If your kids are like mine, this past year has proven they’re more resilient, adaptable, and optimistic than a lot of adults we know. Still, we all needed a break.
We wanted to take our first post-quarantine trip to the happiest place on earth. But we were wary; if you’re going to tackle a Disney Trip during a global pandemic you want to do it right.
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort combines a world-class resort experience with the convenience essential to a successful vacation. More importantly, they are the right destination for cautious families who prioritize safety.
The Resort
After the stress of traveling, arriving at your destination is a relief during the best of times. Arriving at the Four Seasons Orlando after a short trip from the airport, my stress levels dropped immediately. The beauty of the resort, the professionalism of the staff, and their efforts to ensure our health and well being was impressive.
The resort is spotless. The most demanding drill instructor, armed with a white cotton glove and plenty of time, would be hard-pressed to find a speck of dust in this resort.
At every entrance, from the pool to the main lobby, infrared monitors take your temperature so your welcome is seamless and safe.
Visiting the Parks
If you’re like me, planning a trip to Disney can feel overwhelming. One of the biggest perks to staying in the Four Seasons Orlando is the Disney Planning Center. Located right next to the concierge, a Disney Cast Member will help you with insider tips, booking, and making the most of what Disney has to offer. It certainly improved our trip dramatically having an expert to guide us.
The Four Seasons is located within the Walt Disney World Resort itself, which makes life infinitely more convenient. A visit to the parks starts with a complimentary shuttle to the front gate. The drivers know helpful tips for navigating the parks and pick up once every hour.
Our Room
The resort has the look and feel of Caribbean luxury, with contemporary design and high-end amenities. Our suite’s king-size bed was heavenly after walking through the parks and the second bathroom was great for the kids. Each room has a private balcony overlooking the gorgeous grounds, pools and lakes on the property.
The kids loved getting comfy each night in provided mini bath robes and waving good night to the parks, visible from our balcony.
The Fun
Disney’s great, but the resort is an amazing destination on its own.
There’s an “Explorer Island” with a family pool, lazy river, water slides and splash pad. The expansive family pool has an infinity edge to complement the natural beauty of the neighboring lake. It’s gradual sloping entrance enabled our four-year old, who’s not the best swimmer, to splash and play in sight of our lounge chairs like she would back home on Compo Beach.
The two waterslides are waterpark-worthy; offering 242 feet of twists and turns. You can float in the lazy river and cool off under some of the waterfalls along the way. Our kids loved the splash pad and running through the timed fountains, all integrated into the overall design evoking an old ruinous mansion.
For kids 4-12, a complimentary Kids For All Seasons camp offers fun activities. If your kids are a bit older or you’re waiting out some rain, The Hideout offers billiards and some of the latest video games in a supervised and sanitized setting.
While the kids are busy, parents can swim in the stately “adults-only” quiet pool.
Spa & Fitness
The spa offers plenty of indoor and outdoor options and a long list of services. In addition to massages and facials, The Spa offers unique treatments like the Vibrational Sound Therapy and innovative IV Vitality Drip therapies.
The fitness center, like the rest of the resort, is spotless and exquisitely maintained. After another infrared temperature check, use state-of-the-art machines or log on to a Peloton to maintain your home routine. An attendant routinely sanitizes the area and equipment.
Golf and Tennis
Designed by Tom Fazio, their 18-hole golf course was home to the 2021 LPGA Tour. The fairways and greens are also a Certified Audubon Sanctuary, home to a wide range of Florida wildlife. The course also boats a 16-acre practice facility with TrackMan video swing analysis, a putting green, and short course.
If tennis is your game, there are three courts available. Take lessons from an on-site pro, join a daily clinic, or challenge someone to a match.
Dining
The restaurants are, of course, exceptional.
Lickety Split was our stop each morning for coffee and healthy grab-and-go options. The homemade gelato is a kid favorite.
Ravello provides a full breakfast option and regional Italian cuisine in the evenings. The menu offers an adventurous take on staple dishes as well as seasonal offerings highlighting local ingredients.
PB&G is poolside and offers some classics and interesting alternatives. My wife and I sampled a little of everything, but she came back to the Chirashi Bowl for the fresh, sushi-grade tuna and salmon. I was not expecting Bulgogi Naan to be a poolside option, but I’ll be dreaming about it for weeks.
Plancha is the spot for a bite with fellow golfers after 9 or 18, with golf club favorites as well as Cuban fare.
Finally, rooftop steakhouse Capa is one of the Best 100 Wine Restaurants in the US by Wine Enthusiast magazine. We indulged in tapas followed up with arguably the best steak I’ve ever eaten.
Staying at The Four Seasons Orlando at the Walt Disney World Resort was truly a special experience and the ideal way to spend our first vacation in over a year. It was easy, fun, and way more luxurious than another week at home.
For more information visit: www.fourseasons.com/orlando
Schoolcation
The resort provides a quiet, monitored setting for remote learning during the day. When classes are over they can go directly from school mode to vacation mode and enjoy the resort along with you.
“Lead with Care”
Working with the expert advice and guidance of Johns Hopkins Medicine International, the “Lead with Care” initiative combines the Four Seasons’ already high level of service with enhanced procedures to protect guests and employees at all of their properties, to ensure their health and safety.
Travel with Your Pod Squad
Traveling with your extended family or your quarantine crew? Here’s a crazy-luxurious option: the stunning nine-room Royal Suite. Book the Ultimate Suites Experience for access to the Royal Suite, the four bedroom Presidential Suite, and a daily butler service to assist with everything from in-room dining to arranging park visits.
