Our Favorite Walt Disney World Resorts to Stay In During the Holidays
No matter where you decide to lay your head, a holiday visit to Walt Disney World is nothing short of magical! That being said, there are a handful of Walt Disney World resorts that we think are particularly special during Christmas. Whether you’re planning a last-minute destination Christmas in 2019 or are thinking ahead to Christmas 2020, here are a few properties big on holiday charm!
Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
One of my family’s favorite places to stay any time of year is Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground but at Christmas, it’s extra special! This sprawling Walt Disney World property is big on community! Whether you’re staying in your RV or in one of the cabins you’re sure to find friendly neighbors and a host of fun activities. During the Christmas season, residents take decorating to the next level and half the fun is driving around to check out how people have decorated their campsites! You can expect everything from giant inflatables to model trains and tons of lights. Add to this the beautifully decorated grounds and special offerings like horse-drawn carriage rides and you have all of the fixings for a magical Yuletide retreat!
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Everything about Animal Kingdom Lodge is over the top, exotic and wonderful making it the perfect destination for something truly magical. During the Holiday Season, the property is impeccably decorated from giant garlands to dazzling lights and let’s not forget the towering tree in the lobby’s magnificent atrium. And if you look closely you’ll even see that the ornaments on the trees are inspired by all of the animals that call this beautiful property home! With safari views, some of the best eateries at Disney, fantastic pool areas and more, this resort is special any time of year but becomes something really special at Christmas.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
You can be a part of Disney World history by celebrating Disney Riviera’s first Christmas! Disney’s newest deluxe villa property is opening just in time for the holidays and you can expect them to pull out all of the stops! Though we don’t know yet how the resort will be decorated we imagine that it will not disappoint. Add to this character dining at the Topolino’s Terrace offering incredible Disney World views, special Christmas and New Year’s festivities and the fact that you’ll be on Disney’s new Skyliner root and you have all of the trimmings for a successful holiday adventure. As a villa property, you’ll also find options perfect for families of all sizes from quaint studios to spacious 2 bedroom villas each with a host of “like-home” amenities!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Let’s cut right to the chase, if you’ve got the budget to spend, it doesn’t get much better than spending Christmas at the Grand Dame of Walt Disney World Resort – the Grand Floridian. This is THE place to be each holiday season with a live pianist playing Christmas tunes as you walk in, a life-sized gingerbread house in the lobby, towering trees, dazzlings lights and so much more! Directly on Disney’s monorail line, you are also only a quick ride away to the Magic Kingdom making it the perfect spot for those attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
These sister properties are actually connected meaning double the holiday charm! If you have plans on attending the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays or paying a visit to Galaxy’s Edge then this is the place to be as you are just a short walk or boat ride away from both! Both resorts are brimming with turn of the century charm that is only heightened during the holiday season with the addition of giant gingerbread creations like the edible Christmas Carousel and Christmas Village displays. Plus you have Disney’s bustling Boardwalk just a few short steps away offering nice retails and dining experiences! Both properties offer standard rooms and Beach Club also has villa options making it a nice spot for larger families!
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Last but not least is our FAVORITE place to be each holiday season, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The big wooden beams, roaring fire, towering tree and the smell of pine make this the perfect haven for your destination Christmas. You’ll marvel at the garlands decorating the towering lobby and beautiful seasonal touches throughout. Best of all, Magic Kingdom is just a short ride away by boat meaning that though this feels like a secluded retreat, you are in the heart of it all in no time.
So which one of these fantastic Disney resorts is your Christmas favorite?
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for the latest Walt Disney World news and updates.
Thinking about a destination Christmas to Walt Disney World? There are still plenty of great deals to be had! Simply fill out our form below to get your FREE, no-obligation quote from MickeyTravels!
Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to assist you with everything from finding your perfect package to helping you plan lots of special touches to make your visit truly magical. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook