Magical Luxury at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

I confess I’m a Disney-aholic!  I love everything about Disney theme parks and I love taking the grandkids. Combine a fabulous hotel like Four Seasons Resort Orlando with a Walt Disney World Resort vacation with the family, and this is a magical match made in Florida. Follow along with me and my family as we explore the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.

After landing at the Orlando International Airport, I made my way to the shared shuttle.  My son, daughter-in-law and my 3-year-old granddaughter had arrived earlier in the day and were already checked in and waiting for my arrival at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.

Unfortunately, I was the last drop on the shared shuttle, so more than an hour later, I finally arrived. And was it ever worth the wait. This “kids’ paradise” has literally something for everyone — family-friendly accommodations, FREE kids’ club, lazy river, water slides, spa, restaurants, and with its AAA Five Diamond rating, we’re talking pampering from the moment you enter the resort.

Arrival at Four Seasons Resort Orlando

It’s difficult to imagine how close you are to Walt Disney World theme parks (just over 3 miles to the Magic Kingdom) as you do really feel like you’re away from it all at the lakeside 26-acre resort Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.  Your pampering begins as soon as you step out of your van, as Four Seasons brands know how to make you feel at home.

A Bellboy staff immediately opened the door of the shuttle, welcoming me to the property, and without hesitation, another makes his way to the back of the van to retrieve my luggage.

My son and granddaughter were waiting for me at the entrance, and the toddler was so excited to show me all the wonderful surprises in our room.

The lobby chandelier started the impressive show of luxury. We passed the marbled and massive front desk area, with two oversized reception desks on one side and on the other a concierge desk (Disney Planning Desk) and a big screen TV, game and play area for kids to amuse themselves while the parents check in (brilliant!).

Accommodations at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando

With just a carry-on bag, we didn’t require a bell staff, so my son and granddaughter lead the way. For this multigenerational family of four, we opted for the Park View Room King, providing a king size bed and a sofa bed.  Granddaughter and I would camp out in the sofa bed while my son and his wife took the king bed.  I admit I wasn’t sure if we’d be cramped, but as soon as I opened the door, I was thrilled and extremely relieved.  (Pictured below is a standard room, photo from Four Seasons Orlando. Scroll down for photo collage of my room.)

The Park View balcony rooms are 500 square feet, with a king or two double beds, perfect for our family of four. The warm color scheme was inviting — and included flat-screen TV, a work area, AND free-WiFi! The room also included a mini-refrigerator and coffee/tea maker — both important to a family.

We also had a beautiful balcony with seating and a panoramic view of the Four Seasons Orlando grounds with glimpses of Walt Disney World theme parks to the left. private balcony with the best views of the nightly Magic Kingdom® Park fireworks display.

The marble bathroom was another keeper with an oversized vanity with in mirror television, soaking tub AND glassed-in shower. But wait there’s more — and my daughter-in-law and I loved this feature best: a separate hallway / closet / storage area.  We stored our suitcases and clothing here, allowing us more room in the living /bedroom area.

And then my granddaughter grabbed my hand to show me why she was so excited. She hadn’t been allowed to touch anything until I arrived (and surprisingly she didn’t!), but she was over-the-moon excited about the billowy green princess skirt, crown and wand on the bed (additional charge). And within minutes of my arrival, she proudly wore it!

Dining at the Fours Seasons Resort Orlando

If you’re hungry, you won’t have to leave this Orlando resort, take your pick from 6 restaurants, ranging from elegant to casual: the rooftop Skyhouse Steakhouse  in Orlando; Mediterranean tastes with indoor outdoor setting at Ravello; a lively poolside restaurant; golf clubhouse restaurant Plancha; a great lobby bar overlooking the lake, and coffee bar Lickety-Split.

After a long flight AND extended shuttle, I was hungry, so we opted for a mid-afternoon snack and adult beverage at Lobby Bar.  We made our way to the balcony, overlooking the grounds, and ordered a light snack and toasted to the beginning of our Disney family vacation.

BONUS: Kids 5 and under dine FREE!

Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals

Another not to miss treat is the Character Breakfast!  My granddaughter is a HUGE Mickey and Minnie Mouse fan, and our first morning in Orlando included surprising her with meet-and-greets with her favorite Disney characters.  The weekly Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals character is held at Ravello restaurant. The buffet-style breakfast is offered on Thursdays and Saturdays.

While the food was fantastic, witnessing the excitement on my granddaughter’s face when she met Minnie in-person for the first time — magically priceless!

BONUS: An on-site photographer captured our wonderful memories with Goofy & His Pals!  he Character Breakfast includes complimentary digital downloads of the professional photographs taken with Goofy & His Pals. (NOTE: The Kids 5 and Younger Dine Free Program does not apply to the character breakfast.)

Family-Friendly Amenities at Four Seasons Resort Orlando

Truly, there is so much family fun to be had at the Four Seasons.  Start with “Kids For All Seasons,” their complimentary camp for children ages 4 to 12 — yeah, you read that right FREE! Parents can drop off at their leisure and enjoy time away.  Available daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Then there’s the water park including the lazy river, multiple pools (including an adult-only pool as well as family pool), The Hideout, tennis courts, fitness center, and spa.

After our return from exploring Disney Springs, we took a late night dip in the family pool, surprised that we were the only ones there!  It was definitely the highlight of our night!

Access to Walt Disney World

With a hotel so close to Walt Disney World, of course, there would be transportation! Complimentary scheduled Resort transportation is offered to the four major Disney Theme Parks. Buses run twice per hour to and from Magic Kingdom® Park, and once per hour to and from the other three parks.

Magical Luxury at Four Seasons Resort Orlando

Luxury hotels can sometimes be so over-the-top that some families may not feel comfortable, as they feel they have to keep a tighter rein on their kids, especially toddlers, right? Not so here at the Four Seasons Resort in Orlando.

Seriously, every staff member we met literally took a moment to either say hello to all of us — including the 3-year-old. Or even took another minute to comment on the “pretty princess” attire my granddaughter wore throughout the day, even oohing and ahhing when she twirled for them. It made this Grandma’s heart happy.

If you’re looking to pamper your family, make the splurge and book a room at the family friendly Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort — it really is magical.

Standard Room Rates  at the Four Seasons Orlando start at around $400. You can also compare rates and book through Hotels.com, Booking.com or other booking sites.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort provided accommodations for the purpose of a review; opinions expressed are my own.  Photos courtesy of Diana Rowe and Four Seasons Resort Orlando.