Since the end of The White Lotus, more travelers are interested in five-star hotels and luxurious stays. Namely, more travelers are interested in Four Seasons hotels, since that’s where the show was filmed. Luckily for those who don’t have time to jaunt all the way over to Taormina or Maui (where the first two seasons were filmed), their Four Seasons dreams can still come true in just a few short days in a convenient location: Orlando, Florida. I was fortunate enough to spend two gifted nights here, and while it’s nearly impossible to narrow down my favorite aspects of this fantastic hotel, here are 10 reasons why Four Seasons Orlando is worth every penny.
DISCLAIMER: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World covered my room, spa treatment, and meals for the duration of my stay.
1. The Pools
While some might be deterred from visiting Orlando since it’s not a beach town, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World makes up for the lack of salty waters with their five pools. There’s an adults-only pool, which is the only adults-only pool in Walt Disney World. Not to be missed is their 7,590 square foot infinity-edge family pool, with a large-screen TV for movies on Saturdays at noon and 5PM. There’s also a lazy river (more on that later), an outdoor hot tub, a kid-proof splash zone, and two water slides. Safe to say, if you stay at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World, your options for getting wet will be plentiful.
- Fashion Tip: Buy some colorful swimwear here for your visit to Orlando.
2. The Rooms
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World has 443 rooms, with 375 guest rooms and 68 suites. I stayed in a Park View Double Room on the 11th Floor. My room had a huge balcony overlooking all of the resort’s pools, lakes, woodlands, golf course, and at night, Walt Disney World fireworks. Throughout my travels, I have stayed in hundreds, if not thousands, of hotels around the globe, and never have I ever stayed in a bed that was as comfortable as the one at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World. The pillows were feathery-soft, the bed felt like sleeping on a cloud. I almost cried when I knew I had to leave (in fact, I did a little).
Aside from the beds, the bathroom in my room was absolutely stunning. With a sleek marble tub and shower, as well as endless amenities like make-up remover and tampons (both of which came in handy), the bathroom in the room was perfect for getting ready.
3. The Decor
As soon as you enter Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World, you will quickly be reminded for the luxurious treat you’re in for. The lobby is stunning, with large marble pillars and a minimalistic yet classy approach. Flowers are meticulously dotted throughout the main areas, with hints of peach, subtle metallics, and egg-shell white popping in for details here and there. The light fixtures right at the entrance are adorned with hundreds of crystal-like details, creating for dazzling photos and aesthetics. There are also spiral staircases on either side that will transport you to the royal Victorian era. In short, it’s classy AF.
4. The Dining
Once you dine at a restaurant at any Four Seasons location, you will understand why the characters of The White Lotus Season 2 only ate at the hotel. The cuisine is world-class renowned, and Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World has plenty of different options, from casual to fine-dining. Head to Lickety Split for breakfast for a quick bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything croissant paired with an almond-milk latte. For a sit-down breakfast, in true Disney fashion, head to Ravello to dine with Goofy & His Pals every Thursday and Saturday morning from 7-11am, and select Tuesday mornings.
For lunch, head to PB&G, the poolside outdoor restaurant, offering up tasty dishes from fish tacos to Cobb salad to a quinoa and black-bean veggie burger. Don’t skip out on their cocktails, served poolside by one of the many servers that walk around, tending to those who are lying in the beach chairs and cabanas.
For diners looking for authentic Italian fare, head to Ravello for dinner. The pasta is handmade, and has that classic chew, confirming you’re not eating the boxed stuff. Their pizzas are also top-notch, and the in-house sommelier will guide diners to choosing the right wine to pair with your meal.
The real show-stopper when it comes to dining is Capa. Capa is a Michelin-star Spanish steakhouse located on the 17th floor of the hotel. The menu consists of classic yet elevated tapas, from patatas to pan con tomate, and it is mandatory to order a steak. I went with my parents, and we ordered the bone-in filet, the porterhouse, and the classic filet. All were memorable, but we agreed that we were most blown away by the dessert.
5. The Hershey-Kiss Chairs
When deciding what to include in this list, it felt nearly impossible to narrow it down to just 10 items. Everything at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World is done to perfection, but hands down, the amenity that stood out the most to me in the duration of my stay was these Hershey-Kiss shaped chairs by the lazy river. Tucked away in a quiet cove alongside the lazy river, right by the volleyball portion of the pool, are these cozy and chic chairs. I was surprised to find they’re lined with cushions. The Hershey-Kiss chairs, or pearl onion chairs, or teardrop chairs — whatever you deem them — are so cozy and cute that I even took a nap in one after sipping some Prosecco in the Floridian sun.
- Fashion Tip: Buy a colorful scarf to block your shoulders from too much sun exposure, and to add a pop of brightness to a neutral swimsuit.
6. The Service
It goes without saying that if you’re going to splurge for a five-star hotel, you’d hope the service is above and beyond. The people who work at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World each deserve a gold medal for their hospitality. Everyone, and I mean, everyone, from the concierge to the bartenders to the spa attendants, went out of their way to offer my mom and I snacks, Prosecco, water, and just general friendly conversation. I worked in hospitality for several years in New York City, and it’s a tough job. The staff at Four Seasons Resort Orlando somehow make it look easy.
7. The Rooftop
As mentioned above, Capa is the restaurant on the 17th floor, or the rooftop, of Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World. Not only is their food delicious, but they offer a nightly free show of watching fireworks from their balcony at nearby Epcot and Magic Kingdom. While guests should check with the times, as they can change nightly, it is likely if you reserve a table at this popular eatery, you’re in for a free show not once, but twice.
- Fashion Tip: Want a suit like the one my mom and I are wearing? Buy one here.
8. The Spa
Admittedly, I’m only just growing into my spa era. I knew I wanted to take advantage of staying at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World and utilize their world-class spa. I almost always opt for massages, but when I saw they had the regenerating micro puncture facial at the spa at Four Seasons Orlando, I immediately booked a slot. Assuming this treatment would, at first, be harsh on my skin, I wasn’t sure if I should book early in my stay or later in my stay, due to sun exposure that I would obviously get from the Florida sun. I opted for earlier, and booked a 1PM slot on my first day there.
When I arrived to the spa, my beauty technician brought me back to my room. Each room at the spa is named after a Floridian bird, and I was in the Sparrow Room. The technician explained to me that though I signed up for the micro puncture facial, since I was planning on being out in the sun, it was not advisable to go forward with this procedure since it was an invasive facial that would not provide the maximum results due to sun exposure. Though I was disappointed, I was pleased with her honesty, and we agreed to switch to a hydra-facial. The process swiftly began, where gunk was sucked out of my face, and it was then re-hydrated with a cooling oxygen mask. I’d like to be clear that none of this was painful and I never felt any pressure. What I did feel was skin as soft as a baby’s butt as soon as this process was over.
I met my mom out in the relaxation room when it was over, and we sipped Prosecco before going in the hot tub, where we were offered dark chocolate, almonds, and dried apricots, giggling over how insanely luxurious the entire experience was.
9. The Lazy River
I know earlier I said those Hershey-Kiss chairs were my favorite amenity at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World, but I have a confession. There’s one feature of the hotel I might have liked just a little bit more: the lazy river. Yes, that’s right. There is a full-on lazy river at the hotel, and even if you’re a 32 year old with a spicy mezcalita in hand, you are able to float down this baby as many times as your heart desires. As soon as I was done with my spa treatment (and chilling in the hot tub, sipping Prosecco, and eating rich, dark chocolate…), I grabbed my mom and told her we needed to get to the lazy river before sunset. We even requested late check-out on our last day at Four Seasons Orlando just to ensure we’d get an extra round (or four) here.
The lazy river is located in the portion of the hotel entitled “Explorer Island,” and if you’re anything like us, you’ll spend the majority of your stay floating along the way.
- Camera Tip: Be that person and use a selfie-stick. I always travel with my GoPro and selfie stick to get epic shots like this one above.
10. The Overall Experience
If it’s not obvious yet, I am a big fan of Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World. The reasons why I love this place go far above and beyond the reasons aforementioned, and I could write several more of these lists, including factors like their cabanas, their delicious spicy mezcalitas, the palm tree-lined walkway, and even their hallways leading to the rooms (at least the ones on the 11th floor). This hotel reminds us all we are worthy of treating ourselves, and to say it was difficult to leave was an understatement. It is safe to say, I will do everything in my power to stay at Four Seasons resorts in every city they are available in: they are certainly worth the splurge.
Book your Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World here.
DISCLAIMER: I might make a small commission from some of the links throughout this article, but the price is the same for you. This helps keep my business running so I can continue to provide free travel tips!
It was the most beautiful resort I’ve ever been to! I can’t wait to return!
Which Four Seasons should we go to next? I feel like nothing can beat Orlando!
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