ORLANDO
In 2016, Orlando will continue to evolve its meeting and event space, with a number of new group dining venues, teambuilding experiences and state-of-the-art expansions and upgrades.
Here is a run-down, as provided by Visit Orlando, of what’s in store for the new year.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is undergoing a multi-phase, multi-year, $125 million redesign project that will transform all 2,265 guest rooms in both the Swan and Dolphin buildings with a brand new look. The hotel’s meeting and convention space will also be equipped with the latest advancements in high density Wi-Fi technology. The install will be the largest of its kind in Orlando.
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa, one of Orlando’s iconic condominium-style resorts, is expanding its meeting offerings with the development of 20,000 square feet of new meeting and banquet space. When construction of the new space is complete, the 3,000-villa resort will offer a total of 36,000 square feet of meeting space and a steakhouse ideal for group buyouts. The space will open in early 2016.
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation featuring an all-new 20,000 square foot ballroom, new pool decks, and 100,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space, which will be completed in 2016.
Universal Orlando and Loews Hotels & Resorts is building the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. It will be the fifth on-site hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, featuring 1,000 rooms and suites with a casual Caribbean theme, built around a lagoon and towering waterfall. The resort is expected to open in the summer.
Construction is underway on the $28 million-Hyatt House at 5370 International Drive. The 175-room extended-stay hotel is the first Hyatt House property in Orlando, set for a summer 2016 debut.
Walt Disney World Resort will complete a multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs. This new expansion will double the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests to explore, to more than 150 establishments. The new area will include a number of new restaurants:
- The Edison centers around a 1920s-period electric company with live entertainment, classic American food and craft cocktails. With 35-foot ceilings and a range of themed areas to explore, The Edison will feature nightly entertainment including contortionists, palm readers and DJs.
- Frontera Fresca, the creation of celebrity Chef Rick Bayless, a six-time James Beard Foundation award winner, will offer authentic Mexican cuisine.
- Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine from celebrity chef and native Floridian Art Smith, will offer Southern classics and whimsical cocktails.
- STK will open early this year and will blend a modern steakhouse with a chic lounge.
Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek commenced a major expansion project set to increase the resort’s available meeting space by 7,000 square feet by early May 2016. The project is designed to enhance the resort’s current meeting space offerings with larger, more flexible spaces.
