This version of the day flips the flow. Instead of starting at a resort, it begins at Disney Springs and builds outward. The result feels intentional, flexible, and perfectly suited for a holiday visit without a park ticket.
The timeline below assumes a relaxed pace and normal operating patterns for the 2025 holiday season.
Disney Springs: Ease Into the Holidays
Start the day at Disney Springs right around open, 10:00 AM. Crowds are lighter, music is already playing, and the holiday décor is fully visible.
The first priority is the Christmas Tree Stroll. Each tree represents a Disney story or franchise, and walking the route early lets you enjoy the details without congestion. This is atmosphere-first Disney, which sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Pick up a Christmas Tree Stroll map as soon as you arrive. The maps highlighting the location of each sparkling Christmas tree. You can get a map from the following locations:
- City Works Eatery & Pour House
- Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers
- Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company
- The LEGO Store
- The Luxury of Time by Diamonds International
As you complete the stroll, mark off each tree on the map. Once finished, return the completed map to a designated redemption location listed on the map. There, you’ll receive a small holiday-themed completer surprise. The prize changes from year to year, but the real reward is taking the time to slow down and notice the craftsmanship built into each tree.
Next, plan a stop at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. During the holidays, the location transforms with seasonal overlays and themed drinks. Jock Lindsey’s typically opens late morning, around 11:00 AM, making it a perfect first indoor stop. Even if you only grab one drink, and a snack, even better or Lunch. The holiday theming makes the stop worth the Visit.
Take time to notice any pop-up entertainment or seasonal décor throughout Disney Springs. Avoid rushing. Before leaving Disney Springs, consider grabbing Lunch. Springs offers one of the widest ranges of dining without needing a park ticket. For a quicker option, locations like Earl of Sandwich, Chicken Guy!, or a holiday-seasonal kiosk keep things moving. If you prefer a sit-down meal, The Boathouse, Wine Bar George, or Raglan Road provide a longer break before the afternoon stretch. Eating here anchors the day and avoids stacking too many food stops later.
After Lunch – Bus to the Contemporary Resort
From Disney Springs, take a Disney bus to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This transition keeps you inside the Disney transportation bubble while changing the scale of the day. It is also a tempting moment to play what some fans call “Disney Resort Bus Roulette” by hopping on the first bus with an open seat and seeing where it takes you. For a focused holiday tour, however, it is better to skip that idea this time. Save it for a future visit when you have more flexibility. For today, aim for a monorail resort, and specifically the Contemporary.
When you arrive, take a moment to check availability. Steakhouse 71 Lounge is located on the main floor, while the Castle Gingerbread Display and most other lounges are on the upper levels. Knowing what is open helps you plan the stop efficiently.
Head up to the fourth floor to see the Castle Gingerbread Display. In 2025, this is one of the headline gingerbread experiences on property. The display is massive and architectural, and it pairs perfectly with the motion of the monorail passing through the atrium.
After taking in the display, return to the main floor for a short stop at Steakhouse 71 Lounge. This is the best drink option here. It opens earlier than other lounges and offers a calm, mid-century setting. Whether you choose coffee or a cocktail, it works as a reset before moving on.
Monorail to the Polynesian
Board the monorail on the second floor and head to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Timing matters here.
If Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto has opened, put your name on the list as soon as you arrive. It typically opens around 3:00 PM, and the wait can build quickly. Get you name on the list, even if it’s hours long, it’s easy to circle back on the monorail. Be prepared to interupt your tour to return to Trader Sam’s.
Once your name is in, head upstairs to Tambu Lounge on the second floor. This is the relaxed alternative while you wait. It’s also one of the best bars on the monorail loop. Check out the full bar menu, but go for a Lapu Lapu, served in a pineapple, and/or a Back scratcher, and consider sharing an appetizer. The lounge overlooks the Great Ceremonial House and feels festive without being chaotic.
Monorail to the Grand Floridian
Continue the monorail loop to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. While the iconic gingerbread house is absent in 2025, the resort still delivers elegant holiday décor.
Make this stop about atmosphere and the new lobby bar, the Perch. The space reflects the resort’s refreshed design and offers a refined contrast to the Polynesian. Keep this visit short and intentional.
To Hollywood Studios for a ride on the Skyliner.
From the Grand Floridian, take a bus to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This is a transfer move, not a destination stop. At Hollywood Studios, follow signs to the Disney Skyliner, you’ll walk right past it after exiting the bus. Take the Skyliner to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and transfer lines toward Disney’s Riviera Resort. The signage is clear, and cast members are always available if needed.
A Quick Stop at the Riviera Resort
Exit the Skyliner at Disney’s Riviera Resort and slow the pace. The Riviera is one of Walt Disney World’s most thoughtfully designed resorts, and this stop is about more than just a drink.
Head upstairs to Topolino’s Terrace. Even if you are only visiting the bar area, the location delivers one of the best elevated views on property. Large windows frame the surrounding resorts, the outdoor terrace has views of the Epcot’s World Showcase, and great views for Fireworks – Could be a consideration to return.
This stop acts as a visual and emotional bridge between the monorail resorts and the EPCOT-area holiday circuit that follows.
Evening – EPCOT Area Gingerbread Circuit
Return to the Skyliner and ride to EPCOT. From there, make a right and head to the Epcot Resort Area, toward the Beach Club Resort.
The Holiday Carousel Gingerbread Display anchors this part of the night and is located in the lobby of Disney’s Beach Club Resort. In 2025, the carousel celebrates its 25th anniversary, making it a must-see. Take time to watch it spin and study the details.
Be sure to look around the lobby area near the carousel. This is where you’ll usually find holiday merchandise and specialty gingerbread treats available for purchase. Items change year to year, but this is one of the best spots on property to browse seasonal snacks while the display is right in front of you.
After the carousel, stay inside the Beach Club for a relaxed drink. Ale & Compass Lounge is the primary lounge here and works well in the evening. It is nautical, understated, and calm, making it a good contrast to the visual energy of the gingerbread display.
From there, walk next door to Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. The lobby is worth a pass-through for its darker, more subdued holiday décor. In 2025, the model holiday train display returns to the Yacht Club lobby, winding through a miniature winter village with bridges, buildings, and moving rail cars. It adds motion and nostalgia that contrasts nicely with the Beach Club’s gingerbread centerpiece.
Next, walk around the lake, or take the Friendship Boat from (the lighthouse stop) to the boardwalk.
At the BoardWalk, the AbracadaBar is an easy recommendation. It is themed, playful, and interesting. For something more refined, Cake Bake Shop is also a strong stop. And for something simpler, the Boardwalk Deli, or Pizza Window are always hits. Or maybe a Blue Ribbon Corn Dog or Pickle Dog makes for a fun, casual option.
Before leaving, stop in the BoardWalk lobby, second floor, to see the miniature gingerbread display. This display recreates the BoardWalk Deli and surrounding waterfront details in gingerbread form, scaled down but packed with detail. Look closely at the windows, signage, and trim work, which mirror the real BoardWalk architecture.
Night Cap – Animal Kingdom Lodge
From the BoardWalk area, either use a rideshare or take Disney transportation with a transfer. There is no direct bus from the BoardWalk resorts to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Instead, you have two reliable Disney transportation options. One option is to take a bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, then transfer to a bus bound for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Another option is to take a bus from the BoardWalk area back to Disney Springs and transfer there to a bus for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Both routes work well, depending on bus availability and your tolerance for transfers. This final stop shifts the energy of the day completely and works best later in the evening, when the resort feels quieter and more immersive.
Inside the lobby, the life-size baby gingerbread animals return for the 2025 holiday season. The display typically features Ginger, the baby giraffe, alongside a baby zebra and flamingo, all crafted from gingerbread, sugar dough, and modeling chocolate. The scale is impressive, but the charm is in the details. Textures, expressions, and subtle coloring make these displays feel playful rather than ornate. This is gingerbread storytelling with personality
Nearby, you’ll often find a small holiday menu tied to the display. Items vary year to year but usually include themed cookies, gingerbread treats, and specialty beverages inspired by the resort’s African influence. This is a good place for a final sweet or a non-alcoholic nightcap.
After viewing the display, step outside onto one of the savanna overlooks. Even after dark, animals are frequently visible, especially near the lighting along the grounds. Watching giraffes and zebras move quietly through the savanna is a striking contrast to the energy of the earlier stops and makes this a memorable way to slow the day down.
Ending the Day
From Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can return to Disney Springs by bus, use a rideshare, or circle back to a favorite resort.
There is no single right or wrong way to tour Walt Disney World during the holidays. This itinerary is a framework, not a rulebook. Some guests may want to head to the Polynesian earlier in the day to get on the Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto list, while others may skip Trader Sam’s entirely. You can change the order, linger longer in one area, skip Riviera, or time certain stops to catch fireworks views from resorts along the way.
Some nights, you may want to stay entirely on the monorail loop. Other times, the EPCOT-area resorts may take priority. You can even build your own version around gingerbread displays, lounges, or transportation alone.
That flexibility is the point. During the holidays, Walt Disney World rewards exploration beyond the parks. You can create your own adventure, follow your interests, and still feel fully immersed in the season—without ever needing a park ticket.
