Moments ago, the official opening of the new convention center space at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts was announced, with Mickey Mouse making a special guest appearance in his finest nautical outfit! The ceremony was hosted by Vice President of Sales, Services, and Events Maryann Smith, Director of Convention Sales and Services Amy Pfeiffer, and General Manager of Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts Kim Marinaccio.
Leadership Presenting at the Grand Opening Ceremony
The convention center expansion provides an additional 28,000 square feet, offering planners nearly 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space at this exceptional Walt Disney World Resort location. Attendees will enter through the Newport Lobby & Gallery, which has three pre-function areas and two distinct gathering rotundas for networking. This new area will add up to 4,600 square feet of space.
The new 16,000-square-foot Newport Ballroom is divisible into eight dynamic breakouts. This versatile space is ideal for general sessions, meetings, ceremonies, networking events, and celebrations, making it a flexible location to meet any group’s needs.
Grand Opening Ceremony Reception
Following the advent of newly-renovated Guest rooms; the addition of new dining areas Ale & Compass Lounge, Ale & Compass Restaurant, and the Market at Ale & Compass; and the recently re-imagined meeting space that existed prior to the convention center expansion, there are many exciting, new elements for planners and groups staying at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. As Smith shared during the grand opening ceremony, the addition of the new meeting space will elevate the overall meeting experience for attendees convening at this Disney convention hotel.
“You’ll find upgrades throughout the rest of our convention center to match the look and feel of the new ballroom – plus great amenities and state-of-the-art technology that we’ve built into our meeting spaces,” said Smith. “As you can see, we’re making exciting investments in our meetings business here at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, and this is just one of our venues that sets Disney apart in the industry.”
Event Services Team at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort
This is just one of the many exciting additions coming to Disney convention hotels for meeting planners. With the new tower, meeting space, and outdoor restaurant set to open at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort next year, there is plenty for planners to look forward to at Walt Disney World Resort.
Tell us – How would you plan your meeting or event in the new convention space? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn using hashtag #DisneyMeetingsBlog.
We're eager to help you create the perfect meeting or private event for any size group, theme and objective. To speak with a Disney Meetings representative about our pricing and options available at our Disney Parks & Resorts destinations in Florida, California, Hawaii, or at our international destinations, please Contact Us or Submit a Request for Proposal. Or, Sign Up to stay in touch and continue learning more about Disney meetings and events.