The iconic convention property will usher in the next generation of meetings and events with a new ballroom, additional convention space, upgrades to existing space, and renovated guest rooms
Renderings of Dolphin event space expansion (credit: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Oct. 28, 2024 – The Walt Disney World Swan
and Dolphin announced the largest renovation and expansion in the
property’s history, highlighted by the addition of 120,000 square feet
of event space to its current meeting and convention floor plan. The
entire project is an investment of $275 million over the next several
years and will also include modernized upgrades to existing meeting
spaces and Swan guest rooms, and technology enhancements throughout
the property.
The expansion will bring the triplex’s total meeting space to 469,000
square feet between its three buildings, the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan
Reserve to go with its 2,619 guest rooms, making it one of the largest
convention properties on the East Coast. The additional space will
expand the hotel’s most significant contiguous event space to 175,000 square
feet, making it among the most significant hotel spaces in the country.
“We look forward to delivering such a major transformation for our
customers. These enhancements will be a great addition to our iconic and
award-winning operation,” said Area General Manager Sean Verney. “It
positions our property to remain at the forefront of meeting and
convention venues globally.”
Meeting Space Expansion
A new two-story annex will be constructed in the first major expansion
of the Walt Disney World Dolphin’s meeting space since 2003.
Connecting to the hotel’s existing convention space, it will offer
41,000 square feet of multi-purpose space and 24,000 square feet of
additional pre-function space on the first floor. The second floor will
house an elegant ballroom offering 41,000 square feet of divisible event
space, with 14,000 square feet of pre-function foyer space.
Upon entry into the new structure, guests will be greeted by an airy,
open atrium, featuring natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows,
complete with a winding staircase and a two-story chandelier. The
property’s original Michael Graves design inspiration will carry
through the new space with a modern flair featuring water themes
alongside warm, wooden touches.
Additionally, modern spaces allow groups to increase attendance or
accommodate multiple events on each floor. An expanded foyer will
enhance the flow between the new and existing areas, with sufficient
space for interaction and networking opportunities. State-of-the-art
event technology will be installed throughout the new structure.
For groups needing even more space, outdoor power and
infrastructure will be added next to the annex to add
temporary structures in an environmentally friendly manner.
The project will break ground in November, with an anticipated completion
in late summer 2026.
Event Space Refresh
The hotel’s existing 333,000 square feet of meeting space at the Swan
and Dolphin are also being enhanced with an all-new modern look and with
new capabilities in event technology. Ballrooms, carpeting, air walls,
corridors and breakout spaces at the Walt Disney World Dolphin have
recently completed an upgrade, offering a fresh, bright ambiance with a
mixture of whites, blues, grays, and natural wood that align with the
hotel’s water theming. Similar enhancements at the Walt Disney World
Swan is underway and will be completed in phases, with the final work
completed by summer 2025.
Guest Room Renovation
To further enhance the guest experience, the property remodels all
guest rooms in the Walt Disney World Swan. This follows the
introduction of 349 new luxury guest rooms with the opening of the Walt
Disney World Swan Reserve Hotel in late 2021. The new, modern
guest rooms in the Swan and Dolphin feature luxury tile flooring and
new appointments. The Walt Disney World Swan guest rooms will
be completed in 2024.
The project is the latest in the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin’s
commitment to investing in the property to provide the best guest and
client experience while consistently exceeding industry standards and
embracing growth and innovation for the iconic destination.
About the _Walt Disney World_ Swan and Dolphin
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is a nationally respected and
recognized leader in the convention hotel arena. Ideally located at Walt
Disney World Resort, the three-hotel complex, offers 2,619 guest rooms
and over 349,000 square feet of indoor event space and a variety of
scenic and functional outdoor event spaces, including a private beach,
lakeside terrace and causeway with views of EPCOT. Features consist of
Ninety-nine meeting rooms, including two executive boardrooms, six ballroom
options, 110,500 square feet of contiguous convention/exhibit space,
outdoor function areas, three business centers, and complimentary
transportation to select Walt Disney World Resort locations.
Groups also enjoy sophisticated guest rooms, the luxurious Mandara Spa, and
Twenty-three world-class restaurants and lounges. The newest addition,
the 14-story Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, offers an upscale and boutique
atmosphere. It features 149 executive meeting suites, two presidential
suites, and a top-floor event space, The Vue, offering spectacular views
of Walt Disney World Resort, including multiple fireworks shows. For more
information, please visit www.swandolphinmeetings.com [3].
