Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail

The holidays are in full swing at Disney World this season. Fortunately, some of the festivities are free! Today’s post looks at the fun and totally free Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs. If you’re headed to Orlando over the holidays, the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail is definitely worth a visit. If you’re not, well, you can still enjoy a little holiday cheer wherever you are right now. Today’s post shares fifteen of the spectacular trees from the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail. 

Overview

The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail is open most days from 11AM to 11PM through January 6, 2019. It’s a simple but efficient set-up with a wide, winding pathway and temporary wood fencing. The trail features 27 trees this year, each thoughtfully decorated in a Disney movie or Disney parks theme. Although the design of each tree varies dramatically, the consistent heights and matching silver lantern ornaments create a unified look throughout. The fence that separates the trees from the rest of Disney Springs also provides a great backdrop for fun Disney-inspired posters. Along the trail you’ll also find a merchandise stand, a snack shop, Santa! and numerous photo opportunities.

If you’ve read any of my previous Disney DIY ornament posts, you already know I have dreams of decorating an entire tree with handmade Disney-inspired ornaments. Walking the Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs this year reminded me once again, that I need to dream bigger. (#goals)

Got your hot chocolate ready? Let’s begin our tour.

Christmas Tree Trail

The first tree on the trail, other than the giant Disney Springs one, is dedicated to Mickey and Minnie. The numerous red, black and yellow ornaments, many in Mickey’s iconic shape, give the tree an appropriately cheerful vibe. Minnie’s classic style completes the look with oversized bows and fun polka dots.

You may notice the silver lanterns I referenced above located in the middle of Mickey’s tree. These lanterns appear on all the trees throughout the trail. Inside the lanterns are Disney ornament styles that are available for purchase nearby. I suppose that means you could recreate many of these looks at home, but you’re going to need a giant shopping bag to do so!

Next to Mickey’s tree, just as it should be, is this playful tribute to his faithful dog Pluto. You can find dog bones, water bowls and Mickey waffle squeak toys scattered throughout the limbs. The dog house tree topper, decorated for the holidays, is a nice touch too.

Hanging on the wall between several princess-themed trees is this fun “advertisement” from Beauty and the Beast. I like how the subtle theming of the signs contrast with the over-the-top designs of the Christmas trees.

Speaking of over the top, this elegant Mulan-inspired tree greets you a little further down the trail. I love how the cherry blossoms gracefully stretch to the top of the tree and intertwine with the soaring kite topper. The plentiful jewel-toned ornaments are beautiful too.

Nearby and not quite as beautiful, is this silly poster from Disney’s Frozen. Makes you want to say “Yoo hoo! Big Summer Blowout!” Doesn’t it?

Go ahead. I’ll wait.

Here’s another example of the posters. This one is a clever play on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Speaking of Snow White, the next tree on the Christmas Tree Trail is a beautiful tribute to Walt Disney’s first full-length animated feature. The tree blends Snow White’s cheerful flowers and furry friends with the Evil Queen’s insightful mirror and poisoned apples. The dwarfs are represented too, with a star made of pick axes adorning the top of the tree and brightly colored gem stones sprinkled across the branches.

A few of the Evil Queen’s apples also made it onto this Disney Villain-themed tree nearby. The ornaments feature rich purples, deep reds and a touch of black, just like many of the Disney villains themselves. You can spot Magic Spell books, crystal balls and bottles of potions. Ursula’s twisting tentacles stretch to the top of the tree. There are also red roses for the Queen of Hearts and antlers for Gaston and all of his decorating.

So maybe I’m not the only one who’s tried to hang Ursula on a Christmas tree? Of course, Disney’s version is in an entirely different league.

In the same league, but perhaps a different realm, is this tribute to Disney’s Haunted Mansion attraction nearby. The center of the tree features a replica of the Sweet Leota tombstone from the entrance of the iconic attraction. I don’t think the eyes open periodically on this one though (how cool would that be!?).

The top of the tree holds an eerie green bride similar to the one (with SERIOUS commitment issues!) in the Haunted Mansion’s attic scene. Other details include dried (dead?) flowers, large falling books and picture frames like the ones throughout the attraction. The effect is not exactly merry, but it’s beautifully done. I like how the silver lantern is thoughtfully incorporated too.

The 101 Dalmatians tree nearby is much more cheerful, even with Cruella de Vil’s red gloved hand stretching to its peak. The tree sits on eye-catching backdrop of black and white spots. Simple red, white and black oranments decorate the tree. A few dog collars, metal bones and small TVs from the dog-nappers’ hideout complete the theme. 

A little further down the trail is this cheery tribute to Dumbo. It’s full of circus references and beautifully bright colors. The top of the tree features Dumbo’s small hat, big ears and winding trunk. The bottom looks like a nod to the bubble scene from the film.

I wonder if Tim Burton’s version of Dumbo next year will lean more toward this cheerful representation or the Haunted Mansion tree nearby? We’ll find out in March.

Next to Dumbo you’ll find this galactic Star Wars themed-tree. Forgive the cropped photo, the tree was drawing quite a crowd. At least you can still see the Jawas, the BB-8 themed white balls and the awesome Chewbacca-inspired garland. The main tree, as well as the ones on either side, feature glowing light sabers on top. During evening hours, you can easily see the struggle between the dark side (red!) and the light (blue!).

Do you think they take a break from their epic battles to celebrate Christmas in a galaxy far, far away?

Just around the corner sits this incredible Jungle Book-inspired tree. It may be my favorite on the lot. I love the plentiful ornaments and the artistic mix of natural materials (fruit, feathers, palm leaves!) and colors (ROYGBIV).

I’m not sure I could really pull off hanging bananas on my tree at home, but I may have to try it just to make sure. You’ll back me up, right?

Across the trail and tucked into a corner is this Peter Pan-themed tree. John Darling’s top hat and Michael Darling’s lovable bear sit near the top. The pirate ship, mermaids and treasure map on the floor represent Neverland.  I love the silhouettes on the backdrop, Peter’s cap as the topper and Tinkerbell “trapped” inside the silver lantern. At night the lights on the tree make is look like a smattering of pixie dust has just fallen across the branches.

To the left of Neverland, you’ll find this bright and cheerful tribute to the Muppets. This tree features a crazy blend of colored branches and fewer ornaments than its neighbors. If you look closely, you may be able to spot Sam the Eagle hiding near the top. I like the funny “applause” ornaments and the exaggerated pearls from Miss Piggy’s famous attire as the topper.  

You can find the Muppets at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios AND Epcot these days. It’s fun to see the entertaining group get a tree at Disney Springs too.

Did I say Jungle Book was my favorite? Each new tree on the trail is a contender. Check out this playful tribute to Alice in Wonderland. The tree features mushrooms, teapots, padlocks and cards along with a dangling paint brush near a half-painted rose (We’re painting the roses red!) The tree topper is a replica of the Mad Hatter’s most noted accessory.

This fun Toy Story-inspired tree greets you near the end of the trail. It’s covered with large paper chain garland and small toys, suggesting it was decorated by kids. Woody’s Sheriff’s badge adds some shine and the Green Martian ornaments add humor.  The signature Pixar ball is present too, just as it is in every Pixar film.

The last tree on the trail is this grand tribute to the Disney World Theme Parks. The icons for Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios are tucked within its branches. Cinderella Castle sits on top of the tree like a crown (surrounded by fireworks!) and the monorail winds around the stately tree like garland. It’s the perfect ending to a fun and festive Christmas Tree Trail.

I hope you enjoyed this sample of the incredible decorations on display at the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail this season. If you visit the trail at night it will be a completely different experience with lights, Christmas carols and simulated snow!

Whether or not you get to see them in person this year, I hope this virtual tour provided you with a boost of holiday cheer. Maybe it inspired you to raise your game a little with your tree decorations too?

Bananas are optional, of course.

Add a little (Christmas tree) magic to your world!