One of my favorite things to do this time of year at Walt Disney World is tour all the amazing holiday displays up at the resorts. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is definitely one of the must-visit hotels. For the 2017 winter season a new hi-tech Christmas tree will debut as the centerpiece of the resort’s holiday display.
The tree itself will light up with a variety of colors and patterns and perform to holiday music throughout the holiday season. The new 24-foot tall tree will be prominently on display in the newly renovated Dolphin lobby.
The new tree joins the other annual holiday festivities and activities that have become guest favorites over the years as, once again, Santa, Mrs. Claus and their favorite elf, Kandy Kane, will be escaping the cold at Santa’s favorite resort. Other returning favorites include Bedtime Elf Tuck-ins and a 2,000 lb. life-size chocolate holiday scene.
The full slate of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort holiday activities include:
- Santa and Mrs. Claus Meet ‘n Greets — Santa, Mrs. Claus and Kandy Kane, decked out in their Florida vacation attire, will meet guests in Santa’s customized Tiki Hut on select nights starting Nov. 24. This is a unique holiday photo opportunity, filled with Florida flair that features reindeer, palm trees and flamingos.
- A Florida Snow Fall and Tree Lighting Ceremony — With a new look for the resort following completion of the recent renovation, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort’s holiday tree is getting revamped as well. Throughout December, the lobby will transform into a festive holiday scene featuring a 24-ft tall Christmas tree that’s never been seen before. The tree features cutting-edge light technology which will fill the Dolphin lobby with wintertime cheer. Regularly timed indoor snow falls complete the holiday scene. On select nights, guests can join Mrs. Claus in the Dolphin lobby for the lighting of the Christmas tree starting at 6 p.m. The ceremony is followed by hot holiday beverages and crafts for kids at Santa’s Tiki Hut.
- Bedtime Elf Tuck-Ins — This year Santa’s elves return to bring holiday joy to children staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. On select nights starting Dec. 1, elves will deliver milk, cookies, a plush toy and storybook to resort rooms. Elves will also read a bedtime story and tuck children on Santa’s nice list into bed, dressed in full costume.
- Life-Size Chocolate Holiday Santa Scene — Chocolate Christmas Scene 2014Constructed entirely of chocolate, this life-sized sculpture weighs in at approximately 2,000 pounds! The sculpture, created by the resort’s executive pastry chef Laurent Branlard (two-time world pastry champion), is showcased in the lobby of the Swan. It features chocolate Santa sitting in his chair, a 7-foot tall, 400-pound chocolate nutcracker, chocolate fireplace, chocolate Christmas tree and chocolate toy train. The scene will be displayed in the lobby of the resort throughout December and is 100 percent edible. However, any chocolate lovers thinking of taking on the challenge of consuming this enormous sweet, should consider that it is 4 million calories! (By the way, the sculpture is not available for tasting.)
- Magic Keys for Santa on Christmas Eve — How will Santa deliver presents to each guest room without a chimney? With a magic key! Children can hang a magic key on their door to help Santa find his way on Christmas Eve. Magic keys are available at the concierge desk.
- Dancing Lights Show — A dazzling musical light show transforms the outdoor causeway each evening into a holiday spectacle with dancing illuminated palm trees and favorite holiday tunes.
- Holiday Entertainment — On select nights, guests can catch entertainment by carolers, choirs and musicians in the resort lobbies, on the causeway and in other public areas throughout the resort.
Guest who make reservations at www.santasfavoriteresort.com can receive holiday season room rates up to 10 percent off at the Swan and Dolphin Resort and enjoy nearby access to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Boardwalk Inn entertainment district.
Previously: Gingerbread House Disney Resort Tour.