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B M & T ••• March/April 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 40 R ecently, the new Walt Disney World Swan Reserve opened its doors, adding to the more than 450 hotels and resorts in the destination (including 150+ convention hotel properties). And, as it works to com- plete a $127 million renovation in early 2022, the Caribe Royale Orlando has become the recipient of the AAA's highly coveted Four Diamond distinction, a first for the property. This renovation includes enhancements to its meetings and events spaces. Earlier, Caribe Royale debuted a 50,000 sq. ft. ballroom, the Palms Ballroom, to bring the hotel's versatile meeting and events space to a total of 220,000 sq. ft. Here's a snapshot of the five newest hotel properties to open their doors in the number one meetings destina- tion in the U.S.: ORLANDO WELCOMES FIVE NEW HOTELS FOR GROUPS • The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve has become the newest addi- tion to the iconic Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, featuring 349 guestrooms (including 149 suites) and adds almost 16,000 sq. ft. of indoor (2 ballrooms and 12 meetings rooms) and almost 14,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space, increasing the resort's (Swan Reserve, Swan, and Dolphin properties) total meeting space to more than 350,000 sq. ft. The Swan Reserve also offers a one-of-a-kind rooftop event space pro- viding incredible views of Walt Disney World and nightly theme park fire- works. Find more information on the new property,. • The new JW Mar- riott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, located in the Walt Disney World Resort, offers 50,000 sq. ft. of event space, including a 22,000 sq. ft. ballroom, 516 guestrooms and 81 suites, and exceptional views of Walt Disney World's nightly fire- works, making it ideal for VIP group experiences. • In Orlando's convention dis- trict, the new Tru by Hilton Orlando Convention Center offers 259 guestrooms, 2,200 sq. of event space and is within close proximity to the Orange County Convention Center - a walkway easily connects hotel guests to the OCCC's West Concourse - and there are hundreds of options for dining and entertainment – all with- in a walkable two-mile radius.