Disney Hotels Won at Christmas, so Everyone Else Can Go Home Now

By Carlye Wisel
December 21, 2017
Carlye Wisel
There’s no need to miss out on yuletide fun just because you can’t make it to Disney this winter. We have captured every Disney hotel’s festive display, down to the gorgeous wreaths, celebratory train sets, and candy-coated sights — including an all-chocolate Santa Claus!

Related: The Cheapest Month to Visit Disney World

From towering Christmas trees at Walt Disney World to stunning gingerbread displays at Disneyland, here is how Disney does Christmas.
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Animal Kingdom Lodge

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge boasts one of the largest trees on property, filling the hotel’s six-story lobby.

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Ornaments

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Each of the carefully selected ornaments references traditional African patterns and crafts, which are featured heavily throughout the resort’s art collection.

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Art of Animation Resort

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At Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, ornaments of all shapes, sizes and colors turn its glimmering white tree into a festive artist's palette.

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The Lion King

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Sketch drawings of "The Lion King" characters adorn the tree, and an animation chandelier hangs above it.

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Gingerbread

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The gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort fills the lobby with the sweet scent of chocolate from its handmade horses.

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'Lilo & Stitch'

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This year’s display took on a "Lilo & Stitch" theme, with chocolate statuettes of popular characters.

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Chocolate

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Stitch proves to be a mischievous menace even when he’s made of chocolate.

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Garlands

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The garlands adorning the lobby and fireplace within Disney’s BoardWalk Inn are filled with seaside accoutrements from tiny carousel horses to antique toys.

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Gingerbread House

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The famed gingerbread house, which changes every year, is a replica of Disney’s Boardwalk complete with the shops, stores and bars featured just outside the resort.

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Caribbean Beach Resort

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Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort highlights the region’s colorful culture with a vibrant tree filled with flowers, shells and handmade ornaments shaped like friendly sea creatures.

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Cinderella Castle

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A replica of Cinderella Castle made from 1,400 gingerbread pieces stands tall in the lobby of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, with the all-white background behind Prince Charming and Cinderella serving as a nod to the "It’s a Small World" attraction at Magic Kingdom.

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Outdoor Tree

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Unlike other resorts, the Contemporary houses its large-scale tree outside, allowing all who pass it to take a gander at the 70-foot-tall sight.

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Flowery Display

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Garlands and garden baskets filled with white poinsettias line the entrance to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

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Tree at Coronado Springs Resort

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Inside, the lobby opens up to display a behemoth tree topped by a gilded angel and filled with ornaments honoring Mexico’s culture.

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Festive Decorations

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Coronado Springs provides plenty of charm and festivity, starting with wreaths on the front door.

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Classic Tree

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Disney’s Fort Wilderness hosts a traditional tree in classic Christmas colors.

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Pioneer Hall

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Red poinsettias and garlands can be seen lining shops and the famed Pioneer Hall, filling the resort with Yuletide cheer.

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Guest Decor

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Still, the best decorations at the sprawling resort are from the guests themselves. Many of the campsites and RV parks throughout Fort Wilderness are filled with homespun festivities, adding a community sensibility to the resort.

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Holiday Spirit

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The spirit of the season is alive at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, where the walls are lined with silvery wreaths and gilded decor.

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Lobby Display

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A grand tree sparkles beneath the center lobby chandelier.

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Gold Accents

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Glimmering ribbons and gold-dusted leaves truly make this tree shine.

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Victorian Style

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Standing tall in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian is a stunning tree — one of Walt Disney World’s finest — adorned with Victorian-era influence.

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Vintage Feel

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The ornaments, ribbons and other delicate details match the pristine pink resort with the perfect amount of vintage flair.

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Gingerbread House Centerpiece

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Still, the main draw is the Grand Floridian’s massive 16-foot-tall Gingerbread House. Made completely of confectionary delights, the structure even hosts a bake shop selling seasonal treats inside.

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Beachy Themes

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At Disney’s Old Key West Resort, a lobby tree is lined with an array of beachy ornaments, including these humorous happy-go-lucky fish.

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Seaside Garlands

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Garlands and wreaths also adorn the main walkways all season long.

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Floral Vibes

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Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers a select set of smaller Christmas trees, but this all-floral display is easily its best.

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Pop Century Resort

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A towering tree fills the lobby atrium of Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

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Christmas Memories

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Like the hotel, its ornaments reference Christmas from throughout the years, including vintage cutouts, old-school baubles, homemade decor and, yes, even a few Elves on Shelves.

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Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter

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At Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter, the glass atrium is filled with seasonal decor including poinsettias, wreaths and four beautifully decorated trees.

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Mardi Gras

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The garlands even feature nods to Mardi Gras with beads, bold colors and masks.

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Port Orleans Resort — Riverside

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The festivities continue at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside, where subtle garlands line the hotel entrance.

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Suitcase Tree Skirt

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Port Orleans' lobby tree is more traditional than that of its sister hotel, save for its inventive tree skirt covering made from stacks of vintage suitcases.