Gingerbread displays at Walt Disney World

have become such an exciting part of the holiday celebrations that guests can literally plan an entire day around seeing them all. (We even include some tips on how to do so in our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Holidays!)

And it is not hard to see why! Gingerbread is done bigger and better at the Disney Resorts, with literally HUNDREDS of pounds of ingredients being shaped and engineered — you might even say “imagineered” —  in unbelievable ways that you just have to see with your own eyes!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

At the Grand Floridian Resort, guests can gawk at a life-sized Holiday Gingerbread House! Construction on this annual tradition — in it’s 19th year for 2017 — began in early November (the pic below is from this week!). Completion is expected by mid-month.

The Bake Shop at the resort uses a traditional Austrian recipe for their gingerbread houses, cookies, and ornaments which are sold by Cast Members working INSIDE the House. And if you want to sharpen your own gingerbread house making skills, be sure to catch a decorating demo — held in front of the House daily!

Guests can also purchase the official 2017 Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Pin. Though the collectible pin pictured below features Remy, the 2017 Pin will picture the Penguins from Mary Poppins!

Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

The Yacht and Beach Club Resorts pull out aaaaalllll the seaside stops with their annual life-size Holiday Carousel. And friends, this can not be missed!

For this, the edible Carousel’s 18th year, Lilo and Stitch-themed horses will rest aside hand-painted characters, snowmen, and snowflakes, along with 18 Hidden Mickeys to celebrate the Carousel’s 18th year. See if you can spot them all as the Carousel spins!

It’s so much fun for kids and kids at heart! Find your Lilo and Stitch Holiday Carousel Pin here this year!

And remember this tip: though you’ll find gingerbread treats in the same area of the Gingerbread Displays in all the other Resorts, the Yacht & Beach Club typically sells theirs in the Beach Club Marketplace just down the hallway from the Carousel. This is important, because once you sniff all that gingerbread in the air surrounding the Carousel, you’re not going to want to walk away without some for yourself!

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

This Mary Blair-style gingerbread set has featured our favorite Frozen friends for the past few years. But in 2017, guests will see a whole new gingerbread world — and it’s fairy tale perfect! The theme this year is Cinderella  Castle in “it’s a small world style,” and will depict Cinderella and her very own Prince Charming! Here it is in progress!

The Contemporary’s gingerbread display can be viewed on the fourth floor of the resort — relocated to the Resort’s large A-frame window this year — and will be 18 feet tall! The display will require thousands of gingerbread pieces, modeling chocolate, and rolled fondant.

Don’t forget to look for the Hidden Mickeys!

Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs

Now, you’re going to need to add a stop on your Gingerbread Tour this year, because Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs is bringing an all-new display to the scene this year! Their gingerbread display will represent the backstory of Disney Spring’s Town Center neighborhood. Expect to see icons from the shopping and dining district…

… and be on the lookout for one hidden heart!

Elsewhere at Walt Disney World Resort

Tusker House Restaurant, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The Gingerbread Display inside Animal Kingdom’s Tusker House is in its second year and depicts a three-foot-long African-inspired marketplace.

The display uses 25 pounds of dark chocolate!

The American Adventure Pavilion, Disney’s Epcot 

If you’re looking for an American icon in gingerbread form, visit the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase during Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays.

This patriotic display features the United States Capitol Building as the centerpiece. Look for six Hidden Mickeys within the scene.

Board Walk Inn and Villas

Board Walk Inn may be bringing back its Gingerbread Activities from 2016! Activities included gingerbread house designing at the Gingerbread Academy! So fun!

In 2016, the BoardWalk opted for a bit of a twist on the larger-than-life Gingerbread tradition.

Instead, the Resort’s Pastry Chefs created individual houses themed to their choosing.

And it’s the Pastry Chefs putting together each and every Gingerbread Display for 2017 that we have to thank for such a fun, tasty, and aromatic Holiday Tradition at Walt Disney World! Trust us when we tell you each and every year that these Gingerbread Houses and Displays are not to be missed!

What’s your favorite Disney holiday memory or experience? Tell us all about it in the comments!