The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin has announced its largest renovation and expansion to date, adding 120,000 square feet of event space to its existing meeting and convention areas. This $275 million investment, set to take place over the next several years, will also include modern upgrades to current meeting spaces and Swan guest rooms, along with technology enhancements throughout the property.
The expansion will increase the triplex’s total meeting space to 469,000 square feet across its three buildings—the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve—complementing its 2,619 guest rooms. This makes it one of the largest convention properties on the East Coast. The added space will also expand the hotel’s largest contiguous event area to 175,000 square feet, ranking it among the largest hotel event spaces in the nation.
Guest Room Renovations
To elevate the guest experience, all guest rooms at the Walt Disney World Swan are being remodeled. This follows the addition of 349 luxury rooms with the opening of the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve in late 2021. The newly designed Swan and Dolphin rooms feature luxury tile flooring and updated furnishings. The Walt Disney World Swan renovations are expected to be completed in 2024.
Meeting Space Expansion
In the first major expansion of the Walt Disney World Dolphin’s meeting space since 2003, a new two-story annex will be built. This annex will connect to the hotel’s existing convention area and provide 41,000 square feet of multi-purpose space and 24,000 square feet of additional pre-function space on the first floor. The second floor will feature an elegant ballroom with 41,000 square feet of divisible event space and 14,000 square feet of pre-function foyer space.
Upon entry into the new structure, guests will be greeted by an airy, open atrium, featuring natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, complete with a winding staircase and two-story chandelier. The property’s original Michael Graves design inspiration will carry through the new space with a modern flair, featuring water themes alongside warm, wooden touches.
The new, modern spaces will enable groups to expand attendance or host multiple events simultaneously on each floor. An expanded foyer will improve the flow between the new and existing areas, providing ample space for interaction and networking. State-of-the-art event technology will be integrated throughout the new structure. Additionally, for groups requiring more space, outdoor power and infrastructure will be installed adjacent to the annex, allowing for the seamless addition of temporary structures in an environmentally sustainable way.
The project is set to begin construction in November, with an expected completion by late summer 2026.
Event Space Refresh
The hotel’s existing 333,000 square feet of meeting space at the Swan and Dolphin is also receiving a modern makeover, including upgraded event technology. Ballrooms, carpeting, air walls, corridors, and breakout spaces at the Walt Disney World Dolphin have already been refreshed, featuring a bright, contemporary design in shades of white, blue, gray, and natural wood, in keeping with the hotel’s water theme. Similar updates at the Walt Disney World Swan are in progress and will be completed in phases, with the entire project expected to be finished by summer 2025.
