Hi Laura! Welcome to planDisney.
I'm delighted to hear that you will be visiting the Walt Disney World Resort this December and that you are planning to soak up all the
holiday magic. I've stayed at
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa during the holiday season a couple of times, and there is nothing like the smell of gingerbread filling the lobby and the sight of the iconic, life-size gingerbread house, which is full of lovely Disney details. One year,
my family got to watch the house go up over the course of our stay, and it was so fun to see the progress each morning as we headed to the monorail!
Because parking is limited at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, only registered Guests and those with dining reservations are permitted to park at the hotel at this time. If you were to make a reservation at the delicious Grand Floridian Cafe or one of the other
Table-Service dining establishments, you could certainly park for free and stop to take in the gingerbread house before or after your dining. I would recommend asking for a cup of coffee or tea to-go at the end of your meal and then enjoying it in the lobby! Depending on your timing you could also catch the
Grand Floridian Lobby Pianist.
You could also park at the Transportation & Ticket Center and take the monorail to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Or, if you're up for some walking, you could walk from the Transportation & Ticket Center and then walk through Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and then over to "The Grand." My family has done this many times, as we love both resorts and try to visit on every vacation. Another option would be to take
boat transportation from Magic Kingdom Park if you wanted a break during your park day. Parking at the Transportation & Ticket Center is free for Disney Resorts Collection Hotel Guests; if you'll be saying off-site you can see maps, parking costs, and more details on the
Parking webpage.
I hope this helps you chart your course to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It's well worth a stop during the holidays, and I highly recommend purchasing a gingerbread shingle to enjoy with your cup of coffee or tea! Yum! Be sure to read the
Disney Parks Blog as you count down to your visit - Mickey is making his list and checking it twice, and
more details will be coming soon about holiday magic all around the theme parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. Please come back and see us if you have any further questions. I'm wishing you a very jolly holiday!
Wishing you a merry and magical vacation,
Robyn