Most “Christmas Resort Hopping” guides are written for adults who want to drink festive cocktails and admire Victorian shingle siding. As a mom, I am still one of those adults but most times, I need to modify it so that my toddler has fun too (and my wife and I keep our sanity). Toddlers do not care about Victorian shingles. They care about trains, running in circles, and snack bribery.
If you try to do the classic “7 Resort Gingerbread Tour” with a toddler, you will end up with a crying child in a gingerbread-scented lobby. I’ve been there. Toddlers need to move, parents need easy bathrooms for potty breaks or diaper changes, and they need “wow” moments that don’t involve standing still.
Here are 4 specific “Christmas Loops” that I would recommend for the under-3 crowd. They minimize stroller time and maximize play.
Epcot Resort Loop
As a mom, I have a new found appreciation for the resorts between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Boardwalk Villas has always been one of my favorites, but in the past few years, even more so.
Getting There: Park at Hollywood Studios and you can take a 15 minute walk or the skyliner. Or you can park at Disney Springs and take a resort bus to Boardwalk Resort
The Toddler Draw:
- Beach Club Resort: The Gingerbread display here isn’t a house—it’s a functioning Gingerbread Carousel with chocolate horses. It actually spins. Toddlers will watch this for 10 minutes straight.
- Yacht Club Resort: Next door (walkable), they have a massive Holiday Train Village. It has moving trains, little mountains, and tiny people. It is usually at eye-level for a stroller-bound kid.
The “Get the Wiggles Out” Spot:
- The Green: The Boardwalk has a large, grassy lawn (Village Green) right in the middle. Let them run circles here.
- The Beach: The Beach Club and Yacht Club share a sand beach. Bring a cheap plastic shovel. You don’t need to swim; just let them dig in the sand for 20 minutes.
Mom Hack:
- The Boardwalk Bakery (Boardwalk Deli) is right there for a coffee/pastry break. There are benches everywhere.
Cocktail Tips:
BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas (The Walk-Up Kiosk)
- Why it’s great for Moms: It’s a kiosk. You roll up with the stroller, order, and keep walking. No doors, no tables, no fuss.
- The Holiday Special:Winter Berry Freeze.
- What is it? A frozen blend of cranberry and POG juice (Passion Fruit, Orange, Guava) topped with whipped cream and a chocolate gingerbread man.
- The “Mom” Version: Ask to spike it with Captain Morgan Spiced Rum.
- The “Cozy” Option:Frozen Hot Cocoa with Baileys, Peppermint Schnapps, or Amaretto.
- Toddler Bonus: You can order a virgin one for the toddler (ask for it without the candy cane garnish if it’s a choking hazard, or just spoon feed them the whipped cream).
Martha’s Vineyard Lounge (Beach Club)
- The Holy Grail Drink:The Gingerbread Martini.
- What is it? Grey Goose Vodka, RumChata, and gingerbread spice with a rim of crushed gingerbread cookies.
- Why go here? This lounge is usually dead quiet in the early evening.
- Toddler Distraction: While you sip, walk them into the Beach Club lobby to see the Gingerbread Carousel. It spins, it smells like chocolate, and it buys you at least 15 minutes of awe.
Animal Kingdom Lodge Loop
Best for: Animal lovers and parents who want a “one-stop” easy outing.
Getting There: Make a reservation and have dinner at one of the restaurants at the resort so that you can park your car, or take a bus from Disney Springs.
This is the low-stress champion. You don’t need to hop around; you just go to Animal Kingdom Lodge (Jambo House).
The Toddler Draw:
- The Tree: It’s massive, but the real draw is the Gingerbread Giraffe and Zebra. They are life-sized (toddler life-sized) and much more interesting to a 2-year-old than a house.
- The Animals: Walk out the back of the lobby to the viewing areas. There are guides, zebras, and giraffes. It’s a free zoo.
The “Get the Wiggles Out” Spot:
- There is a playground! The Hakuna Matata Playground is located near the pool area (downstairs and outside). It overlooks the flamingo pond and savannah. It is a legitimate dry playground where they can climb and slide.
Diaper/Potty Situation:
- The lobby restrooms are huge, clean, and usually empty during the day.
Mom Hack:
- Mobile order “Zebra Domes” from The Mara (quick service) and eat them at the playground while your kid plays.
Cocktail Tips:
Holiday Featured Cocktail (Typically at Sanaa)
- The primary holiday-specific cocktail you can often find at Animal Kingdom Lodge (specifically at Sanaa) is the: Holiday Fruitcake Old-Fashioned
- Description: A festive twist on a classic, made with Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, Hella Cocktail Co. Apple Blossom Bitters, cranberry, lemon, and a sprig of rosemary.
- This drink offers a warm, spiced, and fruity flavor profile that is perfect for the season.
The Monorail Loop
Best for: Kids who are obsessed with transportation.
Getting There: Park at Magic Kingdom or you can take a Disney Springs Bus to one of the resorts (Grand Floridian, Contemporary, or Polynesian)
The Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian is famous, but it’s crowded. Use the Monorail as the attraction.
The Itinerary:
- Park at the Ticket & Transportation Center (or your resort) and ride the Monorail.
- Stop 1: Contemporary Resort. Why? Because the Monorail goes inside the building. Also, their Gingerbread display is usually Mary Blair/It’s a Small World themed (very colorful and kid-friendly).
- Stop 2: Grand Floridian. See the big house, yes, but the real pro tip is to walk outside towards the water. There is a long stretch of white sandy beach. Let them run on the sand.
- Stop 3: Polynesian Resort. Go here for lunch (Capt. Cook’s has toddler-friendly noodles). The lobby has a smaller tree, but plenty of room to roam.
The “Get the Wiggles Out” Spot:
- The sandy beaches at the Poly and Grand Floridian are your best bet. There are no “playgrounds” right at the main buildings, but the open lawns and sand are perfect for burning energy.
This is the best time of year for a Monorail Loop crawl! The resorts are decked out with massive gingerbread displays and Christmas trees. The key is finding those quick, walk-up counters that don’t require reservations and are easy with a toddler.
Here are the Christmas-themed cocktail and family-friendly walk-up suggestions for your festive Monorail Loop:
The Monorail Loop Cocktail Guide
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (The Classic Christmas Stop)
The Grand Floridian is the epicenter of holiday decor, featuring the famous life-size Gingerbread House.
| For the Adults | For the Toddler & Family | Location | Walk-Up Vibe |
| Gingerbread Martini (Ask if available at the bar counter.) | Gingerbread Shingle or Peppermint Bark | Gingerbread House Booth (Lobby) | Walk-up kiosk. |
| Red & Green Cocktail (Year-Round Option) | Let It Snow Cube (Almond-Praline Mousse) | Gasparilla Island Grill | Quick-service restaurant with a full bar. |
Adult Cocktail Recommendation: The Festive Martini
While the full Gingerbread Martini is usually found in the seated lounges (like Grand Floridian Cafe), you can often find some form of festive cocktail or a classic with a holiday twist at the bar counter inside Gasparilla Island Grill or the nearby Beaches Pool Bar & Grill.
Alternatively, ask for a standard drink with a festive color palette, like a Cosmopolitan (red) or a Cranberry and Lime Vodka Spritzer (red and green garnish), from the Gasparilla bar counter.
Toddler-Friendly Stop: The Gingerbread House Booth
This is a must-do! The booth next to the life-size gingerbread house in the lobby sells holiday-themed treats and snacks that are perfect for little ones, like the iconic Gingerbread Shingle or a Present Peppermint Brownie Pop. The smells and atmosphere alone make this stop magical.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort (The Modern Holiday Stop)
The Contemporary features a large, themed gingerbread display (often Cinderella Castle). This resort is your best bet for a frozen “walk-up” holiday cocktail.
| For the Adults | For the Toddler & Family | Location | Walk-Up Vibe |
| Frozen Hot Cocoa with a Floater (Alcoholic) | Frozen Hot Cocoa (Non-Alcoholic) or Winter Berry Freeze | Gingerbread Stand / Quick-Service Area | Walk-up kiosk/counter near the Grand Canyon Concourse (4th floor). |
| Winter Berry Freeze with a Floater (Alcoholic) | Santa Peppermint Hot Chocolate Tart | Contempo Cafe (Quick Service) | Quick-service counter right on the Monorail level. |
Adult Cocktail Recommendation: Frozen Hot Cocoa (with a Floater)
For a true, fast, walk-up experience, look for the special frozen drinks offered seasonally at the quick-service counter near the gingerbread display.
- Frozen Hot Cocoa (Optional Alcoholic Floater): Tastes like a chocolate milkshake and is served cold, perfect for a Florida “winter.”
- Winter Berry Freeze (Optional Alcoholic Floater): This usually offers a bright, cranberry/berry flavor that gives it a festive red color.
They are available non-alcoholic for the toddler, and you can add a shot of Peppermint Schnapps, Baileys, or Amaretto to yours!
Toddler-Friendly Stop: Gingerbread Stand & Contempo Cafe
The snacks sold at the dedicated holiday counter are perfect, featuring Santa Peppermint Hot Chocolate Tart and Caramel Apple Cake. The whole family gets a themed drink or snack and can watch the Monorail glide through the resort.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (The Tropical Holiday Stop)
The Polynesian leans into a tropical Christmas. While their famous tiki drinks aren’t “Christmas” flavored, you can easily grab one and pair it with a festive snack from a walk-up location.
| For the Adults | For the Toddler & Family | Location | Walk-Up Vibe |
| Spicy Pineapple Margarita (Green/Yellow) | DOLE Whip (Year-round favorite) | Pineapple Lanai | Walk-up kiosk. |
| Hibiscus Tea (Non-Alcoholic, Deep Red) | Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (Kid’s Meal) | Wailulu Bar & Grill (Pool Bar) | Walk-up bar and grill with outdoor seating. |
Adult Cocktail Recommendation: Festive Tiki with a Twist
Head to Kona Island, a small coffee and sushi bar counter. During the holidays, they often offer the option to add Gingerbread or Peppermint flavoring to their coffee and drink specialties. This is an easy walk-up stop.
If you stick to the pool bar, order a Captain’s Mai Tai (for the dark rum/red cherry color) or a Pineapple Margarita (if they have a green or red salt/sugar rim).
Toddler-Friendly Stop: DOLE Whip and Hibiscus Tea
Your toddler can enjoy a DOLE Whip® from Pineapple Lanai. For a deep red, festive drink, the new Wailulu Bar & Grill (the casual poolside walk-up spot) often features a striking Hibiscus Tea that is non-alcoholic and perfectly colored for the season. You can also grab a quick, easy kid’s meal here like mac and cheese or grilled chicken.
Practical “Toddler Mom” Tips for Resorts
- The “Lobby Law”: Every Disney Deluxe resort lobby has a quiet corner with a TV playing cartoons (usually near the check-in desks). If you need 5 minutes of peace, find the tiny chairs and the TV.
- Diaper Changes: Do not try to change a diaper in a cramped airplane-style bathroom. The lobby restrooms at Grand Floridian, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Boardwalk are like palaces. They have actual counter space.
- Transportation IS the Ride: For a 2-year-old, the Skyliner (gondola) or the Monorail is often better than the rides in the park. You can ride the Skyliner from Riviera Resort (which has great snacks) to Art of Animation just to look at the giant Cars and Little Mermaid statues.