This Disney World Resort Is Gorgeous — But I'd Skip It During the Holidays If You Actually Want to Relax

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort is stunning, particularly when it's decorated for the holidays. But it's also jam-packed with crowds. While all of Disney World gets decked out in glittering lights, eye-catching seasonal displays, and draped in green garlands for the holiday season, there's one particular place outside of the theme parks that draws consistent crowds: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

This elegant Deluxe Resort is a gorgeous place to stay year-round, thanks to its Victorian-inspired theming and incredible waterfront location, just across Seven Seas Lagoon from Magic Kingdom. But during the holidays, it's not a relaxing place to stay. Below, I'm sharing why I recommend skipping this stunning resort if you're planning to visit from November to January.

Disney's Grand Floridian Is Incredibly Crowded During the Holiday Season

When the holidays arrive at Disney World, the Grand Floridian is anything but relaxing. Sure, it's a gorgeously decorated resort, one with all of the perks and amenities of a Deluxe Resort stay (and it's hard to beat the proximity to Magic Kingdom). But if you're looking for a truly relaxing experience, this resort is a hotspot for holiday activities, and all of the action happening on its grounds will leave you feeling more stressed than soothed. The number one reason for this? The Grand Floridian draws some serious crowds during the holidays.

Trust me: These aren't your average crowds or busy hotel afternoons during check-in time. The Grand Floridian gets absolutely packed during the holidays, making it more difficult to navigate the hotel grounds, get into restaurants, and even just hang out in gorgeous, relaxing spaces like the famous lobby. You're going to encounter crowds everywhere.

The Grand Floridian's Gingerbread Displays Are Insanely Popular

One of the biggest crowd-drawing aspects of the Grand Floridian during the holidays is the resort's famous gingerbread house. Guests come from all over Disney World - and even locals get in on the festive seasonal fun - to check out this particular gingerbread display.

It's such a draw that the lobby winds up jammed with crowds, particularly as Christmas draws closer (which means late December stays can be particularly busy).

So, if you were hoping to relax and take in the sights of this romantic resort, you're going to want to skip it.

During the holiday season, crowds are in and out of the lobby constantly. While mornings do tend to be quieter, afternoons and evenings (particularly when the trees and decorations are brightly lit up after sunset) bring a big influx of visitors.

All of the gingerbread crowds can make getting restaurant reservations during your stay a much more difficult task, too. Because guests like to do "gingerbread crawls" and explore all of the holiday displays at the Grand Floridian and other Disney World Resorts, they'll make plans to stop at both quick-service and table service restaurants along the way.

So, if you were hoping for a chill visit that'd allow you to pop into the resort's restaurants without stressing about advance dining reservations, odds are it won't happen during the holidays. Reservations will get snapped up well in advance, and walk-ups will be far trickier to nab even while you're staying onsite.

Construction Is Constantly Happening

Lastly, there's been a lot happening at the Grand Floridian since 2022 - and all of those exciting changes, like room renovations and the addition of villas onsite, bring construction.

While construction at Disney World Resorts isn't necessarily a deal breaker, it can disrupt your experience when it's happening in central locations. And at the Grand Floridian, construction has recently moved right into the resort's main building and lobby, making it very difficult to enjoy one of its most iconic spots.

The latest phase of the Grand Floridian's multi-year refurbishment is taking place right in the lobby as the hotel refreshes the space and builds a brand-new lobby bar. In fact, for the 2025 holiday season, this lobby construction will disrupt the annual gingerbread display. Guests who stay here (or stop by while resort hopping) won't be able to see the gingerbread house this year as it's put on hiatus until construction ends.

So, if you're hoping to relax in the festive Victorian setting of the Grand Floridian right now, construction might interfere with your plans even more than the usual influx of crowds.

What Disney World Resorts Are Better for Relaxing During the Holidays?

If you're looking for a cozy, quiet, and still uniquely Disney World experience from a resort during the holiday season, I recommend avoiding the Grand Floridian. Instead, you'll want to consider a resort that sees less foot traffic (and fewer crowds gathering at its gingerbread displays).

The most relaxing places to stay at Disney World during the holidays are:

• Disney's Wilderness Lodge, which offers rustic yet cozy winter vibes paired with stunning Christmas decorations that'll wow you in an entirely different way.

• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, which is set farther away from most other resorts, sees far fewer crowds, and offers its own spin on traditional gingerbread and holiday decor.

• Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, which is a Magic Kingdom area Deluxe Resort with an entirely different holiday vibe (and fewer crowds!).

Ready to plan or book your stay? Let an expert help! All About the Magic Travel can offer suggestions and help you find a resort that fits every one of your needs (budget included). Let’s get your next Walt Disney World Resort vacation on the books! Contact us today to start planning!

Melisa Barron, All About the Magic Travel