the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel

New Dishes and Themed Areas Headline 2017 Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

WDWNT on October 13, 2017

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – Oct.12, 2017 –The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will celebrate its eighth year October 27 – 28, the largest event to date featuring more than 60 food and beverage stations and 11 educational seminars taught by members of the resort’s award-winning food and beverage team.

Guests will delight in numerous opportunities to sip and savor along the resort’s causeway, private lake and private beach all weekend while enjoying live entertainment.

Delectable culinary offerings headline the two-night event, featuring cuisine from the resort’s own award-winning restaurants: Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Shula’s Steak House, Todd English’s bluezoo, Kimonos and more, with wine and spirits samplings from around the globe.

“One of our favorite parts about this festival is showcasing our creativity and adding new experiences each year,” said Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Director of Food & Beverage Tony Porcellini. “Things that won’t change are the quality of our food and beverage selections and our vibrant street party atmosphere.”

New for 2017

A new seminar, the Grand Tasting Experience, will be presented by a master sommelier, highlighting the unique Nebbiolo grape of northern Italy. Master Sommelier Matthew Citriglia, one of only 149 master sommeliers in the Americas, will showcase several rare vintages from the Piedmont region. Tickets to this intimate experience will be extremely limited.

Also new this year is Bubbles Lounge, a secluded, whimsically themed area showcasing sparkling beverages including champagne and sparkling wine, inspired by Lawrence Welk and his champagne style. Guests will receive a special entrance ticket to the lounge upon check-in and can seek out the space to enjoy a light-hearted atmosphere and sweeping views of the festival while sipping champagne.

Bubbles Lounge joins the event’s other themed areas including: Carnival Corner, offering carnival food and games; Chinatown, featuring dishes and drinks inspired by San Francisco’s famed neighborhood; and a Beer Garden, offering a variety of local and seasonal brews from around the world alongside Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine. (Access to the Beer Garden requires an upgraded ticket.)

Featured Food

Highlights of this year’s menus include: Kobe beef mini burgers with truffle aioli, Applewood smoked bacon and roma tomato chutney from The Fountain; seared Yellowfin Tuna salad from Todd English’s bluezoo; ricotta gnocchi with wild mushrooms, baby spinach and fennel sausage from Il Mulino Trattoria and oven-roasted beef ribeye with mashed potatoes and sauce bordelaise from Shula’s Steakhouse.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Executive Chef Robert Ciborowski brings back his signature barbecue at the Cib’s Smoke House station with his hand-crafted pork belly and smoked Spanish Iberico pork collar. Popular returning dishes include the dragon sushi roll from Kimonos and fish ‘n’ chips with sea salt and vinegar potato chips from Garden Grove.

World Champion Pastry Chef Laurent Branlard sweetens the evening with decadent desserts like the crunchy chocolate passion fruit truffle and key lime vanilla cream. The returning Sundae Action Station allows guests to choose their own toppings like caramelized hazelnuts and raspberry whipped cream.

Seminars and Brunch

Favorite hands-on educational seminars, taught by members of the resort’s award-winning food and beverage team, return for foodies who want to add a little something extra to their festival experience. Seminars offered this year include: wine blending, Italian wines, Argentinian wines, champagne, beer, Riesling, craft cocktails, pasta making, sushi and sake and wine and cheese pairing. All seminars require separate tickets, and space is limited.

Guests can extend the indulgence into Sunday morning with the Sunday Bubbles Brunch with J Vineyards and Winery at Il Mulino New York Trattoria, featuring a lavish menu of traditional and unconventional dishes like various cured meats and imported cheeses along with an array of sushi and trattoria-inspired entrees. The Sunday Bubbles Brunch is a separate ticket option and does not require an evening ticket or overnight accommodation to participate.

With 18 restaurants and lounges, a distinguished culinary and beverage team and unmatched customer service, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort continually receives national recognition for its food and beverage program. The culinary team has had the honor of presenting multiple dinners at the distinguished James Beard House. The resort boasts more than 70 certified wine sommeliers and 1,400 wine selections, including organic and rare vintages. The resort’s restaurants are annual winners of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence including Shula’s Steak House, a multiple-time recipient of the exclusive Best of Award of Excellence.

Tickets to the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic are available as part of a resort package or individually. For more information or to book, please visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-800-227-1500.

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CONCEPT ART: Dolphin Hotel Lobby Undergoing $12 Million Refurbishment

WDWNT on December 12, 2016

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – Nov. 30, 2016 – The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort’s Dolphin lobby will undergo a $12 million re-design as the final stage of the largest makeover in the resort’s history. When finished in the fall of 2017, the new lobby will be completely transformed into a sleek contemporary space and feature new dining and beverage options.

Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel Lobby Undergoing Refurbishment

The lobby re-design is the final stage of a total $140 million project which also includes the transformation of all 2,267 guest rooms, along with upgrades to the hotel’s meeting space.

“This lobby will mark the final piece of an exciting transformation for the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort,” said General Manager Fred Sawyers. “This space is designed specifically to cater to today’s guests and offer an inviting place where they can come together to relax, network, and grab something to eat or drink.”

Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel Lobby Undergoing Refurbishment

Renowned Manhattan design firm ICRAVE, designers of projects including Westin New York at Times Square, W Atlanta and STK restaurants, created the concept for the new lobby space, drawing on inspiration from the lobby’s iconic Dolphin fountain.

The centerpiece of the new lobby will be a dazzling custom crystal chandelier which will sparkle above the fountain and use the latest in color-changing lighting technology.

Other new features will include a new geometric ceiling, increased lighting, all new contemporary décor and furnishings and more than double the amount of seating.

Two new food and beverage options will be incorporated into the lobby, including a bar and lounge space seating up to 150.

A new quick service café and market offering coffee, sandwiches and snacks will provide guests a convenient way to energize during their day, whether it be filled with business meetings or exploring the theme parks.

Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel Lobby Undergoing Refurbishment

The Dolphin Resort lobby will remain open throughout the renovation with minimal impact to resort guests. The project is currently scheduled to begin in spring 2017 for completion by fall 2017.Swan a

Kitchen Closed at Walt Disney World Swan for Failing Health Inspection; Bugs Found

WDWNT on October 24, 2016

An employee cafeteria at the Walt Disney World Swan was closed down by health inspectors last week because of live roaches and fruit flies in the kitchen.

During a visit on Oct. 12, an inspector noted live and dead roaches. “Observed 14 live roaches crawling on the kick plate near hot boxes,” the report read. There were also fruit flies in the prep room, among six basic and two high-priority violations.

The kitchen reopened the next day with a clean inspection. Other eateries in the hotel passed recent health inspections.

The Swan Resort is on Disney World property but is managed by Starwood Hotels.

Full Details Released for 2016 Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Event

WDWNT on September 26, 2016

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic
returns for its seventh year with largest-ever event

New experiences include Sunday Bubbles Brunch, seminars and all-new
immersive area inspired by San Francisco’s Chinatown

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – Sept. 21, 2016 –The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will celebrate its seventh year October 28 – 29 at the Epcot Resort Area resort with its largest event to date featuring 50 food and wine stations, 10 seminars and opportunities to meet the award-winning chefs behind featured culinary masterpieces.

With more food and drink stations spreading out among more space than ever before, guests will delight in numerous opportunities to sip and savor along the resort’s causeway, alongside the resort’s private lake, and for the first time, on the resort’s private beach all weekend while enjoying live entertainment.

Delectable culinary offerings headline the two-night event, featuring cuisine from the resort’s own award-winning restaurants: Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Shula’s Steak House Todd English’s bluezoo, Kimonos and more, with wine and spirits samplings from around the globe.

“Each year we seek to give our guests something new and exciting to experience and taste.” said the resort’s Director of Food & Beverage Tony Porcellini. “This year, we’ll be able to offer them more food, more drink and more fun than ever before.”

What’s New

Making its festival debut this year is an immersive area, which will transport guests’ palates to the streets of San Francisco’s Chinatown with décor and dishes inspired by the famous neighborhood.

Two new dishes were created by resort’s award-winning culinary team will be featured in the area: crispy duck with cucumber, scallion, hoisin sauce and a steamed bun as well as Shanghai dumplings, handmade with pork, rice wine, ginger and scallion, served with soy sauce and chili oil sauce.

Also new for 2016 is the Sunday Bubbles Brunch with J Vineyards and Winery at Il Mulino New York Trattoria, featuring a lavish menu of traditional and unconventional dishes like various cured meats and imported cheeses along with an array of sushi and trattoria-inspired entrees.

Featured Food

Friday and Saturday nights, feature menus full of new and unique dishes sure to please the palate, including spinach and potato agnolotti with pork, tomato cream grilled radicchio and ricotta salata; smoked beef brisket with white cheddar beignet and concord grape and smoked bacon remoulade; and seared striped bass with fall artichokes, nicoise olives and Spanish caper emulsion.

Favorite dishes from past years also return, such as the shrimp cocktail steamroller, Thai chicken salad with organic greens, green papaya tamarind and ginger dressing as well as the dragon sushi roll with crispy shrimp, tuna and avocado.

The resort’s World Champion Pastry Chef, Laurent Branlard, provides a sweeter side to the evening with decadent desserts like the all-chocolate choux and caramel sea salt éclair with vanilla whipped cream and comfit gingered pears. The Sundae Action Station returns allowing guests to choose their own toppings like chocolate cake and caramelized banana.

Seminars and Upgrades

Two new hands-on educational seminars, taught by members of the resort’s award-winning food and beverage team, are being added to this year’s seminar offerings. The Craft Cocktails seminar educates guests on the origins of traditional cocktails and how to make them, and More than Malbec introduces the world of popular Argentinian wines, with tastings and tips for pairing. Popular returning seminar topics include wine blending, Italian wines, champagne, beer, tequila, pasta making, sushi and sake and wine and cheese pairing. All seminars require separate tickets, and space is limited.

As an upgraded ticket option, guests can experience a beer garden, featuring a variety of local and seasonal brews from around the world, alongside Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine made by the resort’s culinary experts.

Award-Winning Chefs

To add to the event’s appeal, guests can enjoy a meet and greet with celebrity chef Todd English, the namesake of the resort’s Todd English’s bluezoo restaurant. Guests can also meet the world’s only two-time World Champion Pastry Chef and the resort’s very own executive pastry chef, Laurent Branlard. Barbeque fans shouldn’t miss the Cib’s Smoke House station for signature barbeque dishes from the resort’s Executive Chef Robert Ciborowski.

With 17 restaurants and lounges, a distinguished culinary and beverage team and unmatched customer service, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort continually receives national recognition for its food and beverage program. The culinary team has had the honor of presenting multiple dinners at the distinguished James Beard House. The resort boasts more than 70 certified wine sommeliers and 1,400 wine selections, including organic and rare vintages. The resort’s restaurants are annual winners of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence including Shula’s Steak House, a five-time recipient of the exclusive Best of Award of Excellence.

Ticket Information:

– Overnight packages, available for one or two nights, including room accommodations and two tickets to the outdoor festival (seminar tickets and beer garden tickets may be added for an additional fee) are available starting at $392

– Advance purchase unlimited food and beverage samples are $105 per person; beer garden upgrade is $130 per person including taxes

– Interactive seminars start at $50 per person, per class including taxes

– Sunday Bubbles Brunch with J Vineyards and Winery is $75 per person

For more information or to book, please visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-800-227-1500

Swan & Dolphin Hotels Giving Away a Presidential Suite Stay for Election Season

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort to “Elect” a Candidate for a “Presidential” Vacation
One contest winner will be awarded a stay in the resort’s luxurious presidential suite

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – August 31, 2016 – As the nation prepares for the next race to the White House, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is making its own headlines by giving one lucky guest and his or her family the opportunity to be treated to their own presidential vacation at this iconic Walt Disney World resort by signing up at www.swandolphin.com/offers/presidential by Nov. 8.

In honor of the 2016 presidential election, the resort will select a “candidate” (guest) to stay in one of its spacious and luxuriously appointed presidential suites on a vacation fit for a true leader! The resort’s presidential suites have hosted the likes of President H.W. Bush and President Bill Clinton.

As the presidential guest, the winning candidate will be invited to bring up to four “cabinet members” on a 3-day/2-night term. He or she will arrive via complimentary transport from the airport and be treated to a red carpet welcome with a personal escort to the suite. A special welcome amenity created by the resort’s two-time world champion pastry Chef Laurent Branlard will await the winner in the suite and the entire group can celebrate the victory with a “state” dinner using a $250 dining certificate at any of the resort’s 17 restaurants and lounges, which include Shula’s Steak House, celebrity chef Todd English’s bluezoo and Il Mulino New York Trattoria.

The “elected” candidate (chosen by random drawing) along with his or her guests will receive complimentary Walt Disney World theme park two-day Park Hopper passes (up to four) as well as access to all the other amenities offered by the resort. No caucuses, campaigning or debates are required – guests simply nominate themselves by visiting www.swandolphin.com/offers/presidential and signing up for the resort’s email newsletter before the polls close on Nov. 8.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort offers 12 presidential suites featuring elegant bathroom and bedroom appointments richly designed in residential-style décor. Presidential suite amenities include multiple flat-screen TVs, deluxe private bathrooms, Westin Heavenly Beds, kitchens with a private bar and dining room table and extraordinary views of Walt Disney World Resort.

New Sand Sculpting Festival Announced at Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort

WDWNT on July 6, 2016

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For the first time, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort will host Sandtastic Weekends on August 26-28 and September 2-4. Open to both resort guests and the public, the event will feature activities for all ages, with the highlight being 100 tons of intricately sculpted sand art designed by award-winning world-class sculptors from Team Sandtastic and constructed right on the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort’s private beach.

The event will offer guests a variety of different ways to take part in the action, from watching the masterpieces being created up close to learning the tips and techniques of sand sculpting during a sand sculpting clinic. Those with a competitive side can take part in amateur sculpting contests or try to stump the professionals by giving suggestions for speed sculpting demonstrations, where a piece is created in just 10 minutes.

The fun will extend beyond the sand sculpting, with plenty of indoor and outdoor food selections featuring creations from the resort’s award-winning food and beverage team, including the resort’s own Phins and Feathers craft beer; games on the beach like corn hole and table tennis; a DJ; and to close the day, a campfire and s’mores.

The fun continues to Labor Day Monday, September 5, with special tributes to celebrate the Kickoff Classic college football game between Florida State and Ole Miss taking place in Orlando. Fans of each team will find a giant sand sculpture in honor of the game incorporating a tribute to both teams and the lights on the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort causeway will feature team colors. Coverage of the Kickoff Classic between the Florida State Seminoles and Ole Miss Rebels will be shown on an outdoor oversized projection screen.

Overnight accommodations during Sandtastic Weekends start at just $168 per night. To reserve a room or for more information, including a full schedule of events, please visit www.sandtasticweekends.com.

What: Sandtastic Weekends at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Info: The first ever Sandtastic Weekends at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort on August 26-28 and September 2-4 will feature activities for guests of all ages, including sand sculpting classes, amateur sculpting contests, speed sculpting demonstrations, games like corn hole and table tennis, a DJ, campfire and s’mores and a movie under the stars. The event continues to Labor Day Monday, September 5, where football fans can watch the Kickoff Classic between the Florida State and Ole Miss on an oversized projection screen beginning at 7 p.m.

When: Friday, August 26 to Sunday, August 28 and Friday, September 2 to Sunday, September 4, 12-10:30 p.m. (for full schedule, check www.sandtasticweekends.com)

Where: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Beach

Ticket Information: Sandtastic Weekends are free and open to resort guests and the public. Overnight accommodations start $168 per night and can be made at https://www.swandolphin.com/sandtastic/stay

Parking at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is $18 for self-parking and $26 for valet.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel Embarks On Largest Room Makeover In Its History

WDWNT on October 24, 2014

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – Oct. 23, 2014 – The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is getting the largest makeover in its history. The hotel has launched a multi-phase, multi-year, $125 million redesign project that will transform every guest room in the 758-room Swan Hotel and the 1,509-room Dolphin Hotel.

“As we celebrate the hotel’s 25th anniversary, it is appropriate that we mark the occasion with a renaissance of our room product,” said General Manager Fred Sawyers. “Our guests will continue to receive the level of service and hospitality that comes with a quarter century of experience while enjoying a modern new guest room.”

The transformation will occur without disruption to the guest experience as the majority of guest rooms will be available throughout the process. The hotel’s public spaces, restaurants, meeting rooms, shops, pools and recreational areas will not be impacted and remain fully operational throughout the renovation.

Noted hotel and condominium interior design and architecture firm Garcia Stromberg/GS4 Studios, designers of the Conrad Hotel Ft. Lauderdale, the Waldorf Astoria’s Boca Beach Club and One Thousand Ocean condominium in Boca Raton, Fla., created the concept for the new rooms.

The new room design is inspired by the resort’s water-themed architecture. The goal was to create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere.

The guest room features upgraded furniture and all of the latest technology including large HD TVs. Additional power outlets provide corporate executives and family travelers more options for use of multiple personal electronics.

Blending an artistic combination of whites, blues and grays, the design creates a tasteful ambiance that appeals to adults while abstract artwork playfully delights children as well.

The centerpiece of the room is the famous Westin Heavenly Bed with its all-white custom-designed pillow-top mattress set, cozy down blanket, a trio of crisp sheets, goose down comforter and four over-stuffed pillows.

The design continues into a completely new bathroom, featuring a back-lit mirror mounted on iridescent glass tiles.

The project started at the Swan Hotel, with approximately 500 of the 756 rooms redesigned by the end of 2014. The first phase of the Dolphin Hotel rooms will begin in 2015 with the entire rooms project currently scheduled for completion by the end of 2016.

About the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, extended park hours, a benefit where each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks is open extra time for guests to enjoy select attractions (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required) and the new FastPass+ service, where guests can reserve up to 3 select theme park experiences up to 60 days in advance of their visit. The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin.

Holiday Happenings 2013 at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

WDWNT on December 4, 2013

For the 2013 Holiday season, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels are celebrating with the ever-popular Holiday Happenings at the Swan and Dolphin. December will once again bring a month-long celebration featuring Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus as the couple spends their vacation at Santa’s favorite resort, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel.

Families staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel can enjoy a unique holiday experience, mingling with Santa Claus, lighting the tree with Mrs. Claus, and even getting tucked in by one of Santa’s elves. Kandy Kane, Santa’s favorite elf, will also be on hand this holiday season.

Included in this year’s magical holiday celebration:

Santa and Mrs. Claus Meet ‘n Greets

Decked out in their vacation wardrobe, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and their favorite elf, Kandy Kane, will meet with guests in Santa’s customized Tiki hut on select nights. This hut features reindeer, palm trees and flamingos, making it a totally unique photo opportunity!

Dancing Lights Show

Each evening, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel;s causeway transforms into a holiday spectacle, where illuminating palm trees provide a dazzling musical light show featuring favorite holiday tunes.

Life-Size Chocolate Santa Scene

Constructed entirely of chocolate, this life-sized sculpture of Santa Claus weighs in at approximately 1,200 pounds! The sculpture, created by the hotel’s executive pastry chef Laurent Branlard (the only two-time world pastry champion), will be on display in the lobby of the Swan. And to make it even more decadent, a chocolate fireplace, chocolate Christmas tree and chocolate toy train will also be featured in this taste bud-tempting display. As a new addition, this year’s display will feature a 7-foot tall, 400-pound chocolate nutcracker!

Bedtime Elf Tuck-Ins

On Dec. 24, parents can hire a full-costumed elf to deliver milk, cookies, a plush toy and storybook to the room. Once tucked in, you can read a bedtime story before before Santa arrives. This premium service costs $55 for one child and $15 for each additional child. A service charge of 20 percent is added. Reservations are required and space is limited.Holiday EntertainmentOn select nights, guests will be entertained by carolers, choirs and musicians in the hotel lobbies, on the causeway and in other public areas throughout the hotel.

Magic Keys for Santa

How does Santa leave presents if there isn’t a chimney? He uses a magical room key! Children can hang a magic key outside their guest room on Christmas Eve to help Santa find his way.

Tree-Lighting Ceremony

On select nights, guests can join Mrs. Claus in the Dolphin lobby for the lighting of the hotel’s 45-ft. tall Christmas tree, followed by hot beverages at Santa’s Tiki Hut.

Dessert Decorating and Holiday Movies

Throughout December, guests can tune in to free holiday-themed movies on their guest room televisions. Children also can decorate delicious holiday sweets in the lobby.

For more details about all the holiday excitement, including a full schedule of activities at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, or to make room reservations, please visit www.santasfavoriteresort.com or call 1-800-227-1500. Overnight rates start at
$159 per night.

Will you be visiting the the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel during the holidays this year? Have you been in previous years? What is your favorite Swan and Dolphin Hotel holiday activity?

Tag: the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel

New Dishes and Themed Areas Headline 2017 Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

CONCEPT ART: Dolphin Hotel Lobby Undergoing $12 Million Refurbishment

Kitchen Closed at Walt Disney World Swan for Failing Health Inspection; Bugs Found

Full Details Released for 2016 Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Event

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic
returns for its seventh year with largest-ever event