A Charlie Brown Christmas said it best: Christmas and the holiday season are too commercial. Although, the same could be said, and even more so, at Walt Disney World these days, particularly in light of Genie+ and Disney’s recent waves of upcharges. Fortunately, not all is lost! Like a Christmas miracle, there are still places at Walt Disney World where guests can experience the best of both Disney and holiday magic for free! There’s no park ticket, park reservation, Genie+, Lightning Lane, or wallet required.
So let’s unwrap these options, starting with Walt Disney World’s own resort hotels.
Disney World Resorts
Many guests don’t know that they can visit any of the Disney World Resort hotels, even if they’re not staying at that particular resort or any Disney Resort at all. Granted, parking may be off-limits to visitors from time to time; but those looking to check out the Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, the Polynesian Village Resort, Beach Club, and beyond can still access them via Disney’s free transportation options.
Now, each Disney Resort from the cheapest to the most expensive knows how to deck the halls for the holiday season; and while it’s true that the same goes for the parks, several resorts go all-out with fewer crowds and without any cost or hassle. Here are some of the best:
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
During the holidays, the Grand Floridian is like a Christmas Card come to life. In addition to a massive Christmas tree covered in Victorian ornaments themed after “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the resort also offers a life-size gingerbread house that needs to be seen. Also, both displays make great backdrops for Christmas cards. Just sayin’.
In addition to gorgeous wreaths, garlands, live music, and the like, the resort also offers special holiday treats and offerings for purchase that don’t require park admission, in addition to four different stores.
Finally, the Magic Kingdom’s Enchanted fireworks can be seen (and heard!) from the resort, specifically at the resort’s boat launch.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
Even though Wilderness Lodge’s gingerbread cabin has yet to return, this Deluxe Resort is still worth visiting during this time of year.
In addition to the tree that practically scrapes the ceiling of the lobby, Wilderness Lodge’s log cabin aesthetic – coupled with its various fireplaces – may make you feel as if you’re at a ski lodge in the mountains as opposed to Central Florida! This is also another prime spot for those photos and where you can grab a holiday drink or treat.
Bonus! The resort’s DVC wing – known as the Boulder Ridge Villas – also offers its own Christmas decor in its mini-lobby with even more fireplaces and rocking chairs.
Fort Wilderness Campgrounds
Just next door at WDW’s campgrounds, long-term campers put up some amazing holiday displays. Just about every campsite has at least a strand of lights or lawn ornament… while some go ALL OUT. Plan an evening to sip some cocoa and stroll around the site loops for some different takes on Disney Christmas decor.
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club
Much like the Grand Floridian, the lobby of Disney’s Beach Club has its own life-size gingerbread display. However, instead of a house, the Beach Club has a moving carousel that’s usually themed after a Disney movie. This year, the theme is The Little Mermaid and is covered with fun details.
Now, the Yacht Club doesn’t have a massive gingerbread display, but it does have a tree decked with yachts, as well as a detailed train village with locations related to Disney films and the resort itself.
Finally, Yacht and Beach Club’s prime location allows guests to not only check out the Boardwalk, Boardwalk Inn, the Swan and Dolphin Resorts, and the Skyliner, guests can actually see part of EPCOT’s Harmonious fireworks from the resort’s grounds.
Disney Springs
One of the best places to go all Christmas-mode at Walt Disney World is Disney Springs. Not only is no admission required, but even the parking is free at Disney World’s shopping and dining district.
Of course, Disney Springs is one of the best places on property for holiday shopping and dining. In fact, many of the restaurants offer special themed menus just for this time of year which are absolutely worth checking out.
With that being said, for the sake of this article, I’m going to keep to what holiday offerings are free at this Disney destination.
A Florida Snowfall
One of the biggest draws at the Magic Kingdom’s Very Merriest After Hours Event and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Disney’s version of snow or “snoap.” However, at Disney Springs, a “snoapfall” happens on a nightly basis in Town Square.
Live Holiday Entertainment
Disney Springs also offers free, live entertainment most nights throughout the year, but even more so during the holidays. Of course, there’s live music courtesy of DJs and performers, but snowflake skaters and stilt-walkers dressed like Toy Soldiers are also out and about as well.
The Christmas Tree Stroll
Disney Springs also offers its annual Christmas Tree Stroll which is a whopping twenty themed Christmas trees spread throughout the district for guests to find.
Not only will adults appreciate the Disney-level of creativity that goes into these decorations, but kids will have a blast with the themes that range from Black Panther to Moana and even Disney+ and Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.
Wintery Character Meet-and-Greets
In keeping with the spirit of the season, another free activity is a socially-distanced meet-and-greet with Santa Claus! However, instead of having to wait in line, families can utilize a virtual queue and shop, snack, or explore throughout Disney Springs while they wait for the jolly old elf.
But Santa isn’t the only character available to meet at Disney Springs. The second level of the Coca-Cola Store also offers interactions and photos with the adorable Coca-Cola Polar Bear!
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If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the whole family, surprise them by unwrapping the news that they’re going to Disney World (or cruise, Disneyland, Adventure by Disney, Hawaii… Be creative!)
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Let’s Hear From You
Enjoying the holidays at Walt Disney World doesn’t need to be expensive. Did you know there was an abundance of free activities around the resort? Do you have a favorite free WDW activity for the holidays? Did we leave anything off the list? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below.
