Walt Disney World was my daughter’s top choice for a family winter break holiday. It was also her choice to leave the world-famous theme parks after lunch to return to the Four Seasons Resort at Disney World Resort each day.
This Four Seasons was designed to make a high-energy vacation easier and more luxurious for guests. The resort includes amenities like a grab-and-go cafe, a magnificent spa with a princess and prince dress up service for kids, a kids’ club, and one of the most epic pool areas I’ve ever seen. And now that it offers Extra Magic Hour and FASTPASS+ selections 60 days in advance, it will be the only resort I choose for my next family vacation to Disney World. Many clients feel the same. Learn why in my review and how to secure some extra perks.
Four Seasons Preferred Partner Benefits
Through me, you have access to Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits at no extra cost to you that include:
Full program details are below.
WHAT I LOVE
- Walt Disney World Resort hotel benefits at a Four Seasons (Extra Magic Hour, 60-Day FASTPASS+ selection)
- Floating along the lazy river
- Massive spa built with tired parents in mind (and character dress-up for kids)
- Character breakfast buffet with Goofy
- Excellent food for those too tired after long theme park days to go out
- The oasis from theme park crowds
GOOD TO KNOW
- Disney Cast Members are onsite to help plan park visits
- Scheduled complimentary shuttle service to the four Disney parks
- King rooms have queen-sized sofa beds that can sleep two kids
ALSO FEATURED IN
Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Orlando (Top pick)
Book as a Four Seasons Preferred Partner Guest
The best way to make Four Season Orlando reservations by booking in as a Four Seasons Preferred Partner guest. Through this program, exclusive to luxury travel advisors, is how I’ve been booking my own Four Seasons stays for many years.
Additional amenities can include breakfast for two (does not include character breakfast), room upgrades (if available at check-in), a $100 spa credit, and more. Please send me your dates and I’ll tell you what’s on offer.
8 Reasons to Stay at The Four Seasons Resort Orlando
Based on my unforgettable experience of staying at this resort with my family, I’m sharing my Four Seasons Orlando review by highlighting eight reasons for booking a stay here on your next visit to Orlando.
1. Location
Location, location, location. The resort’s location makes it a prime place to stay and one of the major aspects of my Four Seasons Orlando review. The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is located inside the private Golden Oaks community, which was designed by Walt Disney Imagineers. It’s surrounded by natural beauty, including an Everglades sanctuary, and it feels like a tropical paradise.
It took us about 45 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO) by private car. Deer were the first to greet us upon driving through Golden Oak’s gates for the first time, as if right on cue. Wildlife roams freely here and the resort’s golf course is even Audubon-certified. I regret not being able to fight jet lag enough to wake up early for a sunrise walk as I suspect birds, deer, and more might be out and about.
Things to do in Orlando with kids or without are nearby. Magic Kingdom is three miles away. Disney Springs took about 10 minutes to reach and Disney’s Hollywood Studios took us less than 15 minutes to reach. Attractions are easy to get to via Uber, taxi or the resort’s complimentary luxury motor coach shuttle to the four major Disney parks.
2. Guest Rooms and Suites (How to Choose)
We checked into a gorgeous Golden Oak View Suite just before sundown, which offered exactly the amount of space that our family of three needs since we all have different sleep schedules.
The living room closed off completely to the bedroom, and you can adjoin rooms to make the suite two or even three bedrooms.
At turndown service, housekeeping transformed the living room sofa into a bed. In the morning, I enjoyed coffee on our balcony. I also loved the light fixtures and tiles in the bathrooms (yes, there are two).
Four Seasons Orlando Room Selection Tips
I talk to readers quite a bit about Four Seasons Orlando rooms so here is the bottom line.
You can choose to have two double beds in your room or a king bed and a queen-sized sofa bed. They can put complimentary cribs into either room.
Guest rooms are all the same size (500 square feet) and offer the same amenities. The view type differentiates them.
- Four Seasons rooms are the entry-level rooms have obstructed views.
- Golden Oak rooms are the most popular with readers and overlook the Golden Oak community.
- Lake View rooms boast views of the lake and pools.
- Park View rooms face the nightly fireworks show.
Of course, those who require more space can look into their variety of suites.
The resort also offers special In-Room Celebrations that can be themed around a special occasion or favorite character.
3. Five-Acre Water Park with Pools
I couldn’t possibly provide a Disney Four Seasons review without mentioning the resort’s multiple pools. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort’s amazing pool areas seamlessly mesh the needs of adults, who might prefer a little silence, and the kids, who want to make a splash. The pool area is called Explorer Island, for good reason, as there is so much to see and do.
Our favorite outpost was in the secluded daybeds and loungers under the palm trees near the lazy river. Despite this being a family area, it was quiet and a place where we could order excellent poolside drinks and food. We stepped in and out of the lazy river at leisure. Contrary to other lazy rivers I’ve enjoyed, this one was never hectic.
The enormous Family Pool overlooks the lake, plays festive music, and features the occasional dive-in movies. There is also a water play heaven, called Splash Zone, which keeps younger kids entertained in shallow water. Our family would have loved this area when our daughter was younger.
What’s more, this is the only Four Seasons I’ve ever been to with two big water slides. On check-out day, my husband and daughter skipped our planned breakfast to wedge in extra pool time and water slide rides.
An adult-only area offers a quieter sanctuary in a stunning spot overlooking the lake.
4. Complimentary Kids’ Club and Activities
A Disney resort must have family-friendly activities, the ones here earn a glowing Four Seasons Orlando review. Steps from our lazy river base, we shot hoops in a sports-themed pool area and even played a little volleyball.
The Hideout, a supervised indoor area for older kids, is a great place where kids can simply hang out with friends. In the middle of Explorer Island, there is a game area, where guests can bounce between pools and games with ease. We’d even head up here after dinner for a family game of pool, foosball, chess, or bean bag toss.
My daughter loved some of these games so much that I bought some of the same outdoor games for our backyard. A full-sized outdoor basketball court, volleyball court, and tennis courts are nearby, too.
A supervised kids’ club, Kids for All Seasons allows parents of children ages 4–12 a little time off during the day to golf and spa. The best part? It’s complimentary.
5. Outstanding Food Throughout
When it comes to Four Seasons Orlando restaurant reviews, I give five stars all around. One of the main reasons why we stay at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts around the globe is because we spend a lot of time eating on property.
The food is always excellent. From in-room dining to meals at Capa, the rooftop Spanish Steakhouse, we managed to do a good job of eating our way through the resort.
It’s a nice distribution of options. The grab-and-go menu of food and drinks at Lickety Split, including pretty epic housemade gelato, is ideal for snacking and quick meals. This spot is a must when on an activity-packed vacation.
One evening, we unwound on the Lobby Lounge patio, where options range from sushi to a ridiculously delicious French dip.
Kids love breakfast with Goofy! Charcuterie and cheese at The Lobby Bar Sushi, poke and grouper bites at The Lobby Bar. 
Capa has happy hour tapas and drinks. 
The carrot cake gelato is amazing. Do not skip the gelato at Lickety Split! In-room dining breakfast before theme park fun.
Meanwhile, Ravello Restaurant hosts a fun Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and His Pals character breakfast twice per week (currently Thursdays and Saturdays).
It is buffet style with plenty of character interaction for kids. A photographer is present to take photos, which you may download for free at Disney PhotoPass. Having been to many character dining experiences, this is easily one of the most relaxed.
6. The Spa at Four Seasons Orlando
My Disney Four Seasons review has to include the spa, even though I was only able to squeeze in a tour of the gorgeous facility. Between the jet lag and full mornings of walking, my body could have used a little rejuvenation in between park visits. I’ll definitely be taking advantage of this next time.
It is a large spa at 13,000 square feet, and it has a full menu of spa services including hair, makeup, and nails. It even offers kid-friendly pampering treatments if you want to bring your kiddos along. The Magical Makeover transforms kids into princesses or princes. Imagine the look on their faces after this closet opens and they see all the amazing costumes they can wear.
7. Disney Planning Services and Extra Magic Hour
The Disney benefits are another top reason for staying at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World. The resort now has perks for those visiting Walt Disney World theme parks, such as access to the Extra Magic Hour. Be sure to check the Walt Disney World park calendar to see when Extra Magic Hour applies during your stay.
Guests may also make DISNEY FASTPASS+ selections up to 60 days prior to arrival, which you should absolutely take advantage of to avoid waiting in line. Purchase your tickets at least 60 days in advance and execute on selections the day you are eligible because others attending the park during your dates will do the same.
I also loved that they have Disney Cast Members onsite at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort to help guests plan the perfect Disney itinerary. They can also make dining reservations for you and provide you with Magic Bands.
DON’T PAY FULL PRICE FOR TICKETS
You can buy discount Walt Disney World Tickets through Undercover Tourist and Get Away Today.
8. Boutiques for Gifts and You
My Four Seasons Orlando review concludes with the awesome on-site boutiques. Whether you lost your luggage or you’re looking for a special souvenir, these shops have you covered.
The boutiques on site have everything you might need from swimsuits to Missoni ears (a special collaboration with Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World) to toiletries. In fact, you may wish for lost luggage after browsing the racks. We even knocked out some of Christmas shopping as we picked up quite a few presents. Speaking of Christmas, their tree was absolutely stunning.
Speaking of Christmas, their tree was absolutely stunning.
The Bottom Line
We’ve been to every Disney park worldwide. I can say without hesitation that it is as relaxing as a theme park holiday can be. I promise that you will not regret a stay here. It is one of the most well-thought-out Four Seasons properties that I’ve ever stayed in, so I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Have you stayed at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort?
Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).
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