Best Holiday Sights at Walt Disney World 2021
During your Walt Disney World visit, you’ll want to admire all the yuletide decorations throughout the parks and resorts.
Here are eight of the best holiday spots that you don’t want to miss!
American Adventure
Disney hosts three different gingerbread structures this year, which is three more than last year but nowhere near as many as in years past.
One of them just went live the other day, and it’s also the smallest one. So, you may not even know about it.
At the American Adventure pavilion at EPCOT, you’ll want to visit the rotunda.
Imagineers have crafted three different gingerbread displays here. You’ll find the Lincoln Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the left and right.
In the middle, Disney has placed a gingerbread model of the American Adventure itself.
These three displays are small, which somehow makes them that much more impressive. The level of artistry on display is breathtaking.
While you’re there, make sure to watch the Voices of Liberty sing some Christmas carols!
Beach Club
Disney’s Beach Club Resort has turned into one of the staples of any late-year Disney vacation.
Each year, cast members work together to create a full, working Gingerbread Carousel. It’s remarkable.
My favorite part is how the employees stamp their names into the icing so that you’ll know who built the majestic structure.
Here is this year’s version:
You may have already noticed a running theme here. Many of this year’s Disney decorations include the 50s to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World!
Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll
You’ll find plenty of holiday decorations throughout Disney Springs. In fact, I’ll highlight another one in a bit.
The most memorable of all Disney Springs decorations is obvious, though. The Christmas Tree Stroll debuted to immediate acclaim a few years ago.
Since then, Disney has added a bit more with each iteration. So, for 2021, you should pick up a map at a place like The BOATHOUSE or Planet Hollywood to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Presuming that you look for all of them – not everyone does – you’ll encounter 20 different Christmas trees this year.
Some of the new ones highlight beloved movies and characters like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Black Panther, and Raya and the Last Dragon.
Here’s a video that highlights all of them:
Grand Floridian
Some of these are self-evident, but my purpose here isn’t to surprise anybody. Instead, it’s to remind you of all the wonders available each holiday season.
Last year, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa couldn’t celebrate the holidays the same way as usual. So, it offered a modified experience instead.
Fast forward to now, and the world has recovered enough that some normalcy may return.
At the Grand Floridian, this improvement allows for the return of a full-fledged Gingerbread House. It’s the favorite thing of many DVC members each year.
I know that I’ve spent a small fortune loading up on holiday treats here. And I’m thankful that it’s back in force.
Jingle Cruise
What’s the one thing that Jungle Cruise needs? Different puns!
I kid…mostly. Still, that’s the underlying premise of Jingle Cruise. Cruise Skippers get a different script, one with extensive holiday theming.
The Skippers miss home and all the holiday delights that come from it. So, they’ll relay your misery to you, the sucker stuck on the boat with them.
I’m not joking when I say that Jingle Cruise is often the first thing I do on November 1st each year. I never get tired of this version of the ride.
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
If Jock Lindsey were real rather than an Indiana Jones character, he would personify the premise of Jingle Cruise.
We’re talking about a salty, grizzled pilot who gets oddly sentimental during the holidays.
So, Jock Lindsey decorates his bar each year to remind people that it’s Christmastime!
This is probably the most underrated of all Walt Disney World holiday experiences:
People are starting to figure that out, as the crowds have definitely increased in 2021. You may need to wait 30-60 minutes for this one, but it’s totally worth the delay!
PS: Fun fact: the actor who played Jock Lindsey was a real pilot and once saved Steven Spielberg’s life by flying him out of a hurricane. No, really.
Living with the Land
Here’s the other attraction that receives an annual holiday overlay. While Jingle Cruise combines script and scenery, Living with the Land focuses on the decorations.
So, you’ll still hear about agriculture at the start of the trip, which admittedly isn’t for everyone. Personally, I love all the remaining infotainment rides that remain at Disney.
Either way, guests will adore the soft glow of the holiday decorations here. Living with the Land becomes breathtaking during this time of year.
You can watch this video to appreciate its beauty:
Main Street, U.S.A.
Everything else on this list will make your heart sing.
Still, nothing will remind you that you’re spending the holidays at Disney like that first moment you step on Main Street, U.S.A.
When you see the Christmas tree straight ahead, you’ll understand why people call this the Most Magical Place on Earth.
In December, Walt Disney World exemplifies its slogan.
There is still plenty of time to plan a Walt Disney World getaway and experience the holiday season at the most magical place on earth! Head over to the DVC Rental Store Confirmed Reservations page and view available reservations that can save you up to 65% off regular Disney room rates!
