Credit: Disney / edited by Inside the MagicThe holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort is shaping up to be one of the most crowded in recent memory. With special events on the calendar, attraction refurbishments underway, and a surge in holiday travelers, even the most magical place on Earth is gearing up for some very real challenges.
But here’s the thing—while everyone else scrambles to secure a room at the most in-demand hotels, one overlooked corner of Disney might just be the secret to a stress-free holiday stay.
Disney at Christmas: A Season Like No Other
There’s something special about walking down Main Street, U.S.A., during the holidays. The garlands, wreaths, and twinkling lights instantly transport you into a festive storybook setting.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party turns Magic Kingdom Park into a winter wonderland with snow flurries, special parades, character meet-and-greets, and exclusive holiday treats. Over at EPCOT, the International Festival of the Holidays fills the park with global celebrations and the beloved Candlelight Processional.
Holiday magic isn’t just in the parks—it’s woven throughout the entire resort. Every hotel has its own decorations, trees, and themed activities. It’s enchanting, but it’s also expensive and chaotic if you don’t plan carefully. And with this year’s ongoing construction projects, those pricey deluxe stays might not feel quite as luxurious as they sound.
Disney Hotels Are in Transformation Mode
This Christmas season, Walt Disney World Resort is in full transformation mode. Disney is working on major upgrades and refurbishments at several of its most popular resorts. While these improvements are exciting in the long run, they can create noise, limited access to certain amenities, and extra stress during a time when crowds are already at their peak.
Guests booking their holiday trips this year may not be fully aware that construction can affect everything from pool access to dining options. And when you’re paying top-tier prices, the last thing you want is to spend your vacation dodging construction walls and rerouted walkways.
Grand Floridian Gets a Holiday Glow-Up (and Some Headaches)
The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is undergoing a significant, long-term refurbishment. On paper, it sounds dreamy—fresh new rooms, modernized amenities, and elevated experiences. But during the holidays, this could be a double-edged sword.
The Grand Floridian is one of Disney’s crown jewels, famous for its towering Christmas tree and the life-sized gingerbread house in the lobby. While the decorations will still be stunning, the experience may feel different this year.
Certain areas of the resort are currently under construction, and guests may experience extra noise or limited access to specific parts of the resort. For many families, spending top dollar to stay there can take some of the shine off a holiday getaway.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Refurbishments Add Another Layer
It’s not just the Grand Floridian. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is also undergoing refurbishment work, with room and exterior updates taking place across the resort. Known for its breathtaking savanna views and immersive atmosphere, this deluxe resort is typically a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the parks.
But this holiday season, some of that serenity may be interrupted by work happening onsite. It’s not a dealbreaker for some guests, but if your priority is a calm, hassle-free stay, it’s worth factoring in.
Why Value Resorts Might Be the Smartest Move This Year
Disney’s more luxurious resorts are facing noisy construction and unpredictable disruptions. We didn’t even list all the resorts going through changes! The value resorts are operating as usual. No cranes. No blocked-off pools. No rerouted hallways. Just straightforward accommodations and an easy place to rest your feet after a busy day in the parks.
Value resorts may not have the grand lobbies or signature dining that deluxe resorts boast, but they’re clean, fun, and most importantly—affordable. Choosing one of these resorts this holiday season could save you hundreds (or even thousands) while sparing you the construction chaos.
Pop Century Resort: Retro Fun Without the Fuss
Disney’s Pop Century Resort is often a fan favorite among families seeking a budget-friendly stay. With its colorful, nostalgic theming and easy access to the Disney Skyliner, Pop Century blends convenience and charm in a way that just works.
Guests can hop on the Skyliner and be at EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios in minutes. During the holidays, this is a game-changer. While other guests are stuck in crowded bus lines, you can glide above it all and head straight to the festivities.
Art of Animation Resort: Holiday Magic for Families
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is another value resort that often flies under the radar for holiday stays. Its immersive theming—celebrating beloved Disney and Pixar films—makes it a hit with kids, but it’s also surprisingly peaceful.
The family suites here are ideal for larger groups who want to stay together without paying deluxe prices. The lobby decorations get a holiday touch, and since it’s also connected to the Skyliner, transportation is a breeze. If you’re traveling with kids or extended family, this is one of the smartest value picks on the property.
All-Star Resorts: Budget-Friendly and Simple
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort offer some of the lowest room rates at Walt Disney World, and they’ve recently received some nice updates. These resorts don’t have the extra bells and whistles of a deluxe, but they make up for it in simplicity and value.
During the busiest holiday weeks, these resorts tend to feel a bit more laid-back. And while they rely on buses for transportation, that can actually work in your favor—less competition for Skyliner access and often less crowding than you’d find at the Monorail resorts.
Disney Springs Hotels: A Smart Off-the-Radar Option
If you want to stay close to the magic but prefer to avoid the price tags and construction headaches, the Disney Springs area hotels are a solid choice. These partner hotels are affiliated with Disney, which means guests can still enjoy perks such as early park entry and complimentary transportation to the parks.
They’re typically cheaper than onsite Disney resorts, and because they’re not at the center of the holiday rush, they often have more availability. Additionally, being steps away from Disney Springs means easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment without having to contend with park crowds.
Go Smart, Not Flashy
This holiday season, many guests will flock to Disney’s most famous hotels without realizing how much construction and noise could impact their stay. But the savviest travelers will look in another direction—toward the value resorts and Disney Springs hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and calm at a fraction of the cost.
Whether it’s the retro fun of Pop Century, the family charm of Art of Animation, the simplicity of the All-Star resorts, or the smart offsite perks of Disney Springs hotels, these overlooked stays might just be the best holiday hack of the year.
Sometimes, the most innovative way to do Disney isn’t about going big—it’s about going smart. And this year, that might just mean skipping the luxury chaos and embracing a quieter, more budget-friendly kind of magic.