The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort celebrated the grand opening of its newest addition, the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, on Friday, Nov. 12 with a ribbon cutting ceremony, bringing together hotel owners Tishman and MetLife along with executives from Walt Disney World and Marriott International.
This new 14-story hotel designed by Gensler is positioned adjacent to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in the middle of Walt Disney World Resort, features a captivating design offering 349 spacious and versatile guest rooms – including 151 suites – with incredible floor-to-ceiling views of the resort. Guests of the resort can walk to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios and receive special Walt Disney World hotel guest benefits including early theme park entry and extended evening theme park hours.
In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin reside amongst the greatest theme parks and attractions in Central Florida. They are located between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 22 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The resorts feature six pools, three health clubs, nearby golf and complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. The newest addition, the 14-story Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, offers an upscale, boutique atmosphere as well as 149 suites ideal for families and two presidential suites.
Members of the U.S. military can enjoy great rates at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights January 1, 2022 through December 16, 2022 when they book by December 16, 2022, as well as special Disney Military Salute Tickets.
2022 Military Promotional Resort Room Only reservations are available.
4-Day and 5-Day Disney Military Salute Tickets are available for eligible Guests to purchase at U.S. Military Bases, Shades of Green and Walt Disney World Resort theme park windows.
Separate theme park admission and reservation are required to enjoy the parks. In line with guidance from the CDC, Walt Disney World Resort has implemented health safety policies across the resort.
The Food & Wine Classic is a tradition for many at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotels. The 2021 Fall Edition took place on October 29 and 30, and I was invited to attend the second evening. The weather was perfect, and there was a party atmosphere.
Don’t confuse the Food & Wine Classic with the Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT. They have nothing to do with each other. The Food & Wine Classic is kind of a showcase that shows off some of the best from the restaurants that are located at the Swan & Dolphin. You pay one price, and all of your food and beverages are included. It is for the 21 and up crowd.
I attended the Spring Edition of the Food & Wine Classic last April. It was a much smaller version of the Fall Classic. In the Spring there were plenty of COVID protocols, but things have relaxed greatly since. Most of the Food & Wine Classic is held outdoors, and there was still plenty of hand sanitizer around. There were precautions being taken, and everything felt safe.
The longest lines that I noticed all evening were for the Shula’s Steakhouse booths. There were two of them, both serving Roasted Linz Heritage Black Angus Beef Tenderloin, Mashed Potatoes, and Roasted Carrots. Many people say that Shula’s has the best steak in the state of Florida, and having two booths made it possible for more people to get a taste. Other popular booths included Todd English, Picabu, The Fountain, and the Swan & Dolphin Pastry Booths. Amare had a booth as well. This restaurant has not yet opened, it will be located inside the new Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. Even when there were lines they moved quickly. The portions were small on purpose so that Guests could try more items.
Wine is also an important part of this annual event. There were unique vintages from several popular regions. There were several American wines from California, Oregon, and Washington. International regions included France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Chile, and Australia. There was also sake from Japan. Some of the booths had people on hand to talk about the selections. Inside the Swan there was a room referred to as Bubbles, which had sparkling wines and champagne.
While not in the name, there were also plenty of craft beer selections. Most of these were found in the area that was called the Beer Garden for the night. There were also some food booths in the Beer Garden which paired well with beer, such as soft pretzels or sloppy joes.
There was also live entertainment. The American Sirens performed in Bubbles. Adam Duss sang in the Beer Garden. The highlight was Epic Live! They are a dance party cover band, and they performed well known songs from the 70’s and 80’s. By the end of the evening a good part of the crowd was dancing and singing along.
If you are thinking about attending a future Food & Wine Classic, you might want to book a Stay and Play Package. You’ll receive tickets for the event, plus a room at the Swan or Dolphin so that you’ll be close to where everything is happening. Packages sell out fast, so once the information on the next Food & Wine Classic is available you’ll want to book sooner rather than later.
The staff at the Food & Wine Classic deserves a special shoutout. I did not encounter one person working who wasn’t helpful. They all seemed to be having a great time, and they worked efficiently to make sure that everyone was served in a timely manner. Well done. I had a great time, and I’d like to thank all those who were involved for an incredible evening.
Separate theme park admission and reservation are required to enjoy the parks. In line with guidance from the CDC, Walt Disney World Resort has implemented health safety policies across the resort. For the latest details, please visit http://disneytraveltradeinfo.com/wdw.
Stay in the Magic
At a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, Guests can experience the same legendary detail, service and storytelling found in the theme parks. They’ll discover enchantment around every corner.
Plus, they’ll be surrounded by The World’s Most Magical Celebration!
Highlights include:
Get Around with Ease Complimentary transportation options make it easy—and fun—to get around Walt Disney World Resort. Guests can zip about on the world-famous monorail, glide across the sky on Disney Skyliner and cruise along serene waterways aboard a water taxi. Some Disney Resort hotels are even within walking distance of select theme parks.
Magic Around Every Corner Guests can be immersed in fantastical worlds both real and imaged—including some favorite Disney and Pixar tales. Whether they’re taking in views of an African savanna, swimming alongside Nemo and friends or savoring the flavors of the Polynesian Isles, they’ll find fun and surprising Disney touches in every detail.
The fun is seemingly endless at a Disney Resort hotel, where Guests can enjoy themed pools with waterslides, poolside activities and delicious dining experiences. They may even spot some familiar Disney friends palling around. Activities and amenities vary by Disney Resort hotel.
More Time in the Parks
Disney Resort hotel Guests get extra time to play every day:
Early Theme Park Entry
As part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, Guests of Disney Resort hotels can get a 30-minute jump on their Disney day with early theme park entry—available at all four Walt Disney World theme parks.
Early theme park entry gives Guests a head start in the parks, so they’ll have access to select attractions, shops and dining before regular hours. And, they can enjoy this benefit on each day of their stay—in any park, subject to capacity.
For early theme park entry, Guests will need valid admission, a park reservation and Key to the World Card, MagicBand or Magic Mobile.
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours
Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels or Disney Deluxe Villas can enjoy extended evening hours—experiencing select attractions, shops and dining after regular park hours—in select theme parks on select nights.
Together with early theme park entry—available to all Disney Resort hotel Guests—they’ll get to arrive earlier and stay later so they can maximize their time in the parks during the World’s Most Magical Celebration!
For extended evening hours, Guests will need a valid Key to the World Card, MagicBand or Magic Mobile, valid admission and a theme park reservation for the same park on the same day. (Or a ticket or annual pass with the Park Hopper option, provided Guests entered the park where they made their reservation earlier in the day.)
The holiday magic doesn’t stop at the theme parks and Disney Springs! While visiting Walt Disney World this holiday season, you’ll be able to find fantastic limited-time food and beverages that celebrate the holiday season.
Intermission Food Court, World Premier Food Court, and Intermission Food Court
Pumpkin Tart (available Nov. 25 and Dec. 25)
Thanksgiving Dinner – Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green beans, and cranberry relish with choice of apple or pumpkin tart (available Nov. 25)
Playful Penguin Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake, cream cheese buttercream, peppermint sprinkles, and a sugared playful penguin (available Dec. 19-Jan. 1)
Christmas Dinner – Ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green beans, and cranberry relish with choice of apple or pumpkin tart (available Dec. 25)
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Landscapes of Flavor and Everything POP Shopping & Dining
Pumpkin Tart (available Nov. 7-27)
Apple Tart (available Nov. 7-27)
Playful Penguin Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake, cream cheese buttercream, peppermint sprinkles, and a sugared playful penguin (available Dec. 19-Jan. 1)
Spiked Coffee Milkshake (available Nov. 1-30)
Cranberry Margarita (available Nov.1-30)
Spiked Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate (available Dec.1-31)
Credit: Disney
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Sanaa
Chocolate Peppermint Ornament – Ghanaian dark chocolate mousse and peppermint crunch chocolate biscuit with pomegranate and raspberries (available Dec. 19-25)
Roast Rib Eye – Roast rib eye with jus lie, Tunisian mashed potatoes, green beans with apricot-cranberry butter, and mushroom conserva (available Dec. 25)
Thanksgiving Sage & Thyme Oven-Roasted Turkey – Cornbread and sausage stuffing, sour cream-mashed Yukon gold potatoes, green beans and rainbow carrots with herb butter, cranberry citrus compote, pan gravy, and Parker House Rolls (available Nov. 25)
Apple Crostata – Vanilla bean gelato, candied pecans, and caramel sauce (available Nov. 25)
Mickey Eggs-in-a-Basket – Egg-filled butter brioche and classic pastrami hash with choice of ham, bacon, or sausage (available Dec. 19-31)
Pumpkin Cheesecake – Pumpkin cheesecake resting on a spiced chiffon cake topped with cassis mousse and a pumpkin seed-ginger crumble with caramel sauce (available Nov. 27)
Gasparilla Island Grill
Pumpkin Pie Cake Pop – Pumpkin spice jumbo cake pop enrobed in white chocolate to resemble an autumn pumpkin (available Nov. 1-Dec. 1)
Fall Flavors Cupcake – Cinnamon-spiced cupcake with apple filling topped with a sugar pumpkin and maple buttercream in festive fall colors (available Nov. 1-Dec. 1)
Happy Holidays Cake Pop – Triple chocolate cake pop enrobed in white chocolate with festive winter décor (available Dec. 1-Jan. 1)
Very Merry Minnie Mouse Cupcake – Chocolate cupcake filled with cookies and cream mousse and topped with ganache-dipped buttercream with cookie ears and chocolate a holiday bow (available Dec. 1-Jan. 1)
Red Velvet Wreath Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake filled with cream cheese mousse and topped with a vanilla buttercream wreath and a chocolate bow (available Dec. 1-Jan. 1)
S’more Cookie – Graham chocolate chip cookie piled with toasted marshmallows and M&M’S (available Dec. -Jan. 1)
Narcoossee’s
Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake – Pumpkin cake filled with white chocolate cream cheese mousse with brown sugar glaze and orange marmalade sauce (available Nov. 27)
Disney’s Old Key West Resort
Good’s Food to Go
Bourbon Pumpkin Cheesecake – Pumpkin Cheesecake, bourbon panna cotta, and spiced pecans (available Nov. 7-27)
Peppermint Bark – Dark and white chocolate with peppermint pieces (available Dec.1-Jan. 1)
Stroke of Midnight Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake with white chocolate Champagne filling, chocolate-covered pop rocks, and white chocolate clock (available Dec. 29-Jan3)
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Le Petit Café
Mickey Gingerbread Cookies – Gingerbread cookie duo baked in chocolate and glazed with sugar (available Nov. 21-Jan. 1)
Peppermint Mousse – Dark chocolate and peppermint white chocolate mousse (available Nov. 28-Jan. 1)
Primo Piatto
Eggnog Cheesecake – Eggnog cheesecake with cherry compote and vanilla whipped panna cotta (available Nov. 28-Jan. 1)
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl (available through Nov. 27)
Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera
Pumpkin Mousse – Pumpkin cheesecake, hazelnut chocolate sponge, pistachio crumble and cherry compote (available through Nov. 27)
Black Heritage Turkey – Sous vide turkey breast, turkey leg roulade, sourdough stuffing torchon, sweet potato casserole with spiced marshmallows, potato purée, roasted gravy, cranberry marmalade, haricot vert amandine, and roasted rainbow carrots (available Nov. 25)
Reindeer Food – Cubes of gingerbread, chocolate stripped pretzels, holiday granola, and candies (available Nov.14-Jan. 1)
Spiced Moose Cookie (available Nov.14-Jan. 1)
Peppermint Bark (available Nov.14-Jan. 1)
Geyser Point Bar & Grill
Martinis Around the World Flight (available Dec. 5-Jan. 8; also available as separate drinks)
Key Lime Pie – Lime juice, simple syrup, and rum with green sugar rim
Poinsettia – Brut Champagne and cranberry
Italian Manhattan – Bourbon, vermouth, bitters, grenadine, and cranberry with maraschino cherries
Caribbean Cream – Rum, cinnamon cream liqueur, and cream with nutmeg and green sugar rim
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort
Ale & Compass Restaurant
Pumpkin Tart – Pumpkin tart with chantilly cream with a cherry cranberry sauce (available Nov. 25)
The Market at Ale & Compass and Beach Club Marketplace
Pumpkin Cheesecake – Pumpkin-flavored New York-style cheesecake with caramel sauce, whipped cream, chocolate leaves, and cranberry-flavored sugar crystals (available Nov. 1-Dec. 31)
Holiday Red and Green Creme-filled Sandwich Cookie Bonbons – Mousse-filled on a cookie base sprayed with colorful chocolate (available Nov. 1-Dec. 31)
Holiday Mickey Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake filled with vanilla mousse topped with holiday décor and chocolate Mickey ears (available Dec.1-31)
The Market at Ale & Compass, Beach Club Marketplace, and Disney’s Beach Club Lobby
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – A bag of three chocolate crinkle cookies with a dusting of sweet snow (available Nov. 1-Dec. 31)
Trio of Fudge – White chocolate peppermint fudge, white chocolate-gingerbread fudge, and dark chocolate-hot cocoa fudge (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
Plant-Based and Gluten-Friendly Brownie – Chocolate brownies with chocolate ganache (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
Signature Stollen Bread – German bread created with nuts, spices, and fruit coated with a mountain of vanilla powdered sugar (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
Mickey Gingerbread – Our traditional sugar-glazed Mickey gingerbread with chocolate backing (available Nov. 1-Dec. 31)
Mickey and Minnie Crispy Rice Treats (Sold Separately) – Crispy rice treats decorated with red chocolate, sanding sugar, snowflakes, and chocolate garnishes (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
Peppermint Bark – Dark and white chocolate with peppermint pieces (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
Chocolate Snow Globe – Dark chocolate snow globe with the 50th Anniversary print (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
Chocolate-Covered Marshmallow Snowmen – Chocolate-covered marshmallows decorated to look like adorable snowmen on festive red and white straw (available Nov. 1- Dec. 31)
Chocolate Creme-filled Sandwich Cookie Pops – White chocolate-covered creme-filled sandwich cookie pops themed to The Little Mermaid (available Nov. 1-Dec. 31)
In addition to all the sweet holiday treats, our Disney pastry chefs have been busy creating gingerbread masterpieces to get us all in the holiday spirit! Check out all the locations to see these edible marvels!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Lobby
This stunning life-size storybook gingerbread house with “cinnamon clouds” puffing from the chimney is beautifully decorated with white chocolate candy canes, edible snowflakes, and sugar poinsettias. Treats for sale include house-made Gingerbread Houses and Gingerbread Ornaments. (Nov. 10-Jan. 1)
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
This life-size spinning carousel is a holiday tradition at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. The Little Mermaid is the theme with hand-painted holiday characters, handcrafted gingerbread shingles, and fondant snowflakes. And don’t forget to pop over to the Yacht Club lobby and see the adorable holiday village with a miniature train. (Nov.1-Jan. 2)
EPCOT – The American Adventure Rotunda
The American Adventure Gingerbread Display – The EPCOT pastry chefs have recreated the Lincoln Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in miniature edible versions along with The American Adventure building and an EPCOT Festival Holiday Kitchen. (Nov. 26-Dec. 30)
