The holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort is about to become a winter wonderland, complete with intricate, larger-than-life gingerbread displays. Each year, Disney’s talented pastry teams craft impressive, mouth-watering displays that have become a beloved tradition. Here’s a look at what this season has in store and some festive details to keep in mind!

New and Returning Gingerbread Masterpieces

This year, guests will enjoy new and returning displays that combine classic holiday charm with a unique Disney twist. Here’s a preview of some standout creations:

• New Gingerbread Spaceship Earth at EPCOT: Making its debut on November 29, this gingerbread version of EPCOT's Spaceship Earth stands 8 feet tall and is crafted from nearly 1,000 gingerbread triangles. The display, made with 240 pounds of honey dough and 100 pounds of royal icing, even lights up and plays music.

• Life-Size Baby Giraffe and Zebra at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Returning on November 24, this adorable display features "Ginger" the baby giraffe and "Debra" the baby zebra. Each figure is nearly 7 feet tall and made from gingerbread, sugar dough, and modeling chocolate. Guests can also find limited-edition pins, ornaments, and cookie jars inspired by this display.
• Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland Park: The Haunted Mansion transforms into a holiday celebration, inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas. Guests will encounter Dr. Finkelstein's “Lil' Franky,” a gigantic gingerbread zombie crafted with 60 pounds of gingerbread and 50 pounds of powdered sugar.

Highlights of This Year’s Gingerbread Displays

• Grand Floridian Gingerbread House (Walt Disney World): Celebrating its 25th year, the Grand Floridian’s iconic gingerbread house opens on November 6, featuring 25 hidden Mickeys and made from over 10,000 gingerbread pieces. Guests can buy special anniversary merchandise and festive treats like gingerbread Mickeys, gingerbread shingles, and stollen bread.

• Beach Club Holiday Carousel: For 24 years, Disney’s Beach Club Resort has delighted guests with its spinning life-sized carousel. This year's theme showcases characters from Mickey’s Christmas Carol, crafted with 432 pounds of honey and 2,024 pieces of gingerbread. The display features 24 hidden Mickeys and limited-edition holiday souvenirs.
• BoardWalk Inn Gingerbread Deli: This miniature gingerbread village depicts the BoardWalk’s charming seaside style. Available starting November 12, this display includes a range of treats like Mickey Caramel Corn Cookies and gingerbread loaves.
• Contemporary Resort Castle Display: Back for its 13th year, this 17-foot-tall gingerbread castle will be decked out with designs inspired by Cinderella’s Castle Dream Lights. Made from 613 pounds of sugar and over 4,000 gingerbread bricks, the castle includes 13 hidden Mickeys and a quirky 5-legged goat!

• Grand Californian Gingerbread Display (Disneyland Resort): A 7-foot-tall replica of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, complete with Chip ‘n’ Dale in pajamas, this gingerbread masterpiece includes 25 hidden Mickeys. Guests can enjoy seasonal snacks like Christmas cookies, gingerbread treats, and sweet potato loaf.

Special Menus and Sweet Treats

Each display offers themed treats and souvenirs that guests can purchase as keepsakes or tasty treats. Highlights from this season’s holiday menus include:

• EPCOT: Gingerbread cookies and seasonal sweets to enjoy alongside the festive new Spaceship Earth gingerbread display.
• Animal Kingdom Lodge: The Gingeraffe Cookie and holiday-themed cocktails make perfect companions to the baby giraffe and zebra display.
• Grand Floridian Resort: Treats like peppermint bark and gingerbread cookie bags, plus exclusive holiday merchandise, are available for guests looking to take a piece of the magic home.
• Contemporary Resort: Unique sweets like the Caramel Apple Cake with Gingerbread Streusel and Santa Peppermint Hot Chocolate Tart provide a taste of the season.
• Grand Californian Hotel: Guests can enjoy holiday cinnamon buns, eggnog with Bailey’s, and Mickey-shaped cookies at the resort’s Great Hall Cart.

Plan Your Holiday Visit to Experience Disney’s Festive Displays

The gingerbread displays at Disney Resorts are more than just treats—they’re works of art and holiday tradition. Don’t miss the chance to immerse in the season’s charm by visiting these delightful installations. Remember to plan for transportation and parking if visiting displays at resorts with limited guest access.