Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
The holiday season brings unparalleled festive cheer to Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. From dazzling lights to jaw-dropping culinary creations, Disney knows how to make the season magical. Among the most anticipated holiday highlights are the stunning gingerbread displays crafted by Disney’s pastry teams. These edible masterpieces are not just decorations—they’re must-see attractions that combine artistry and tradition.
Here’s your guide to the top eight gingerbread and chocolate displays at Walt Disney World this holiday season.
1. Life-Sized Gingerbread House
Location: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Step into the Grand Floridian lobby and marvel at an awe-inspiring life-sized gingerbread house. This annual tradition is created using over 10,000 pieces of gingerbread, crafted with a classic Austrian recipe. Guests can enjoy daily decorating demonstrations, purchase delicious gingerbread treats, and admire the intricate details.
Featuring penguins from Mary Poppins, this culinary masterpiece is a beloved holiday highlight.
2. Life-Sized Holiday Carousel
Location: Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
A spinning, edible carousel graces the lobby of Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, celebrating the artistry of the holiday season. This year’s carousel features a Lilo & Stitch theme, complete with hand-painted holiday characters and gingerbread snowflakes.
With hidden Mickeys incorporated into the display, it’s a favorite spot for families and photographers alike.
3. Cinderella Castle Gingerbread Display
Location: Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The Contemporary Resort presents a Mary Blair-inspired Cinderella Castle display. Set against a whimsical it’s a small world backdrop, this 18-foot-tall masterpiece features oversized gingerbread cookies of Cinderella and Prince Charming. With thousands of gingerbread blocks, fondant, and modeling chocolate, this display is a treat for the eyes and the imagination.
Credit: Inside the Magic
4. African-Inspired Gingerbread Market
Location: Tusker House Restaurant, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Tusker House Restaurant showcases a 3-foot-long African-inspired gingerbread marketplace. Made with over 25 pounds of dark chocolate and 10 pounds of confectioners’ sugar, this unique display celebrates cultural diversity and holiday cheer. It’s a small yet impactful addition to the park’s seasonal offerings.
5. United States Capitol Building
Location: EPCOT, The American Adventure Pavilion
The American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT hosts a gingerbread replica of the U.S. Capitol Building. Made with over 50 pounds of gingerbread and handcrafted chocolate trees, this display is a patriotic wonder. New additions, such as the Lincoln Memorial, make this an even more spectacular holiday attraction. Don’t forget to search for six hidden Mickeys as you admire this iconic structure.
6. Gingerbread Disney Springs Icons
Location: Amorette’s Patisserie, Disney Springs
At Disney Springs, Amorette’s Patisserie presents a gingerbread display celebrating the story behind the Town Center. Crafted with 45 pounds of bread flour, 15 pounds of dark chocolate, and a hidden heart, this display combines sweetness and storytelling. While you’re there, enjoy some holiday-inspired treats to complement the festive spirit.
Credit: Disney
7. Haunted Mansion Holiday Gingerbread House
Location: Disneyland Resort, Haunted Mansion
Heading west? Disneyland Resort features a Haunted Mansion gingerbread house with Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas. This 6-foot-tall creation includes over 200 pounds of gingerbread, 30 pounds of white chocolate, and 50 pounds of fondant. With more than 70 gingerbread bugs and spooky details, it’s a delightful blend of Halloween and Christmas cheer.
8. Life-Sized Gingerbread Houses on Disney Cruise Line
Location: Disney Dream
On Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises, each ship boasts a life-sized gingerbread house. The Disney Dream features a handcrafted gingerbread masterpiece adorned with Disney-themed décor, filling the air with holiday cheer. These displays are the centerpiece of seasonal celebrations on the high seas.
Credit: Disney Cruise
A Feast for the Eyes and the Spirit
Walt Disney World’s gingerbread displays are more than just festive decorations—they showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of Disney’s culinary teams. From iconic structures to whimsical designs, each display tells a unique holiday story. Be sure to visit these magical displays during your Disney vacation and add a touch of seasonal magic to your trip.
And don’t forget to snap plenty of photos to capture these sweet holiday memories!
