Santa and Mrs. Claus Escape Snow and Ice for Sunny Getaway at
the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel
Santa in tropical attire, elves tucking kids into bed and a life-size chocolate Santa sculpture all part of hotel’s holiday celebration

Summary:

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, an official Walt Disney World Hotel, is gearing up for a holiday celebration packed with festivities for the entire family. Orlando is already known for being the destination of choice for holiday travel, and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel has a world of holiday magic planned for hotel guests this December, from an elf tuck-in service to sightings of Santa and Mrs. Claus on vacation, complete in tropical attire! http://tiny.cc/santaresort

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Holiday travelers may not know this but prior to his big night, Santa Claus, along with Mrs. Claus, escape from the cold, ice and snow to go on a sunny Florida vacation at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel. He and the Missus will be decked out in their tropical attire (no red suits with fur trim here!) sunning and lounging the day away at the Orlando hotel. Everybody knows Santa is not at all camera shy, so he and Mrs. Claus will be meeting and taking photos with guests at his customized Tiki hut throughout his December stay. It’s just part of the holiday magic at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel.

From being tucked into bed by an elf (yes, an elf!), to ordering a Christmas tree delivery, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel knows how to create a holiday celebration guests will never forget.

This year’s holiday happenings include:

Life-Size Chocolate Santa
Santa may be known as sweet, but he even won’t be able to match the sweetness of his likeness that will be on display throughout December in the lobby of the Swan. The hotel’s executive pastry chef Laurent Branlard has created a life-sized sculpture of Santa, constructed entirely of chocolate - approximately 1,200 lbs. of it! The sculpture also features a chocolate fireplace, chocolate Christmas tree and chocolate toy train. Branlard is the only two-time world pastry champion and renowned for his chocolate and sugar sculptures. 

Bedtime Elf Tuck-ins
While Santa is out delivering presents on Christmas Eve, his elves are tucking in children staying at the hotel. Guests who order this unforgettable experience will have a full-costumed elf deliver milk and cookies as well as a plush toy to the room before reading a bedtime story and tucking the children into bed before Santa arrives! Reservations are required and space is limited for this exclusive Christmas Eve service.

Holiday Tree Guest Room Delivery
Want to add some holiday cheer to your guest room? Guests can order a Christmas tree service and have it delivered right to their room.

Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop Delivery
Families looking to cap off a magical day in a memorable fashion can do so with a special holiday bedtime delivery from Mrs. Claus’ bakeshop. During December, guests can receive their own batch of Mrs. Claus’ cookies and milk delivered to their room, along with a collector storybook featuring the tale of Santa and Mrs. Claus’ vacation at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel. Deliveries can be ordered for a fee and are available Thurs. – Sat. Dec. 1 - 23.

Magic Keys for Santa
Worried about Santa missing out on delivering presents to your guest room? The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel has a magical solution! On Christmas Eve, children can hang a magic key for Santa outside their guest room, which can be accompanied by a gift wish list to help Santa (ahem, and parents) leave wrapped gifts for the following morning.

Mrs. Claus’s Holiday Hotline
After families check into their guest room, children (with mom or dad’s permission) can dial Mrs. Claus’s Hotline to hear a special holiday message from Mrs. Claus. 

Tree-Lighting
Select nights throughout December, Mrs. Claus will conduct a festive tree-lighting ceremony in the Dolphin lobby, illuminating a magnificent 45-ft. tall tree. Following the ceremony, complimentary holiday beverages and snacks will be available next to Santa’s Tiki hut.

Dessert Decorating and Holiday Movies
Starting Dec. 8, children will be able to decorate holiday desserts in the lobby. Families also can enjoy a holiday-themed movie on their guest room televisions throughout the month.

For more details about all the holiday excitement, including a full schedule of activities and prices, at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel or to make room reservations, please visit www.santasfavoriteresort.com or call 1-800-227-1500. Overnight rates start at $149 per night.

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel 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 hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit, where each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks is open extra time to enjoy select attractions.  (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required). The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin.

ATTENTION MEDIA: A media-only website with press releases and photography is available on-line at www.swandolphinmedia.com. Please visit the “Fast Facts” section for easy fact-checking assistance.