It’s National Gingerbread House today, so of course, we’re going to talk about the Gingerbread Houses at Walt Disney World. Even when using a kit, a gingerbread house is always unique as the designer puts their own personal touches and personality into their artwork. A person’s artistry skills will also change the look of the house. The smell of gingerbread and candy also adds to the allure of a good Gingerbread House. And never to skip an opportunity, the Gingerbread Houses at Walt Disney World not only click all of the above boxes, but they are bigger than life!
Where can you find the Disney gingerbread houses?
Technically, the only actual gingerbread house display you will find at Walt Disney World is found inside the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. However, Contemporary Resort houses a Gingerbread Display, Beach Club Resort has its iconic gingerbread carousel, Boardwalk has a gingerbread replica display, and Animal Kingdom Lodge has joined the gingerbread displays with a life-sized baby giraffe and baby zebra. You can also find a gingerbread display inside of the American Adventure Building in EPCOT’s World Showcase.
The Monorail Loop Disney Gingerbread Tour
Contemporary Resort
Each of these is well worth visiting and can easily be used as a break from the hustle and bustle of the Disney Parks. On a day you are at the Magic Kingdom, simply hop on the resort monorail for your gingerbread tour. Your first stop will be the Contemporary Resort. Here you will find a castle display made entirely out of gingerbread. This year, it is 50th anniversary themed and has “it’s a small world” behind it. The theming is inspired by Mary Blair’s artwork. As a tradition, there are 11 hidden 5-legged goats. This is in reference to the 11th anniversary of the gingerbread display at Contemporary Resort and the infamous 5-legged goat that appears on the 90-foot mural created by Mary Blaire and located inside of Contemporary Resort. Make sure you budget enough time to take in the details and hunt down those 5-legged goats! And, if you are lucky, you might be there in time to watch a live demonstration of gingerbread house making by the great chefs at Contemporary Resort.
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
When you have finished finding the 5-legged goats and taking in the sites of Contemporary Resort, hop back onto the monorail and head on over to Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Here you will find a life-sized gingerbread house that doubles as a shop between 9:30 AM and 9 PM daily. The incredible details on this spectacular gingerbread house will take you quite a while to fully see. From touches such as character murals above the windows and doors to Christmas decorations and other details, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy for a while. Then grab a snack and sit in the lounge and just take some time to breathe in the beauty and grandeur of the resort before hopping back on the monorail and returning to the Magic Kingdom.
EPCOT Area Disney Gingerbread Tour:
EPCOT – American Adventure Building
When visiting EPCOT, you can go into the American Adventure Building and enjoy the gingerbread display there, themed after an American icon. This year, you’ll find the Lincoln Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, among other things. Enjoy looking at the display and then catch a performance of the Voices of Liberty – Dickens Carolers.
Beach Club Resort
Continuing along World Showcase toward the UK and Canada, you’ll cross a bridge just after France. Take a left-hand turn at the edge of the bridge and head on out of the park using the International Gateway. Continue on down the path and enjoy a relaxing break at Beach Club Resort, where you will find the life-sized carousel rotating around the lobby. Made entirely of gingerbread and candy, this iconic display will delight children and adults of all ages.
Boardwalk Inn Resort
When you’ve finished enjoying the sites here, head on down to the waterway and hop on a boat heading to EPCOT. It will first stop at Boardwalk Inn, where you’ll get off and check out their gingerbread display. Boardwalk’s display pays homage to the resort itself by recreating parts of the resort. The Boardwalk is often bustling with fun and excitement, and the gingerbread node is a perfect fit. After relaxing a bit, you can either hop in a boat or walk back to EPCOT to enjoy the rest of your day there.
Animal Kingdom Disney Gingerbread Tour
Animal Kingdom Resort
Our final destination is Animal Kingdom Lodge. This beautiful resort joined the Disney gingerbread artistry last year with a life-sized gingerbread baby giraffe. This year, the giraffe is joined by a life sized baby zebra. The Lodge is a great place to visit mid-day during a day at the Animal Kingdom for a nice break. You can also grab a meal while there before returning to the park for the day.
Don’t Forget the Gingerbread Treats
One thing that we can’t miss when discussing the Disney gingerbread house and displays is the amazing treats that you can find each of these locations. You’ll find tasty treats such as gingerbread shingles, fudge, hot chocolate bombs, cookies, and packages of decadent treats. So, make sure you bring your sweet tooth along with you on your tour.
They also sell Disney gingerbread house kits at many of the displays. This is a perfect way to bring home the magic of your Walt Disney World Christmas vacation. What better way to remember the magic of Disney at Christmas time than building your own gingerbread house replica of the Grand Floridian gingerbread house or your own Contemporary monorail station, complete with a white chocolate monorail?
Disneyland Resort Gingerbread
Heading out to the West coast instead? Make sure you stop into Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel for a look at their gingerbread house and grab a few treats for you and your family there!
To Sum it up…
So whether you’re looking for a sweet way to spend an afternoon or an unforgettable experience that will bring a smile to your face all year round, be sure to check out some of Walt Disney World’s gingerbread houses.
Time is short this year to book a trip to see the gingerbread houses at Walt Disney World but it’s not too early to start planning for next year. Contact Magical Dream Vacations to help you book your next Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or Disney Cruise vacation today. https://www.magicaldreamvacations.com/meet-our-agents/