The Dolphin Resort takes a backseat to the Swan in terms of holiday magic. It is very hard to compete with the huge chocolate sculpture at the Swan. But in fairness, the Swan and Dolphin share staff and are really one big resort. Therefore, it works well to have each hotel have a different focus…
Entering the Dolphin from the Boardwalk side you are greeted with the soaring space…
Each restaurant has decorations that fit their theme or specialty. At Todd English’s bluezoo they have an aluminum Christmas tree with “blue” ornaments.
Across the way at The Fountain they have two rather large gingerbread houses. This fits with their focus on sweets…
Just up the escalator at Shula’s Steakhouse is another Christmas tree…
All around the Dolphin Resort you will find large wreaths with a similar look/feel…
Although it is nothing breathtaking, the Dolphin’s main entrance has a really cool and inviting seating area. I particularly appreciate the Christmas trees flanked by the lighted palms. Oh so “Florida Christmas” and in fitting with “Santa’s Favorite Resort”…
A closer look at the Christmas tree…
At the main entrance where this display is you have a view through a low opening toward the soaring main atrium and the gigantic centerpiece Christmas tree…
As you walk toward atrium the size of the tree starts to reveal itself…
Stepping into the multi-story atrium and looking up you can finally take in the size of this beautiful white centerpiece Christmas tree at the Dolphin resort.
Around the base of the tree there is a rather large train track with the train circulating. The scale is needed to match that of the massive tree. The train is approximately the same scale as the one Walt built for his backyard at his home near LA. (There is a car from Walt’s train on display at Wilderness Lodge DVC which allows me to make this comparison.)
Finally, besides the packages, there are two sets of deer featured at the base of this snowy tree. So since the tree could certainly be snow covered and outside, the use of deer as a decoration fits with this display (unlike deer in some Christmas displays).
If you visit Walt Disney World for the holidays, the Swam and Dolphin are well worth a visit.
nick
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