Inside Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World

[ArwenMarie]

FS is truly 5*, and definitely superior than Disney deluxe resorts in terms of services and amenities. But, come on, this is WDW, people, especially frequent visitors, come here looking for magic experience rather than luxury. We will still prefer GFV/BLT/BCV/BWV over FS in Orlando.

Yep, same here.

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

If this resort fails I could see Disney buying it from FS and adding it to their Deluxe series...not unlike what they did at Disneyland. The rates would probably be at the low end Deluxe like AKL.

 

[jade1]

Looks awesome but too bad about the distance and 1 hour Greyhounds-yuck. We will stay with our 5 min walk to EPCOT from BC and back after Illuminations. No interest what so ever.

 

[ArthurKing1220]

If this resort fails I could see Disney buying it from FS and adding it to their Deluxe series...not unlike what they did at Disneyland. The rates would probably be at the low end Deluxe like AKL.

It's very, very unlikely that this resort is going to fail. Four Seasons is incredibly careful with and sensitive to their brand equity -- they tend to do a huge amount of research and analysis, both "big picture" (think trend forecasts, economic consultants) and "little picture" (think literally doing focus groups and interviews with customers) before they commit to a new site. If FS puts their name on a hotel, you can typically bet solid money that the property is going to flourish. Obviously, by extension, they're putting a vote of confidence into Disney's at least short-to-medium-term prospects -- so maybe all the doom and gloom around here isn't entirely warranted

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

It's very, very unlikely that this resort is going to fail. Four Seasons is incredibly careful with and sensitive to their brand equity -- they tend to do a huge amount of research and analysis, both "big picture" (think trend forecasts, economic consultants) and "little picture" (think literally doing focus groups and interviews with customers) before they commit to a new site. If FS puts their name on a hotel, you can typically bet solid money that the property is going to flourish. Obviously, by extension, they're putting a vote of confidence into Disney's at least short-to-medium-term prospects -- so maybe all the doom and gloom around here isn't entirely warranted

I'm sure you're right. I was just pondering the outcome if it *did* fail...Disney would probably acquire it and make it a low-end-rate Deluxe. I think it's awesome that there is yet another distinctive resort on property. I also hope that, by extension, it pressures Disney to "up the ante" at it's Deluxe Resorts.

 

[ArthurKing1220]

I also hope that, by extension, it pressures Disney to "up the ante" at it's Deluxe Resorts.

Yep, you and I are on the same page on that point. There's a big part of me that really doesn't want to decamp from the GF over to the FS -- I want to see Disney respond to the FS in a positive way so that I can continue our tradition and also have the convenience of the monorail. But, if this makes sense, it's going to be hard not to move if Disney keeps things at status quo at its current properties just because of the gap in level of service that will be evident. It will be interesting to see how things play out in the next 12 months, that's for sure ....

 

[Suger Mag]

if Disney keeps things at status quo at its current properties just because of the gap in level of service that will be evident.

Ummm.... just what ARE they doing for you at the FS? Pardon my ignorance, but as a relatively low maintenance guest... I am not a "send this back it is not cooked to my standards" kind of guest... just what is this "gap"? You also mention "quality of staff". What is it that is 'gapping' or not 'quality' that you feel the FS fufills?

I stayed club level at the GF, it was nice, no complaints.... but the theming of the GF just did not appeal to me (too frilly and Victorian flowery)... I LOVE my AKV and especially Kilimanjaro club at Jambo. It has everything I need... awesome theming... great staff and amenities...peace and quiet (personally I like being a bit farther away from the chaos)... and giraffes outside my window

I agree the new FS looks nice, but not extra fancy special to be... it is just another beautiful luxury hotel... it does not have giraffes

 

[beer dave]

Hmm well the interior looks great. But I cant help thinking when I see the exterior of the main building that it looks like some kind of mix of coronado springs and tower of terror!

Not to mention that every community in FL is built in the mediterranean revival style-- which basically is a mix of med and contempo--(80's contempo)

 

[Lewisc]

Ummm.... just what ARE they doing for you at the FS? Pardon my ignorance, but as a relatively low maintenance guest... I am not a "send this back it is not cooked to my standards" kind of guest... just what is this "gap"? You also mention "quality of staff". What is it that is 'gapping' or not 'quality' that you feel the FS fufills?

I stayed club level at the GF, it was nice, no complaints.... but the theming of the GF just did not appeal to me (too frilly and Victorian flowery)

The staff to guest ratio at a hotel like the FS is higher then lesser rated hotels. Think club level (or higher) service for the entire hotel.

Transportation won't be an issue. FS guests could take taxis.

FS failing seems very unlikely. The hotel becoming a low priced Disney Deluxe... Never happen. Standard rooms at WL and AKL are less expensive then other Disney deluxe hotels. Those rooms are also smaller. A deluxe room at WL and AKL are similar in size, and price, to other deluxe resorts. Suppose FS can't get enough guests. Every chain would love to have a high end property in that location. OK Hilton already has the Waldorf.

Posters in this thread kind of confirm what I suspected. Posters on Disney fan sites will continue to pay premium prices for less then premium service in order to experience "Disney Magic". That's not the part of the market FS is looking to capture.

 

[ArwenMarie]

The staff to guest ratio at a hotel like the FS is higher then lesser rated hotels. Think club level (or higher) service for the entire hotel.

Transportation won't be an issue. FS guests could take taxis.

FS failing seems very unlikely. The hotel becoming a low priced Disney Deluxe... Never happen. Standard rooms at WL and AKL are less expensive then other Disney deluxe hotels. Those rooms are also smaller. A deluxe room at WL and AKL are similar in size, and price, to other deluxe resorts. Suppose FS can't get enough guests. Every chain would love to have a high end property in that location. OK Hilton already has the Waldorf.

Posters in this thread kind of confirm what I suspected. Posters on Disney fan sites will continue to pay premium prices for less then premium service in order to experience "Disney Magic". That's not the part of the market FS is looking to capture.

Just speaking for myself, I will pay a premium to be walking distance to the MK or Epcot. We usually pay cash through Disney for 1 or 2 br villas at BLT or BCV, so not inexpensive. I know there are nicer hotels in Orlando, but they aren't walking distance to the parks. I know exactly what I am paying for, and it creates a premium experience that is worth it for me versus other hotels. It's not about being sucker. Not at all.

I still contend that the proximity to Disney is going to be the main draw for this Four Seasons, even if in conjunction with other draws (international visitors who also want to shop, retirees who want to golf but also want to take the grandchildren to MK, etc). And if the hotel isn't hooked up to prebooking on FP, the customers are going to be in for a surprise at the parks when they are greeted by the kiosks and shifting through what is left just like every other offsite guest right now.

 

[ArthurKing1220]

Just speaking for myself, I will pay a premium to be walking distance to the MK or Epcot. We usually pay cash through Disney for 1 or 2 br villas at BLT or BCV, so not inexpensive. I know there are nicer hotels in Orlando, but they aren't walking distance to the parks. I know exactly what I am paying for, and it creates a premium experience that is worth it for me versus other hotels. It's not about being sucker. Not at all.

I still contend that the proximity to Disney is going to be the main draw for this Four Seasons, even if in conjunction with other draws (international visitors who also want to shop, retirees who want to golf but also want to take the grandchildren to MK, etc). And if the hotel isn't hooked up to prebooking on FP, the customers are going to be in for a surprise at the parks when they are greeted by the kiosks and shifting through what is left just like every other offsite guest right now.

Agree with everything you said. This idea that this FS is going to thrive based on this mythical large segment of the market that is high-end enough to be attracted to the FS brand but is coming down to Orlando for non-Disney-related activities doesn't hold water IMHO. Again, we're talking about Orlando. This isn't London. Will there be some like that? Sure. I can see some. But the location and marketing and targeting of this property all seem lined up to try and: (1) carve off the high-end of current Disney; (2) perhaps attract a new segment of high-end clientele in the form of Disney guests who previously had reservations about coming down for the lack of a brand they trusted.

 

[ArthurKing1220]

Posters in this thread kind of confirm what I suspected. Posters on Disney fan sites will continue to pay premium prices for less then premium service in order to experience "Disney Magic". That's not the part of the market FS is looking to capture.

I know what a shock right? Like, people who come down to experience Disney -- even within the high-end, affluent segment -- would place a true premium value on integration, accessibility, and convenience. What a crazy world we live in!

I'm just yanking your chain but I do have to disagree with the idea that the FS isn't going after these people. It's just that the preference set for people on trips to Disney is different; for the FS to succeed, they're going to have to demonstrate their ability to also offer convenience, integrate into the "magic" and provide access. I don't doubt that they will, the question is just to what extent vis-a-vis what Disney is already able to do at their best properties.

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

The FS is going to be a part of the Golden Oak community...I dunno...when everything is built I guess this will start to make more sense to me.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Agree with everything you said. This idea that this FS is going to thrive based on this mythical large segment of the market that is high-end enough to be attracted to the FS brand but is coming down to Orlando for non-Disney-related activities doesn't hold water IMHO. Again, we're talking about Orlando. This isn't London. Will there be some like that? Sure. I can see some. But the location and marketing and targeting of this property all seem lined up to try and: (1) carve off the high-end of current Disney; (2) perhaps attract a new segment of high-end clientele in the form of Disney guests who previously had reservations about coming down for the lack of a brand they trusted.

Right, it's still Orlando. Even keeping it within Florida, there would be other places you would go before Orlando if you wanted to shop and golf and have a luxury resort experience. And you would be on the beach instead of stuck inland.

It will deliver a luxury hotel experience, that I don't doubt. But as I see it right now, it will not deliver a luxury Disney experience. Now I'm wondering if it will be competing with the top Disney deluxes at all.

 

[jaykorf001]

I'm a firm believer this Four Seasons is going to flourish, short of a major economic crisis. My family is coming to orlando for spring break and not doing any Disney parks. There is A LOT for families to do in Orlando even absent Disney. For this particular clientele -- think of golf for instance. For sure some Disney fanatics will prefer the Disney bubble and location of the GF, Poly, or the like. But there's going to be some Disney guests that will switch from the deluxes to the FS. They are just that much nicer (yes, I know some people don't care as much about the room but some do). FS customers are exceptionally loyal. My sister happens to be a Four Seasons-ophile and basically won't stay anywhere else. Even when she goes to Vegas with all the options she stays at the FS. She picks her travel destinations based on locations that have FSs.

One thought I had; this hotel will appeal to the high end family where the husband (or wife) may want to golf and isn't interested in Disney while giving the rest of the family the opportunity to do the Disney thing. Plus Sea World. Discovery Cove. Whatever. This target clientele is not concerned about taxi fare or rental car expenses. Drive over and valet at the Contemporary for MK -- done, and so on.

 

[North of Mouse]

Right, it's still Orlando. Even keeping it within Florida, there would be other places you would go before Orlando if you wanted to shop and golf and have a luxury resort experience. And you would be on the beach instead of stuck inland.

It will deliver a luxury hotel experience, that I don't doubt. But as I see it right now, it will not deliver a luxury Disney experience.

This is 'exactly' how I see it. 'I'm' going to 'Disney' not to a luxury hotel resort. I would look for that elsewhere.

 

[jaykorf001]

Right, it's still Orlando. Even keeping it within Florida, there would be other places you would go before Orlando if you wanted to shop and golf and have a luxury resort experience. And you would be on the beach instead of stuck inland. It will deliver a luxury hotel experience, that I don't doubt. But as I see it right now, it will not deliver a luxury Disney experience. Now I'm wondering if it will be competing with the top Disney deluxes at all.

I've looked at a lot of Florida resorts. What would you recommend, on par with a Four Seasons, for a family vacation? I could never imagine taking my son to The Breakers or something like that in the Palm Beach area. Maybe that's me. Honestly maybe I missed it but I didn't see that many options and spent quite a bit of money last year on a resort I'd NEVER do again. Always willing to learn.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I'm a firm believer this Four Seasons is going to flourish, short of a major economic crisis. My family is coming to orlando for spring break and not doing any Disney parks. There is A LOT for families to do in Orlando even absent Disney. For this particular clientele -- think of golf for instance. For sure some Disney fanatics will prefer the Disney bubble and location of the GF, Poly, or the like. But there's going to be some Disney guests that will switch from the deluxes to the FS. They are just that much nicer (yes, I know some people don't care as much about the room but some do). FS customers are exceptionally loyal. My sister happens to be a Four Seasons-ophile and basically won't stay anywhere else. Even when she goes to Vegas with all the options she stays at the FS. She picks her travel destinations based on locations that have FSs.

One thought I had; this hotel will appeal to the high end family where the husband (or wife) may want to golf and isn't interested in Disney while giving the rest of the family the opportunity to do the Disney thing. Plus Sea World. Discovery Cove. Whatever. This target clientele is not concerned about taxi fare or rental car expenses. Drive over and valet at the Contemporary for MK -- done, and so on.

Yes, it will attract the FS-ophiles and the other types of families you mentioned and I'm sure it will be successful.

I still don't think it's going to be a direct competitor to the top Disney deluxes. Now, it was on the monorail or in the Epcot resort area, then it would be a direct competitor. And then the prices would reflect that. I think it will competing with hotels like the Villas at Grand Cypress (which is probably why they just overhauled their villas) and the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I've looked at a lot of Florida resorts. What would you recommend, on par with a Four Seasons, for a family vacation? I could never imagine taking my son to The Breakers or something like that in the Palm Beach area. Maybe that's me. Honestly maybe I missed it but I didn't see that many options and spent quite a bit of money last year on a resort I'd NEVER do again. Always willing to learn.

For Palm Beach, maybe the Ritz-Carlton Residences, but you have to rent from an owner.

 

[jaykorf001]

For Palm Beach, maybe the Ritz-Carlton Residences, but you have to rent from an owner.

I just don't perceive the Palm beach area as a family vacation locale. I have a couple of friends that have relocated to the Palm Beach (1) and Boca (1) areas in the winter. I tried to work out my orlando trip so I could go see them and go to the Key Biscayne tennis tourney after the Orlando trip. I couldn't figure out what my husband and 5 year old could possibly do while I was at the tourney all day/night so I just decided against it. Maybe it is wonderful for families and I'm missing something.

One other thought on this particular FS ... it appeals to people like me. Individuals that value staying at nice resorts but maybe can't foot the bill for the FS all the time. The Orlando FS is relatively inexpensive compared to other FS properties. So, I think it'll appeal to people that enjoy this type of experience but maybe not at $700-$800 a night for the cheapest room. I think I read this is more in the $500's starting. If I were doing Disney I'd choose it over any other Disney deluxe except maybe a couple nights at AKL for the animals (can't stay there long the rooms are small). We all have different priorities.

Just my thoughts.