As groups return to in-person meetings, planners are seeking more outdoor options to provide enhanced attendee safety, inspire confidence to drive attendance and help boost creativity.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is offering groups the ability to take their meetings and events outside by providing a variety of outdoor spaces and special events that utilize the resort’s scenic surroundings in creative ways.
The resort offers 100,000 square feet of outdoor space, with 12,000 more becoming available in July following the completion of the resort’s newest addition, the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve.
Whether it is an executive meeting, team-building opportunity, break, reception or dinner, the hotel has developed ways to move traditionally indoor functions outdoors.
“We’re in the middle of one of the most beautiful areas of our country with some of the most amazing weather,” says Jim Curtis (pictured left), Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin director of sales and marketing. “There are so many benefits to hosting functions outside, and our team has the expertise and knowledge to execute them perfectly.”
Among the unique options for planners to take advantage of are the resort’s pool decks, including the stylish outdoor restaurant Cabana Bar & Grill and lush Grotto pool area, the private white sand beach and lake-side terraces offering views of the passing Disney boats.
The resort also offers outdoor functions for groups. A popular one is a branded food & wine festival taking place on the resort’s causeway, using the hotel’s unique architecture to create a memorable backdrop. The festival can be customized to fit a wide range of group sizes and is structured after the hotel’s own Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic held each fall and taking place Oct. 29 – 30. Other outdoor events the hotel offers for groups include a Hawaiian Pig Roast, a Louisiana-inspired seafood boil, Old Florida-themed party and Food Truck festival.
Going outside can assist in conducting serious business as well. Hosting meetings outside is now even easier thanks to the hotel’s new hybrid meetings system, HelloHybrid, provided by Xpodigital. The service uses the latest in internet and streaming technology to extend the hotel meeting and event experience beyond the convention space, including the resort’s outdoor event spaces.
For an indoor/outdoor function, the hotel also offers a variety of tent options so events can have an outdoor feel no matter the weather. Finally, every good outdoor meeting needs a good back-up plan, and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin offers more than 333,000 square feet of indoor function space just in case.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is a nationally respected and recognized leader in the convention hotel arena. Ideally located in the heart of Walt Disney World Resort, the hotel offers 2,270 guest rooms and more than 333,000 square feet of meeting space. Features consist of 87 meeting rooms, including two executive boardrooms, four ballroom options, 110,500 square feet of contiguous convention/exhibit space, outdoor function areas, two business centers and complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. The newest addition, the 14-story Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, opens summer 2021 and offers an upscale, boutique atmosphere as well as 149 executive meeting suites and two presidential suites. Groups also enjoy sophisticated guest rooms, the luxurious Mandara Spa and 18 world-class restaurants and lounges. For more info, visit www.swandolphinmeetings.com.
