Oh, the requisite Disney vacation. It’s somewhat of a rite of passage for kids and their doting parents. The thought of the happiest place on earth and the magical experiences rope us all in at least once. But if not done right, it can be overwhelming, overstimulating and Disney overload can happen. Now there is the perfect solution: The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World, a resort blending an escape to luxury with access to Disney.
The un-themed, contemporary resort has all the trappings of a Four Seasons but within the gates of Walt Disney World. With its expansive 26 acres there is no need to even leave the resort. A sophisticated family-friendly Disney escape complete with lazy river, kids club and pools await. And if a Disney dream is what your heart desires, there is an exclusive character breakfast on-property, a convenient luxury coach service to the parks (it’s about a ten minute drive) and much more.
Why now: The resort recently opened and everything is pristine, new and exciting. From an Everglades-inspired spa to the lakeside, luxury community setting, you are sure to be won over. Secure a park view room and let the Disney planning center manage the details of your park visits. Then kick back for the night, enjoying the Disney fireworks from your balcony while the kids have sweet dreams of Disney.
Good for: Families who want to be in close proximity to their magical Disney adventure while enjoying a luxurious resort without an obvious Disney theme.
Suggested stay: 3-5 days
The Highlights:
- Over 25 acres of pure family fun on the expansive resort property, including a kid-friendly Explorer Island and Lazy River
- The Disney Planning Center experts who plan your trip so you don’t have to
- Unique and delicious dining from Breakfast with Goofy and Pals to a sophisticated, Spanish steakhouse
- Grown up indulgences like a round of golf or a Sticks and Stones spa treatment
What to know: When staying at the Four Seasons Orlando, you can take in as much or as little Disney as you like. The options on both sides are endless.
(Photos courtesy of Four Seasons Orlando)
Get Lost on the Property
Surrounded by Florida woodlands and bordered by wetlands, The Four Seasons Orlando feels like an escape custom built for your family. You will feel at home the second you arrive. For the ultimate in luxury, reserve the Royal Suite complete with nine-bedrooms, three living rooms and all you might imagine fits a Royal Suite. If it’s not available, have no fear. Families will love the expansive Park View rooms and suites and adjoining options. Bonus: the balcony is perfect for enjoying the Magic Kingdom Wishes Nighttime Spectacular fireworks. You also have prime view of the Epcot Illuminations of the Earth show.
The room is also stocked with a welcome amenity like a princess welcome wand and tutu. There could also be a Florida gator, kiddie robes and slippers and all the child bare necessities. The celebration will begin as soon as you arrive. And if you are looking for something extra special, you can add on a Disney In-Room Celebration for a birthday, anniversary or no occasion at all.
A Few Things Not to Miss
Families will not want to miss Explorer Island. For the smaller set (4-12), the Kids for All Seasons (KFAS) complimentary camp has its own facility complete with an erupting volcano and endless crafts, toys and activities. The Hideout is a perfect spot for fun family games and The Mansion has endless tween entertainment from bocce ball and ping pong to a rock climbing wall and sport court. After a long day playing, wind down in the Lazy River complete with waterfalls and rapids or go for The Drop, soaring down the 3-story water slide into the family pool.
And as you prepare for your jaunt at the Disney parks, the princes and princesses in training can visit The Salon located in The Spa at Four Seasons. Here they’ll be transformed into a prince or a princess for a day with the Magical Moments makeover experience.
There’s No Place Like Home Disney World!
Thanks to the Four Seasons Disney Planning Center your Disney Park experience will be effortless. Let their experts educate you on all the Disney essentials and lingo. They’ll give you the drill on the magic bands, fast passes, character dining, memory maker. The team can guide you to the perfect itinerary and then simply direct you to the luxury coach to the parks that runs throughout the day and night. They have everything from stroller rentals to child care centers.Once at your destination, Disney is the happiest place on earth for families.
Upgrade the Touring
Book a VIP family tour to skip all the lines and gain A-list access to favorite family attractions. There are experiences like Dumbo, Disney Jr. Live, Peter Pan, Under the Sea and other meet and greets, parades and shows. We recommend you book everything else special in advance. Far in advance actually, or you’ll need extra magic.
The one must-do for any little darling is going to Cinderella’s castle to meet the fairy godmother at the Bibbidi Bobbidi boutique. They use their magic to transform little ones into a mini Disney princess (or prince). From head to toe, the little ones who visited the boutique are easily IDed walking around the park as ringers for their favorite princess. Think mini Cinderella complete with a beautiful, blue gown, classic princess hair style. Of course there’s a tiara, makeup, glittery blue nail polish and, of course, sparkly, glass slippers). There is something for everyone and your kids will love it so much that you will, too.
Working up Your Appetite
After a fun day at the resort or at Disney, you will work up an appetite. The resort’s restaurants all have fine cuisine with a fun flair. You’ll want to visit Capa, the rooftop Spanish tapas and steakhouse. Don’t miss the modern interpretation of the patatas bravas and the colifor. There’s also a spectacular breakfast buffet and wood-burning pizzas from Ravello. While all the restaurants are family-friendly, for character dining, The Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals at Ravello Restaurant is essential. You won’t know who is happier; the adults enjoying the lavish breakfast buffet or the kids eating breakfast with Goofy, Mickey and Minnie. It’s the only time you will want mice at your dining table. And a photographer is on site to capture every magical moment.
There are also lounges and casual options. You can have a quick bite at PB&G or Lickety Split, where the gelato display alone will make your mouth water. You’ll want to make sure your stay is long enough to try all the flavors and the chef’s bomboloni. These are Italian doughnuts stuffed with nutella will rock your world.
Disney Dining
At the Walt Disney World parks, be sure to reserve your character dining early and go for the experience and not the food. Offerings range from dining with Disney Jr. stars to Winnie the Pooh and friends as well as all sorts of prince and princess dining. The standout of the character dining was Cinderella’s Dining at Citrico’s, a brunch with all the Disney Princesses at the Grand Floridian. Cinderella personally welcomes everyone. Other Disney princesses including Princesses Belle, Jasmine, Snow White and Ariel will be there too. Plus the brunch is delicious; Minnie Mouse waffles anyone?
Fun for the Big Kids
Tranquilo Golf Club newly redesigned by Tom Fazio is a course that golfers of varying levels of skill will enjoy. The course is very forgiving from tee to green, but the greens are very undulating and tricky. High handicap players will find the course playable and beautiful, and low handicap players will have to hit quality shots to make birdies.
After you hit the links, go to The Spa is a transforming experience. The 13,000 square foot spa is decorated with inspiration from the Florida Everglades. Think of calming purple hues and treatment room named after birds of the Everglades like the Osprey, a couple’s suite complete with a bubble wall and 360 degree water views. Be sure to enjoy the steam room, experience shower (an arctic mist or tropical storm awaits) and relaxation room. Then prepare for your treatment like the Signature Sticks and Stone massage. Soak in the signature coriander lime scent and savor the relaxation and PB&J chocolate after your treatment. It will make parents feel like that Disney prince or princess.
With the luxury of the Four Seasons coupled with the enchantment of Disney, you and your family will believe in the magic and vacation dreams come true. But after your Disney vacation, we’re willing to bet you’ll need another vacation soon.
