If the Glasss Slipper Fits...
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
By Brandi Brower, Travel Editor
What was once the Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge Golf Club transformed into the 26-acre Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World with the wave of a wand, a $370 million investment, and a little bit of pixie dust. Nestled within the Disney-developed Golden Oak residential community, multi-million dollar homes are neighbors to the 17-story, 560,000-square-foot, 443-room luxury edifice. The extensive property, ensconced by protected wetlands, natural woodlands, oaks, palms, lush grasses, and glittering lakes, was completed in 2014. The towering building, a nod to Spanish Revival-style architecture, is reminiscent of the resort hotels in South Florida over a century ago, features golden-era design elements of colonnades, French doors, columns and arches, loggias, variegated barrel tile roofs, and decorative metal work. Tile, stucco, and stone stand out against the beautiful lush landscaped grounds, the championship golf course, and a certified wildlife sanctuary.
After an anticipated pleasant valet and greeting by team members, I'm shown to the reception area, but only after passing the magnificent chandelier at the top of the grand spiral staircase. With more than 30,000 crystal components, the firework-inspired fixture is Instagram-worthy and a nod to the nightly Disney fireworks splendor visible at the Resort. It's a dazzling display—I thought I saw the glimmer of a lost glass slipper on the marble-laden floor. This property would make anyone feel like they are in a fairy tale. It isn't Cinderella's castle, but the grand and elegant aesthetic is Bippity Boppity beautiful! (Borrowing words from the Fairy Godmother.) Despite being the only Resort on Disney World property not owned by the company, the Four Seasons does a tasteful job of bringing the magical elements but not Disneyfying the design.
This is not your momma's Contemporary or Polynesian. The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World is an award-winning AAA Five Diamond Resort. For the ten years it has been in operation, U.S. News & World Report recognized the palatial property as the #1 hotel in the Best Hotels and Resorts category in Walt Disney World. It ranked #2 Best in the state of Florida. Nationally, it boasts the #7 Best Hotel and #4 Best Resort in the U.S. for 2024. The annual evaluation ranks its exceptional experiences and high-quality amenities among the best, recognizing the unparalleled Resort's offerings, its connections to Walt Disney World Resort, and its remarkable guest services for which the Four Seasons brand is known. That's a lot of "bests".
With so many people mixing business with leisure, this is a popular place for the "bleisure" trend. The Orange County Convention Center is the second largest convention center in the U.S., and Orlando tops the list of convention host cities. Many opt to bring their family to their conference or incentive trip, later enjoying the spoils of the Sunshine State. The Disney World parks are a prominent stop on that leisure bus. After discovering all the "bests" that the Four Seasons Resort offers, one may decide to stay solely onsite. Or, at least it promises a respite and reward after a Disney day of 20,000 steps, standing in sweaty lines, a couple of churros, and a Dole whip. Let's dive into what makes the Four Seasons Resort Orlando a special staycation option.
Starting with the plethora of pool preferences, five water areas to splish and splash in. The first splish is in the Splash Zone, especially fun for the littles, with columns of choreographed, interactive fountains that blast water 30 feet into the air. Curtains of water spray down from the arched walls, making a playful place to park yourself and watch your kids have fun. The Family Pool is a 7,590-square-foot creatively curved, gradual sloping beach entry perfect for the young swimmers. With an infinity edge that overlooks the lake, favorite tunes on the underwater audio system, and "Dive-in" movies daily on the big screen. Disney's Camp Rock was playing - "Is that Demi Lavato?" my husband queried, proving the Family Pool is fun for all ages. Next stop, The Drop. The Mansion, which houses pool tables, bocce ball, outdoor table tennis, a fireplace, and an observation deck, also connects to The Drop, two 242-foot water slides. One is encased in see-through fiberglass, and the other slide is open-air; both drops end in a big splash with lots of smiles. Rinse and repeat. Drifter's Lazy River is a relaxing float with or without a tube, passing bubbling rapids and a cascading 9-foot waterfall. If that isn't challenging enough to prevent your hair from getting wet... two spray cannons armed by two children who discovered my semi-dry hair, I instantly became the perfect target. Can you blame them? Lastly, after all the family fun, The Oasis is an adults-only pool; it's a tranquil phone and music-free zone where you can relax in the whirlpool and sip on drinks or snack on food delivered to you in your bungalow or chaise lounge. In all my travels, this is the first time I have seen a resort with as many pools and five+ acres of H2O entertainment, all of which serve their purpose and provide several options for aquatic nirvana.
There are many alternatives on the property for active guests hoping to challenge their bodies or improve their game. Four Seasons enhanced the original 18-hole golf track. A Tom Fazio design, what was once the Osprey Ridge, a part of the Disney Golf Collection, became the Tranquilo Golf Course at Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando.
The private, par-71 course is a true out-and-back layout surrounded by relative wilderness. It's easy to forget you're within a few miles of amusement parks. Walt Disney's empire was built atop swamp land, so purposefully, very few water hazards exist. Instead, Fazio opted for sand hazards to challenge your round. The good news is that there's less stress about losing golf balls. Improving your game is easy with the professional private instruction and short game evaluation options available, or work on your skills autonomously on the 16-acre practice facility with course-like undulating target greens. If swinging a club isn't your racket, grab a racquet and enjoy a tennis clinic or private lesson on one of the three Har-Tru tennis courts.
Onsite recreation is wider than golf and tennis; the Resort offers a basketball court, sand volleyball court on Explorer Island, and even a rock climbing wall. The 24-hour Fitness Centre offers personal instruction from certified trainers, with state-of-the-art equipment: Peloton bikes, Matrix weight machines, and LifeFitness cardio machines; try a FitnessOnDemand class via a large screen T.V. or join in on one of the fitness classes held every morning throughout the week. If your young ones are making it difficult to find time for self-care or personal wellness, the Four Seasons famed Kids For All Seasons is always a windfall for parents. Supervised activities for children ages 4-12 are complimentary and available from 9-5, with flexibility in drop-offs/pick-ups. The option to leave your child with excellent staff to play with other children in a fun environment so that you can recharge is a win/win for everyone. For the older kids, a rec room called The Hideout is a hangout where the teens can play foosball and video games and relax while sipping custom mocktails from the special menu.
The property has five dining options for real cocktails and special menus. Top of the list is at the top of the hotel, a rooftop steak house on the 17th floor. Capa is a source of pride for the Resort, as it has been awarded a Michelin Star rating for the past three years, receiving the distinction once again in April 2024. The Spanish-influenced hot spot features wood-fired prime cuts, Floridian seafood, delectable tapas, and New Basque-inspired small plates. The atmosphere pairs well with the menu's Spanish influence and the exterior's Spanish-revival architecture. Another feather in the Capa -the restaurant received recognition from the Embassy of Spain, certifying that the menu comprises 48% Spanish dishes and 60% wines from Spain, procuring the prestigious "Restaurants of Spain" certification. Epcot can't give you that!
We enjoyed many dishes, including our favorite tapas - Pan Con Tomate and the Datiles, Medjool Dates, Almonds, Bacon, and Tamarind. The 12 oz. Delmonico, Platinum X Wagyu, Black Garlic Puree, and Cilantro Horseradish, which I also ordered on the side. My husband said I would ruin the flavor of the incredible cut, but I loved the extra kick. A Maize, Polenta, Goat Cheese, and Sherry Vinegar side dish rounded off the entree. Our server, Alan, was exceptional in his knowledge of the menu, helping us pair down to our final selections, as well as his pacing of the meal so that we could take a brief break from the gastronomy and enjoy the incredible view and the firework display of the Magic Kingdom and Epcot from the large terrace. The colorful spectacle was a sweet ending to the evening, but an even sweeter finale came in the form of our dessert. Executive Pastry Chef Rabii Saber, a James Beard Awards finalist, has made his mark in the art of confectionary creations. A platter with an assortment of delectables was a memory maker: White Chocolate, Coconut Sorbet, Mango Passion center, an Olive Oil Cake, Mixed Berries Sorbet, Lemon Cream, Pistachio Mousse, and Churros de Madrid, chocolate and dulce dipping sauces, definitely not your average Disney churros.
Not to be missed, Ravello, Italian cuisine, is also a high-ranking restaurant, recently recognized with "100 percent Italian Taste Certification" at the highest Platinum level. Ravello is the first in the U.S. to receive this designation, and its incredible homemade pasta dishes are undoubtedly worthy of it. We started with Meatballs, Mortadella, Prosciutto, Pomodoro Sauce, Mascarpone, and Grilled Pane Pugliese; my main dish was an exceptional Rigatoni, Parmigiano Reggiano Cream Sauce, Basil Pesto, Roasted Garlic, and Spinach. Even my granddaughter's cheese pizza was the best I have ever tasted, and this was off the kid's menu! Keeping with the tradition of extraordinary staff, our server, Katie, was both great with pasta suggestions and entertaining for our little two-year-old. By night, it's Italian cuisine; by day, it's breakfast fare; and on two special mornings a week, it's Good Morning with Goofy and his Pals. What a fantastic opportunity it is to have the proximity of a character breakfast on site and the level of dining to accompany the experience. It is perfect. You can never go wrong with a Four Seasons decadent buffet, and you add a dash of Minnie, Mickie, and Goofy to the recipe, mixed with the joyful expressions of your grandchild, and that's an unforgettable event. A photographer is there to capture the cute moments and exchanges with each of the Disney friends that come to the table. My granddaughter is young and won't remember her blowing a kiss to Mickey or hugging Minnie, but we will.
Additional foodie highlights: We enjoyed the Grilled Fish Tacos and Greek Salad from the PB&G, the Pool Bar and Grill serving al fresco American fare lakeside. Also, a pop into the Lickety Split is a must. They offer grab-n-go sandwiches, salads, breakfast bites, and artisanal coffees, but Pastry Chef Rabii Saber's house-made gelatos are a must. There are so many flavors, and unfortunately, my resort visit wasn't long enough to try them all. Modern Latin-American cuisine and clubhouse favorites at Plancha, located at the Tranquilo Golf Course, with views of the lake and champion links. Rounding out the dining options, casual ambiance, creative cuisine, and cocktails at The Lobby Bar.
It's challenging to keep it brief when sharing thoughts on Four Seasons cuisine because it is notoriously good. But by the same token, brevity with the sumptuous accommodations is also tricky, as there is so much to love about the rooms. As we walked into our 7th Floor Park View Deluxe Suite, I could tell immediately that this would be no exception to the rule of luxury that is Four Seasons. A wave of calm washes over me from the minute I walk in the door. It's 1000 s.f. of blissful space, recently re-imagined by Parker Torres Design of Boston. Modern and elegant are the first words that come to mind to describe the serene sanctuary. According to the lead designer on the project, Kristen Emory, the goal was "for guests to feel enveloped in an atmosphere that stimulates the senses while also evoking a feeling of tranquility."
Mission accomplished. The natural color palette, grey, soft blush, taupe, and surprise pops of greens and blues, combined with contemporary textures and patterns, create a homey hideaway. The herringbone tiled entry, with a marble-topped console, coat closet, walnut wall treatment, and artwork, gives the residential vibe like I'm coming home. As much as the property steers clear of Disney decor, according to Emory, there are hidden homages to the theme park, "Woven within the richly layered elements, whimsical and playful details will remind guests of the magic experienced at this iconic destination." (Upon reading this fact, I quickly brought up my photos of the suite and located the floral motif art on the wall, enlarging it to hunt for the honey pot, star, and castle hidden. I couldn't find the star.) These playful touches and the attention to detail, like the various locations in the suite with USB-C chargers, are a consideration of the guest experience and what will make their stay more comfortable. A bathroom with a marble vanity sink, striking turquoise blue diamond tiles adorn the wall, and a generous walk-in shower serves as an additional grooming space.
As you enter the living space, the blonde wide plank oak floors balance with the darker walnut wood accents on the walls and furniture. Lighting plays a dramatic role in the design, with several dimming options, striking fixtures, sconces, rope lighting around the bed frame and panel accents. The comfy sectional sofa hides a generous-sized sleeper bed, and adjacent is a large wall-mounted television, and below rests a custom-built console housing a coffee bar and refrigerator; paired on the side rests an attractive bar cart, built into the corner is a beautiful banquet with dining table and two chairs for in-room dining, floor to ceiling windows and a slider beckons guests to enjoy the expansive balcony that extends access over to the bedroom, two patio chaise loungers, four chairs and table waiting for al fresco dining while soaking in the sunsets.
A privacy door opens into the ample primary bedroom, and the scenery from the balcony pops with the black framing of the windows and sliding door. An oversized rounded cushion chair is an inviting spot with comfy pillows and a reader lamp behind it; all you need is a good book. A textured two-tone dresser sits below the 65-inch flatscreen T.V. neighboring the king bed. The bed, the glorious Four Seasons bed! The renowned mattress, sheets, and white-on-white duvet with monogrammed tree insignia shams ~ "Where dreams really do come true."
The attractive double-arched hall introduces you to the principal bathroom, passing through flanking closets on either side. With dual built-in drawers and marble valet tops, there is ample space for personal items. An ingenious, completely mirrored pocket door provides privacy into the lux lavatory, which is fully useful for dressing and visually echos the space, making the footprint feel even more significant. The bathroom features double sinks, a completely mirrored wall with generous lighting, a large shower, and the focal point, a deep stand-alone soaking tub with a glittering mosaic tile design on the wall as an accent. Thirsty Four Seasons robes, citrus-smelling Atelier Cologne bath products, and rooms serviced twice daily, making some sweet finishing touches.
If the room relaxation isn't adequately satisfying, you must go to The Spa for some self-indulgence. The secluded and expansive indoor and outdoor lounges are complimentary for resort guests and are the perfect place to unwind. Beautifully appointed, the indoor relaxation area with a cozy fireplace, comfy chairs, tea, and snacks, or choose the outside area with relaxing cushioned chaises, a whirlpool, and a waterfall feature. The women's and men's locker rooms offer equal pampering with vanity areas, showers, steam rooms, ice stations, and The Experience Shower. Upon entering, you select which program you want to experience on the keypad, and then various sound effects, variegated lighting, and assorted water pulsations from several angles occur. I tried them all; the Tropical Storm setting was my favorite.
The gorgeous 13,000-square-foot haven will honor any spa service imaginable. With 18 treatment rooms named after birds indigenous to Florida, the certified specialists offer a comprehensive collection of effective therapies. These professionals will perform their rejuvenating magic through advanced aesthetic services, body therapies, or simply hair, makeup, and nails. With over 50 options on the menu, there is nothing you could want that this Orlando oasis couldn't provide. The Spa also offers Magical Moments for Kids, mini makeovers for the little people in your life; with Belle of the Ball or Shining Knight experiences, children receive the royal treatment and leave feeling like a prince or princess. I couldn't leave without trying one of the array of options available. My choice was the Somadome, where I was cocooned with a dome over my upper body, privately in a treatment room, seated in the Somadome chair with headphones on. After selecting an intention, the 20-minute personalized meditation utilizes binaural beats, energy medicine with magnets, and crystal and color therapy to assist in a mental mending session. It felt like I was in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom, a glimpse into the future of healing.
Speaking of the Magic Kingdom, there's a bit of competition in Orlando for the title of The Most Magical Place on Earth. It resides at 10100 Dream Tree Boulevard, an incredible property where glam and lux coexist with the wild and natural beauty of the Everglades. Four Seasons Resort, Orlando, at Walt Disney World Resort, casts a powerful spell on its guests. They come to enjoy the proximity to Disney World, yet the elegance and family-friendly magic the team has spun together make this castle a hard place to want to leave. The benefits of being on the Disney World property include Early Theme Park Entry, allowing guests access 30 minutes before the parks open, and Disney Cast Members onsite to assist with planning the perfect park dining reservations and itinerary. Four Seasons also provides transportation to and from the theme parks. As a guest here, you're removed from the Mickey madness; however, if you choose to conquer the crowds and ride the rides, it is like a gift from a Fairy Godmother to know that at the end of the very long day, the Four Seasons palatial property is where you'll find respite and peace.
If the glass slipper fits, you should wear it.