Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Gingerbread House Nears Completion: Holiday Favorite Returns for 20th Year on November 14th, 2018 (Photos)

Hi everyone!

Disney’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House will open on November 14th, 2018 for its 20th year! We’ve already posted the grand opening of Disney’s Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display and look forward to this longtime favorite at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort opening next week. Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek retired this year, and the sign added to the front of the house honors him. He not only created the house, but the gingerbread sold here is his Austrian recipe. Not a lot has changed with the house through the years, although much of it is constructed before being brought out to the lobby now (that wasn’t the case when I first started photographing it in 2007). The gingerbread house was still being worked on yesterday, but the artwork is in the windows now and the final dusting of powdered sugar “snow” has already happened. It is almost ready to go! The house is also in a different lobby location, you’ll see that in the article. Here are photos from yesterday and more information.

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The former sign was removed and this is the 20th anniversary sign.

Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer was being interviewed. She has been with Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort for 30 years.

The ingredient list includes 1050 pounds of honey, 140 pints of egg whites, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 700 pounds of chocolate, 800 pounds of flour, 33 pounds of spices and then creativity, Disney magic and Pixie Dust! I look forward to seeing what treats will be sold here, we always pick up at least one gingerbread shingle and the stollen is excellent if that is available.

Last year, I recognized many of the window character designs from previous years but it is the opposite for 2018. I always enjoy seeing new designs.

I wasn’t able to get close to the house for photos, but they are pretty clear – this is Lilo kissing Stitch, really a cute design!

Cinderella is by herself this year in the artwork, instead of with other princesses.

Mickey is also on his own, wearing a Santa hat and scarf.

Pluto wears a hat and scarf. Above him, you can see a Hidden Mickey on the gingerbread. Each gingerbread display on property usually has hidden Mickeys.

Donald and Daisy Duck.

Princess Tiana.

Here is a look at Disney’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House construction information.

The Magic Behind our Gingerbread Dough is also noted on one sign.

There was a news crew interviewing Farmer.

Decorations were still being added to the house.

Gingerbread samples were being handed out, this is the recipe the gingerbread shingles are made from. It is a firmer gingerbread recipe and it was an acquired taste for me years ago, but it is my favorite gingerbread to buy now. It is worth the wait, and the liklihood is you’ll be in a line when buying treats from the house.

The front of Disney’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House now faces the Garden View Tea Room.

Decorative gifts are still on the roof with names on them as always, and the names signify real Cast Members. Cosmo Kapoor is General Manager of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

There are a lot of fun decorations on the gingerbread house.

Here is another side look.

A snowman and Santa Claus are among the molded figures here.

Santa Claus.

Here are some photos which give an idea of where the house is.

Looking down from upstairs.

The chimney should have steam rising from it soon. The powdered sugar “snow” is over the house.

Another photo from above.

Santas and other decorations are back again this year.

The Established in 1999 sign was taken down and sat nearby.

From the monorail station entrance, guests will be able to look down on the lobby and see Disney’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House easier.

We will bring more coverage from Disney’s Grand Floridian Gingerbread House next week, and of course Disney’s Beach Yacht and Beach Club Carousel when that is added. I always enjoy sharing the yearly displays! Check out other holiday articles we have up, including Toy Story Land decorated for the holidays and the first Cinderella Castle Lighting of the season (A Frozen Holiday Wish).