Whenever we find ourselves in Orlando, this is our go-to resort. A destination unto itself, this property has brought us back to Orlando multiple times just to visit this resort and its spectacular waterpark. Though staying here comes with an eye-watering price-tag, a plethora of amenities — including a 5-acre private water park and sprawling kids club — offer unique value. Book early for Ravello character breakfasts, Capa dinners, and weekend spa appointments.

Overview

At-a-Glance

• Date of stay: August 2021 (3rd stay in 3 years)

• Length of stay: 2 nights / 3 (very full) days

• Trip type: Long weekend getaway with family

• Property type: Resort catering primarily to families and events, primarily for those visiting Walt Disney World, but welcomes all travelers

• Tailor-made for: Dreamers, Disney fanatics, and water park enthusiasts

Highlights

• The waterpark -- simply spectacular

• Disney Character Breakfast at Ravello

• Staff service

• Ice cream at Lickety-Split

• Dive-in movies and popcorn at Explorer Pool

• Kids for All Seasons complimentary kids club (plus The Hideout for Teens)

• Watching nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks from hotel room balcony

• Private luxury coach service to Disney Parks and onsite Disney Planning Center

• Spa services and facilities

Good to Know

• Must plan ahead and book pretty much everything: dinner / in-room dining, weekend spa appointments, Character Breakfast, etc.

• WDW shuttle schedule changes daily; you can request a copy via the Four Seasons app chat

• During busy periods, pool seating is scarce; get in an early breakfast and head straight over to Explorer Island so the friendly pool attendants can help you build a base camp

• If you don't stay in a Suite, book a room with the King Bed / Queen sleeper sofa combo (instead of 2 Queens; same price, much better room and sleeping configuration)

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Location & Setting

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Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World is set in Golden Oaks, an ultra-luxury, gated residential Walt Disney World community near the Disney parks, but not on the Disney bus line or light rail. The resort is situated on a lake between the Golden Oaks residences and golf course. We arrived from the Orlando airport via a car service booked through Mears Transportation, which we would highly recommend based on their professionalism, courtesy, punctuality, and family-friendliness.

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Property & Grounds

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The resort is a destination unto itself and features a water park, spa, golf (18-hole Tom Fazio-designed course), tennis, fitness center, aerobics studio, child and adult shopping boutiques, and meeting facilities.

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Room

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We have stayed in a few different room types here across all our visits: the Park View Suite (pictured) was the most spacious and family-friendly; the Golden Oak View Room with a King Bed and Queen sleeper sofa room configuration was the best value option, with a terrace, large bathroom, walk-through closet, and lake views. The rooms are all well-appointed with sunny, modern decor and furnishings. The room featured electronic controls and an iPad for in-room dining, resort information, and services bookings. There was a foldable step stool and drying rack in the bathroom upon check-in, which we loved for post-family-swim-time. The only room we have stayed in here that did not work well for our family was the Golden Oak View Room with 2 Queen Bed configuration — we found it far too cramped and ultimately had to request a crib for our toddler so the kids could get some sleep.

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Service

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Throughout the resort, the warm and attentive staff sprinkled that extra Disney magic on every interaction: for example, throughout our stay, the resort staff referred to the girls as "Princesses" pretty much exclusively. In true Four Seasons style, the staff were not only responsive and professional, but they thoughtfully anticipated what we might need and provided helpful suggestions and recommendations at every turn. The Four Seasons app chat is a game-changer for responsive service for whatever you need, wherever you are, before and during your stay.

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Dining

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There are many dining options on property (Ravello, main restaurant, pictured). Over the course of our three visits, we have dined at every venue, and the food at all venues is solid by Four Seasons standards, with special mention to Capa as a great upscale dining option, which was awarded its first Michelin star in 2022.

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Family Services & Amenities

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This resort stands out from the crowd with its impressive array of amenities, activities, and services geared toward family travelers — highlights include the sprawling waterpark with water park and lazy river, Kids for All Seasons kids club (free), dive-in movies, scavenger hunt with ice cream prize, Lickety-Split ice cream shop, Goofy and Friends character breakfasts, and nightly Disney fireworks that can be viewed from the resort.

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Activities

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Resort activities consist of a 5-acre water park, spa, golf (18-hole Tom Fazio-designed course), tennis, fitness center, aerobics studio, child and adult shopping boutiques, and meeting / event facilities.

Just outside K4AS is The Mansion, an outdoor family recreation area with lots of games facilities (billiards, giant checkers, bags, fusbol, etc.).

In addition to the family-friendly swim facilities, there's an adults-only Oasis pool, where it's so quiet you can hear a pin drop. Or actually hear yourself think. Or have an uninterrupted conversation with your partner. Drop the kids off at KFAS for a few hours and come here to enjoy some precious zen time / couples time.

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Wellness

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The spa is truly next-level. I got a massage on two visits and a spa pedicure one visit. The spa facilities are excellent. Some highlights: a solarium with zero-gravity beds, an "experience shower", a sprawling relaxation room with fireplaces, and separate men's / women's saunas, steam rooms, and outdoor spa gardens.

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Wow Factor

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All the amenities and activities on offer at this property, as well as the attentive service experience, add up to an incredible wow factor.

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Value

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While this resort is at the high-end of prices for Walt Disney World properties, all the aforementioned included amenities and activities add up to a solid value, especially if you book a rate that includes breakfasts and other perks like property credits and room upgrades. There are are also some relatively good room rates during low season (late August / early September) with no crowds to improve the value equation.

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Overall

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We really loved this property. The resort amenities and staff were truly outstanding. Based on our experience, we felt we could come back here for a week, potentially never leaving the resort, and have an action-packed, magical experience.

Rating Legend*

💛💛💛💛💛 Exceptional

💛💛💛💛 Notable

💛💛💛 Standard

💛💛 Substandard

💛 Unsatisfactory

*All ratings are relative to similar-class properties