Santa Claus Soaks Up Florida Sun at the Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Resort

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – November 25, 2009 – Paparazzi seeking THE photograph of the holiday season will have the opportunity to catch one of the world’s most beloved celebrities out of his element this December.

Santa Claus, who among the world’s most experienced travelers, has decided to enjoy some rest and relaxation and is taking off to spend the weeks leading up to Christmas at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.

Temporarily ditching his red suit for some swim trunks and tropical shirts, Santa will be laying back at the Grotto pool, resting up on his Heavenly Bed and indulging at the resort’s 17 restaurants and lounges. And while the elves are preparing his winter sleigh, he’ll be riding around in style in his personalized golf cart.

It won’t be all play for Santa during his Florida vacation though, he will be taking the time to meet with boys and girls of all ages, gathering wish lists and taking photos in his Florida tiki hut, his customized Florida base complete with beach chair, holiday lights, mail box for letters to Santa, flamingos and reindeer on surf boards.

“The North Pole winters are frigid. Even I like to get away and spend some time in the Florida sun,” said Santa. “I’ll be finishing up my list while on vacation, so I invite everyone to come and visit me at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. Ho, ho, ho!”

Santa arrives and will make public appearances at the resort Dec. 3 through Dec. 23. Anyone who would like to vacation with Santa at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort can take advantage of a special holiday offer leading up to Christmas (12/25) with rooms starting at $122.50 per night through Dec. 24. In addition, those who purchase an entrée at one of the resort’s signature restaurants will receive a free photo with Santa. For details guests can visit www.santasfavoriteresort.com. To book please call 1-800-227-1500 and ask for rate code “SANTA”.

Meeting Santa is just one reason to celebrate the holidays at The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort this season. Located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the resort provides convenient and complimentary transportation to the Disney theme parks and special Disney holiday events including The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom.

Other holiday activities taking place at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort throughout December include cookie decorating, carolers performing in the lobbies and s’more camp fires on the beach. The resort will also showcase its signature 45-ft. tall Christmas tree in the Dolphin lobby.

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the whimsical Garden Grove restaurant will offer a special Christmas buffet with guest appearances by Disney characters.

In the heart of the Walt Disney World® Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is your gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The resort is located in between Epcot® and Disney’s Hollywood StudiosTM, and nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and Magic Kingdom® Park. Come discover our 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds® and the luxurious Mandara Spa. Enjoy five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, and many special Disney benefits, including complimentary transportation to Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Attractions, and the Extra Magic Hours benefit.