With annual events like Gartner’s IT Symposium/Xpo taking every inch of available space and even building additional temporary structures outside, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is set to embark on the largest renovation and expansion in the property’s history, highlighted by the addition of 120,000 square feet of event space to its current meeting and convention floorplan.

With an investment of $275 million over the next several years, the construction project will also include modernized upgrades to existing meeting spaces and Swan guest rooms, as well as technology enhancements throughout the property.

The expansion will bring the triplex’s total meeting space to 469,000 sq. ft. between its three buildings—the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve, which opened in November 2021 with 349 rooms and a rooftop event space on its 14^th floor.

“We look forward to delivering such a major transformation for our customers,” said Area General Manager Sean Verney. “These enhancements will be a great addition to our iconic and award-winning operation. It positions our property to remain at the forefront of meeting and convention venues globally.”

With a total of 2,619 guest rooms across the three properties, the campus offers one of the largest convention properties on the East Coast. The additional space will expand the hotel’s largest contiguous event space to 175,000 sq. ft., making it among the largest hotel spaces in the country, Verney said.

Last week, Corporate Event News VP of Group Content Danica Tormohlen toured the three properties with Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Complex Director of Sales and Marketing Jim Curtis while Gartner’s IT Symposium/Xpo was in the house. The annual event attracted more than 20,000 technology professionals, and is the largest event held at the complex. It has taken place at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin for 34 years, Curtis told us.

Here's a closer look at what the expansion project will include.

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 constructed. Connecting to the hotel’s existing convention space, the new annex will offer 41,000 sq. ft. of multi-purpose space and 24,000 sq. ft. of additional pre-function space on the first floor. The second floor will house an elegant ballroom offering 41,000 sq. ft. of divisible event space, with 14,000 sq. ft. 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 additional, modern spaces allow groups to accommodate multiple events on each floor. An expanded foyer will enhance the flow between the new and existing areas, with sufficient space for interacting and networking opportunities along the way. State-of-the-art event technology will be installed throughout the new structure. For groups needing even more space, outdoor power and infrastructure will be added next to the annex to easily add temporary structures in an environmentally friendly manner.   

The project will break ground in November with an anticipated completion in late summer 2026.

Event Space Refresh

The hotel’s existing 333,000 sq. ft. of meeting space at the Swan and Dolphin will also be enhanced with an all-new modern look and with new capabilities in event technology. Ballrooms, carpeting, air walls, corridors, and breakout spaces at the Walt Disney World Dolphin have recently completed an upgrade, offering fresh, bright ambiance with a mixture of whites, blues, grays, and natural wood that align with the hotel’s water theming. Similar enhancements at the Walt Disney World Swan are underway and will be completed in phases, with the final work finished by summer 2025. 

Guest Room Renovation

To enhance the guest experience, the property is remodeling all guest rooms in the Walt Disney World Swan, a project set to be completed in 2024. The new, modern-designed guest rooms in the Swan and Dolphin will feature luxury tile flooring instead of carpet.

Photos: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, Danica Tormohlen