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One of the best, free, things to do at Disney World during the holiday season, is resort hopping.

Though I wish we had time to see all of the resorts’ decorations, I think we made a respectable effort.

Pop Century

We stayed at the Pop Century Resort during our trip.

Since the resort’s theme is based on the decades, the decorations had a fun, retro feel.

I loved it because I recognized  many decorations that were once pulled out of boxes from my  dusty, childhood attic. It brought back wistful memories.

In the afternoon, the lights on the tree mysteriously go out. Only the magic of a child can turn them back on. The staff pick a very special kid to bippity-boppity-boo the tree alight.  

Polynesian 

I didn’t have high expectations for the Polynesian’s holiday decorations. After all, except for the rare holiday song, you don’t initially think Polynesia when you think Christmas. I was thrilled. It was a floral explosion.

Everything was so colorful and pretty.

The Christmas trees were absolutely bursting with tropical blooms.

We lucked out. Lilo and Stitch, who were decked out in their holiday garb, arrived to the resort at the same time we did. It was a great chance to get a fun picture in front of the Polynesian’s tree.

Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian is one of the most popular resorts to visit during the holidays. Of course the lobby is filled with stunning trees,

but the real draw is the life-size gingerbread house.

Picture courtesy of Len Pizzillo

I was looking forward to seeing the gingerbread house. I knew it was going to be cool, but I didn’t know just how detailed the house would be.

If you are like me, you could spend a good hour just walking around all sides of the gingerbread house, admiring the details. It was impressive. I wanted to grab my bags and move in for the rest of the holiday season.

The tree was dazzling with it’s fancy, sparkly, ornaments.

Visiting the Grand Floridian during the holidays checked something important off of my Disney bucket list.

Beach Club

Gingerbread also abounded at the Beach Club resort, albeit on a smaller scale.

If there was a way to smuggle the Nightmare Before Christmas house home with me, I would have.

Even the tree was dressed up in gingerbread goodies.

Yacht Club

The entrance to the Yacht Club was decorated in a sea of poinsettias.

Speaking of the sea, the tree was decked out in a myriad of sea creatures.

The main reason to take time out to visit the Yacht Club, is the chocolate carousel. They change the carousel’s theme every year. When we visited, the theme was the Fab Five.

Like the Grand Floridian’s gingerbread house, you could spend a decent amount of time gawking at all of the details on the carousel.

Wilderness Lodge

Out of all of the resorts we visited during our trip, the Wilderness Lodge was my favorite.

The rustic decor, fireplace, and the sound of running water, makes you feel like you are actually at a lodge in the middle of nature, instead of a resort in Florida.

The tree, soaring up to the ceiling, was breathtaking.

The woodland creature themed ornaments were super cute.

The atmosphere felt peaceful. It was good times relaxing by the tree after a hectic day at the parks.

If I had the time, I would spend an entire day chilling out at the Wilderness Lodge during the holidays.

Final Thoughts

My only regret was not getting a chance to see the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I guess that just means a future, holiday, visit.

If you’re heading to Disney World for the holidays, I highly recommend taking time out to resort hop and immerse yourself in the decoration fun.

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Non-Park Activities at Disney World Holidays Around the World- Epcot Staying At Disney’s Pop Century Resort Christmastime in the Magic Kingdom