Each year as the holidays near, Walt Disney World resorts are decorated to celebrate the season. Disney Vacation Club resorts have some of the most lavish decorations! And Disney’s Contemporary Resort is usually home to some treasured holiday displays. In Christmases past, the Contemporary had a massive Mickey wreath on the side of the building that guests of Bay Lake Tower and monorail riders could enjoy. More recently, the resort hosted a royal gingerbread display of Cinderella Castle. Monorail loop resort hopping isn’t quite as extravagant this year but hopefully Disney will continue to rebuild as time goes on. There are still some iconic Christmas visuals at the resort and some new looks to discover in 2021.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort Christmas 2021
Photo credit @sparklynicole
In past years, the Contemporary featured one of the best displays with a Cinderella Castle made out of gingerbread and a treat kiosk nearby. The closest gingerbread display this year will be at another nearby DVC resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian, which is accessible by monorail. See what Grand Floridian Christmas 2021 looks like in our article. Disney’s Contemporary Resort Christmas 2021 has less to offer but is still delightful. The most exciting piece is the enormous Christmas tree outside the Contemporary. Just next to the convention center in between the resort’s flag poles is a colorful, glowing Christmas tree to welcome guests. This is one of the best Christmas trees at Walt Disney World Resort with its impressive height and beautiful lights.
Photo credit @SparklyNicole
Photo credit @SparklyNicole
In the Contemporary lobby there are trees and wreaths to celebrate the season. The newly refurbished front desks are also strung with glowing garlands. The Contemporary Resort got a complete makeover in 2021 with inspiration from Mary Blair’s colors and designs and showcases historic photos and art.
Photo credit @SparklyNicole
Photo credit @sparklynicole
Photo credit @SparklyNicole
On the fourth floor where guests can catch a monorail to Magic Kingdom, there are a few gift shops. Bayview Gifts, shown as BVG, has cute Christmassy, red window displays and even some glittery 50th anniversary decor. This shop also has Christmas treats and merchandise.
There is also a festive activity guests can enjoy for an additional cost. The Once Upon A Painting ceramic painting experience features a lighted gingerbread house this season. This crafty offering takes place in California Grill with fabulous views of Magic Kingdom which is an absolute bonus. Upon my visit, Once Upon A Painting was advertised at the cost $35 and it’s assumed everything you need, like paint and a brush, is included. It takes place on Mondays and Fridays from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. but you must arrive by 1:30 p.m. to participate. Guests check in on the second floor near the elevators. Seek information on your stay as these extras are based on availability and change from time to time.
Photo credit @sparklynicole
Photo credit @sparklynicole
Photo credit @SparklyNicole
Bay Lake Tower Christmas Decor
Over at the Disney Vacation Club building Bay Lake Tower there is a bit of Christmas magic as well. As for the Bay Lake Tower lobby, guests are greeted with lighted, decorated greens outdoors and unique, oversized ornaments just inside. The ornaments match the garlands inside the Bay Lake Tower lobby. There are also two large Christmas trees decorated with glitzy browns, golds and greenish blues of the same color.
For more seasonal magic, see our guide to Disney World Holiday Celebrations 2021. Guests of the Contemporary are also pretty close to another DVC resort with a majestic Christmas display. Take a peek at the Wilderness Lodge Christmas 2021 decorations in our article. From Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary guests can walk or take the monorail to Magic Kingdom then board the boat to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for more DVC Christmas magic.
