Talk to almost any park-goer about the best time of year to visit Disney, and you tend to get one of two answers: Halloween or Christmas. The tendency to favor these holidays may come from sentimentality, or perhaps the fact that many Disney fans, including us here at Leisure Mouse, REALLY like both holidays. Another, possibly more likely, reality is that Disney does it UP for both Spooky Season and Yuletide. The Disney holiday experience includes special parties, “once a year only” overlays, extravagant desserts and decorations galore. Even the characters start popping out in their holiday best. What’s not to love about special events, shows, food, fireworks and Minnie is a special holiday costume?!

While fans in the Fall and Winter camps may argue about which holiday season reigns supreme, it is hard to refute the fact that Christmas at Disney Parks is nothing short of magical. Each year in November, Christmas music literally fills the air as the parks and surrounding resorts begin to transform into winter wonderlands. Though each of the Disney Parks get into the spirit, with 4 theme parks and more than 25 resort properties nearby, Walt Disney World arguably is the Disney holiday destination. Not only is each park fully decked out, but many of the resorts get into it too, with the hallmark of each location being the park’s/resort’s unique Christmas tree.

Whether towering stories high at the front gates, or hidden in the corner of a lobby, WDW Christmas trees are as unique as their locations. Each one has a particular personality that makes it fit right into the place it calls home. All of the Christmas trees around the property are beautiful in their own right, but passers-by can’t help but to pick out their favorites. Since Leisure Mouse loves a good ranking exercise, here is our list (checked it twice) of the top 10 Christmas Trees on WDW property.

#10

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

You may be surprised to see this tree landing in the Top 10, but sometimes understated and/or unknown art deserves some time in the sun. What makes the tree at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort so special is not it’s size (its probably only 10 feet tall) nor its prominent location (this one sits off in a corner of the lobby area). What gives this tree its spot on the list is the vibrancy and light that covers its branches. Brilliant ornaments, luxurious flowers and exotic feathers cresting the top. Yet in spite of its exuberance, it also reminds guests of something you’d see in someone’s home: cozy and warm and just begging to be surrounded by friends and family. And if this beauty isn’t enough, there are several other exotically decorated smaller trees dotted around the lobby. The more the merrier, right?

#9

Disney’s Grand Floridian

Having the tree from the Grand Floridian listed so far down on the list may raise some eyebrows. After all, this 4 story giant is undeniably beautiful. It is decorated to the nines and placed prominently in the resort’s grand lobby. The theming is quite traditional, fitting right into the Victorian vibe of the Grand Floridian. Sure, it is opulent and buzzing with Holiday lavishness, but the reason it doesn’t make it further up this Top 10 list is, aside from its size, there isn’t much unique about it. Don’t get us wrong, though. This tree is a gorgeous spectacle and exactly what one might expect from a tree at the Grand Floridian, which is why many guests consider this number 1 on their own lists.

#8

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is dripping with nostalgia even when its not decked out for Christmas, bringing guests back to the golden age of Hollywood as they enter the gates and make their way down Hollywood or Sunset Boulevards or take a stroll around Echo Lake. Throw is some mid-century Christmas decorations and guests feel like they are instantly transported to another time or right into the set of a classic Christmas movie. Hollywood Studios’ tree displays all that tradition, covered in candy canes, bows and glittering gold garland that you could almost swear came out of grandma’s attic. The only thing that is missing is that just around the corner from the tree is an entire other world full of aliens and spaceships. This tree needs some hidden Wookiees!

#7

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort doesn’t have the largest tree, but it may be one of the most photographed trees at WDW. Why? Because it’s covered in boats, of course! If you were to describe this tree to someone, it would probably sound a little silly. Yet, the Yacht Club’s tree is far from it. Boats of different shapes and sizes are nestled perfectly into the branches of the tree as if they were sailing in a sea of evergreen. The vessels are certainly what makes the tree unique, but they fit right into the aquatic themed beauty of this Deluxe resort.

#6

The American Adventure Pavilion

It is no secret that The American Adventure pavilion at EPCOT is not a Leisure Mouse favorite (we will leave that conversation for another post). In spite of those feelings, the majestic tree in the pavilion is top notch and deserves its place high on this list. Decked out with poinsettia garland, giant red and white-striped bows, and Christmas balls in patriotic red, white & blue, the American Adventure tree is really a highlight of the far end of the World Showcase.

#5

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The Christmas tree at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park is downright charming. Animal masks can be seen peeping out from in between snowflakes, stars and other ornaments made to look like they were fashioned from pieces of tied-together wood. Characters from Winnie the Pooh hang out among the giant presents nestled beneath the tree, and not-so-hidden Mickey’s ornaments are just waiting to be discovered. While this tree is gorgeous at night, it is worth catching a glimpse during the day so you can see all the details that went into the theming with this one.

#4

Wilderness Lodge

The tree at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is one of the icons of WDW Christmas decorations. Much like its counterparts at several other Deluxe Resorts on WDW property, this massive tree resides in the resort lobby, towering high into the rafters and begging to be posted to Instagram. Something about how the tree is situated in its surroundings will make you instantly forget that it is probably 75 degrees outside and have you yearning for a roaring fireplace and a cozy cup of hot chocolate. Even if you aren’t staying onsite at the Lodge, it is worth making a trip to just sit in one of the oversized wooden chairs and let visions of sugarplums dance right on through your head.

#3

EPCOT

EPCOT during the holidays is a special place. They way the different pavilions in the World Showcase, for lack of a better word, showcase the holiday traditions across different cultures is truly unique. However, it is EPCOT’s main Christmas tree, located where World Celebration meets the World Showcase, that seems to bring it all together. Christmas ball ornaments decorated with the flags of countries from the Showcase and banners carrying a message of “Happy Holidays” in numerous languages remind onlookers that the tree is meant to evoke a feeling of togetherness. In addition to its timeless decor, what is unique about EPCOT’s tree is its location. Standing proudly in the center of the park, rather than at the entrance gates or off to one side, means you can get a glimpse of this majestic tree from almost anywhere in the park.

#2

Magic Kingdom

Nearly as iconic as the park itself, the Magic Kingdom’s Christmas tree greets guests as soon as they enter the park and cross beneath the railroad station. Located right beside the “Sharing the Magic” statue of Roy Disney and Minnie Mouse, the Magic Kingdom tree reflects all the feels that people get from the Magic Kingdom. As an idealized version of real life, the tree is decorated with oversize candles and strings of popcorn. The effect makes guests feel as if it may be a real sized tree seen through the eyes of a child. Something about how it sits at the end of Main Street USA, which is also decorated in a surreal yet homey way, makes anyone who sees it feel like they have truly come home for the Holidays.

#1

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House

Displayed prominently in the lobby of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House is a tree like none other. Several stories high, it is similar in size to those trees found in some other Deluxe Resorts. It most closely resembles the tree at Wilderness Lodge, a bright Christmas beacon in the center of a grand lobby meant to mimic the lodges found in the wildest of places. Not surprisingly, it also has a similar vibe to the tree just down the road at Animal Kingdom theme park. Yet, the Jambo House tree is different. Covered in yellow-orange and white lights and decorated with animal-face masks, instruments, elaborately carved wooden Christmas balls and other hidden gems, the tree feels exotic but familiar. Even in the daylight, it gives off a soft and welcoming glow, like that of a campfire. The highly polished floors of the lobby act as mirrors, intensifying the light and creating a feeling that the tree fills the massive space with a big Christmas hug. It is that monumental sense of Holiday cheer evoked by the Jambo House tree that makes it #1 in Leisure Mouse’s book.

Do you have a favorite Disney Christmas tree or decoration? Whatever your answer, wishing you and yours a joyous and bright Holiday season.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

#10