There are happy holiday happenings going on at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort this winter. Some of your annual favorites are back along with fun new things to see and do. My favorite last year was Santa’s Tiki Hut, but I think the giant Chocolate Sculpture might win out this year. The celebration runs the entire month of December and includes holiday season rates at the hotel.
Santa and Mrs. Claus Meet ‘n Greets
Decked out in their Florida vacation attire, Santa, Mrs. Claus and Kandy Kane meet guests in Santa’s customized Tiki Hut on select nights. Featuring reindeer, palm trees and flamingos, this holiday photo opportunity is like no other.
A Florida Snow Fall and Tree Lighting Ceremony
With the help of some holiday magic, guests can experience a snow fall in the comfort of the Dolphin lobby. Throughout December, the lobby is transformed into a festive holiday scene featuring a 45-ft tall Christmas tree surrounded by a holiday train set. The scene is completed with regularly timed snow falls. This snow, however, requires no shoveling. On select nights, guests can join Mrs. Claus for the lighting of the Christmas tree starting at 6pm, followed by hot holiday beverages and crafts for kids at Santa’s Tiki Hut.
Newly Expanded Bedtime Elf Tuck-Ins
This year Santa’s elves will be working even harder during the holiday season to bring joy to the children staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. On select nights starting Dec. 2, throughout the holiday season, after Santa’s helpers have finished making presents, they will deliver milk, cookies, a plush toy and storybook to resort rooms, read a bedtime story and tuck children into bed, in full costume. This premium service ranges from $35 to $59 for one child and $20 to $35 for each additional child, with prices varying by date. A service charge of 20 percent is added, in addition to tax. Reservations are required and space is limited.
Life-Size Chocolate Holiday Santa Scene
Constructed 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
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.
For families who are looking to stay on property at a beautiful resort that’s perfectly located between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can’t beat the value of the Swan and Dolphin Resort. You can save hundreds of dollars a night compared to hotels right next door. When you add in all the dining options and resort amenities, the choice makes even more sense.
Have you ever stayed at the Swan and Dolphin Resort? Which tower do you prefer?