The new Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, opening August 2014, is one of the hotel brand’s most exciting properties. As a luxurious family-friendly destination in the heart of Disney World, the resort will offer world-class amenities, services and accommodations. Located within the Golden Oak community on Disney property, just minutes from the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, Four Seasons Resort Orlando is one of the most anticipated luxury hotel openings of 2014.
Of course, we’ve been curious about how Disney experiences, characters and technology will be integrated into the new Four Seasons resort. In our recent interview with Thomas Steinhauer, Regional Vice President/General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Orlando, we asked:
Christopher Parr: For guests enjoying the Disney Theme Parks, are there any VIP treatments or unique experiences?
Thomas Steinhauer: We will offer luxury transportation to the parks, in motor coaches with plush seating and TVs. The transportation will run every half hour to Magic Kingdom and every hour for the other Disney parks. For those who don’t want to wait, we’ll have Lincoln MKX cars available for rent on-site. Our concierge and Disney Planning Center team is happy to assist with VIP experiences, such as, the Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom, which is a semi-private 3-hour guided safari.
CP: How does the Four Seasons property integrate with Disney’s offerings and technology? From early park entry, their MagicBands and FastPass, can guests of the Four Seasons Orlando enjoy these services and benefits?
TS: We are able to offer Disney perks such as special theme amenities in the guestroom, and access to the Disney Events Group, which is amazing for our group guests who are seeking to integrate their meeting or event with a Disney theme. The Disney Events Group can do it all, from custom theme décor to an on-site event in Epcot, complete with character appearances. Through our Disney Planning Center, guests will be able to make their dining reservations, purchase their tickets to the parks, and more, all in our lobby. We will have MagicBands available to our guests. We’re also excited to offer a character breakfast, twice weekly on Thursday and Saturday, in our restaurant Ravello.
According to information we received this morning from Four Seasons Orlando, here’s an expanded listing of the unique Disney experiences that the 23-acre luxury property will offer guests beginning in August:
Disney Planning Center
The Disney Planning Center, conveniently located near the front desk on the lobby level, provides the perfect spot for guests to meet one-on-one with a Disney Cast Member and plan some wonderful details of their stay. Guests can receive assistance with their ticket arrangements for the Disney theme parks and dining reservations at Disney restaurants. The Disney Planning Center is a one-stop central hub that seamlessly organizes a guest’s entire Disney experience – even supporting the planning process before guests walk in the door.
Disney Character Breakfast
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is excited to offer the “Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and his Pals” character breakfast, twice weekly at Ravello restaurant. The buffet-style breakfast will be offered on Thursdays and Saturdays, and also on Tuesdays during peak school break periods, and will feature a wonderful assortment of traditional breakfast offerings and an omelet station. A photographer will be available to capture the memories of the families with the stars of the breakfast, the always entertaining Goofy & Pals.
Disney Event Group
For guests who wish to host events incorporating Disney, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is working closely with the Disney Event Group to offer access to events in some of the Disney parks. Events held at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort can feature Disney décor, entertainment acts, character appearances, and more.
In-Room Celebrations
It’s always the little details that give a guest that over-the-top impression and special welcome, and one way Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort will be able to “wow” guests is through In-Room Celebrations. The Resort will offer themed in-room welcome gifts, so that upon a guest’s arrival, a surprise can be waiting in their guestroom. The “Presenting Your Royal Princess” In-Room Celebration, for instance, includes a banner hanging outside the door of the room, a personalized royal princess proclamation, a letter from the Fairy Godmother, and a large pink box filled with princess treasures, including a tiara and magic wand. From princesses to pirates, there are several options of In-Room Celebrations available for Four Seasons guests.
Transportation to the Disney Parks
Guests of Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort will have complimentary transportation to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Luxury motor coaches will transport guests every 30 minutes to the Magic Kingdom Park and every hour to the additional parks. For guests who’d rather not wait, or who are visiting other area attractions, Four Seasons also will offer a fleet of white vehicles, available to rent for a small fee. (Editorial note: There will not be direct transportation to Magic Kingdom. Their vehicles will drop guests off at the Transportation Center.)
Merchandise Delivery
Due to the Resort’s special location and proximity to the Disney Theme Parks, guests of Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort can arrange to have park souvenirs delivered directly to the Resort, instead of carrying purchases around all day. Same day delivery is offered conveniently at all four of the Disney parks.
Room With a View
Due to the Golden Oak location within the Disney grounds, many areas of Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort have a perfect vantage point for the night time spectaculars. All of the Park View Rooms offer a view of the Magic Kingdom Park special fireworks displays. Select rooms offer views of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot. Guests can enjoy the show from the comfort of their furnished balcony. In addition, Capa restaurant on the 17th floor rooftop offers al fresco dining on the terrace, and views of these fireworks.
This exciting new Four Seasons property also features a five-acre water park called “Explorer Island,” which includes a winding lazy river complete with a rapids section, two water slides, and an interactive splash zone with water cannons. Table tennis, bocce ball, beach volleyball, and a rock climbing wall are some of the activities offered at Explorer Island. The Hideout at Explorer Island is also a separate building offering video games and serving Italian gelateria.
