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Massive $275 Million Expansion Confirmed for Walt Disney World Resort

A resort building with a waterfront view, illuminated at twilight. The structure features a combination of modern and rustic architectural styles, surrounded by palm trees. The calm water in front reflects the lights and trees, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of the Gurgling Suitcase at Disney's Old Key West Resort.
Credit: Disney

A massive new project has just been confirmed for the Walt Disney World Resort.

A nighttime view of a brightly lit, colorful resort with palm trees and festive lights lining a walkway. The central building has a pyramid shape with spotlights beaming into the sky. The surrounding buildings are adorned with neon lights and unique sculptures.

Credit: Swan and Dolphin

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Disney has announced that the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels will undergo a massive renovation, the largest overhaul the property has ever seen. The project will see significant expansions and upgrades throughout the existing facilities and the construction of a new two-story annex at the Dolphin.

The primary goal of this overhaul is to increase the Swan and Dolphin’s capacity for convention space, a project that is reported to cost $275 million in total. Concept art (shown below) reveals what the Swan and Dolphin will look like following its renovation.

A spacious, modern atrium reminiscent of Disney World's magic, featuring a grand staircase and large windows. A blue, artistic installation hangs from the ceiling as people converse on the stairs and ground level. Bright natural light fills this enchanting space.

Credit: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

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Both the Swan and Dolphin Hotels are already used for large events, but this expansion project seeks to make the iconic Disney World resort location one of the leading convention destinations in the country.

“The expansion will bring the triplex’s total meeting space to 469,000 square feet between its three buildings, the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve to go with its 2,619 guestrooms making it one of the largest convention properties on the East Coast,” stated company officials.

“The additional space will expand the hotel’s largest contiguous event space to 175,000 square feet, making it among the largest hotel spaces in the country.”

The entire Swan and Dolphin renovation project is scheduled to begin in November 2024 and is expected to conclude by summer 2026.

Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel

Credit: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

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The Details

To break down the details, Disney’s Swan and Dolphin will increase in size by 120,000 square feet, with new meeting and convention spaces being added. This expansion will take place across three separate buildings: the Swan, the Dolphin, and the Swan Reserve. A new two-story annex will be built at the Dolphin, which will house a new 41,000-square-foot area.

As stated earlier, this overhaul will do more than just add new space. The current meeting areas at the Swan and Dolphin will also receive a makeover, and the Dolphin’s meeting areas will have a new color scheme.

The Swan’s meeting areas are being revamped now, with the room renovations expected to all be completed by summer 2025.

In addition to expanding and overhauling the Swan and Dolphin’s convention spaces, all guest rooms at the Swan will also be renovated. This will bring modern interiors to the forefront, along with a new contemporary design. These new rooms are expected to be renovated by the end of the year.

Have you ever stayed at the Swan or Dolphin Hotels?

About Luke Dammann

When at Disney world, Luke will probably be found eating with his favorite animatronic, Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe. When not at Disney World, Luke will probably be found defending Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe to people who claim "there are better restaurants"

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