OK. This Is HANDS DOWN the Most Magical Hotel to Stay at For Christmas in Disney World

The holidays in Disney World bring tons of exciting opportunities to the parks, but what about the hotels?

Grand Floridian during Christmas

There are some pretty spectacular gingerbread displays and Christmas trees spread around the Disney World resorts, which we absolutely love seeing each year. But that got us thinking about the hotels on Disney World property that aren’t owned by Disney — how are they celebrating? We found out firsthand that the holiday offerings over at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts are truly one of a kind, and we’re kinda obsessed with them!

While the Swan and Dolphin Hotels may not be owned by Disney, Marriott has done a fantastic job bringing the holiday spirit to both hotels! You can see their festive lighting from far away, and that’s just the beginning.

It’s beautiful!

While these technically are two separate hotels, they’re connected, so it’s very easy to get from one to the other. If you’re looking for a special drink, you’ll want to stop by Chill to grab The North Pole special, which can be made nonalcoholic for $12 or alcoholic for $19.

The North Pole

The best part about this? Yes, you’re correct, it’s sold in a massive cup that looks like the leg lamp from the iconic film, A Christmas Story!

We LOVE it!

Over at the gift shop, you’ll find tons of exciting holiday items, such as festive headbands, plushes, and even Rudolph-themed rubber ducks!

Holiday Merchandise

You can even purchase a gingerbread house kit to make during your stay or bring home with you to make when you get home from your vacation.

Buy a Gingerbread House kit!

If you’re looking for a price point, you’ll be able to find this guidance sheet to help you keep track of the prices. All in all, for being on Disney World property, they’re not too bad!

Price sheet

There was also a cookie decorating station laid out nearby for us to decorate our own cookie, completely for free!

Time to decorate!

We also loved seeing the incredibly impressive Holiday Chocolate Display — yes, this entire thing was made out of chocolate! Similar to how the staff at Disney World hotels make their gingerbread creations each year, the Swan & Dolphin Resorts make a chocolate display to admire.

Holiday Chocolate Display

While we headed outside for the main event, we loved seeing the other decorations and fun interactive elements spread around the resort.

So cute!

Outside by the pool, you’ll find a meet and greet with the one and only Santa Claus, plus Mrs. Claus, and Candy Cane the elf!

We made it!

This experience was so fun, and while the line was a little long, it moved quickly. We highly recommend if you’re staying here — especially if you’ve got kids! Again, it was totally free.

Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Candy Cane the Elf!

So if you’re planning a last-minute trip to Disney World for the holidays, don’t count the Swan & Dolphin Resorts out! There are tons of holiday decorations all around, and you’ll likely pay less than you would at a lot of Disney World moderate and deluxe hotels. You’ll still get free transportation to and from the parks, and while you miss some amenities Disney World hotels provide, you’ll gain these holiday ones for the season! Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney World news!

The FREE Christmas Light Show You’ve Gotta See in Disney World

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