Located about 6 miles from Disney's Magic Kingdom in the beautiful Golden Oaks area of Orlando, Four Seasons Resorts Orlando fills the Walt Disney World's Luxury Lodging void. The resort is part of Theme Park but yet a little removed from hustle and bustle associated with a theme park resort since it occupies one of the most secluded areas of Walt Disney World Resort, edged by a natural Everglades sanctuary that’s home to indigenous wildlife. I probably should mention here, visiting Theme Parks are not really my kind of vacation, since it involves waking up early, lots of walking, standing in line and dealing with swarms of people, coming back exhausted. And then you Sleep. Eat. Repeat! But we had my sister’s little kids visiting us and top of their wishlist was visiting the Mouse House and the Wizarding world of Harry Potter, naturally we had to oblige. So we made sure we based ourselves in a Beautiful Resort, so that we can come back to a haven of comfort after an exhausting day at the theme parks. Four Seasons Resort at Orlando delivered exactly that and made visiting the Theme Parks enjoyable!
Checking In
Like you would expect in any luxe property, as soon as we checked-in, our bags were whisked away to be delivered in the room. The kids were handed colorful pool bags and resort scavenger hunt passports to fill up with stamps that they can turn in for some treats later. Once we made our way up to our room, the littlest one screamed in delight at the colorful little tutu skirt, her own little sparkly magic wand and little tiara. Kids as usually argued over who sleeps, rather who will not sleep in the sofabed, till they figured out the sofa-bed was just as comfy as the regular Queen bed and a little closer to the TV. The rooms were furnished beautiful and opened up to a lovely balcony with views of the pool, the lake and the Everglade. Since we were in one of the higher floors we were told that we can catch the Magic Kingdom's fireworks from our balcony! Which had me scheming on how I can talk the kids to coming back to the resort before 5pm, so we can spend more time at the hotel!! We had couple of extra kids on this trip so we had 2 connecting rooms, but a family of four can easily share a room.
The Grounds and Golf course
The grounds at Four Seasons Orlando Resort at Walt Disney World Resort were grand, set on a lake among gardens and pools, a world of water and natural beauty. The Resort’s Spanish Revival architecture, a style also known as Florida Revival, features terracotta tiled rooftops, square towers, arched windows and colonnades. Terraces with classical balustrades overlook the golf course and beautiful gardens planted with mature oak trees, palms and pillars of cypress. The kids loved running though the trees to the pool. Just around the lake from Four Seasons Resort Orlando is the Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, an Audubon-certified course managed by Four Seasons. One regret I have is - wish we had made time for golf at the 18-hole golf course!
Pool, Lazy river, Slides at the Explorer Island
The resort also boasts a 242-foot-long waterslide, an 11,008-square-foot lazy river and a complimentary Kids For All Seasons kids camp. A water play heaven - Splash Zone part of the Explorer Island kept the younger kids entertained in shallow water. We stopped to play here after a visit to the theme park, I wasn't exactly sure how they still had energy after a long day at the park. Steps from the lazy river base, there is sports-themed pool area where kids can play a little volleyball. There is always complimentary sunscreen and plenty of towels available. The Hideout, a supervised indoor area where kids can simply hangout with friends. You can also mix it up at The Mansion, a family hangout spot with outdoor table tennis, pool tables, bocce ball, a fireplace and an observation deck that lets you take in the excitement. Kids can slide down from The Mansion’s main tower in two 242-foot (74-metre) water slides. One slide is enclosed for a thrilling ride with a big splash at the end, and the other is made from see-through fibreglass so you can watch all the fun, inside and out. Regardless of what you decide to do, there is plenty to keep the family occupied and entertained at the resort, so plan a No Theme park day and just relax at the resort! Although I didn't get to visit - there is also an adults-only pool, featuring a wide array of sophisticated elements designed to heighten relaxation including underwater audio.
6 Restaurants including one that has a Disney Character Breakfast
The resort had six vibrant restaurants including a rooftop Spanish-style steakhouse Capa specializing in expert cuts, tapas and fresh Florida seafood, a Italian restaurant in an indoor-outdoor setting; a lively, southern-inspired poolside restaurant; Plancha, a golf clubhouse restaurant serving Cuban-American cuisine, a lovely lobby bar with a full menu overlooking the lake, as well as Lickety-Split, a colorful coffee bar. If we didn't have time for some room service breakfast, we stopped at Lickety Split, located in the lobby, to pickup coffee and freshly made breakfast items.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort also has a Disney Character Breakfast on certain days when Goofy comes to visit. Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals character breakfast is served twice weekly at Ravello restaurant. You can catch the Magic Kingdom's fireworks from the balcony of Capa, the steakhouse.
Spa and Stores
The 13,000-square-foot Spa offers advanced aesthetic services, beautiful body therapies and fitness programs all designed to help you look and feel your best. In the Salon, expert hair and nail care are available and Magical Moments is sure delight little princesses and knights alike. The Magical Moments experience at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is where every little visitor’s dream becomes a reality through a magical princess or prince makeover in the glamorous Salon. If the little princess or prince forgot their outfits at home, they can purchase them at the Fable boutique onsite. I saw some mickey ears by Missoni, some Four Seasons logo apparel as well as gifts and memorable treasures and trinkets at the boutique.
Disney Planning Services
Disney Cast Members are onsite at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort to help guests plan the perfect Disney itinerary. We bought our Disney tickets online in advance of our stay but picked them up here. They can make dining reservations and also have Magic Bands. While located on Disney property, Four Seasons is not an official Walt Disney World Resort property. Therefore, guests do not enjoy Magic Hour privileges (one-hour early access to select parks opening to the general public). But thanks to them my little nieces thought I was like a mini fairy godmother! And that magic wand kept my niece entertained while we waited in line to visit the new Pandora World and her little eyes was sparkling with delight every time some one addressed her as 'Princess'!