Last week, we reported the news that the large gingerbread display at Disney’s Grand Floridian would be retiring, replaced with new miniature holiday displays throughout the resort. Disney has since released an official statement on the change. According to Disney, the decision was made to help keep the resort’s lobby moving smoothly for hotel guests, with the official update noting that the traditional large gingerbread house will not be offered this year in order to keep the lobby flowing for resort guests.
The tradition dates all the way back to 1999, and for over two decades it has been one of the most magical holiday stops at Walt Disney World. Each year, the resort’s pastry team crafted a jaw-dropping 14-foot-tall gingerbread structure using thousands of pieces of gingerbread along with hundreds of pounds of honey, flour, and sugar, with the entire process taking more than 500 hours of baking and nearly 480 hours of decorating. The display celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024. Last year it was absent due to lobby renovations, and many fans were hoping it would make its triumphant return once construction wrapped up. Unfortunately, that is not going to happen.
The good news is that the Grand Floridian will not be completely without sweet holiday spirit this year. Disney says the culinary team will create miniature gingerbread displays featured throughout the resort, though specific details have not yet been shared. And if you are a fan of gingerbread magic at other Disney resorts, you are in luck. The Contemporary, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, and Animal Kingdom Lodge will all still have their gingerbread displays, and the fan-favorite Spaceship Earth gingerbread presentation is set to return for EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. The 2026 Walt Disney World holiday season kicks off November 13 and runs through January 6, with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jollywood Nights, and more festive events on the calendar.
Are you sad to see the Grand Floridian gingerbread house skipped again this year, or are you excited to see what the new miniature displays will look like? Let us know in the comments!
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