Four Seasons Orlando’s Location
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 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.
The Magic Kingdom is 3 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 theme park shuttle.
Pretty Rooms
We checked into a gorgeous Golden Oak View Suite just before sundown. It is 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 connecting suites can be added to the suite to make it two or even three bedrooms.
Housekeeping transformed the living room sofa into a bed at turndown service. Morning coffee on our balcony proved divine and did I ever love the light fixtures and tiles in the bathrooms (yes, there are two).
Some rooms have views of the evening fireworks, which we also saw from the rooftop patio at the onsite Capa restaurant. You may also organize special In-Room Celebrations that could be themed around a special occasion or favorite character.
So Many Pools, So Little Time
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort’s amazing pool areas seamlessly mesh the needs of adults who would prefer a little silence as well as kids their parents. And, with supervised Kids For All Seasons activities, even with kids in tow, parents can seek respite at the Resort.
The pool area is called Explorer Island indeed because there is so much to see and do. Our favorite outpost was in the secluded day beds and loungers under the palm trees near the lazy river. Despite this being a family area, it was quiet and with 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.
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 where kids can simply hang out with friends is here, too.
A water play heaven called Splash Zone kept younger kids entertained in shallow water. Our family would have loved this area when our daughter was younger.
Plenty of poolside activities The Splash Zone
And, this is the only Four Seasons I’ve ever been to with two big water slides. Water slides! I can tell you that they open early. On check-out day, my husband and daughter skipped breakfast to wedge in extra pool time and water slide rides.
The enormous Family Pool overlooks the lake, plays festive music, is the site of occasional dive-in movies and is just overall pretty fantastic.
The lakeside Family Pool The Drop water slides
Adults have their own quieter sanctuary in this stunning spot overlooking the lake.
Have you noticed how gorgeous and comfortable the patio furniture is in every single one of these spaces?
More Kids’ Activities
In the middle of Explorer Island is a game area enabling guests to bounce between pools and games with ease. We’d even head up here after dinner for a family game of pool, foos ball, chess or bean bag toss.
My daughter loved some of these games so much that I bought the same brands for our yard. A full-sized outdoor basketball court, volleyball court, and tennis courts are nearby, too.
Outstanding Food Throughout
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 breakfast to 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 and I think a must when on an activity-packed vacation. We unwound one evening on the Lobby Lounge patio, too, 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.
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 one of the best.
The Spa at Four Seasons Orlando
I did not have time for a spa treatment on this trip but regretted that instantly after touring the gorgeous facility. Between the jet lag and full mornings of walking, my body could have used a little rejuvenation in between park visits.
This is a very large spa at 13,000 square feet, and it has a full menu of spa services including hair, make-up, and nails.
The Magical Makeover transforms kids into princesses or princes. Imagine the look on their faces after this closet opens.
Disney Planning Services and Extra Magic Hour
Staying at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World now has perks for those visiting Walt Disney World theme parks.
Guests have access to Extra Magic Hour and extra, Extra Magic hour. The latter starts September 1, 2019 and lasts daily through November 2, 2019 and allows guests entry starting at 6 a.m. to select parks and attractions.
Please 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. Grab your tickets up to 60 days in advance and execute on selections the day you are eligible.
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 in advance of our stay but picked them up here. They can make dining reservations and also have Magic Bands.
You can buy discount Walt Disney World Tickets through Undercover Tourist and Get Away Today.
Boutiques
Lost luggage? No problem. 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 picked up quite a few Christmas presents here.
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 this is by far the most relaxed we’ve been during a theme park holiday.
After a brief trip to Crystal River to swim with manatees, the final part of our Orlando family vacation centered around Universal Orlando Resort, about 20 minutes away from Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.
Next time, I will forego the early access to Universal Orlando provided by their resort hotels (but arrive sufficiently before park opening) and stay at Four Seasons where we were noticeably happier and the vibe was less chaotic.
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.
(Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is one of the resorts I can book for you with agent-exclusive amenities that will enhance and add value to your stay. Please send me your dates and I’ll tell you what’s on offer.)
Have you stayed at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort?
*Thank you to Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort for providing us with a media room rate. This did not impact my review – at all.
