If you’ve been around Dixie Delights for long, you already know this is my favorite Disney resort. Not just at Christmas, but all 365 days of the year.
I’ve been hanging onto these photos since our stay last December, waiting for the perfect excuse to share them. With Christmas in July and Disney’s Halfway to the Holidays celebration upon us, this felt like the perfect opportunity to revisit one of my favorite places on earth and remind you that it isn’t too late to start planning a Christmas 2026 vacation.
The grounds are every bit as beautiful as the resort itself. Immaculately maintained gardens, swaying palm trees, white gazebos and winding brick pathways invite you to slow down and explore. Whether you’re strolling along Seven Seas Lagoon, watching the boats glide by or simply sitting in one of the many chairs overlooking the water, the Grand Floridian manages to feel both elegant and incredibly relaxing. During the holidays, garlands, wreaths and twinkling lights are woven throughout the landscaping, making even a simple walk around the resort feel magical.
Even before you step inside, the Grand Floridian makes an unforgettable first impression. Pulling beneath the grand porte cochère feels like arriving at a true Victorian seaside resort. Bellmen welcome guests, the scent of fresh flowers fills the air and there is an unmistakable feeling that you’ve arrived somewhere special. It’s one of those rare hotels where the vacation truly begins the moment your car pulls up.
The holiday decorations typically begin appearing in mid-November, transforming an already beautiful resort into something truly breathtaking.
This past Christmas marked my first visit since the Grand Floridian’s lobby refresh, and I have to say… Disney absolutely got it right.
The redesigned lobby feels brighter, more elegant and even more timeless than before. The soaring ceilings, gleaming chandeliers and classic Victorian architecture remain, but the refreshed furnishings make the entire space feel lighter and more inviting.
And then there’s the Christmas tree. Standing beneath that magnificent tree, surrounded by garlands dripping with twinkle lights, ornaments and ribbons, is one of those Disney moments that simply never gets old. The lobby practically glows.
One of my favorite holiday traditions is finding a comfortable chair and simply sitting for a while. The lobby pianist fills the air with Christmas music throughout the afternoon adn evening, and there is something incredibly peaceful about slowing down and soaking it all in.
This year, there was one more wonderful addition! The new Perch has quickly become one of my favorite spots at the resort. Grabbing a glass of champagne and enjoying it from the holiday lobby feels positively magical.
There are countless beautiful Disney resorts during the holidays. But for me, nothing compares to walking into the Grand Floridian lobby, hearing Christmas music drifting through the air, seeing that magnificent tree for the first time and thinking… Christmas has officially begun.
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