Holidays at Disney World Resorts and Marketplace

Beyond the Theme Parks – Special Christmas Events and Décor

Nov 9, 2009

Walt Disney World resorts and Downtown Disney celebrate the holidays with décor and events, making Disney areas beyond the parks attractions in their own right.

Disney decks all of its halls, not just its four major theme parks, for guests who visit Walt Disney World (WDW) over the holiday season. Festivities begin in mid-November, in time for the busy Thanksgiving weekend, and continue through New Year’s Day. Guests who choose to spend time outside the theme parks will find the entire Disney property offers themed holiday décor, seasonal activities, and overall holiday cheer.

Here are some highlights of holiday happenings at the resorts and Downtown Disney.

Disney Resort Highlights Include Grand Floridian’s Gingerbread House and Beach Club’s Carousel

In addition to offering more conventional decorations like trees and lights, each resort’s holiday décor is designed to complement its overall theme. Port Orleans holiday decorations have a Mardi Gras spin, for example, while Coronado Springs uses a southwestern theme. Especially impressive are the decorations at the Grand Floridian and Beach Club.

Highlights of the Grand Floridian include a five-story tree and a miniature railroad. Its most famous decoration, however, is something right out of a children’s fairy tale: a Victorian-style gingerbread house complete with shutters, balconies, and trim. It is made out of more than 1,000 pounds of honey and uses thousands of pieces of gingerbread.

As impressive as the gingerbread house’s details are, what is most immediately striking about it is the scale. The Grand Floridian’s gingerbread house is 16 feet tall, big enough to walk inside. Although guests aren’t allowed to sample the house’s siding, gingerbread and other holiday treats are available for purchase inside the house for those who can’t resist temptation.

Disney’s Beach Club also specializes in gingerbread. Its lobby showcases a spinning gingerbread carousel made by the Yacht and Beach Club Bakery. The four horses, made of chocolate and fondant, are attached to candy cane poles, and the confection uses over 2,000 pieces of gingerbread, 50 pounds of dark chocolate, and 100 pounds of icing.

Downtown Disney's West Side and Marketplace

In addition to the Disney’s Days of Christmas shop, the largest Christmas store on property, Downtown Disney offers a number of sightseeing opportunities. Its West Side features a holiday tree showcase, while Santa will visit the Marketplace for picture-taking opportunities beginning Nov. 17, 2009.

While visiting the Marketplace area, guests may wish to check out the holiday displays at the LEGO Imagination Center, Tren-D, and Team Mickey. Princesses might enjoy dressing themselves up in holiday sparkles at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique inside the World of Disney. And if touring works up family members’ appetites, they can enjoy some hot chocolate at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain or nibble on a sweet from Goofy’s Candy Company.

Exploring Walt Disney World’s resorts and Downtown Disney can be a smart, less stressful alternative for families visiting over the holidays. Guest can take a break from the crowds, enjoy the sights, and save a little money by exploring the (Walt Disney) World beyond the theme parks.

The copyright of the article Holidays at Disney World Resorts and Marketplace in Florida Travel is owned by Debra Peterson. Permission to republish Holidays at Disney World Resorts and Marketplace in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.