Showing posts with label Swan and Dolphin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Swan and Dolphin. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Run, Don't Walk to Shula Burger on US-192 (Review)

Have you eaten at Shula's Steakhouse in the Dolphin Hotel at WDW before? They've got a new fast-casual burger joint open now just outside Disney property (near the Target on West-192), and it's delicious. Prices are higher than what you'd pay for a fast food burger, but the comparisons end there. It's upscale and tasty all the way here!

We had both the French Onion burger and the Southwest, and could not decide which was better. Flavors were complex and interdependent - no one item was allowed to dominate - and everything was clearly fresh. The meat was a mix of Black Angus chuck, short rib, and brisket. It tasted like a fast food burger in exactly the same way that a duck usually plays golf on the moon (in other words, not at all).

We will be back time and again. Sure, the prices are a bit higher, but we're talking food in a different class.












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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Press Release: Swan and Dolphin annual chocolate Xmas scene now done

Press Release:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. –  It’s that time of year when holiday decorations are going up, and for the only two-time world pastry champion that means one thing – chocolate!  In order to give guests of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin a special treat for the holidays, Laurent Branlard - the hotel’s, executive pastry chef - just completed a 7-foot tall, 400-pound chocolate nutcracker that is part of an entire Christmas scene constructed out of nearly 2,000 lbs. of chocolate.



The nutcracker took approximately 80 hours to complete and is vibrantly colored with reds, blues, and golds. Still, it is 100 percent edible.

The nutcracker joins a Christmas scene, which will be displayed in the lobby of the hotel through December, that includes a life-sized Santa Claus, fireplace with stockings, Christmas tree, and toy train.

Branlard is renowned for intricate chocolate and sugar sculptures and this piece marks one his largest and most difficult ones to date.

Just in case any chocolate lovers are thinking of taking on the challenge of consuming this enormous sweet, they should consider that the entire scene is more than 4 million calories! (Please note that the sculpture is not available for tasting.)


What:               Chocolate Christmas Scene Sculpture by world champion pastry chef Laurent Branlard

Where:             Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel (Swan wing lobby)


When:              Throughout Dec.


Website:          www.santasfavoriteresort.com


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

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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Monday, September 03, 2012

Press Release: Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic returns Oct 12-13

Press Release:


LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Food and wine tastings, educational experiences and meet-and-greets with celebrity chefs will once again be the focus at the Third Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel on Oct. 12-13. The event will include an outdoor festival featuring culinary selections from the Walt Disney World hotel’s award-winning restaurants and lounges, a series of beverage seminars taught by the hotel’s certified experts, and opportunities to meet with celebrity chefs Todd English and Michael Mina.  

Keeping consistent with past years, guests can participate in beverage seminars, sample savory dishes and stroll through the iconic causeway while being serenaded by live music.

The two-night event will be held at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, with chefs from the hotel’s 17 award-winning restaurants and lounges serving samplings of numerous tasty options.  This year’s selections will include free-form lasagna, delicately presented by Il Mulino New York Trattoria and shrimp cocktail steam rollers, an event favorite, from Todd English’s bluezoo. 

Beverage stations will offer mini-learning experiences and feature offerings such as wine, sake and beer.  Those looking for a more in-depth experience can choose from a variety of hour-long beverage seminars taught by certified wine sommeliers and beer and cocktail specialists from the hotel’s team. Attendees will learn drink origins, pairing tips and enjoy an informative tasting experience. Seminars will be offered both evenings and include Wine Blending; Modern Mixology; Riesling Rendezvous; Base to Bubbles; Beer, Please!, All Things Sake and Spanish Wines.

Throughout the evening, attendees will have additional opportunities to learn about beverage through a Cocktail 101 recurring class that will take place during the outdoor festival.

To finish, guests can delight in a selection of desserts from the only two-time World Pastry Champion, Laurent Branlard, the hotel’s executive pastry chef.  And for those interested in taking home a taste of the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, bottles of all the evening’s wine samplings will be available for purchase along with other event merchandise.

New to this year’s event is the appearance of Chef Mina, as he joins Chef English to meet with guests and serve a special sampling of his cuisine. 

Mina is an award-winning chef and author of Michael Mina: The Cookbook.  He is the executive chef at his two namesake restaurants in San Francisco and Las Vegas; has been featured in multiple national print magazines and cooked for celebrities and notables including three U.S. presidents.

English is a world-renowned restaurateur who has gained national acclaim through his line of restaurants and cookbooks, and his countless other food-related enterprises.  His concept, Todd English’s bluezoo, is a AAA four-diamond restaurant and one of the signature restaurants of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel.

With 17 restaurants and lounges, a distinguished culinary and beverage team and unmatched customer service, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel continually receives national recognition for its food and beverage program. The hotel features more than 70 certified wine sommeliers and 1,400 wine selections, including organic and rare vintages.

Tickets to the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic are available as part of a hotel package or individually.  For more information or to book, please visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-800-227-1500.

What:               Third Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic

Info:                 The Third Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel returns Oct. 12-13, showcasing some of the top food, wine and beers in the world, along with informative seminars conducted by members of the hotel’s award-winning food and beverage team Highlighting the event will be the appearances of celebrity chefs Todd English and Michael Mina.

                        The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic consists of seven beverage seminars, live entertainment and more than 30 food and beverage stations featuring appetizing selections from restaurants, including Shula’s Steak House, Il Mulino New York Trattoria and Todd English’s bluezoo as well as wines, beers, and cocktails from around the world. 

When:              Friday, Oct. 12 and Saturday, Oct. 13
4:30pm – 5:30pm – Beverage Seminars
5:30pm – 9:00pm – Tasting Stations Open on Causeway

Where:             Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

Ticket
Information:     -One and two-night packages including tickets to the outdoor festival for two and overnight accommodations are available, starting at $285 per night
- Advance purchase event-only tickets are available for $80 including taxes and include unlimited food and beverage samples on the causeway
-Seminars are $45 per person, per class including taxes
-For more information or to book, please visit www.SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-800-227-
1500


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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Swan and Dolphin offer special programming for the Olympics

Press Release:


Celebrate the Summer Games at
the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel
A broadcast of the opening ceremony as well as a visit from past medal-winning
athletes mark this special occasion


LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – July 12, 2012 – The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is celebrating the summer games with a special event in the Dolphin lobby featuring the broadcast of the opening ceremonies in London displayed on large screen televisions, complimentary food and beverage and an opportunity to meet with past summer games medalists.

The event will take place Friday, July 27 from 6 - 9pm and is open to hotel guests and the general public. On hand to interact, take photos and sign autographs with guests will be medalists: Wendy Bruce-Martin (’92 gymnast), Scott Johnson (‘84 and ’88 gymnast) and Fred Tyler (’72 swimmer). “Gold medal” cookies, British-themed edible treats and recreational activities for kids will all be part of the festivities at the Orlando hotel.  

For more information and to RSVP for the event, visit www.swandolphin.com/summergames. (Reservations are not required.)

About the athletes:

Bruce-Martin was part of gymnastics team USA in 1992 and helped the team bring home the bronze medal from Barcelona, Spain.  Bruce-Martin now coaches gymnastics, with the goal of opening her own gym.  Bruce-Martin was recently inducted into the USAG Gymnastics hall of fame in 2010 and the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Johnson is a two-time Olympian gymnast, winning the gold medal in 1984 and captaining the team in 1988. Since retiring from gymnastic competition in 1988, Johnson has continued to train up-and-coming gymnastic competitors in the Orlando, Fla. area.

Tyler earned a gold medal in the 4x200 meter freestyle relay and took fifth in the 200 meter free at the 1972 games in Munich, Germany. He currently teaches at Lake Mary High School in Lake Mary, Fla. and was previously the school’s head aquatic coach where he trained numerous state champions and All Americans in both swimming and water polo.


What:               Summer Games Celebration at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel

When:              6:00pm – 9:00pm, July 27
                        Opening ceremonies broadcast begins at 7:30pm

Where:             Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, Dolphin Lobby
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.
            Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 32830

Who:    The event is free and open to hotel guests and the public (Please note, there is a fee for on-site parking)

For more
information:   Visit www.swandolphin.com/summergames or call 407-934-4000


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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Sunday, July 01, 2012

Teacher rate at Swan/Dolphin good until Dec. 24

Press Release:


TEACHERS AND SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF
RECEIVE SPECIAL EDUCATION APPRECIATION RATES AT
THE WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN AND DOLPHIN HOTEL



LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – June 20, 2012 – Now that the school year is over, teachers and school support staff can enjoy the relaxing summer vacations they deserve at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel. In order to thank these professionals for all they do, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is offering special room rates exclusively for them. The rates start at just $139 per night and offer a savings of up to 30 percent off of the standard rates.

Ideally located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel offers numerous amenities teachers and school support staff will enjoy during their stays. Guests can lounge on the Orlando hotel’s white sand beach, indulge at one of the signature dining establishments or relax in the luxurious Mandara Spa.

Reservations can be made online at www.swandolphin.com/offers or by calling 1-800-227-1500. Based on rate schedule availability. Offer is valid for stays through Dec. 24. Taxes, resort services fee and gratuities not included. Not valid with any other special offers, promotions, or for existing reservations or groups. Must show proof of employment upon arrival.

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit, where each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks is open extra time to enjoy select attractions.  (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required). The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin


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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Special rates at Swan/Dolphin for Father's Day Weekend

Press Release:


CELEBRATE WITH DAD AT THE
WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN AND DOLPHIN HOTEL
In honor of Father’s Day, guests can receive a special rate and complimentary room upgrade during Father’s Day Weekend



LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – May 30, 2012 – Families looking to give dad the vacation he deserves can now do so with a special Father’s Day offer from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel.  For the weekend of June 15-17, guests can receive rooms starting at $199 per night and a complimentary room upgrade at the Orlando hotel.

Located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel offers easy access for dads to spend time with their families in the Disney theme parks, unwind on one of the four championship golf courses or drive an exotic sports car at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. 

In addition, the hotel itself offers a number of amenities and activities that will appeal to dad and the entire family including five pools, recreational activities, and numerous dining options such as Shula’s Steak House and character dining.

Reservations can be made online at www.swandolphin.com/offers or by calling 1-800-227-1500 and mentioning “Father.” Based on rate schedule availability. Offer is valid for stays June 15-17. Taxes, resort services fee and gratuities not included. Not valid with any other special offers, promotions, or for existing reservations or groups. 

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit, where each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks is open extra time to enjoy select attractions.  (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required). The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin


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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.