One of my favorite things to do at Disneyland during the holidays is to take a walk around the resort hotels. While most people stop to take photos of the Christmas tree on Main Street, few realize that there are some gorgeous trees and Christmas lights at the hotels as well.
Disney’s Grand Californian hotel always has an elaborate holiday decoration display in the main lobby. Santa often visits with the children and, near the main fireplace, the employees will read Christmas stories to guests. There is a small bar to the side of the main lobby where you can grab a glass of wine, and then relax in one of the many overstuffed chairs near the Christmas tree.
Disney’s Paradise Pier hotel often has a surf or beach themed Christmas tree in its lobby. It is fun to see how Disney decorates each of the hotels differently and there are often lots of hidden details in the decorations. Sea shells and other nautical elements are used in the decor. It is a distinctly beach themed Christmas at the hotel and a great place to grab a photo.
The Disneyland Hotel has a classic Disney approach to its decor. There are several Christmas trees around the hotel property, with the main lobby having the most elaborate display. It is simply beautiful and a delight to walk around at night.
If you are staying at the hotels around the holidays you can actually order a Christmas tree and decorations for your room. This comes at a cost, of course, but Disney has an entire department dedicated to this special service. You’ll need to place the order at the time of your reservation (as this is a very popular service). At the end of your stay, the decorations and the artificial tree can be boxed up and sent home as a keepsake of your visit.
Check out this video of the decorations at the three hotels. Disney usually sets up the decorations in November and leaves them up through the first week in January, so there is plenty of time to check out the special decor.
Photo via Snowqueenie82
