Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Begins Celebrating the Holidays at “Santa’s Favorite Resort” (Photos, Video)
Hi everyone!
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort has begun celebrating the holiday season at “Santa’s Favorite Resort”! I posted the press release below our photos from Friday night, when Santa and Mrs. Claus (in vacation attire) met guests after the tree lighting ceremony. These events don’t happen every night, but you can find the schedule at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin website.
The lighting at the Walt Disney World Dolphin causeway is gorgeous during the holidays, with Christmas music played.
New this year is garland inside the resort on the way up (and down) the stairs.
The huge, 45 foot tall Christmas tree is often hard to capture in one shot. It is our tradition to attend the first tree lighting ceremony each year!
Snowflake projections are on the ceiling.
The Dolphin train circles the Christmas tree.
Mickey and Minnie sit in the train.
The Christmas tree was ready to be lit for the first time by Mrs. Claus and Kandy Kane (the elf).
Mrs. Claus and Kandy Kane arrive as snow falls. Mrs. Claus always has The Polar Express book with her.
Mrs. Claus and Kandy Kane try to figure out how they should light the tree.
There was a young girl dressed like Kandy Kane in the crowd.
Mrs. Claus had all the children come forward and the tree was lit!
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus both wear their vacation outfits, and Santa arrived in his golf cart to the Tiki Hut.
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus sign.
Santa had golf clubs on the back of his golf cart.
We always enjoy posing with the reindeer.
Santa and Mrs. Claus get ready to pose.
It is very nice to see them here each year.
Here is our video of the tree lighting and meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Then keep reading for the lifesize chocolate Santa display and the full press release.
Over at the Swan, this display is made entirely of chocolate. The life-size Santa was created a number of years ago and the 7-foot tall, 400 pound nutcracker was added a few years back. It always smells incredible here!
Here is a closer look at the chocolate nutcracker.
The angel always looks beautiful on the tree.
There is a book with information on the display.
Here is the press release with more information on all of the activities available at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin for the holiday season!
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Nov. 22, 2016 – Santa, Mrs. Claus and their favorite elf, Kandy Kane, are jetting off to Florida this December to escape the cold and join guests for Holiday Happenings at Santa’s favorite resort – the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. During this month-long celebration, children and kids at heart can enjoy a magical holiday vacation experience at the Epcot Resort Area resort with holiday season room rates up to 10 percent off. Due to popular demand, this year’s activities line-up, features an expanded bedtime elf tuck-in program, as well as the return of some annual favorites.
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. To book, call 407-934-4206.
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 more details about all the holiday excitement, including a full schedule of activities, at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort or to make room reservations, please visit www.santasfavoriteresort.com or call 1-800-227-1500.
About the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort resides amongst the greatest theme parks and attractions in Central Florida. The resort 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 resort features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, the extended park hours 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 Disney FastPass+ service, where guests can reserve up to 3 select theme park experiences up to 60 days in advance of their visit. The resort can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin.