Tis the season for holiday activities. Last year we shared a look at ICE! with the Snoopy and the Gang, this year I wanted to share some of the details of Santa’s Favorite Resort, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. In addition to the traditional seasonal décor, and appearances by Santa, Chocolate Santa & bedtime elf tuck-ins. Oh, that is not all, new for this year the report will debut a hi-tech Christmas tree as the centerpiece of the resort’s holiday display in the newly renovated Dolphin lobby. The 24-foot Christmas tree will light up with a variety of colors and patterns and perform to holiday music throughout the holiday season.

The tree joins the other annual holiday festivities and activities that have become guest favorites over the years as, once again, Santa, Mrs. Claus and their favorite elf, Kandy Kane, will be escaping the cold at Santa’s favorite resort.

Other returning favorites include Bedtime Elf Tuck-ins and a 2,000 lb. life-size chocolate holiday scene.

The full slate of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort holiday activities include:

• Santa and Mrs. Claus Meet ‘n Greets
  Santa, Mrs. Claus and Kandy Kane, decked out in their Florida vacation attire, will meet guests in Santa’s customized Tiki Hut on select nights starting Nov. 24. This is a unique holiday photo opportunity, filled with Florida flair that features reindeer, palm trees and flamingos.
• A Florida Snow Fall and Tree Lighting Ceremony
  With a new look for the resort following completion of the recent renovation, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort’s holiday tree is getting revamped as well. Throughout December, the lobby will transform into a festive holiday scene featuring a 24-ft tall Christmas tree that’s never been seen before. The tree features cutting-edge light technology which will fill the Dolphin lobby with wintertime cheer. Regularly timed indoor snow falls complete the holiday scene. On select nights, guests can join Mrs. Claus in the Dolphin lobby for the lighting of the Christmas tree starting at 6 p.m. The ceremony is followed by hot holiday beverages and crafts for kids at Santa’s Tiki Hut.
• Bedtime Elf Tuck-Ins
  This year Santa’s elves return to bring holiday joy to children staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. On select nights starting Dec. 1, elves will deliver milk, cookies, a plush toy and storybook to resort rooms. Elves will also read a bedtime story and tuck children on Santa’s nice list into bed, dressed in full costume. Price varies by date and a service charge of 24 percent is added, in addition to tax. Reservations are required and space is limited. To book, call 407-934-4206.
• Life-Size Chocolate Holiday Santa Scene
  Chocolate Christmas Scene 2014Constructed entirely of chocolate, this life-sized sculpture weighs in at approximately 2,000 pounds! The sculpture, created by the resort’s executive pastry chef Laurent Branlard (two-time world pastry champion), is showcased in the lobby of the Swan. It features chocolate Santa sitting in his chair, a 7-foot tall, 400-pound chocolate nutcracker, chocolate fireplace, chocolate Christmas tree and chocolate toy train. The scene will be displayed in the lobby of the resort throughout December and is 100 percent edible. However, any chocolate lovers thinking of taking on the challenge of consuming this enormous sweet, should consider that it is 4 million calories! (By the way, the sculpture is not available for tasting.)
• Magic Keys for Santa on Christmas Eve
  How will Santa deliver presents to each guest room without a chimney? With a magic key! Children can hang a magic key on their door to help Santa find his way on Christmas Eve. Magic keys are available at the concierge desk.
• Dancing Lights Show
  A dazzling musical light show transforms the outdoor causeway each evening into a holiday spectacle with dancing illuminated palm trees and favorite holiday tunes.
• Holiday Entertainment
  On select nights, guests can catch entertainment by carolers, choirs and musicians in the resort lobbies, on the causeway and in other public areas throughout the resort.

Guest who make reservations at www.santasfavoriteresort.com can receive holiday season room rates up to 10% off at the Epcot Resort Area resort.

One last thing, the new lobby bar, Phins has a really cool signature drink, the Smoke n’ Roses. It is rather tasty bourbon cocktail with a fun presentation. Our last visit to Phins was on a college football Saturday, there are plenty of seats and multiple games were being shown across the multiple big screens.

For more details about all the holiday excitement, including a full schedule of activities, at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort or to make room reservations, please visit www.santasfavoriteresort.com or call 1-800-227-1500.