Passionate performance meets stylish design as the WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN and DOLPHIN RESORT has completed the most recent phase of a $60 million redesign project which unveils stunning new lobbies and public spaces, including a $500,000 contemporary art program.  The transformation adds a fresh and contemporary look to the resort’s entertainment architecture, which was designed by Michael Graves as a part of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner’s vision, while maintaining its original integrity.  Select upper level guest rooms, which offer breathtaking views, will also receive a makeover and be converted into boardroom hospitality suites.

“The resort’s distinct architecture has been its signature since opening,” said Dave Bagwell, executive vice president at Tishman Hotel Corporation, a managing partner of the resort’s ownership group.  “This new, multi-million dollar project continues our tradition of design excellence, offering guests a fresh take on our unique look.”

Enhanced lobbies provide guests with an immediate and renewed sense of arrival, and an elegant fabric brightens up the cathedral height center-ceiling in the Dolphin lobby.  Both resort lobbies boast over 1,000 new custom lighting fixtures, including dramatic chandeliers artistically crafted in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.  Woven metal and handcrafted tropical Pao rosewood paneling complete the newly refurbished space, as well as imported Asian Golden Onyx counters on all guest service desks throughout the resort.  In addition, all pre-function and meeting rooms were made over with upgraded décor to meet the needs of Fortune 500 group clientele. 

“The completion of the redesign, coupled with our reputation for service and the Disney setting, positions us to continue to stay on top of the competitive market,” said Erik Berger, general manager.

Still to come as part of the award-winning resort’s multi-million dollar campaign are the redesigned presidential and executive suites, featuring upgraded, elegant bathroom and bedroom appointments richly-designed in residential style aesthetics.  The cost of this phase ranges from $350,000 to $500,000 per suite. 

These latest steps come at the heels of a series of continuous improvements that began three years ago with the addition of the 50,000 sq. ft., pillar-less and multi-use Pacific Hall, all guest room and corridor upgrades, a renovated fitness center in the Swan featuring the WestinWORKOUT®, and additional enhancements to five of the resort’s twelve restaurant outlets. 

One of the most recent and noteworthy additions, completed over the past year, is the 12,000 square-foot Mandara Spa where groups can hold private events, which can accommodate up to 20 treatments per hour, for about 240 treatments a day.  Other resort amenities for meeting attendees to enjoy include five pools, two health clubs, whirlpools and saunas, four lighted tennis courts, jogging trails, and a supervised children’s activity center for those who bring the family along.