Desert Hotel isn’t just Walt Disney International’s #1 lodge at Christmas (even though it’s). It’s additionally the most productive holiday-time spot any place–parks or accommodations–in all of WDW. The decorations and tree are stunning and detailed, however that is in point of fact a question of the entire being greater than the sum of its portions. This publish showcases the wonderful thing about Desert Hotel decked out for Christmas. (Up to date December 25, 2024.)
Walt Disney International is now embellished for Christmas 2024 on the accommodations, with the Christmas tree and decor at Desert Hotel going up later than the parks in maximum years. This yr, the hotel was once absolutely embellished in a single day on November 20, which is in regards to the norm inside of a couple of days. This varies from year-to-year; even if the vacation season begins in mid-November, there are occasions when decorations and the icon tree aren’t up till the week of Thanksgiving.
The norm is for Desert Hotel’s Christmas decorations to move up someday all over the week between Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. Desert Hotel now not has a gingerbread space, and the ones accommodations are usually prioritized. Simply one thing to bear in mind for those who’re making plans forward for Christmas 2025 or past. That is but one more reason why our favourite week of the yr at Walt Disney International is after Thanksgiving!
From a making plans standpoint, any other factor to understand is that Desert Hotel is now house to 2 sorts of reimagined rooms. The primary of those debuted a few years in the past–the new-look lodge rooms at Desert Hotel. Extra not too long ago, Boulder Ridge was once redone–those new rooms brilliantly stability theme and modernizations.
Boulder Ridge is now house to my new #1 rooms at Walt Disney International. It’s a nice choice for those who’re making an allowance for renting DVC issues, which you must do through Might 2025 on the absolute newest if you wish to keep right here at Christmas 2025. The Copper Creek Villas will likely be redone in 2025, possibly completing up earlier than Christmas. The adjoining Disney Lakeshore Hotel is these days underneath development, however that paintings doesn’t affect Desert Hotel visitors–and the brand new hotel gained’t debut till 2027.
Should you’re debating the place to stick at Desert Hotel all over a Christmas 2025 go back and forth to Walt Disney International, we’d counsel giving sturdy attention to the Boulder Ridge Villas. For one more reason, apart from the superb reimagined rooms.
For the ones unfamiliar with Desert Hotel, those are in a separate development that’s a brief stroll from the principle foyer. The disadvantage, after all, is that you simply’re fairly farther clear of the eating places and facilities which can be within the foyer. We’re speaking an additional 2-3 mins, tops. The bus stops are between the principle development and Boulder Ridge, so there’s a robust probability your room will likely be nearer to these for those who keep at Boulder Ridge.
The large upside to Boulder Ridge is decrease crowds. All through our Christmas 2024 go back and forth, we spotted that Desert Hotel was once considerably busier than final yr, which was once busier than the yr earlier than that…and so forth. Phrase has gotten out about Desert Hotel “thank you” to posts like this (sorry), and it’s now a vacation spot hotel at Christmas. It’s no longer somewhat on par with Grand Floridian, nevertheless it’s noticeably busier than a decade in the past.
Even on evenings when the principle foyer of Desert Hotel was once bustling, we have been frequently the one visitors within the Boulder Ridge foyer and the Carolwood Pacific Railroad room (a must-see all over the vacation season). There was once abundant seating through the fireplaces, not like the principle development, and Boulder Ridge was once quiet. It was once easiest for a soothing respite from the iciness crowds at Walt Disney International.
This isn’t to mention the principle development at Desert Hotel is all the time busy all over the vacation season. It’s worse on weekends, nearer to Christmas, and all over the dinner rush. After about 9 pm it begins quieting down, and is non violent after 11 pm. We wouldn’t steer clear of long term remains in the principle development at Christmas, particularly in the event that they’re all that’s to be had or priced extra favorably. We’d simply attempt to ebook Boulder Ridge if conceivable.
What makes Desert Hotel so nice all over the vacations is the best way all of this melds in combination to create an atmosphere that’s absolutely transportive. Imagineering’s perfect paintings excels at taking visitors to another time and position, in addition to postponing disbelief. Yr around, that is one thing that Desert Hotel accomplishes, getting rid of visitors from the Florida swamps and losing them right into a grand hotel within the Pacific Northwest.
At Christmas, that feat is much more spectacular. No longer most effective are visitors transported to all over again and position, however they’re moved to any other season. While you talk over with Desert Hotel all over November or December, you aren’t simply getting into a flip of the century Nationwide Parks hotel set within the Pacific Northwest–you’re doing so on a chilly and snowy iciness day. (Editor’s Be aware: a lot of what follows can perfect be described as ‘outdated guy yells at cloud’ nonsense; please do your self a desire and benefit from the pictures whilst ignoring the textual content.)
Glance, I’m no longer going to be the only to inform Floridians that their model of Christmas isn’t actual; that all the premise of the vacation on this state sits on a throne of lies. I’ve discovered that Floridians are delicate about their state’s symbol, which is comprehensible given the selection of headlines with the phrases “Florida guy,” “bare,” and a few remarkable type of bizarre crime.
In reality, I can. Christmas in Florida is a lie. No disrespect to palm tress, sunshine, and the various summer-time issues at which Florida excels, however your winters are phony. You almost certainly already know that, even though, because the loss of all issues “iciness” is a part of Florida’s attraction.
Regardless, for many people, iciness is synonymous with Christmas; there’s a explanation why Walt Disney International accommodations to spraying cleaning soap on visitors all over Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Birthday celebration. That’s as a result of such things as snow, ice skating, and fireplaces are all a very powerful secondary signifiers of Christmas. For probably the most phase, this stuff aren’t ‘naturally’ going on in Florida.
As a local Michigander, there are some things that I can shield to my dying. First, the argument that the Detroit Lions were simply a few avid gamers clear of the Tremendous Bowl for the decade. 2nd, Tim Allen’s every so often doubtful occupation alternatives.
In spite of everything, that my youth model of Christmas is the “proper” one. You’ll most certainly glean as a lot from the sorry nature of that listing, however Michiganders don’t have a lot in the best way of bragging rights, so please simply give me this Christmas factor.
I’m no geographer, however even I understand that Michigan isn’t within the Pacific Northwest. Nonetheless, a lot of what Desert Hotel inspires can be similarly at house within the Higher Peninsula, so this isn’t a unconditionally loopy tangent.
The purpose that I’m attending to in an overly roundabout way is that Desert Hotel gives a twist on Christmas that can strike many visitors from northern states and Canada as a extra conventional Christmas.
The build-up would possibly learn lengthy and rambling, nevertheless it’s to underscore the most important level: while you input the entrance doorways of Desert Hotel, you allow Florida in each regard. It doesn’t topic if it’s 95º with oppressive humidity. Coming into the Hotel is like flipping a transfer, and inside of mins you’ll be cozied up through the hearth, toasting your toes and warming up with a cup of sizzling cocoa, positive that it’s chilly and snowy outdoor relatively than sizzling and humid.
Suffice to mention, Desert Hotel is the quintessential Walt Disney International Christmas hotel as it’s the one person who seems like Christmas. (It’s the season of the spirit.)
Past the atmosphere, the main points are beautiful and in point of fact evoke the spirit of a Northwoods Christmas. There are a selection of captivating pieces within the towering Christmas tree, from flickering teepees to crafted wooded area critters.
The variability of this stuff is fascinating. There are respectful nods to indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, in addition to more practical pieces with folksy appeal, like a squirrel made from twigs. Deer lanterns, wood owls perched on tree branches, and carved moose are only a handful of alternative explicit pieces that may be discovered within the iconic Christmas tree in Desert Hotel’s foyer.
Talking of moose, my absolute favourite element of Desert Hotel’s Christmas decorations is the wreaths decorated with moose antlers. “Embellished” is most certainly the flawed phrase, because the antler is the center piece with some evergreen trim round it. Regardless, I’ve all the time discovered moose to be considered one of nature’s maximum majestic creatures, and the huge unfold in their antlers is a huge explanation why.
Certainly one of my many horrible concepts for an HGTV house makeover display is me going round and “bettering” properties through the usage of moose antlers in all of my adorning. Should you suppose that will get outdated speedy, it sounds as if you’ve by no means watched HGTV. I’ve–frequently and in opposition to my will. It’s all “open thought” this and “crown molding” that. Slightly frankly, a display injecting antlers into the whole thing can be a breath of clean air.
Every other issues that impresses me in regards to the Christmas decorations at Desert Hotel is the number of them. What you’ll see in Whispering Canyon differs completely from Artist Level which differs completely from Territory Front room, and so forth and so on.
The little main points inside of each and every space of the hotel make stronger explicit nuances of that location’s theme, which is a in point of fact great contact, and makes the already ornate decorations all through Desert Hotel tackle but any other layer.
My favourite Desert Hotel process all over the vacations (or every time, for that topic) is sitting.
A round-up of my ‘favourite sits’ at Desert Hotel contains the rows of rocking chairs in entrance of the 82-foot hearth modeled after the rock strata of the Grand Canyon, the high-back chairs through the effervescent sizzling spring, and the comfortable sofa of the fourth ground alcove hearth.
The final of those is my favourite out of the best way lounging locale, but when there are folks in it, just about any of the alcoves overlooking the seven-story foyer will suffice.
Each and every of those spots is superb since you’ll have ambient noise–both the crackling hearth or effervescent water–to combine with the enjoyable background track for a tranquil vacation revel in.
This feeling of tranquility is essential. Christmas has grow to be the busiest season at Walt Disney International’s accommodations, in part in the case of occupancy, however extra so in the case of guests and visitors taking part in vacation foods.
When you’re unquestionably no longer getting a quiet, no-crowds revel in all over the center of the day when Whispering Canyon is hopping and visitors are checking out and in, it’s nonetheless a a long way cry from the circus on the Grand Floridian.
Later within the night time, the atmosphere at Desert Hotel is natural bliss. The comfortable background track this is muffled through noon crowds is apparent and each little element is ascertainable.
After about 11 p.m., the foyer clears out, and you’ve got where nearly fully to your self.
Should you’re doing our Self-Guided Xmas Excursion of Walt Disney International Resorts at Christmas, you sadly is not going to see Desert Hotel at its perfect. No longer most effective will you come across noon crowds, however your pictures of the Christmas tree can have a blue colour forged because of the herbal mild coming in during the atrium home windows.
Desert Hotel is so just right at Christmas that we propose a separate, night time go back and forth to talk over with it. Imagine doing dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe, which is the very best vacation dinner party with an open-air surroundings that permits you to benefit from the foyer Christmas Tree.
From round 10 p.m. till 1 a.m. is my favourite time at Desert Hotel. I’ll typically get started up within the alcoves previous at evening, running my approach down as Desert Hotel clears of visitors.
I’ve discovered myself nearly by myself within the foyer after middle of the night, an revel in I completely love. Take into consideration how eternally busy Walt Disney International is, and the way uncommon it’s to have anyplace devoid of visitors…it’s a unique revel in.
Something you can not fail to remember when visiting or staying at Desert Hotel is the Boulder Ridge development. Situated a brief stroll from the principle foyer (go out over through the present store and arcade), Boulder Ridge is the separate Disney Holiday Membership development. Alternatively, you do not want to be a DVC member or staying on this development to step within.
I’m an enormous fan of Boulder Ridge as a complete. It’s an overly brief stroll away, however tucked away simply sufficient that it will get about 10% (or much less) of the visitors as the principle foyer. In consequence, it’s a lot quieter and extra tranquil. Probably the most rooms at Boulder Ridge in point of fact put the barren region into the hotel, with balcony perspectives of not anything however timber.
The typical spaces of Boulder Ridge additionally deserve their due, each all over Christmas and all the time. Whilst understandably overshadowed through the grandiose major atrium, there’s a ton of element and beauty within the foyer of Boulder Ridge. There are a number of little nooks and crannies, secluded seating spaces providing fireplaces and comfy seating.
Particularly, the Carolwood Pacific Railroad Room is likely one of the hidden gem stones in all of Walt Disney International. This space can pay nice homage to the American West and the golden age of railroad trip–and is a gorgeous tribute to Walt Disney himself. And all of this will get embellished for Christmas with garland, wreaths, or even a medium-sized tree within the foyer. No, it’s no longer on par with the icon Christmas tree in the principle foyer, but if paired with the seclusion and serenity…it’s arguably simply as just right of an revel in. In all probability higher at positive instances of day!
Even if I like the principle development (particularly overdue at evening and early within the morning), it’s a tad too raucous and loud all over height hours. That’s seldom the case at Boulder Ridge. There’s nearly all the time a secluded spot through a fire or an overstuffed chair the place you’ll calm down with a ebook or pc to do a little paintings. Suffice to mention, don’t sleep on Boulder Ridge at Christmas–any talk over with to Desert Hotel must also come with a prevent right here (and a pleasing “take a seat” through the hearth within the Carolwood Pacific Railroad Room).
Listed below are extra pictures that extra succinctly “give an explanation for” why Desert Hotel is Walt Disney International’s perfect position at Christmas:
Anyway, I may just wax sentimental about Desert Hotel for a couple of thousand extra phrases, but when my phrases (or, much more likely, pictures) haven’t already conveyed what a unique position this lodge is at Christmas-time, no quantity of rambling goes to do the trick.
Suffice to mention, Desert Hotel isn’t just the most productive hotel all over the vacations–it’s my favourite position in all of Walt Disney International all over the Christmas season. Simplest Primary Side road with the “snow” falling all over Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Birthday celebration is shut, and I’ll nonetheless take Desert Hotel.
For complete pointers for making plans your Christmas go back and forth to Walt Disney International, take a look at our Final Information to Christmas at Walt Disney International. For Walt Disney International go back and forth making plans pointers and complete recommendation, be sure to learn our Walt Disney International Shuttle Making plans Information and comparable articles.
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you recall to mind Desert Hotel at Christmas? Is it the best possible position at Walt Disney International all over the vacation season? What’s your favourite factor about Desert Hotel this time of yr? Any questions we will mean you can solution? Listening to your comments is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please percentage your ideas underneath within the feedback!
