Four seasons Orlando?

[Mango7100]

Sort of funny to see I posted on this thread back in Feb and what I had to say at the time. We (full family, kids are 10 and 6) then stayed at FS over spring break (late March), I posted a little about it on another thread: https://www.disboards.com/threads/disneys-club-level-cl-information-questions.3414590/post-62817809

Hardly a day since I haven’t found myself scheming about how to get back. Funny how perspectives change.

Thanks for the review. When you mention everything is open are restaurants at full capacity or are they spacing? We have a reservation for the Goofy breakfast and will make some for dinner 1-2 nights (Capa one night and Ravello one). We prefer outdoor dining right now and hopefully aren’t squashed next to someone...

 

[epcotobsessed]

We are going for the first time to FS (2 adults and 8 yr old), and I’m so excited. Judging from the photos it looks like there is a ton of space at the pools. Do they seat you when you go to the pools or do you just pick? Are there a lot of shaded areas? I would like some seating a bit more secluded and trade that for proximity to the pool...

Its got to be less crowded than Storm along Bay I would image. The pool area at FS is bigger by 2 acres and has about 450 rooms compared to 1200 between YC/BC.

Most times we've been to the FS it's been completely sold out. The worst that will happen at the pool is that you may not get your first choice of location, but you will get a spot. There are several secluded seating areas around the lazy river and "pods" around the splash pad. We are trying a cabana for the first time this trip just to see what it's like but it's probably an unnecessary splurge. If your 8yo is in the kids club, check out the adult pool - I have never seen more than maybe 10 people at that pool, and it could hold more like 50+.

 

[epcotobsessed]

Sorry, forgot to add that the FS pools are nothing like Stormalong Bay. I do love SB, but the FS pools have ruined any other hotel pools for me, and those pictures of the lines to get into SB make me sad. I understand the need for social distancing (and most of the seating areas at FS already had this, pre-covid, whereas SB did not), but it stinks to pay so much for a hotel where that is the main attraction and have such limited access to it.

 

[Mango7100]

Most times we've been to the FS it's been completely sold out. The worst that will happen at the pool is that you may not get your first choice of location, but you will get a spot. There are several secluded seating areas around the lazy river and "pods" around the splash pad. We are trying a cabana for the first time this trip just to see what it's like but it's probably an unnecessary splurge. If your 8yo is in the kids club, check out the adult pool - I have never seen more than maybe 10 people at that pool, and it could hold more like 50+.

Thanks! We plan on going in the morning a lot of time at the pools, then do parks in evening—that’s part of the justification for me to pay the price to stay there We plan on trying the adult pool because it’s our anniversary and my birthday on this trip

 

[2disneycruzrs]

I haven't stayed at FS in a few years but even at 100% occupancy, I've never had an issue at the pools. Plus, you have a daily mix of folks there to use the pool, a third who are at the parks and a third who are in convention space, which is starting to pick up.

We are a Disney Cruise family, and my daughter never liked kids clubs because of how crowded it always is, but she absolutely loved the FS Kids for All Seasons when she was 6. I was able to leave her there while I had meetings, and she enjoyed the staff.

Transportation is the only pain point. We usually rent a car to have the flexibility, but I also have an AP so parking is free at the parks. I struggled the first time by myself with timing catching the shuttle from MK. Otherwise, Uber in normal times works well.

The interesting people watching is seeing all of the Disney plaids lined up in the morning to take guests on their VIP tours. It's truly my favorite hotel in the US, and I look forward to staying there a couple times next year!

 

[AliceNDinah]

I thought I would chime in to say that we are going to Ravello for breakfast in June---sqeeeeee! That morning, when leaving from the Boardwalk, we'll take an Uber. Do I literally just tell the driver we're going to the Four Seasons for breakfast? I have a confirmation page from when I booked the breakfast. Will anything else be required? I know it is in the Golden Oak area, behind gates. It's a surprise for my husband and 9 year old son, I'm just hoping all goes according to plan with it ;-) Thanks for any helpful hints!

 

[epcotobsessed]

We take Ubers all the time when staying at the Four Seasons (transportation is not the best, as the above poster said) and yes, every driver will just take you there. There is a guard at the gate to get into the community, and you or your driver can tell the guard that you have reservations at Ravello. The bellmen out front will greet you and direct you to the restaurant. It's truly a spectacular breakfast - I haven't been since before the pandemic, but I'm sure they still have an excellent menu.

 

[Mango7100]

I thought I would chime in to say that we are going to Ravello for breakfast in June---sqeeeeee! That morning, when leaving from the Boardwalk, we'll take an Uber. Do I literally just tell the driver we're going to the Four Seasons for breakfast? I have a confirmation page from when I booked the breakfast. Will anything else be required? I know it is in the Golden Oak area, behind gates. It's a surprise for my husband and 9 year old son, I'm just hoping all goes according to plan with it ;-) Thanks for any helpful hints!

We got a reservation for July! I’m looking forward to it. Yes it’s pricey, but it’s only $6 more per person than Chef Mickeys and seems like it will be a more elevated breakfast.

 

[epcotobsessed]

They're not in the same league - the Ravello breakfast is so so so much better than Chef Mickey's. You will love it!

 

[2disneycruzrs]

I thought I would chime in to say that we are going to Ravello for breakfast in June---sqeeeeee! That morning, when leaving from the Boardwalk, we'll take an Uber. Do I literally just tell the driver we're going to the Four Seasons for breakfast? I have a confirmation page from when I booked the breakfast. Will anything else be required? I know it is in the Golden Oak area, behind gates. It's a surprise for my husband and 9 year old son, I'm just hoping all goes according to plan with it ;-) Thanks for any helpful hints!

You’ll need to just show the security guard the reservation. Enjoy!

 

[2disneycruzrs]

We got a reservation for July! I’m looking forward to it. Yes it’s pricey, but it’s only $6 more per person than Chef Mickeys and seems like it will be a more elevated breakfast.

MUCH MUCH better food and experience! Enjoy!

 

[AliceNDinah]

You’ll need to just show the security guard the reservation. Enjoy!

Oh thanks, can't even wait!

 

[Liddypool]

Most times we've been to the FS it's been completely sold out. The worst that will happen at the pool is that you may not get your first choice of location, but you will get a spot. There are several secluded seating areas around the lazy river and "pods" around the splash pad. We are trying a cabana for the first time this trip just to see what it's like but it's probably an unnecessary splurge. If your 8yo is in the kids club, check out the adult pool - I have never seen more than maybe 10 people at that pool, and it could hold more like 50+.

I’m considering the FS for an upcoming trip. If you don’t mind saying, how much was your cabana rental? I looked on the FS website, but couldn’t find information about their cabanas. Thanks!

 

[epcotobsessed]

It's $400, and it's really a splurge for us because a) we never do any "extras" like this and b) there is so much seating at the FS pools that this is probably unnecessary, but we need a treat after this hellish year, as, I know, does everyone. I'm pretty sure she said it includes appetizers for 4 and she definitely said it includes a round of drinks for 4 (I remember that part for sure).

 

[Liddypool]

It's $400, and it's really a splurge for us because a) we never do any "extras" like this and b) there is so much seating at the FS pools that this is probably unnecessary, but we need a treat after this hellish year, as, I know, does everyone. I'm pretty sure she said it includes appetizers for 4 and she definitely said it includes a round of drinks for 4 (I remember that part for sure).

Thank you for the info! It does sound like a nice treat! I hope you and your family have a lovely time.