Hi Jenny!
Welcome to planDisney.
During Christmas week, crowds are likely to be higher than usual, so I recommend arriving at the parks early, and leaving early. Magic Kingdom Park, particularly on Christmas Day is likely to reach full capacity, but if you’re happy to soak up the atmosphere in the parks, without any pressure to ride your favourite attractions, check your Tip Board on your My Disney Experience app to see if any characters or if Santa is making an appearance (I have absolutely no idea if he will have any spare time for a visit, but do check just in case). Intend for a relaxed time.
Apart from early mornings at the parks, I love to visit some of the Disney Resort hotels to see the Christmas decorations – if you are driving, the hotels will probably be full to capacity, so guests without a room reservation or a dining reservation may not be permitted to park at the hotels – try and arrive by Disney transport if you can. Of course, this would be a good reason to book a dining reservation at a Disney Resort hotel! I love
Narcoossee's at Disney Grand Floridian Resort and
Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.
My favourite of all the decorations is the huge tree in the spectacular lobby at
Disney's Wilderness Lodge (take a boat from Magic Kingdom). It’s a rarity but sometimes they build a gingerbread log cabin in the lobby too. You’ll probably find some delicious snacks and seasonal Christmas treats for sale in the lobby, along with hot chocolate and marshmallows.
Over at Disney's Contemporary Resort, seek out the gingerbread display on the Grand Canyon Concourse (4th floor), where snacks and souvenirs can be purchased. You can take a short walk from Magic Kingdom, or ride the monorail.
At
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – the famous life-sized gingerbread house brings in many visitors. Situated in the beautiful lobby, you can also pick up seasonal treats including gingerbread shingles (as used on the roof!). The recipe for each edible masterpiece is usually displayed with the exact measurements of ingredients - made with REAL food! I found the ingredients list (from my visit in 2016): 1050 lbs of honey; 140 pints of egg whites; 600 lbs of powdered sugar; 700 lbs of chocolate; 800 lbs of flour; 35 lbs of spices; Tons of Creativity, Disney Magic and Pixie Dust! ~ it's quite astonishing!!
At Disney's Beach Club Resort (walking distance from EPCOT's International Gateway or arrive by Disney Skyliner) the edible carousel is a "must-see". Ingredients include chocolate, gingerbread and handcrafted confectionary snowflakes. Search to find hidden mickeys (there always seems to be one I cannot find!).
Lastly, over at Disney Springs, another activity is the
Christmas Tree Stroll. If you're passing, take a walk around the trees, individually decorated and themed to various attractions. Lots of photo opportunities!
Please come back and visit us if you have any further questions. We are always happy to help you plan your magical holiday!
Sue