Hi Jennifer,
Welcome to planDisney, where there are NO silly questions! I appreciate you reaching out to us with this important aspect of your upcoming vacation to Walt Disney World during the
most magical time of the year. I just returned from a lovely stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa where I saw the construction of this iconic gingerbread house, and I’m honored to share details of how you can experience it on your visit.
You don't need to be staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel to visit one, but there may be security restrictions on parking at a resort if you aren’t an overnight Guest or while enjoying a dining reservation. Parking at these resorts is limited, and especially more so with the popularity of the holiday decorations, so you’re smart to think ahead through the logistics.
You may arrive at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa by
Disney resort transportation. From Magic Kingdom Park, you can take the boat across Seven Seas Lagoon and walk to the main lobby once on property. You may take the monorail from Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or the Transportation and Ticket Center (affectionately called the “TTC”). If not visiting the Grand Floridian property as part of a visit to Magic Kingdom Park, it may be easiest to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center or take a bus from your resort to the Transportation and Ticket Center and then hop on the monorail just two stops to Disney’s flagship resort. The monorail will bring you directly to the main building, and you’ll exit on the second floor for a breathtaking first view of the larger-than-life Christmas tree and gingerbread house. You’ll find an elevator and stairs to the right of these beautiful sights from the second-floor entrance to reach the first floor for a closer look.
The gingerbread house smells divine and is also a
full-scale shop of holiday treats! Be sure to get a holiday beverage, some treats to enjoy now, some treats or an ornament to take home, and enjoy some time together taking in this amazing sight.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort also has a lovely tropical Christmas tree on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort also has a modern-styled gingerbread display and shop on the fourth level of their main building. If you’re feeling adventurous, I also suggest taking a boat over to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – their log cabin style architecture plus a natural-themed Christmas tree is pure "holiday cozy" and worth the visit. Be sure to seek out the Disney PhotoPass Photographers at each of these stunning resorts for some fun holiday photos from your special day exploring these resorts.
Check out this fun article on
what happens to the gingerbread displays after the holidays, too. It’s truly inspiring to see the great work Disney is doing in a mindful, conscious way for our planet and ecosystems – the displays’ impact goes far beyond looking great for Guests during the holiday season.
I hope this was helpful in planning a visit to the beautiful holiday decorations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa (and beyond). Wishing you a magical holiday visit!
Cheers,
Amy