December at Disney World is truly a sight to behold. Lights, glitter and gingerbread around every corner. Parks boast larger than life Christmas trees and carols waft through the air as the atmosphere takes on an even more magical and cheerful tone than usual. The resorts, of course, are not left out of the merriment. So, what is the best place to stay at Walt Disney World in December? Here are three of my favorite resorts during the holidays.
Wilderness Lodge
Surprisingly, this is my only choice for the Magic Kingdom resort area. The Contemporary does have amazing views of Magic Kingdom, as well as their new Frozenesque gingerbread display, but the modern feel of the resort just doesn’t say “Christmas” to me. Similarly, the Polynesian’s island Christmas is fun, but, in addition to being a Disney geek, I’m a Christmas nerd, and I want it to look like Christmas threw up in my resort. The Grand Floridian does offer this. Giant tree, life-size gingerbread house (that even sells gingerbread – in true Disney fashion), twinkling lights and live music. Ahhh, holiday Heaven. However, all of the other guests got the memo, too, and the Grand is constantly abuzz with Disney dreamers and yuletide fans . . . too crowded.
The Wilderness Lodge, however, captures that cozy Christmas feel with it’s amazing tree, massive fireplace and wilderness holiday touches throughout the resort. Aside from the usual buzz from Whispering Canyon Cafe, I can honestly say I’ve never felt crowded or claustrophobic while soaking in the season at Wilderness Lodge.
Port Orleans – French Quarter
This moderate resort is often overlooked in favor of her big sister, Riverside, but during the Christmas season the French Quarter really comes alive with holiday fun. Straying a bit from the traditional decorations, French Quarter offers tinsel, garland and more with a Mardi Gras flair. If you listen closely, you can even pick up on Christmas carols that sound like they’re coming straight from the bayou! This is the smallest moderate, so wherever you end up in the resort, you’re not too far from the holiday fun in the main area.
Get Resort Wise: Wanting a little romantic Christmas treat or maybe a relaxing family evening away from the parks? Consider a carriage ride through the Port Orleans resorts. Grab a little hot cocoa, get cozy and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Boardwalk Inn
All of the deluxe resorts really dress themselves up during the Christmas season, and the Epcot area resorts always seem to offer a little friendly competition with each other. Due to the fact that their lobbies are smaller than their Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom area counterparts, their life-size decor can seem even more impressive as they can literally fill the rooms.
If you’re visiting one of the Epcot resorts, the other two being sister resorts, the Yacht and Beach Club, take some extra time and plan to visit all three. The gingerbread and chocolate (working!) carousel at the Beach Club is impressive, and while its sister lobby is a bit more subdued, the smell of the Yacht Club lobby alone will get you in the Christmas spirit. My pick, however, is the Boardwalk Inn for one big reason – Music. The lobby display is fabulous, of course, especially their beautiful garlands literally dripping with vintage-looking ornaments, but if you have a room facing Crescent Lake, crack the window or balcony door and let the sounds of Christmas crooners waft up from the Boardwalk. Perfect.
Get Resort Wise: Want some extra credit? Take a peek inside the Swan and Dolphin during your Tour d’Epcot Resorts. Although they’re hideous on the outside, the lobbies are bubbling with Christmas cheer on the inside.
Where do YOU like to stay at Walt Disney World during the holidays?
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