Disney’s Contemporary Resort has added its holiday décor for the Walt Disney World season, including a giant Christmas tree in the courtyard and the return of its gingerbread castle.
The tree, positioned in front of the resort, is decorated with colorful shiny baubles and topped by a star. Guests will also find ornament-and-bow-trimmed garland at the porte-cochère, plus wreaths and garland around the lobby check-in area and a smaller tree near the front entrance.
The gingerbread castle is on the resort’s fourth floor beside Fantasia Market. Now in its 15th year, the edible display is made with real honey, sugar, eggs and chocolate. It has 15 hidden Mickeys, with the final one placed by a young guest on opening day, as well as a hidden five-legged goat.
This year’s castle does not use the Dream Lights-inspired lighting featured in past displays. Its towers instead have purple, gold and blue shingles, set against a snowy, starry backdrop with flat trees alongside. A PhotoPass photographer is frequently stationed in front of the display.
Although the castle is edible, it is not served to guests. Disney brings it to bees after the season to support repollination, according to WDWNT.
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A nearby kiosk sells holiday treats including a $6.79 Linzer cookie, $5.79 gingersnap cookie, $14.99 peppermint bark, $5.49 Mickey-shaped sugar cookie, $7.99 Mickey cinnamon roll, $11.79 gluten/wheat-friendly Gingerbread Mickey and $4.99 hot cocoa by Joffrey’s. Guests can add gingerbread or peppermint syrup for 50 cents, while adult add-ons include Bailey’s Original Irish Cream Liqueur and amaretto for $6.75 each or peppermint schnapps for $5.50.
The kiosk also offers a $24.99 Contemporary Resort ornament, a $24.99 limited-edition pin and a $21.99 limited-release pin representing this year’s gingerbread displays at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. Pastry chefs are scheduled to sign merchandise at the display next Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon.
