My Unfiltered Ranking of the Best Holiday Decor at the DVC Resorts!

Posted:  DVC Rentals Holidays Resorts

As the resident Christmas Elf here at David’s, I take my role very seriously, especially when it comes to holiday decor! With my keen eye and endless love for all things merry and bright, I could not resist diving into my favorite holiday headfirst, and mixing in the happiest place on earth, Walt Disney World! 

A large gingerbread version of Cinderella Castle is displayed in a wintery scene at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

The DVC resorts at Walt Disney World transform for the holidays, and I’m here to share my ranking of each resort’s decor – from the absolute showstoppers to the ones that could use just a bit more pixie dust.

Colorful beaded and handcrafted ornaments are seen displayed on lit trees and garlands at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani Village.

Of course, every resort has its own kind of magic, and they’re all great in their own way! But, when it comes to my ideal vision of holiday cheer, I definitely have some opinions (enough to write a whole blog about it), and I’m not afraid to be brutally honest! So, grab some hot chocolate, get cozy, and let’s go through all the festive DVC resort decor!

 

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

I do feel bad that Bay Lake Tower has found itself at the bottom of my rankings again (you can check out my unfiltered blog where I review every DVC Resort at Walt Disney World here). Don’t get me wrong, there are some things I do like about this decor! The metallic accent colors are always lovely, and while it isn’t what I usually picture when it comes to Christmas decor, it is still elegant in its own way. 

A Christmas tree decorated with silver, geometric-shaped ornaments and blue and white lights is displayed in the lobby of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

The look just feels a bit too corporate to me. It reminds me more of an upscale office building or a convention center rather than a cozy, festive Disney resort. With other DVC Resorts that go all out with show-stopping holiday decor, Bay Lake Tower’s style just doesn’t match up in the same way. 

 

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Disney’s Riviera Resort is my personal favorite DVC resort. It’s just so elegant and stunning, and I make it a mission to have a Cafe Glace from Le Petit Cafe during every visit! However, when it comes to holiday decor, I have to admit it’s a little too subtle for me. If I were dreaming of my picture-perfect “Magical Disney Holiday,” this resort would, sadly, not be the first that comes to mind. 

Three wreaths with gold and silver ribbons and baubles are displayed on a large window at Disney’s Riviera Resort. Out the window, the resort grounds are seen under a sunny sky

The decorations here typically feature lots of silver and gold, which match the classy and sophisticated vibes of the resort, for sure. There are also wreaths and garlands around the lobby, and they do tie the space together nicely. Overall, it’s a bit understated, but to be fair, the lobby itself is small, so there isn’t a ton of room for grand trees or over-the-top displays. Still, there are other Disney resorts that absolutely spoil you with seasonal displays, so I feel like I can’t help but want something more here. 

 

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

The Polynesian is one of the most popular resorts at WDW, and it is very easy to see why! It’s a beautiful resort, and when it comes to Christmas decor, the Polynesian really leans into its laid-back, island-inspired theme. You’ll find garlands decked out with tropical florals and South Pacific-inspired touches, and even ornaments that showcase traditional island artwork. It really feels like Christmas in the Polynesian Isles and is such a unique twist for the holidays!

A green Christmas tree decorated with tiki and island-inspired ornaments is seen in the main lobby of Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

A tiki statue in a gift shop at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is decorated with a Christmas wreath. The wreath, along with others around the shop, is decorated with tropical flowers and shells.

That said, overall, the resort can feel a bit busy for me, and while I totally appreciate the decor in its own way, a tropical Christmas is not my ideal holiday. I’m Canadian, so a white Christmas is a non-negotiable for me. I crave that cozy, snowy feeling when I think of the holidays! I know it’s a little silly to say while ranking resorts in Florida, but I love it when a resort makes me feel like it could be snowing outside. So, while the Polynesian is gorgeous, this is just not my perfect Christmas resort option. 

 

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

This resort offers such a smorgasbord of decor, but in an interesting way! Instead of sticking to a set color palette like some other resorts, Saratoga Springs offers up some variety. You might spot some trees decked out in jewel-toned decorations (think blues and purples), while others feature red, gold, and green accents. Mixed in among all the colors are adorable custom ornaments that tie into the equestrian theme! There are horses, jockeys, and little horse racing details throughout! I even saw a photo of an ornament featuring horses lined up at the starting gates of a race – how fun is that?!

A garland decorated with an ornament showing several race horses lined up at a starting gate is hung outdoors at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

Purple and gold equestrian-themed ornaments and ribbons are displayed in the holiday décor at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

Even with all this festive flair, I’m not sure if Saratoga Springs would be my top pick for a holiday stay at Walt Disney World. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE this underrated resort, but the mix-and-match decor doesn’t come together for me the way decor at other resorts does. It’s nice, but there are a few things I’d change to make it more cohesive.

 

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Old Key West is designed to feel like a laid-back vacation town in sunny South Florida, and the Christmas decor fits into that vibe well! There are fun nautical touches all around, with starfish ornaments and coral-inspired tree toppers. The bright colors scattered throughout the decorations tie in nicely with the resort’s cheerful pastel palette. It all feels so lighthearted and beachy. 

A small Christmas tree decorated with pastel, nautical-themed ornaments is displayed in the lobby of Disney’s Old Key West Resort

An exterior corridor at Old Key West’s Hospitality House is decorated with colorful Christmas wreaths, garlands, and poinsettia plants in white pots.

That said, while the decor is fun and whimsical, it only feels like a taste of Christmas magic. This resort is quite large, and most of the decor is mainly concentrated in the Hospitality House area, which is just a small area of the resort. For someone like me (an elf), it leaves me wanting a little bit more. I absolutely give the resort creativity points for the custom ornaments; they’re so great! But it’s still not quite enough to satisfy my Christmas cravings. 

 

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

The Beach Club Villas share a similar nautical theme to Old Key West, but when it comes to holiday festivities, they take things up a notch! The decor features coastal-inspired ornaments like starfish, sea creatures, and beach elements. There are even repurposed fishing nets woven into the decorations, which feels right with the seaside theming of this resort. 

The nautical-themed ornaments on a Christmas tree at Disney’s Beach Club Villas are seen with the lobby’s gingerbread carousel display visible in the background.

A large gingerbread carousel is displayed along with a Christmas tree with nautical-themed ornaments, and other seasonal plants in the lobby of Disney’s Beach Club Villas.

And of course, we can’t forget their magical gingerbread creation! It’s such a whimsical touch, and plays into that Disney holiday charm. I will admit, though, the carousel might thematically fit better over at the BoardWalk Villas with its Atlantic coast carnival theme. However, it is still so fun to see in person, and there are tons of hidden details throughout!

Overall, the Beach Club Villas continue to impress me more and more each time I visit. It’s a wonderful resort to visit during the holidays, even if I think there are a couple of others that manage to shine just a little brighter. 

 

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

The BoardWalk Villas have always been one of my favorite resorts on property. The whimsical carnival theme is so delightful, and you really can’t beat the location in terms of proximity to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. During the holidays, that same playful energy shines through in the decor. The resort leans into a nostalgic Christmas theme; think “A Christmas Story” meets vintage BoardWalk charm. The ornaments are filled with circus animals, nutcrackers (my personal favorite), and classic touches that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Plus, the BoardWalk Villas also has a magical gingerbread display modeled after the resort!

A gingerbread display of the BoardWalk Deli is seen in the lobby of Disney’s BoardWalk Villas along with colorful Christmas trees and garlands.

Carnival-themed holiday ornaments featuring carousel horses and popcorn adorn the Christmas trees displayed at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas.

If you like a traditional, heartwarming holiday style, then the BoardWalk Villas would be the best place to stay during the season. It’s festive, classic, and captures that special kind of nostalgic Disney magic that makes the season feel extra joyful. 

 

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

I think this resort is such a hidden gem year-round, and let’s be honest, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is one of the best dining experiences on property. During the holidays, however, the resort transforms into something extra special! 

A large Christmas tree decorated with brown, red, and green frontier-themed ornaments like cowboy hats and wagon wheels is displayed outdoors at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

A small Christmas tree is decorated with frontier-themed ornaments like cowboy boots, stars, and animals. It is topped with a brown star that has the word “howdy” spelled out on it in brown rope.

The decor gives off “Davy Crockett Christmas” vibes, with cowboy boots, western touches, and a rustic charm that feels warm and welcoming. You’ll spot lots of natural, handcrafted materials mixed into the decorations. Many guests decorate their cabins and camp sites with twinkling lights and festive displays, and you might even catch a golf cart decked out in full Christmas spirit! I would definitely try this resort out if you’re looking for that cozy, rustic flair. 

 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas

One of the things I love the most about Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas is how intentional and thoughtful the decor is, especially during the holidays. Throughout the year, this resort showcases one of the largest collections of African Art in the U.S.A., and that same level of artistry and cultural detail carries well into the holiday decor.

A very large Christmas tree decorated with African-inspired ornaments and red and green lights. It is displayed in the lobby of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani Village, along with other African art pieces and artifacts.

The towering Christmas tree in the Jambo House lobby is absolutely breathtaking, and the ornaments reflect the resort’s theme perfectly, featuring animals, natural materials, and traditional African artwork. You could easily spend hours just admiring all the intricate details. 

A gigantic Christmas tree decorated with white lights and African-inspired ornaments is displayed in the lobby of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas Jambo House. There are matching garlands stung along the balcony railings overlooking the main floor as well.

In recent years, this resort has also started its own creative gingerbread tradition, and it’s truly something special that adds a little more holiday magic to the resort! 

A display showcasing a zebra and giraffe made of gingerbread is seen in the lobby of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas Jambo House.

The unique blend of African art and holiday decor here is definitely memorable, but it doesn’t quite reach the top of my personal list.

 

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins and Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

I finally had the chance to stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge this fall, and it was absolutely amazing. Now, I’m dreaming of experiencing this resort during the holidays, because it is truly stunning. The 60-foot Christmas tree in the main lobby is breathtaking! It’s the kind of sight that instantly fills you up with that warm holiday feeling. 

A very grand Christmas tree decorated with white lights and wilderness-inspired ornaments is displayed in the lobby of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Matching garlands hang from the upper floor balconies as guests explore the resort.

The matching garlands draped along the hallway bannisters above make the entire space feel like a cozy Christmas cabin. And with the grand stone fireplace glowing in the background, it captures that nostalgic feeling of spending Christmas at my parents’ place, snuggling up by the fire while snow gently falls outside. It’s pure holiday magic. 

A wreath decorated with white lights and outdoor-theme baubles is displayed on the large stone fireplace in the lobby of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. There are matching garlands draped above, as guests sit in wooden rocking chairs in front of the fire.

A green Christmas tree adorned with gold and red wilderness-themed ornaments is see in the lobby of the Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Matching garlands are hung on the upper, wooden railings, and a fireplace with 2 chairs is seen in the background.

If you’re searching for a resort that embodies the ultimate cozy Christmas, the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins and Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are, hands down, the best options. I can just imagine curling up by the fireplace with a blanket and a good book, soaking in that rustic cabin atmosphere, and savoring every bit of that woodsy Christmas charm. 

 

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Now THIS is a resort that truly defines the holidays at Disney World. Stepping into the Grand Floridian during the holiday season feels like walking straight into the scene in Home Alone 2: Lost In New York when Kevin walks into the Plaza for the first time. It’s impossible not to feel a sense of wonder the moment you arrive. The grandeur of the resort is on full display with its massive Christmas tree, elegant garlands, and festive decor that completely transforms the lobby into a holiday dream. 

Three Christmas trees, each decorated with warm white lights and pastel Victorian-style ornaments are displayed in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

A giant Christmas tree is on display in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The tree is decorated with white lights, pastel flowers, and Victorian-style ornaments.

Of course, the Grand Floridian is also famous for its iconic gingerbread house display! While it’s taking a break for the 2025 season, the resort’s bakers typically spend over 500 hours each year baking this festive gingerbread display. They put nearly 470 hours into decoration too, and have used more than 10,000 pieces of gingerbread to create a yearly masterpiece that’s as delicious as it is magical. Disney hasn’t shared any details for next year yet, but I’m definitely hoping this display returns in 2026!

A life-size gingerbread house decorated for the holidays is on display in the main lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

The Grand Floridian is at the top of my bucket list for holiday stays, and I think it should be on yours, too. It’s elegant, festive, unforgettable, and makes for the ultimate Disney holiday experience. 

 

~Elyse

 

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