Last chance for Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin’s unique Christmas experiences

Orlando visitors and locals looking for a Christmas experience unlike others at our renowned theme parks might want to check out the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resort. They’ll leave with unique photos and memories of a Florida holiday.

Guests are invited to “vacation with Santa & Mrs. Claus” while they rest up before the big night, Christmas Eve. What’s notable about this experience is that the pair is dressed in their tropical vacation clothes, and their tiki hut is decorated in Florida kitsch with pink flamingos and palm trees. Plus, their elf Kandy Kane is available to lend a hand and strike a pose. Cool photos, huh?

Santa and Mrs. Claus make appearances on select nights at the resort, and they only have two more dates left: tonight (Dec. 19) and Sunday (Dec. 20).

The fun begins at 6 p.m. when Mrs. Claus chooses a family to help her light the poinsettia tree in the Dolphin lobby. Then she invites guests to join her on the causeway, where the meet-and-greets start at 6:15 p.m. and last until 8 p.m.

While outside enjoy the lighted palm trees, which “dance” in a musical light display every 10 minutes. Santa’s Dancing Lights Spectacular takes place through Dec. 31.

Families can begin their evenings early with complimentary cookie decorating in the Swan lobby at 5 p.m. This activity is also available both days. Nearby, guests can see an amazing chocolate Santa sculpture hand-crafted by two-time World Pastry Chef, Laurent Branlard. 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. And it’s all completely edible!

Want to get in the holiday spirit even earlier in the day? Children are invited to visit the Holiday Hideout (on the first floor of the Dolphin near the central elevators ) between 12 and 4 p.m. for crafts, video games, board games and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult; this is not a babysitting service.

You don’t have to be staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin to participate in the above Christmas activities. You will have to pay to park, which is $18 for self-parking and $26 for valet service.

Families staying at the resort can request an Elf Tuck-In on Christmas Eve. An elf will come to your room to read a bedtime story and tuck in the children. The elf brings cookies and milk, a holiday plush toy, a magic key for Santa and a story book. This service costs $59 for one child and $25 for each additional child, and reservations are required. A service charge of 20 percent also is added.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin also offers continuous holiday movies on its in-room TVs and milk and cookies during the holiday movies through room service. And isn’t that as much a holiday tradition as opening presents?

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