One thing my family tried on our last trip to Walt Disney World was resort hopping. Since we went around Christmas, all of the resorts were decked out in holiday decor.
Our first stop was the Swan and Dolphin Resorts, they aren’t Disney owned resorts, but they have many of the same luxuries and benefits as the Disney Resorts. The main lobby of the Swan had numerous trees with matching decor. As we headed through the back lobby towards the Dolphin resort, there was a Santa and train scene made completely of chocolate! Over at the Dolphin, the outside walkways were lined with trees covered in multi-colored lights. We took the escalator up to the second floor lobby where a beautiful tree made of white poinsettas blue lights stood. It was gorgeous.
Next we took the boats over to the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. Outside there were poinsettia filled pots and decorated trees. As we headed into the Yacht Club Resort, we noticed the lobby tree was decorated with lighthouses and sailboats. There was also a working carrousel made of gingerbread. Each horse was named and there were hidden Mickeys scattered around it. The tree at the Beach Club Resort was adorned with starfish and mermaids.
During this trip we made a few ADRs at resorts so we could check out the decor there and “kill 2 birds” in the process. Our first was at the Whispering Canyon Cafe inside the Wilderness Lodge. The room doors open to the inside lobby and all of the balconies were trimmed with greenery. The lobby tree was gorgeous and decorated with bears, teepees and antlers. After we finished our meal, we took a stroll over to the camping sites at Fort Wilderness. Man these folks go all out! There were lights and Disney inflatables everywhere.
Our next resort hopping venture was the monorail resorts. First stop- The Polynesian. This place is beautiful, even without the holiday decorations. Mickey, Minnie and Goofy were dressed in their Christmas best and greeting in the lobby! We hopped back on the monorail and headed to the Grand Floridian. Grand it is! The lobby had a gorgeous Victorian tree and the famous life-sized gingerbread house over to the side. Here you can purchase various gingerbread treats. On the night we were there, bell ringers and carolers were singing in the lobby.
We had breakfast at Chef Mickeys. On the monorail ride, as you head towards it, you notice the HUGE Mickey shaped wreath adorning the side of the building. This resort is also where we found a rather large gingerbread tree, standing 17′ tall and 6′ wide.
We had a great time checking out these resorts, as they are beautiful no matter what the season is. Hopefully on our next trip we can hope around to the ones we missed!
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Shannan is a mom that was born and raised in rural Tennessee. She tells us: “I live with my husband and 3 of our 5 children. Travis is 24 and is father to my grandbabies, Emma and baby Judson. I can’t wait to start sharing Disney with them. Dusty is 22, Clay 12, Zachary 10 and Erin is 8. I clean houses to make money to fund my magical trips. I went to Disney the first time as a teen and couldn’t wait to start introducing my own children to the magic. We took our 3 youngest in 2004 and that started it all. We have been 3 times since then and have our first Christmas trip planned for this December. Usually my parents accompany us on the trip and I have to research and plan for things that will suit various ages in our party of 7. Each time I go, I try new experiences in lodging and dining so I can share it with friends and family that seek my advice on trip planning! Disney is definitely my first choice in vacation destinations. Hopefully there is a Disney surf and turf vacation in our future!“
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