The Top 5 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at the Walt Disney World Resort

It's the holiday season at the Walt Disney World Resort and it just might be the most magical time of the year! The theme parks are decking their halls and the gingerbread displays are going up several resorts and it's all so exciting! We're even a full week into celebrating Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!

How do you celebrate the holidays at Walt Disney World?

There are so many fun and festive things happening at the Walt Disney World Resort during the holiday season that it can be a bit overwhelming if you try to do it all. Sure, there are the "big ticket" events that everyone wants to do like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, but what about the other holiday "stuff"? Well, we're going to talk about that today: the other holiday stuff you can't miss.

If you're looking for a brand-new holiday dining event we suggest making reservations for Minnie's Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine in Disney's Hollywood Studios. This holiday meal is part of the new Minnie's Seasonal Dine and right now Minnie is celebrating the holidays with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Santa Goofy.

Minnie Mouse in her holiday best at Minnie's Holiday Dine

Minnie's Holiday Dine is a buffet dinner featuring seasonal items including Winter Kale Salad, Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, and even Pumpkin Ravioli. Our friends at the Disney Food Blog have a full review of Minnie's Holiday Dine! If you're making plans to dine with Minnie we recommend making Advance Dining Reservations. On January 4 Minnie will start hosting a celebration of Hollywood!

A highlight of any holiday trip to the Walt Disney World Resort has to be seeing Cinderella Castle decorated in sparkling lights. Last year the lighting of the Castle was done by none other than Queen Elsa (of course). And this year guests can once again enjoy A Frozen Holiday Wish each night at the Magic Kingdom.

A Frozen Holiday Wish at the Magic Kingdom

Regardless of how you feel about Frozen overload, A Frozen Holiday Wish is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and see Cinderella Castle transformed into a shimmering ice palace. Be sure to check the daily times guide for showtimes.

Another great way to celebrate the holidays at the Magic Kingdom is taking a cruise on the Jingle Cruise. That's right, once again this year the Jungle Cruise Skippers are homesick for their holiday traditions from home so they've decided to deck the halls with homemade decorations and more.

Celebrate the holidays on the Jingle Cruise

The boats have also been given holiday-themed names and guests should be ready for all-new holiday jokes from the Skippers.

One of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit is to visit the hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort. Not only will you get a chance to see some incredible gingerbread displays at the Contemporary, Disney's Grand Floridian, Disney's BoardWalk Inn, and Disney's Beach Club but you'll also see some great themed trees and more.

2014 gingerbread display at Disney's Contemporary Resort

This year's gingerbread display at the Contemporary is a Frozen-themed display (like last year's). The Grand Floridian gingerbread house is up and almost ready for visitors too! The resort hotels are starting to decorate too and soon the trees and garland will be decorating the lobbies. One of our favorite trees is located at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. It just makes the lobby that much more magical!

When you're visiting the hotels take some time to check out the trees. You'll find beach-themed trees at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and African-inspired ornaments on the tree at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

The 2014 Christmas tree at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

And of course no holiday visit to Disney World is complete without holiday food! This year you'll find a delicious array of treats at all the theme parks. If you're not quite ready for Christmas we suggest tracking down a Thanksgiving Cupcake at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The pumpkin cupcake with maple frosting is the perfect Turkey Day treat. You'll also find holiday cupcakes, cookies, ice cream and more at the theme parks as the season continues.

Thanksgiving cupcake at Disney';s Hollywood Studios

What is your favorite way to celebrate the holidays at the Walt Disney World Resort? Let us know in the comments.

Many thanks to the Disney Food Blog and the WildernessLodgeSite.com for use of their photos.