Your Ultimate Guide to the 2024 Disney Gingerbread Displays!
There’s nothing quite as magical as enjoying the holiday season at Disney. This is the time when gingerbread creations take over the resorts, filling the air with the sweet scent of spices and sugar. If you’re visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland this holiday season, you’re in for a treat! Each display is a masterpiece crafted by Disney’s talented bakery teams, who spend months creating these edible works of art. Whether you’re a first-timer or a holiday pro, here’s a guide to ensure you don’t miss a single Disney holiday gingerbread display.
Walt Disney World Resort Gingerbread Highlights
Gingerbread Spaceship Earth at EPCOT
Opening: November 29
New for 2024, EPCOT is debuting its first-ever Gingerbread Spaceship Earth! This towering 8-foot-tall replica of the iconic attraction will be in CommuniCore Hall. EPCOT’s Festival Team, Imagineers, and pastry experts crafted this stunning display featuring nearly a thousand gingerbread triangles. It lights up and moves to music throughout the day! With 240 pounds of honey dough and 11 hidden Mickeys representing the World Showcase countries, this display is a must-see.
Life-Size Gingerbread Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Opening: November 24
Get ready for a safari adventure in gingerbread form! Returning for its fourth year, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will feature life-size gingerbread animals; Ginger the baby giraffe, and Debra the baby zebra. Standing close to 7 feet tall, these sweet creations are a testament to the skill of the Animal Kingdom Lodge bakery team. There’s even limited-edition merchandise inspired by this gingerbread safari, including pins, a cookie jar, and an ornament.
The Grand Floridian’s Iconic Gingerbread House
Opening: November 6
Celebrate 25 years of holiday tradition at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa with their magnificent Gingerbread House. It’s a feast for the senses, with white chocolate candy canes, sugar poinsettias, and an 88-pound white chocolate Santa. Over 10,000 pieces of gingerbread and a whopping 700 pounds of chocolate went into this display. For its silver anniversary, you’ll find 25 hidden Mickeys scattered throughout. There’s also exclusive 25th-anniversary merchandise for fans who want a keepsake!
Guests not staying or with a dining reservation at Disney’s Grand Floridian resort will need to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center. From there, you’ll be able to take the resort monorail to experience this beloved tradition.
Spinning Holiday Carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Opening: November 6
Disney’s Beach Club Resort brings the joy of a gingerbread carousel that actually spins! Each year, the horses are themed differently, and for 2024, they’re inspired by “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.” Crafted with 432 pounds of honey, this display is adorned with handcrafted gingerbread shingles and snowflakes. Don’t forget to hunt for the 24 hidden Mickeys throughout the carousel!
BoardWalk Inn Gingerbread Village
Opening: November 12
Take a stroll to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, where you’ll find a gingerbread version of the resort’s most beloved spots. This miniature BoardWalk village captures the magic of the seaside getaway in delightful detail. Limited-edition items, like pins, ornaments, and cookie jars, are available to help you bring the BoardWalk gingerbread magic home.
Cinderella Castle Display at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Opening: November 8
For its 13th year, the Contemporary Resort unveils its majestic 17-foot-tall gingerbread castle. Modeled after the beloved Cinderella Castle Dream Lights, this display is crafted with over 4,000 gingerbread bricks and plenty of pixie dust. Look out for 13 hidden Mickeys and the whimsical 5-legged goat for a touch of extra Disney magic!
Disneyland Resort Gingerbread Displays
Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Gingerbread House
Opening: November 22
This massive gingerbread replica of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa stands 7 feet tall and 12 feet wide. With over 600 pounds of gingerbread and a sprinkle of pixie dust, this display is a holiday masterpiece featuring 25 hidden Mickeys. Chip ‘n’ Dale even makes a guest appearance, dressed in their adorable holiday pajamas!
Haunted Mansion Holiday’s Gingerbread Creation
Opening: Ongoing
Step inside Disneyland Park’s Haunted Mansion Holiday, where Jack Skellington brings his festive twist to Halloween Town. This year’s display features Dr. Finkelstein’s Gigantic Gingerbread Zombie, Lil’ Franky, made with 60 pounds of gingerbread. You’ll smell the delightful aroma of spices long before you see it on this can’t-miss attraction overlay!
Holiday Treats to Savor
What’s a holiday display without some delicious goodies to enjoy? Each Disney gingerbread location has a festive menu filled with unique treats you can savor or bring home. From classic gingerbread cookies to seasonal specialties, there’s something for every sweet tooth. Here’s a sampling of what you can find:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: This holiday season, guests can enjoy some specialty cocktails and tasty treats including the Gingeraffe Cookie.
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: Try fan favorites like the Gingerbread Mickey, Peppermint Bark, and the exclusive Santa Gnome Hot Cocoa Surprise!
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort: Indulge in Linzer Cookies, Gingerbread Macarons, and Spiced Orange & Cranberry Bundt Cake.
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Enjoy treats like the Chocolate Hazelnut Log, Pistachio Cranberry Cake, and a Santa Peppermint Hot Chocolate Tart for a warm holiday pick-me-up.
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn: Find whimsical delights like the Holiday Mickey and Minnie Sugar Cookies and the beloved Mickey Caramel Corn Cookie.
- Disneyland’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: West Coast visitors can enjoy seasonal cookies, Holiday Cinnamon Buns, and even an Eggnog (with an optional splash of Bailey’s).
In addition, starting on November 21 at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the bakery team has created a selection of treats, including Molasses Crackle Cookies and Dark Chocolate Bars. Perfect for a cozy holiday snack, this spot is ideal for those wanting to savor something delicious in a warm, rustic setting while gazing at their stunningly decorated Christmas tree.
All these treats are available only while supplies last, so be sure to check them out before they disappear! And remember, these unique goodies make wonderful souvenirs and gifts for friends back home.
Discover the Holiday Magic with FTJ!
The magic of Disney’s holiday gingerbread displays is fleeting, making the season all the more special. These creations will only be around for a limited time, so don’t miss your chance to experience them firsthand. Secure your spot now, and let the expert advisors at Fairytale Journeys Travel make it all happen. Not only will they help you create the perfect Disney holiday itinerary, but their services are completely free! Don’t wait too long; these rooms fill up fast. Reach out today, and make this holiday season one to remember!
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