Looking for ready-made themes, large meetings-oriented resort hotels and a seemingly endless line-up of entertainment diversions? Look no further than the venues in Walt Disney World Resort. Spanning nearly 40 acres, Walt Disney World Resort, 20 miles southwest of downtown Orlando, comprises four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom); two water adventure parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon); 34 resort hotels (24 owned and operated by Walt Disney World); four golf courses; two full-service spas; ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Downtown Disney, an entertainment-shopping-dining complex.
Walt Disney World is located approximately 22 miles from the Orlando International Airport and is accessible via Highway 528 west (a toll road), which intersects with Interstate 4 west. Disney offers complimentary airport transfers and luggage transportation for guests of all Disney-owned resorts — a major plus for weary groups.
There is more than 700,000 square feet of meeting space located throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Major function space is available at 1,917-room Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, 655-room Disney's Contemporary Resort, 876-room Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, 621-room Disney's Yacht Club Resort, 576-room Disney's Beach Club Resort, 372-room Disney's Boardwalk, 1,509-room Walt Disney World Dolphin, 756-room Walt Disney World Swan, 1,013-room Buena Vista Place, The Hilton, 394-room Hotel Royal Plaza and 626-room Regal Sun Resort.
Numerous ready-made special event venues at its theme parks are a key element of Walt Disney World Resort's appeal to groups. Whether it's a reception, opening or closing gala or a networking party, there is a venue to fit the occasion. From a cocktail party with a view of the Magic Kingdom castle to an exotic dinner at an Epcot World Showcase pavilion, the options are eclectic and plentiful.
A popular group and incentive experience is a cruise on the luxurious 52-foot Grand One yacht, which accommodates up to 18 people. Groups can choose from a Fireworks Cruise or a Dining Cruise.
When booking with Disney, meeting planners have access to the Disney Institute, which offers professional development programs tailored to individual group's needs and objectives.
For evening entertainment, Walt Disney World has nearly 140 restaurants with nearly every kind of cuisine available from thick grilled steaks to sushi and Italian and everything in between. The Downtown Disney area is brimming with restaurants and entertainment options like Cirque du Soleil, DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive theme park and the House of Blues.
Photo by Flickr user : Loren Javier.
