New Upscale Mexican Restaurant Coming Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

A new fine-dining Mexican restaurant is coming to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in 2023.

Rosa Mexicano Restaurants announced plans to open its first Orlando-area location in the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in early 2023. With current locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Maryland, as well as upcoming openings in Connecticut, Virginia, North Carolina and Las Vegas, the dynamic brand will offer an elevated fiesta dining experience, including signature menu items and award-winning margaritas.

“Rosa Mexicano’s arrival to Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is a truly exciting moment of our expansion. The opening reflects our founding chef Josefina Howard’s vision of introducing Mexican culinary traditions and authentic Mexican heritage to the world,” said Jim Dunn, CEO of Rosa Mexicano. “Once the restaurant opens, we will offer the Orlando market a fresh take on Mexican food, authentic Mexican heritage, culinary techniques and lively dining.”

The restaurant, helmed by Manuel Trevino, Vice President of Culinary, will feature dramatic design elements familiar to fans of the brand, to transport guests on a unique culinary journey. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant will offer various seating areas with capacity of about 300 guests, including a 30-person bar and a beautiful private dining room for 50.

The menu will showcase a contemporary interpretation of authentic Mexican cuisine, including beloved classics and innovative, sophisticated dishes that pay tribute to Mexico’s richly varied culinary regions. Rosa Mexicano’s renowned beverage program, which boasts over 100 varieties of tequila and agave-based spirits – and of course, the restaurant’s signature frozen pomegranate margarita, named the best in New York City – will also make its debut.

Credit: Disney
Credit: Disney
Credit: Disney

Guests can receive a first taste of Rosa Mexicano this fall during the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic November 11-12 where the restaurant will feature a tasting station during the popular annual festival.  For tickets, visit www.swandolphinfoodandwineclassic.com.

Rosa Mexicano will be located in the Dolphin, replacing the current restaurant Fresh Mediterranean Market.  Fresh will remain open until further notice.

About Rosa Mexicano

Headquartered in New York, Rosa Mexicano set a new standard for Mexican fine dining when it first opened its doors on the Upper East Side in 1984. Chef founder Josefina Howard played a leading role in defining what was then a revolutionary ‘new’ cuisine for American diners. Rosa Mexicano continues to deliver authentic, regionally inspired Mexican cuisine in a stylish, “elevated fiesta” atmosphere. For generations, the signature guacamole and frozen pomegranate margarita have been regarded as best-in-class. Today, the company operates restaurants across the northeast, including New York City, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Rosa Mexicano is owned by TriSpan Rising Stars, LLP who acquired the brand in March 2018. For more information, please visit www.rosamexicano.com.

About the  Walt Disney World  Swan and Dolphin 

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resides amongst the greatest theme parks and attractions in Central Florida. The complex is 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 resort features six pools, three health clubs, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and early entry to all four theme parks daily and extended evening theme park hours on select nights in select theme parks. The newest addition, the 14-story Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, opened 2021 and offers an upscale, boutique atmosphere as well as 149 suites ideal for families and two presidential suites. For more information, visit www.swandolphin.com.

Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts Announce Spring Food & Wine Classic

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Walt Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts have announced their Spring Food & Wine Classic! The popular outdoor festival returns for the first-ever spring edition on April 17 as a limited-ticket event featuring unlimited food and beverage tastings and live music.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts have announced the return of their popular Food & Wine Classic, but for the first-time ever, this new edition will take place in the spring. The Swan and Dolphin Spring Food & Wine Classicwill take place Saturday, April 17 as a one-night, limited-ticket event featuring unlimited food and beverage tastings and live music. Overnight packages and tickets are now on sale at www.FoodandWineClassic.com.

The event will offer culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants as well as wine samplings from around the world and a selection of other beverages, all amidst a festive backdrop of live entertainment. As a limited-ticket event, guests will be able to socially distance themselves throughout the resort’s expansive, spacious and scenic outdoor spaces.

The event, taking place 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., will feature several themed stations including the Beer Garden, Chinatown and the luau-inspired The Pig & Poke. In total, there will be 12 food stations, including dessert from executive pastry chef and world pastry champion Laurent Branlard and more than 50 beverage selections.

Menu highlights include:

  • Sweet & smokey St. Louis style smoked ribs with macaroni & cheese from Executive Chef Dan Herman’s Smokin’ D’s BBQ
  • Salt roasted prime NY strip loin with roasted marble potatoes, onion purée and truffle veal jus from Shula’s Steak House
  • Vegetarian bao filled with glazed savory jack fruit, green onion, and ginger served in Chinatown themed area
  • Shrimp & Grits with sautéed Gulf shrimp, buttered white corn grits and tasso ham gravy from Todd English’s bluezoo

Event-only tickets can be purchased online at FoodAndWineClassic.com for $125 per person. Room packages start at $400 and include event access for two adults. To book, call 1-888-828-8850 between 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. weekdays; 5:00 p.m. on weekends. Events are limited to those 21 years and older.

Among the protocols implemented for the event are: Temperature checks for all attending guests; plexiglass walls for all food service areas; all cast members wearing PPE; socially distanced stations; touchless menus and clearly marked social distancing signage. Face coverings are required for all guests, including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine, and must be worn at all times, except when dining. Guests may remove face coverings while actively eating or drinking but must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.

The spring event leads the way for the return of the fall Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic scheduled to take place this Oct. 29 & 30. More information to come. 

With a variety of restaurants and lounges and a distinguished culinary and beverage team, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts continually earn national recognition for their food and beverage program. The resorts boast numerous certified wine sommeliers and 1,400 wine selections.

The resorts can be reached at 800-227-1500. For more information, visit www.swandolphin.com and connect via social media @SwanDolphin #swandolphin.

Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Announces Three Food Events

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Via DisDining.com

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is offering the perfect gift option for foodies this holiday season – tickets to one of three food and beverage events hosted by the resort on Jan. 16, Feb. 7, and Feb. 27, 2021.

OnSaturday, Jan. 16 and Feb. 27, the resort will host Food & Wine Classic: A Taste of Swan and Dolphin from 5:30-8:00 p.m., with each event offering 10 food stations from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and more than 50 beverage offerings. Both will feature live entertainment and unlimited food and beverage tastings, including dessert selections from the hotel’s world champion pastry chef, Laurent Branlard.

Highlights include:

  • Roasted organic pumpkin ravioli gnudi with seared sea scallop, whipped ricotta cheese and pumpkin gremolata (served by Todd English’s bluezoo at the Jan. 16 event)
  • Surf and Turf featuring roasted linz heritage angus prime strip loin and marinated shrimp with creamed spinach and sauce foyot (served by Shula’s Steak House at the Feb. 27 event).

For the sports-centric foodie, the resort will for the first time host a Big Game Tailgate Watch Party Sunday, Feb. 7 at 6:00 p.m. The event will begin 30 minutes prior to kickoff and last through the end of the game. While watching all the action, guests can enjoy seven food stations and unlimited craft beer and wine. Menu highlights include: crispy fried chicken wings with an array of sauces, angus beef sliders, carne asada tacos, Italian sausage sandwich, a selection of desserts and more.

Each event will feature different menu items so attendees will have a distinct experience each time. Guests will enjoy an intimate atmosphere and experience the latest in responsible food delivery safety measures and social distancing procedures to ensure an entertaining, unforgettable, and mouthwatering experience.   

Event-only tickets can be purchased online at SwanDolphinFoodAndWineClassic.com for $110 per person. Room packages start at $359 and include event access for two adults. To book, call 1-888-828-8850 between 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. weekdays; 5:00 p.m. on weekends. Events are limited to those 21 years and older.

Among the protocols implemented for each event are: Temperature checks at the entrance; plexiglass walls for all food service areas; all cast members wearing PPE; socially distanced event space; seating available to accommodate each party at their own table; touchless menus and clearly marked social distancing signage.

For more information, visit SwanDolphinFoodAndWineClassic.com.

Santa’s Favorite Resort! Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Via DisneyTips.com

Who’s ready to experience Santa’s favorite resort?! Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is brimming with daily holiday cheer with classic Christmas movies, musical performances and more. Plus, special room rates are available for this festive time of year.

IT’S OFFICIAL! Santa has again voted the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin his all-time favorite resort! It’s been a busy year for Santa and his elves preparing for the upcoming holiday season, so he and Mrs. Claus have decided to take a little vacation during the month of December and chill out at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin!

Of course, they are looking forward to making some special guest appearances while here! Local guests as well as guests from anywhere around the Walt Disney World Resort are invited to join Mrs. Claus and her special Elf Kandy Kane on select nights in their special Santa’s Holiday Hangout by the Swan pool, as they wait for Santa to arrive. There’s going to be lots of photo opportunities that you won’t find anywhere else, so bring your cameras and get ready to party Florida style with Santa and Mrs. Claus!!!!

Holiday Activities: ‘Tis the season to plan your holiday travel! Local guests as well as guests from anywhere around the Walt Disney World Resort are invited to experience Disney magic with dazzling light displays, special Christmas theme park events, holiday parades and more! Plus, your family will get the chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus as they soak up some Florida sunshine before heading back to the North Pole. And don’t miss our chocolate Santa display at the Swan made from over 1,286 pounds of chocolate!

Santa and Mrs. Claus: Santa and Mrs. Claus along with their special Elf, Kandy Kane, will entertain guests at Santa’s Holiday Hangout by the Swan pool 6pm – 8pm on select nights. Get ready for big laughs and photo opportunities you will not see anywhere else. Due to physical distancing restrictions this event is only available to on-site guests. Pre-registration is required. Guests must present their room key for admittance to the event.

Kandy Kane’s Holiday Movie Marathon: We are pleased to offer 24 hours of continuous holiday favorites. Simply tune to Channel 49 in the Swan or Channel 50 in the Dolphin on your in-room television and enjoy a collection of holiday classics.

Pastry Decorating: Children can create their own masterpiece as our cast members help them decorate and create festive holiday cookies. Located at Santa’s Holiday Hangout area at the Swan pool on select nights from 6pm – 8pm. Space is limited and reservations must be made in advance.

Santa’s Dancing Lights Spectacular: Join us on the causeway located between the hotels as dancing lighted palms come alive every 10 minutes in a musical & light display designed to delight!

Santa’s Magic Key: How is Santa going to be able to deliver presents for your children? Easy! Just stop by the Concierge desk on Christmas Eve (December 24) and pick up a copy of Santa’s magic key to hang on your hotel room door on Christmas Eve. (Don’t worry – it only works for Santa!) Supplies are limited.

Deck the Halls: Our elves are filled with holiday spirit and want to add some North Pole magic to your stay. Whether it’s a bedtime story with cookies and milk or a Christmas tree and some special Holiday gifts to celebrate with. They will be spreading joy and cheer throughout the resort this year. Reservations required. Fees apply.

Chocolate Santa Display: Stop by the entrance to the Swan near Il Mulino New York Trattoria to marvel at a spectacular chocolate Santa sculpture hand-crafted by our two-time World Pastry Chef, Laurent Branlard. Everything you see is made from chocolate!

Photos of The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Construction

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

For those who have been watching the newest addition to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort as construction continues to push forward, we have some new detail and photos. The new tower is scheduled to open summer 2021 as a 349-room hotel to complement the iconic Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin’s two original hotels. The new tower will be called “The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve”. Check out the latest aerial photos of the construction!

@bioreconstruct took to Twitter to share the following photo along with the note: “Aerial look at the West side of Swan Reserve. Note the pool construction in the raised plaza.”

@bioreconstruct shared another photo on Twitter share the following photo along with the note: “Tall photos of texture and paint on much of Swan Reserve’s West exterior.”

@bioreconstruct shared a third photo along with the note: “Aerial look at the Marriott hotels in EPCOT Resorts. Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan, and Swan Reserve under construction. “