’re planning a late November weekend getaway or want to wake up at Disney on Christmas morning, definitely consider giving one of properties on our list a try.

What are some of your favorite Disney resorts for the holiday season?

Tell us in the comments!

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