Off the Beaten Path Holiday Fun

A few weeks ago I wrote all about the holiday happenings in the parks at Walt Disney World, but today I’d like to discuss some of the beautiful Christmas decor at the resorts.  One of my favorite things to do when I visit WDW at Christmas time is to take some time to visit the resorts.  Many of the deluxe properties have extraordinary decorations which help to put me in a festive mood.  Its also very relaxing to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks and enjoy a few hours of peace while roaming around a few hotels.  The easiest way to do this is to take the monorail to check out the monorail resorts or to take a stroll around the Boardwalk area.  You’ll be glad you did!

Let’s start with the best decorations of the monorail resorts: The Grand Floridian. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more impressive Christmas display than the one Disney constructs every year at this resort.  The life size gingerbread house should be a “must do” for folks looking to get into the Christmas spirit.  It is large enough, in fact, cast members take residence to seen gingerbread treats from inside the house!  It takes its place in the lobby of this regal resort every year after Thanksgiving and is visited by guests throughout the holiday season.  The attention to detail with flowers made of sugar, figures made of chocolate is amazing.  I love this special Disney tradition and I try to make it there every year.

I may be biased since the Boardwalk is my favorite resort, but I really love the Christmas decorations there.  Huge boughs are draped between the lobby’s columns which look like they are being weighed down by tons of vintage ornaments.  There is also always an edible display at this resort for guests to enjoy as well.  For the last few years a gazebo made of gingerbread and chocolate takes center stage to wow guests with edible art.

While you’re in the Epcot resort area why not stroll over to the Beach Club to check out their display made of gingerbread and chocolate?  A carousel made of gingerbread and chocolate actually spins, giving folks a view of each of the elaborately decorated horses.  I’m a sucker for the patriotic horse every single year.  Once again, Disney’s attention to detail is incredible with this edible display.  The aroma of gingerbread hits you as soon as you walk into the room!

Likewise, the Yacht Club has a festive display.  Obviously, nautical themes are used to celebrate the season at this resort which always strikes a cord with me.  I’m a sucker for the sail boats nestled into the trees among ornaments.  Train aficionados will also enjoy the large train set which is displayed in the resort’s lobby throughout the holiday season.  Kids will get a kick out of checking out all of the various village scenes and trains zipping by.

Some of the most beautiful resort decorations can be found at the Wilderness Lodge.  This resort is gorgeous all year round, but there is something magical about it at Christmas time.  Their tree towers at the center of the vast lobby decorated with teepees nestled in among the white lights and evergreen branches. If you need a breather from the park I recommend hopping on the ferry from the Magic Kingdom over to the Wilderness Lodge to nab one of the chairs by the fire and soak in cozy atmosphere.

For some unofficial fun, head over to over to  the Fort Wilderness Campground where guests decorate their campsites with their own lights.  Many families stay at the campground for an extended amount of time through the winter months so they make themselves at home with their own decorations.  They go all out with everything from inflatable lawn decorations to lights surrounding their motor homes.  I’ve always wanted to go to the campground in December, but I’m usually so busy with other stuff to make it.  A Christmas time trip to Fort Wilderness certainly on my Disney geek bucket list.

Take the time to experience some of these decorations as well as those at at the other resorts I haven’t covered.  Fighting the crowds to see the Osborne Lights or the Candlelight Processional can leave guests feeling a bit like a grinch.  But, taking a breather and getting away from all that to relax and see some truly special Disney magic.  They make my two Christmas trees in my one bedroom condo look like child’s play.  I think people can appreciate these fun (and it some cases tasty) decorations no matter what their faith.  Happy Holidays to all of our readers!

Next week I’ll be back to review what has been a great year!