Guide to Gingerbread at Walt Disney World: The Sweetest Holiday Tradition
A couple of years ago, my family got to spend 10 amazing days at Disney World over Christmas, and I couldn’t take my eyes off the gingerbread displays. Since then, I’ve been obsessed! These giant, show-stopping creations are made by Disney’s top pastry teams, turning some of the resorts and parks into festive, edible art. Whether you love food, holidays, or just want a great seasonal photo, this guide will show you where to find each gingerbread masterpiece—and what makes them so magical..
Why Disney Gingerbread Displays Are So Iconic
Every year, Disney pastry chefs spend months designing, baking, building, and decorating these stunning structures. Using hundreds of pounds of flour, sugar, chocolate, and spices, each display is a one-of-a-kind creation with hidden details and fun secrets for guests to discover. Best of all—visiting the displays is completely free and accessible without a park ticket at select resorts.
Where to Find Gingerbread at Walt Disney World
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Put on hold this year
The Grand Floridian gingerbread house is not being displayed this year due to ongoing lobby refurbishment at the resort. While the iconic house will be missed, other gingerbread displays are available at various Walt Disney World resorts, such as the Contemporary Resort, Beach Club Resort, and Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Gingerbread Castle Display
Even though this particular display is only in its second year, Disney’s Contemporary Resort has been making magical gingerbread creations for 14 years! This year, the design is inspired by Cinderella’s Dream Castle and came to life thanks to a collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and the insanely talented Contemporary Resort Bakery Team. The result? A stunning mix of creativity, artistry, and pure Disney holiday magic.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Gingerbread Giraffe & Zebra
This is hands down one of the most unique gingerbread displays at Disney! The towering gingerbread animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge perfectly celebrate the resort’s African-inspired theme, with each one crafted in amazing detail.
Debra the Zebra—modeled after the real Debra who roams the savanna—and Ginger the Giraffe have been fan favorites for over 20 years. This season, they’ve got some new friends: Frankie the Sloth, inspired by a real three-toed sloth adopted by the Keith family, and brand-new Rustie the River Hog, adding even more charm to the lineup.
Every figure is decorated with hand-piped gingerbread patterns that mimic real wildlife markings, and Ginger the Giraffe even stands nearly seven feet tall! It’s a jaw-dropping display that perfectly mixes Disney creativity with holiday magic.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort – Life-Size Gingerbread Carousel
The legendary gingerbread carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is back—and this year is extra special because it’s celebrating its 25th anniversary! Keep an eye out for the number 25 cleverly woven throughout the design, a festive nod to this milestone.
The carousel actually spins, showing off four beautifully decorated horses, while a fifth, stationary horse steals the show. Decked out like a classic baker with a white chef’s hat and shirt, plus a checkered bridle and saddle pad, this little star is full of charm. Look closely and you’ll spot all the fun details: candy accents in the mane, baking ingredients tucked around the saddle, and even tiny rolling pins and cookie cutters.
Nearby, a gift box addressed to “Our Cherished Guests” from the Beach Club Bakery Team is a sweet reminder of the love and creativity that goes into this holiday favorite every year.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn – Gingerbread BoardWalk Display
One of the sweetest holiday surprises at Walt Disney World is tucked right inside the lobby of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Every year, the resort debuts a brand-new gingerbread creation, and the 2025 display is a total showstopper—a charming, edible replica of the BoardWalk Deli, packed with holiday spirit and incredible detail.
This miniature gingerbread deli is full of whimsical touches: twinkling Christmas lights, classic striped awnings, and even a fully working cuckoo clock. Peek through the bakery window and you’ll spot Mickey and Minnie hard at work, plus a spinning Mickey adding a little extra magic to the scene.
It takes a whole team to pull this off—24 talented bakery Cast Members spent hundreds of hours bringing it to life, using 68 gallons of honey, 54 pounds of flour, and a whole lot of holiday magic.
EPCOT – The CommuniCore Hall
If you’re at EPCOT for the holidays, don’t miss CommuniCore Hall—it’s home to one of the most jaw-dropping gingerbread creations Disney has ever made. This year, the star is a stunning Gingerbread Spaceship Earth—an 8-foot-tall masterpiece that’s just as sweet as it is spectacular.
Modeled after EPCOT’s iconic geodesic sphere, it’s built from nearly a thousand hand-made gingerbread triangles and comes alive with dynamic lighting and music throughout the day. It’s not just a feast for the eyes—it’s a full-on sensory experience and the perfect backdrop for holiday photos.
While you’re there, catch the Celebration Countdown presented by CITIZEN, a dazzling light show every 15 minutes that adds even more holiday magic.
And for a little behind-the-scenes fun: this giant gingerbread icon is made with 240 pounds of honey dough, 100 eggs, 55 pounds of dark chocolate, and 100 pounds of royal icing. Keep your eyes peeled for one of my favorite touches—11 hidden Mickeys, representing each of the World Showcase countries!
Tips for Enjoying Disney’s Gingerbread Displays
✔ Visit earlier in the day for shorter lines and better photos
✔ Ride the Monorail loop to easily see Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian holiday décor
✔ Save room for snacks—each display features exclusive treats
✔ Look for hidden Mickeys baked into the gingerbread
✔ Plan to take lots of photos—these displays make stunning holiday cards!
Bring the Magic Home
Many resorts sell gingerbread shingles, ornaments, and packaged holiday treats so you can savor a bit of Disney magic long after your trip.