Best Alternatives to the Grand Floridian for Christmas 2025
The elegant Grand Floridian is a popular resort choice during the holiday season. Its beautiful lobby is a sight to behold when it is all decked out in seasonal decor with the giant Christmas tree and its iconic life-sized gingerbread house. The gingerbread house and the treats sold there are a huge draw for many guests. However, the gingerbread house will not make an appearance in 2025 as the Grand Floridian lobby undergoes refurbishment.
For those looking to avoid the construction and find a festive alternative to the Grand Floridian, below are some other great resorts for the holidays!
Copper Creek and Boulder Ridge at Wilderness Lodge
Although it normally does not have a gingerbread display, some argue that Wilderness Lodge is actually the best resort for the holiday season. With its 82-foot-tall fireplace and rocking chairs, the lodge’s lobby feels cozy despite its soaring ceiling, and the large Christmas tree adds a little extra twinkle and magic.
Another perk of staying at Wilderness Lodge is that if you go to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you can take the boat to and from Magic Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House
Often overlooked, Jambo House is home to its own large Christmas tree and perfectly themed gingerbread display. Last year, the resort lobby featured three life-sized animals made of gingerbread, sugar dough, and modeling chocolate: Ginger the Giraffe, Debra the Zebra, and Francisco the Flamingo. Guests were also able to purchase “gingeraffe” cookies.
Bay Lake Tower
Bay Lake Tower itself does not have much in the way of special holiday decor, but the Grand Concourse of the Contemporary is home to a gingerbread display of its own–a gingerbread version of Cinderella Castle! The Contemporary also offers a variety of treats, such as cookies, cake, and frozen hot chocolate. All of this is just a quick walk across the Skyway Bridge from Bay Lake Tower.
Like Wilderness Lodge, Bay Lake Tower is an ideal resort if you are attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Although Bay Lake Tower is the first monorail stop when leaving Magic Kingdom, it’s just as convenient to take the walkway back. This way you can come and go as you please without waiting for transportation.
This year is an especially great time to stay at Bay Lake Tower because its full refurbishment will be complete!
If you’re already thinking about your holiday getaway, start planning today with DVC Rental Store! Browse the confirmed reservations or request a free quote.
