November 5, 2013|By Matt Mauney, Orlando Sentinel
A life-size chocolate Santa scene, bedtime elf tuck-ins and a tree lighting ceremony are a few of the experiences offered this holiday season at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel.
The hotel is celebrating the season with its annual "Holiday Happenings" event, beginning in December.
The month-long celebration will feature a Florida-themed Santa and Mrs. Claus and several events, including a Santa and Mrs. Claus meet and greet in Santa's customized tiki hut, complete with reindeer, palm trees and flamingos.
The palm trees at the resort will come alive each night with a dancing lights show. On select nights, Mrs. Claus will lead a lighting ceremony of the hotel's 45-foot Christmas tree, followed by hot beverages at Santa's Tiki Hut.
Guests will also be able to take in a life-sized chocolate sculpture of Santa, weighing in at approximately 1,200 pounds, as part of the resort's chocolate Santa scene. This year's display will feature a chocolate fireplace, Christmas tree and toy train, along with the addition of a 7-foot tall, 400-pound chocolate nutcracker.
On Christmas Eve, guests can hire a full-costumed elf to tuck in their child, after the elf delivers milk, cookies, a plush toy and a storybook to the guest's room. The service costs $55 for one child and $15 for each additional child.
Children staying at the resort on Christmas Eve will also have the option to hang a "magical key" on their guest room door to help Santa find his way, since there are no chimneys available.
Carolers, choirs and musicians will entertain guests on select nights in the hotel lobby, on the causeway and in other public areas. Dessert decorating and holiday movies will also add to the spirit of the holiday throughout December.
For more information about the World Swan and Dolphin Hotel's "Holiday Happenings," visit
www.santasfavoriteresort.com or call 1-800-227-1500. Rates start at $159 per night.
