Disney4me Posted 2 hours ago Report Posted 2 hours ago Over the last several decades, December has become the busiest season at Disney World, with guests packing the theme parks for seasonal events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jollywood Nights, the Festival of the Holidays and more! However, these changes aren’t limited to Disney World’s parks! Christmas at Disney World The month will see some MAJOR changes at Disney World’s theme parks. From refurbishment projects to holiday events — and missing holiday traditions — guests visiting for the holidays need to be prepared for A LOT. Resort-Hopping Changes? For years, many guests have made resort-hopping to see Disney World’s hotel decorations an annual tradition. However, that may not be an option this year. Changes began in June, when Disney made a massive alteration to the transportation rules at Disney Springs. Many guests — both locals as well as guests at nearby hotels — would use the shopping district as a transportation hub, catching buses and watercraft to their Disney World hotel of choice. However, now guests need to show a hotel or dining reservation in order to be granted access to said buses or boats leaving Disney Springs. Disney never shared an official reason for this rule change, although we can surmise that it is because too many non-resort guests were using the buses to get around, and it was making the wait too long for the guests paying to stay at these hotels. Disney Springs Transportation Rule In addition, earlier this summer, there were security guards stationed at the walkway between the Polynesian Village Resort and Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to prevent non-hotel guests from using it, particularly in the evening before fireworks. We could see more of the same over the last two months of 2026, indicating that Disney could go further than cutting off the Disney Springs transportation route. Christmas at the Polynesian A Canceled Tradition Since it first debuted in 1999, a massive gingerbread house in the lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa was a favorite of many guests. Generations grew up not only seeing the finished product but also seeing the gingerbread house under construction each year, watching it being decorated and speaking to Disney’s chefs as they built it. Many families would even stop by the hotel to take their family Christmas and holiday card photos in front of the house. The icon was absent in 2025 due to construction in the hotel’s lobby but was expected to return in 2026. However, in the spring of 2026, Disney confirmed that the massive gingerbread house won’t be returning going forward. While the hotel will instead feature a few small ones throughout the resort, made by Disney’s culinary team, the loss of the 25+-year-old tradition has hit a lot of Disney fans hard. 2024 Gingerbread House at Grand Floridian Happy New Year! Disney World has several major New Year’s celebrations, including special fireworks at EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and the Magic Kingdom. Those latter fireworks also provide the backdrop for a special hotel offering at the Contemporary Resort. Guests will be able to enjoy “a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display and a delectable meal” at the resort’s California Grill. Fireworks deck at California Grill In addition, guests should be aware of several ongoing hotel refurbishment projects happening through December: BoardWalk Exterior Refurbishment: Through Late 2026 Wilderness Lodge Exterior Refurbishment: Late 2026 Yacht Club Exterior Maintenance: Late 2026 All-Star Movies Refurb: May 2026 to January 2027 Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House Refurb: May 2026 to January 2027 Grand Floridian Resort-Wide Refurbishment Including Porte-cochère: Through early 2027 Port Orleans Room Refurbishment: Through August 2027 Art of Animation Room Refurbishment: Through Late 2027 Beach Club Exterior Refurbishment: Through Late 2027 Contemporary Resort-Wide: Through Late 2027 Bay Cove Pool construction sign If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel during the holidays, be sure to be aware of these changes so you’re not caught off guard on your vacation. Stay tuned to DFB for further updates. Beyond the holidays, are you planning a Disney hotel stay for next year? There are some hotels you should target… and some you should put on ice until 2028. “Hall Trolls” Are Causing Chaos in Disney World Hotels, and We Need To Talk About It Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Heading to Disney World this summer? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article Quote
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