While rumors have been circling that Marriott would be looking to grow their presence at Walt Disney World by leveling the site of the Swan and Dolphin Hotel tennis courts, we now have some idea of their plans for the space.
A source inside of the Marriott organization has informed us that the Kessler Collection will likely be constructing a hotel on the former tennis court site. The Kessler Collection hotels are part of Mariott’s Autograph Collection Hotels, owned by Kessler and operated by Marriott. Kessler already has a strong presence in Central Florida with their Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Bohemian Hotel Celebration, and the Castle Hotel Orlando, so it would not be strange for them to have yet another location in town. The Kessler hotels are typically smaller, luxury lifestyle hotels, which would be about right for a plot of this size. The hotels are typically themed to their location and this plot would be just across the street from Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Below are examples from two of their other locations.
The outdoor covered space near Fantasia Gardens would also be leveled for additional parking, but the adjacent Fantasia Gardens mini-golf should remain in operation despite the proximity to the hotel. The hotel’s prescense would likely also help business at the adjacent courses, a plus for Disney.
Of course, none of this has been confirmed as of yet, but it seems highly likely at this time. It is unknown when such a project might commence, but likely it would be very soon to coincide with the needed demands of the opening of Star Wars Land.
Remember all those rumors about Star Wars-themed hotel rooms? Hmm….
Are you saying they aren’t true just because it’s been like 2 months since we posted about them? Because the Ratatouille ride has been rumored for much longer and still seems to be happening :)
I think he has no clue about the proposed Star Wars hotel’s location and thinks that this could be the site for that hotel instead. Remember, not everyone is out to hate on you Corless ????
According to another podcast I listen to… they are saying the new Star Wars hotel will be right next to the Studios/Star Wars Land. It will start out with 400 rooms and have space enough for an additional two wings of 300 rooms each.
As an avid WDW fan, former CM and long time friends of some well placed imagineers I am always in awe of your information Tom…Haters are gonna Hate..and just because yo may tell us something that may not happen it does not mean it was not true in the early stages..things and plans sometimes just change or get shelved.
I am a fan Tom Keep up the hard work!!
Best,
Will
Orlando, FL