PHOTOS: An Iconic Gingerbread Display Has CHANGED in Disney World

It’s the holiday season in Disney World and there is SO MUCH going on!

We’ve been to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and seen some awesome decorations, a ton of merch, and some fun gingerbread displays at the hotels. And now, another gingerbread display is up at an iconic Disney World resort.

The gingerbread display is BACK at Disney’s Contemporary Resort!

We haven’t seen this gingerbread castle since 2019, at which time it looked like this:

Contemporary Resort’s Gingerbread Cookie Castle in 2019

We saw this year’s castle being built a few days ago, and it looked pretty similar to the one we’ve seen in the past.

But, there are a few key differences! This year’s castle has a 50th Anniversary theme (as Disney World’s 50th Anniversary is still ongoing). The castle features some special designs on the tops of the castle, which sort of match the ones in the park. In the center of the Castle, you’ll also find a 50th Anniversary medallion.

On either side of the Castle, you’ll see the 50th Anniversary statues of Mickey…

…and Minnie in their more snack-based forms!

There are also brightly colored Christmas trees surrounding the design!

Between the trees, the castle, Mickey and Minnie, the flowers surrounding it, and the white design with some Mary Blair-inspired elements — you’ve got one awesome gingerbread castle!

We got the chance to speak to a chef who worked on this and they shared that there is a team of 37 chefs who helped bring this to life. They actually start in July(!!) by making the dough (which is a traditional German honey-based dough that has to rest for a few months). They make that dough initially and then come back to add in spices and seasonings.

When do they start baking? Actually a full MONTH ahead of time! The design of the castle came through a collaboration between the bakers and Imagineers. The assembly of the castle (as we saw) is done a few days leading up to the opening of this spot.

Because this is the gingerbread castle’s 11th year, there are 11 hidden 5-legged goats throughout (as a tribute to Mary Blair!).

For more details about the ingredients, you can look for a sign nearby that details exactly what went into this display.

But it’s not just about looking at the display. This experience is also all about EATING!

After visiting the display, you can buy some sweet treats! One of those is the 50th Anniversary Gingerbread Castle Brick. These have a fun 50th Anniversary sticker on them, showing off their part in the celebration.

You can also grab a Dark Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Bar here.

But wait, there’s MORE! If you love those 5-Legged Goats, don’t miss the Gluten-friendly 5-Legged Goat Sugar Cookie.

And if you want to get a bunch of little treats, why not pick up the Family Tradition Cookie Box?

This comes with a few different treats including a Coconut Macaroon from Chef Jeff’s family, a Sugar Cookie from Chef Kelly’s family, a Butterball from Chef Amber’s family, and a Kitchen Sink Cookie representing all the Cast in the bakery that worked to bring this castle to life.

If you haven’t already, you may want to add the Contemporary to your must-visit list when in Disney World for the holidays so you don’t miss out on the fun!

For more on the holidays in Disney World, take a look at the BEST holiday treats HIDING in Disney World, 8 NEW holiday treats you can get at Disney World, and 5 secrets you didn’t know about the holidays in Disney World.

Stay tuned to AllEars for more Disney World holiday news and updates!