Walt Disney World! is home to so many wonderful holiday traditions. You’ll certainly never be short on ways to spend your time (or money, LOL). But with all of the festivals, parties, and eye candy and actual candy–to keep you entertained, you might miss out on some of the more low-key but incredibly special side attractions that Disney has to offer!

One delightful (and FREE!) experience that keeps us coming back year after year is the gingerbread displays on Walt Disney World property. The Gingerbread Crawl keeps the Christmas magic alive, even after you’ve left the park, which is just one reason why we love it! And we think you’re going to love it, too!

Where Can You Find Disney World’s Gingerbread Creations?

The trick to completing the Gingerbread Crawl is knowing where to go! Most displays are found at Disney’s Deluxe Resorts, which puts them all close to the theme parks. You can easily access them by monorail, boat, bus, or even on foot! There’s no fee to visit the displays, nor do you have to be staying at these resorts to see them. Everyone is free to participate in the gingerbread extravaganza!

What makes them so spectacular? Each gingerbread display is created with pounds of real gingerbread, frosting, chocolate, and other sweet confections. These mouthwatering abodes have been built on a truly grand scale! And here’s where you can visit them all…

(Note: as of writing, specific themes for the gingerbread houses and confirmation of their locations haven’t been released for 2023, but they tend to follow long-standing traditions, so we have a fairly good idea of what to expect! What I do know for sure is it’s going to be sweet!)

1. The Grand Floridian

The largest and grandest of the gingerbread displays on the Gingerbread Crawl is the life-sized gingerbread house in the lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort. Okay, maybe it’s not quite as big as an actual house, but it is big enough for people to fit inside! (Note: The Grand Floridian is only a few stops away from The Magic Kingdom by monorail or a short walk along a private trail.)

This gingerbread display also has the distinction of being the oldest one at Disney World. It’s where the original edible masterpiece was showcased! That first glorious gingerbread house was constructed at The Grand Floridian in 1998, and it’s been a yearly holiday tradition at the resort ever since.

In 2018, the display was created with over 5,000 gingerbread shingles, if that gives you any sense of scale. (I would personally love to live in that gingerbread house!) The design changes a bit every year, with recent houses including EARidescent elements to celebrate Disney’s 50th anniversary. We can’t wait to see what they cook up – or should I say bake up? – for 2023!

If looking at all that confectionary wonder aggravates your sweet tooth, you’re not alone! Luckily, a trip to the Gingerbread House Snack Shop is the perfect cure! Not only is this beautiful recreation of the resort completely amazing, but it’s also a food stand! Located on the backside of this display, the holiday Snack Shop offers pastries, cookies, and other delicious sugary treats for your edible edification.

2. Wilderness Lodge

Embracing the rustic theme of the resort, the Wilderness Lodge’s gingerbread house usually resembles a log cabin and always makes a cozy addition to the Gingerbread Crawl. Standing at around 6 feet tall, the adorable design welcomes you in after a long day of rides and attractions. In the past, it’s featured the Lodge’s mascot – Humphrey, the Bear. If you don’t recognize him, don’t worry! He first appeared in Disney animated shorts in the 1950s, often hungry and harmless.

If you want to add in another experience while you visit, you may want to try character dining at Artist Pointe. It’s a great spot to meet Snow White and a few dwarves. The restaurant is also the only consistent location for a meet-and-greet/photo with the elusive Evil Queen!

3. Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Have you ever wondered what a gingerbread version of a Disney Castle might look like? Well, the team at Disney’s Contemporary Resort have you covered. This 2D castle might not be as elaborate as some of the other displays, but it is very cute (and much taller than you might think!). The castle is slightly different each year. We’ve seen Cinderella’s Castle in various renditions, including a whimsical Mary Blair makeover and even Frozen’s Arendelle Castle in the past. It’s possible you may be pleasantly surprised with a brand new castle on your trip! It’s likely you’ll also find a treat stand nearby so you can grab your own share of limited-time holiday cookies.

This display is typically located downstairs from the lobby, near the restaurants at the Contemporary Resort.

4. Disney’s Beach Club Resort

While The Grand Floridian’s gingerbread construction might be the largest display Disney has to offer, Disney’s Beach Club Resort has the most original: it’s a full-scale carousel that actually spins! This obvious nod to The Magic Kingdom’s Prince Charming Royal Carrousel is gingerbread Disney at its most magical.

The display features a trio of full-sized gingerbread horses decked out in their best fondant, frosted in accordance with the year’s theme. In the past, we’ve seen displays inspired by Peter Pan, Snow White, The Little Mermaid, and other classic Disney characters.

While there isn’t a dedicated snack shop at the Beach Club like many of the others, you still have options for a sweet treat that isn’t too far away! Visit Beaches and Cream Soda Shop for a retro dining experience complete with ice cream sundaes and unbelievable milkshakes.

5. BoardWalk Inn

Located a short walk from EPCOT, Disney’s BoardWalk is filled with scintillating nightlife and another deluxe resort. Inside the BoardWalk Inn, you’ll also discover another holiday gingerbread display! This confectionary construct replicates an edible version of a location on the Boardwalk, typically centered around (what else?) the BoardWalk Bakery, where you can find some Christmas-themed treats during your visit. (Although, just last year, the replica was of the Boardwalk Deli!)

While you’re there, you may consider combining your trip with a delicious meal at one of the many dining establishments on Disney’s BoardWalk. Try dinner at Trattoria al Forno for delicious Italian-inspired cuisine. The BoardWalk is also a great place for a date night! After your meal, you can take a stroll along the water and enjoy the “street” performers along the boardwalk.

6. Saratoga Springs

While it’s still a deluxe luxury resort, Saratoga Springs is specifically classified as a Disney Vacation Resort and is located slightly further away from the parks. It’s accessible from Disney Springs by boat and from the parks by bus.

Historically, this resort creates one of the smaller but most adorable gingerbread displays during Christmas at Walt Disney World. While the other displays often feel opulent and awe-inspiring, Saratoga Springs offers a quaint, scaled-down display of a small village. The decorations often feel homey, with a traditional look and a classic shape. Overall, it’s very charming and worth going out of your way to see in person!

7. Animal Kingdom Lodge

Want a gingerbread display that embraces the wild side? Look no further than Animal Kingdom Lodge! Rather than a castle, bakery, or even a building at all, this gingerbread display is known for featuring wild animals. With enormous fondant-striped zebras and adorably spotted “gingeraffes,” we love how this display truly “bakes outside the box” and creates a celebration that combines both the Christmas spirit and the great outdoors.

Last year, the restaurants at Animal Kingdom Lodge offered a few holiday-themed treats, like a Christmas giraffe cookie and gingerbread martini, but the seasonal desserts are less plentiful here than at other resorts.

8. Amorette’s Patisserie

Currently the only gingerbread house outside the Disney World resorts, this display is perfect for anyone already planning to spend time in Disney Springs.

Amorette’s Patisserie is an upscale French-style bakery in the shopping district. A newer display in the Gingerbread Crawl, the Patisserie recently created a replica of the bakery accompanied by landmarks from Disney Springs, including the iconic LEGO sea monster!

If you want to spend a few hours exploring the area, you’ll find retail stores, dining experiences, delicious bakeries, and even attractions to keep you occupied for an entire afternoon – if not the whole day!

Of course, you never know what other Disney Springs locations might join in the fun this year so keep your eyes peeled for new displays!

Tips For Your Disney Gingerbread Crawl

Know When To Go! Usually, gingerbread displays begin appearing on Disney property in mid-November and stay out until January 1st. However, that end date may be pushed back – as we all know, Disney likes to extend the holiday cheer as long as possible.

Use a Break from the Parks as a Chance to Visit! Need a few moments of quiet during your busy day at the Magic Kingdom? Wander on over to one of the nearby deluxe resorts for lunch reservations and take the opportunity to check out the displays while you’re there.

Look for Hidden Mickeys! If you really look at the displays, you’ll find that the bakers put a little something extra into their designs. Often, you’ll spot “Hidden Mickeys” baked into the structures and decorations. The Grand Floridian display, for example, purportedly has one hidden Mickey for each year it’s been constructed.

Read the Signs! Each display comes with a large placard that lists the ingredients used in its creation. Can you even imagine using 50 pounds of fondant on your next baking endeavor?

Be Prepared for Other Admirers! These beautiful creations certainly draw a crowd. Even if you plan your crawl for early in the holiday season, don’t be surprised if the gingerbread houses at Disney resorts have already attracted a batch of admirers. It might take a little patience to nab that perfect photo for your Instagram!

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While you’re in the parks, keep an eye out for any other gingerbread displays you might see! Have you found any displays out in the wild that didn’t make our list? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured photo: oksanashufrych via Canva