InterContinental Hotels Group, which owns the iconic Holiday Inn brand, invested $35 million in renovations to the hotel that originated in 1973 as a Howard Johnson hotel and later carried the Courtyard by Marriott brand. The hotel was acquired by IHG in 2003 and has been closed for the past six years after sustaining hurricane wind damage.

Although Holiday Inn has several locations throughout the area surrounding Disney World west of Orlando, this is the first location to actually open on Disney property. The longtime hotel flag has had a strong presence near Disney's four local theme parks dating back to the 1971 Magic Kingdom opening.

"Our opening could not come at a better time, with a brand that customers know and trust," says Tony Johnson, regional vice president of operations and general manager of the Holiday Inn Disney World. "Being on Disney property and maintaining high standards will assure we achieve the highest marks possible from our customers and our industry."