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Celebrate the Summer Games at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel

A broadcast of the opening ceremony as well as a visit from past medal-winning athletes mark this special occasion

Swan and Dolphin Hotel Facades — Swan and Dolphin Hotels

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is celebrating the summer games with a special event in the Dolphin lobby featuring the broadcast of the opening ceremonies in London displayed on large screen televisions, complimentary food and beverage and an opportunity to meet with past summer games medalists.

The event will take place Friday, July 27 from 6 – 9pm and is open to hotel guests and the general public. On hand to interact, take photos and sign autographs with guests will be medalists: Wendy Bruce-Martin (’92 gymnast), Scott Johnson (‘84 and ’88 gymnast) and Fred Tyler (’72 swimmer). “Gold medal” cookies, British-themed edible treats and recreational activities for kids will all be part of the festivities at the Orlando hotel.

About the athletes:

Bruce-Martin was part of gymnastics team USA in 1992 and helped the team bring home the bronze medal from Barcelona, Spain. Bruce-Martin now coaches gymnastics, with the goal of opening her own gym. Bruce-Martin was recently inducted into the USAG Gymnastics hall of fame in 2010 and the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Johnson is a two-time Olympian gymnast, winning the gold medal in 1984 and captaining the team in 1988. Since retiring from gymnastic competition in 1988, Johnson has continued to train up-and-coming gymnastic competitors in the Orlando, Fla. area.

Tyler earned a gold medal in the 4×200 meter freestyle relay and took fifth in the 200 meter free at the 1972 games in Munich, Germany. He currently teaches at Lake Mary High School in Lake Mary, Fla. and was previously the school’s head aquatic coach where he trained numerous state champions and All Americans in both swimming and water polo.

What: Summer Games Celebration at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel

When: 6:00pm – 9:00pm, July 27

Opening ceremonies broadcast begins at 7:30pm

Where: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, Dolphin Lobby

1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 32830

Who: The event is free and open to hotel guests and the public (Please note, there is a fee for on-site parking)

For more information: Visit www.swandolphin.com/summergames or call 407-934-4000

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’sAnimal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit, where each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks is open extra time to enjoy select attractions. (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required). The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin.

On July 7th, I got to do something I had only dreamed about…I got to meet a real Olympian and I have to say it was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had!

Can you tell I was totally geeking out to meet her???

I was lucky enough to be invited to Brittany Viola’s Olympic Send Off Party hosted by Planet Hollywood Orlando, located in Downtown Disney’s West Side. Brittany leaves this Thursday to be a part of the USA Diving National Team, and a member of USA Diving’s Olympic Performance Squad, pursuing a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic games to be held in London.

Brittany Viola waving from the balcony of Planet Hollywood Orlando.

Surrounded by young divers from YCF Diving and above a restaurant full of American flags waving, Brittany was welcomed into Planet Hollywood to celebrate her amazing accomplishment among her family, friends, and children that aspire to one day be in her position!

Brittany had a lot of friends and family in attendance as she celebrated her accomplishments before leaving for London.

In the few minutes that I was able to spend with Brittany, I told her about we all watched the diving competition, I am fascinated by diving since I have never been able to do anything other than a cannon ball off of a pool board, and how we would all be cheering her on as she goes for the gold. She said that the first thing she wanted to do was go to the Olympic Village and take it all in since she had worked so hard to get there (London).

It was really an honor to spend time talking with Brittany!

Brittany Ann Viola (born in Minnesota in 1987) grew up in Orlando, FL and attended Lake Highland Preparatory School.

“It’s been a hard journey, but I had a lot of love and support around me to help me persevere and get where I am right now.” Said Viola

Brittany is the daughter of Frank and Kathy Viola. Frank was the 1987 World Series MVP for the Minnesota Twins, the 1988 American League Cy Young Award winner and a three-time All-Star.

In addition, she is working for Athletes in Action as Part-Time Field Staff at the University of Miami. Her goals are to teach, encourage, and support the student-athletes through their collegiate experiences.

She graduated in May of 2011, from the University of Miami, double majoring in Electronic Media and Sport Administration.

Brittany began diving in 2000, but missed the 2010 season while recovering from two foot surgeries.

For more information about Brittany’s Career, visit her website at www.brittanyviola.com.

Thank you so much to Planet Hollywood Orlando for hosting this great event, and I am really looking forward to bringing you more information about this restaurant in the future!!!

Tag: Olympics

Celebrate The Summer Games At The Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Hotel

Brittany Viola’s Patriotic Send Off Hosted By Planet Hollywood Orlando