The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort has promoted Luciano Sperduto to director of food and beverage from his previous role as assistant director. Sperduto will oversee the resort’s multi-million dollar food and beverage operation comprised of 17 food and beverage outlets, along with the catering and award-winning banquets division which conducts more than 1 million banquet covers annually.
Throughout Sperduto’s 15 years at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, he has been instrumental in the growth of the resort’s food and beverage offerings, including serving key roles in the opening of Todd English’s bluezoo, Phins lounge and grab-and-go concept, fuel. He also was integral in launching the resort’s annual food and wine festival, the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, and signature craft beer, Phins and Feathers.
“With 10 years as our assistant director of food & beverage, Luciano is uniquely qualified to take on this important role,” says Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort General Manager Fred Sawyers. “It is gratifying to know we have the absolute best person for this position.”
Along with being a certified level 2 wine sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, he also holds the coveted B.A.R. certification, the spirits and mixology equivalent of an advanced wine sommelier, a distinction few professionals have received in the United States. Under his leadership, his team has standardized 25 core beverages which have become the resort’s most popular drinks among guests and created specialty drinks for each of the resort’s award-winning restaurants and lounges.
Previously, Sperduto was director of restaurants and spent time as general manager of Todd English’s bluezoo at the resort. He also held food and beverage positions at various Starwood properties. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Administration from Boston University.
With 17 restaurants and lounges and a distinguished culinary and beverage team, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort continually earns national recognition for its food and beverage program. The hotel features more than 70 certified wine sommeliers and 1,400 wine selections.
The award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort resides amongst the greatest theme parks and attractions in Central Florida. The resort recently completed a $150 million transformation, the largest in the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort’s history. It 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 resort features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, the extended park hours benefit, where each day, one of the four Walt Disney World theme parks is open extra time for guests to enjoy select attractions (valid theme park admission and Resort ID required) and Disney FastPass+ service, where guests can reserve up to three select theme park experiences up to 60 days in advance of their visit. The resort can be reached at 800-227-1500. For more info, visit www.swandolphin.com and connect with the resort via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
