What’s the Best DVC Resort to Visit During the Holidays at Walt Disney World?
As halls get decked and the magic turns festive, Walt Disney World has turned into a holiday spectacular that is a sight to see. With Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and all the gorgeous decor around the parks and resorts, you may be asking yourself, “What’s the best DVC Resort to visit or stay at during the holidays at Walt Disney World?” Well, as an avid lover of this time of year, I’m happy to tell you that the answer is quite simple;
ALL OF THEM.
It can be so hard to pick where to stay sometimes, so it’s a good thing you don’t have to worry, as all DVC resorts have lots of different things to offer during the holiday season. Because of this, you’re bound to have made a good choice regardless of where you choose to stay or visit.
While the theme of this resort may not scream “Holidays” to you at first, Disney magic really comes through as they weave African traditions into classic holiday decor at this resort. The ornaments and decor have so many intricate details that you could spend hours just taking in each and every element. Plus, much like the Grand Floridian, the Animal Kingdom Villas have their own gingerbread creation! In 2021, they began with the “Ginger-affe”, and in 2022, added a baby Zebra named Debra to their gingerbread creations.
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort:
Just a hop, skip, and jump away from Magic Kingdom is Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The holiday theme at this resort is definitely classic cheer while also being sophisticated and elegant. You’ll find a lot of blues, golds, and greens in the decor at this resort, complete with giant hanging ornaments and wintery touches on the Christmas trees. Also, if you walk over to the Contemporary via the Sky Bridge, you can see another massive gingerbread creation and a giant Christmas tree outside the resort.
If you’re looking to stay in the Epcot area for your Holiday Disney vacation, then the Beach Club will definitely meet all of your expectations. The decor at this resort is right on theme, being aquatic-coloured with nods to sea creatures you’d associate with the beach! And, of course, you can find another classic gingerbread creation at this resort. This gingerbread creation is packed full of little details and elegance and is worth checking out!
Across the way on Crescent Lake is the BoardWalk Villas! At this resort, you’ll find more traditional holiday colors while tying into the theme of a turn-of-the-century Atlantic Boardwalk. This resort’s theming leans further into the nostalgia that can be found at the holidays, so for those who are fans of the classic holiday film “A Christmas Story,” I think you’ll appreciate this decor greatly. The BoardWalk Villas also has their own Gingerbread display; while it is one of the smaller installations at Walt Disney World, it’s still very charming and, of course, has plenty of little details.
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa:
If you can’t be at the Plaza Hotel in New York City for the Holidays, then the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is the next best thing. As one of the most elegant and sophisticated resorts on Walt Disney World property, the holiday decor and celebrations at this resort are traditional and refined. From the grandeur of the tree and garland in the lobby to the famous gingerbread house built from scratch every year, there’s so much to see at this resort! You could easily spend a day at this resort, taking in all the decor and goodies offered here.
If you liked the ocean-themed holiday decor at the Beach Club, then you can find similar theming at Old Key West! With nods to fishing and nets in the garland and other Beach-themed items found in the Christmas Trees and wreaths around the resort, there are so many campy details to find in this resort’s holiday decor. There may even be an ornament with a Mermaid Santa riding a tropical fish! The contrast of the classic greens, reds, and florals mixed with the rustic elements of the beach theme really immerse guests into the Holidays in the Florida Keys.
Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows:
Mele Kalikimaka! If that song occasionally gets stuck in your head during the Holidays, then the Polynesian Villas is the place to be. With classic holiday decor mixed with traditional elements of the Polynesian Islands, you’ll feel as if you stepped into a tropical oasis during this holiday season. Lots of reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks are the main colors you will see, which definitely fits the vibe of the Polynesian Villas, making this resort a holiday within a holiday!
For those who are fans of the classic claymation movie, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” you’ll see lots of silver and gold at Disney’s Riviera Resort! Despite some of the more simplistic decor elements at this resort, if you take a closer look, you’ll see more intricate details that add to the elegance and modernity of this decor. The Riviera also has some unique tree-toppers and pairs well with some of the other geometric features at this resort. This gives the decor at the Riviera a very modern take on holiday decor.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa:
Saratoga Springs is definitely an underrated gem of all the DVC resorts at Walt Disney World. However, the holiday decor here fits the traditional mold while also having a bit of variety for those with different tastes. Firstly, while they do not have one big tree, the lobby and resort are laden with many smaller, twinkling trees! Also, most of the Christmas trees at this resort are pencil trees, meaning they’re skinnier and more compact. The decor at this resort leaves greenery in the background as the vibrant colors of the ornaments and details take the spotlight.
Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek Villas at Wilderness Lodge:
Last but certainly not least is the grandeur of Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This resort brings the idea of “a cozy Christmas” to a whole new level; the log cabin feel of this resort, tied together with all the garland and greenery, is truly breathtaking. The decor also contributes to the theme, featuring wooden ornaments and nods to the Great American Northwest. If that wasn’t enough, the lobby at Copper Creek boasts a 6-story Christmas tree (similar to the size of the famous Rockefeller tree in New York City!). We’re sure Kevin from “Home Alone 1 & 2” would spend hours looking at this tree.
I don’t know about you, but after going through the holiday decor at each and every DVC resort at Walt Disney World, I have never wanted to spend the holidays at Disney more!
~Elyse
