We have been back for a few days now. My youngest son says she still likes Gaylord hotel the best because there is more see and do and more Pokestops. LOL.
We have never used the pool at Gaylord as we have only stayed there in the winter months, so he is not comparing pools. I think Four Seasons has the best pool in Orlando of all the resorts we stayed in. Online I thought the lazy river was narrow at points, and also felt this while in the lazy river. There was a dad and son swimming the lazy river and on the narrow spots I ran into him from the current pushing me his way or kept bumping the side walls (can't stand that noise of rubber hitting the concrete wall). It was just a few portions that was narrow. Overall, it was a very nice lazy river. I think I could have relaxed more if it was wider and didn't have to constantly try to move out of swimmer's ways.
My kids had no interest in the teen hangout. We walked buy and there was a dad with a 5 and 7 year old in there. My 14 year old says, yea mom look at the 'teen club'. My two older boys who are now adults, I think would have liked the teen hangout. The negative is it is all the way on the back of the property so if it was raining, you would have to walk in the rain to get there. The same with the kids club being in the middle of all the pools. We had great weather, but one thing we do like about Gaylord is if it rains you still have plenty to do inside.
We had lunch at the PB+G poolside and it was over $100 after tip for the four of us. I wanted to eat at Capa's for dinner but DH decided we should go to Disney Springs somewhere less expensive. He wanted to try Homecoming - Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine so we did and it was good. It was funny seeing dishes named after Tarpon Springs (which we live about an hour from) and Church Lady Devil Eggs, etc. The food was good. I got Chicken and Doughnuts but the Doughnuts were not as appealing as I initially thought. The boneless fried chicken was the same as I get at Bubba Gumps. I think everyone thought the food was good, not fabulous but good. We are also a family that doesn't like Rainforest Cafe food and think it's just overpriced for the quality. So I would say Homecoming - Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine is average food and a good family location to eat. They do not do anything for birthdays, and will not even sing or clap like most places. Not that I wanted this, but I was curious because it was my birthday. I would have accepted some cake. LOL.
Back to Four Seasons, upon check-in the customer service was excellent. The guy made sure to speak to everyone and wish me happy birthday. He said he would be sending up a birthday treat. He also gave the kids their scavenger hunt passport, that when completed they could trade in for a free ice cream (they didn't have interest in this either). I did appreciate that he made efforts to walk over to the kids (from behind the desk) and call them by name and give them the passport and explain it to them. He even walked us to the elevator (we didn't need any bell hop service. We had two small carry on size bags, thats it). They keep one of the elevators open on the lobby floor at all times.
After coming back from the pool the first time, there were two chocolate turtles filled with swedish fish, m&m, and jelly beans on graham cracker sand. I thought this was my birthday treat... but it was not. Later while relaxing in the room after lunch, a chocolate cake was delivered to my room. The guy did ask my husband at check-in if I liked chocolate cake. It was very good and rich in chocolate.
The pool side service was nice. Later in the day the kids wanted to hang out in the room so DH and I went to the adult 21+ pool. The grounds were very pretty and many fabulous spots for pictures. We saw three sisters dressed up and taking pictures around the resort (like age 14, 12, and 10) with their phones and doing the scavenger hunt. Online I saw many wedding photos around the resort and it is a beautiful resort for a wedding.
I did not know that Four Seasons was inside Golden Oaks. I have only heard about Golden Oaks from DisBoards, so it was interesting to see the community. Although, DH did comment why would anyone with all that money want to live in Orlando? And why so close to Disney with all the tourist traffic. I replied maybe they just really loved Disney and Fireworks every night. DH says he would get tired of the fireworks but since there are so many Disney crazed people on Disboards, must be Disney crazed people who want to live there. LOL. I do see his point. Those homes are so expensive, I would choose to live somewhere a bit less congested with traffic than Orlando. I would probably spend my money living in a quiet beach town instead. We live in a bedroom community from Tampa that is really growing an businesses going up everywhere and traffic is worse and worse.
I would love to stay at the Four Seasons again; although it's twice the price of Gaylord. Gaylord also gives a military discount and Four Seasons does not have any discounts for any group types. For budgeting reasons, I don't think we will be staying there again soon. I have reservations at budget hotels in Orlando throughout the next few months for cheer competitions where we just need a place to sleep during competition season and not really for the hotel or pool.
I do think the kids club and teen hangout is great for kids who like the kids clubs. My kids have just never liked them. I made them go to the kids club on a cruise one time to at least give it a try... they didn't like that either. Funny, they would rather hang in the room our with their parents.
The grounds of Four Seasons is beautiful an we had beautiful weather. On a bad weather day, I think it changes the resort feel since a lot of activities are around the pool.
Oh, even thought it was July, the pools were still slightly heated which I really liked. I am always cold and do not like cold water or cold pools, so the warmer water was wonderful. I think I have read on Disboards were some like the cold water and find that refreshing. I like warm water.
