DISNEY- Just saying the word invokes so many feelings for so many people. It’s a magical, expensive, wonderfully tiring trip, that in the end, brings joy to the whole family!
Growing up in Florida, I had many chances to visit Walt Disney World with my parents, and I wanted to make sure our girls got to experience the same magic that I remember loving as a child. So, on one of our annual trips to South Florida to visit family, my husband and I figured it was a perfect time to sneak in a 3-day Disney trip.
Deciding where to stay at Disney was probably one of the most time-consuming choices I’ve made in a while. I can’t even count how many times I researched EVERY hotel on and off Disney expansive property. We finally made the decision to stay at The Four Seasons Walt Disney World Resort, and I couldn’t have been happier with our choice!
The hotel is a gorgeous, luxury, adult resort, which still managed to feel like it was totally geared toward our little girls. When we first arrived, a cool touch screen TV and pod seating area was perfect to occupy the girls while we checked in. The Disney experience started right away- when we walked into our room, our bed had awesome (Disney) gifts for both girls and kid sized robes. The girls were so excited and felt like everything was all about them!
We quickly geared up and started our adventure at the parks…It was a whirlwind of tiring fun! We went to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party the first night, and everything from the lighting to the music to the hundreds of people and characters dressed for Halloween was completely Disney. Not a single detail was missed. The kids were troupers and stayed up as long as they could keep their eyes open, so they managed to see one of Disney’s best 180-degree firework displays. Overall, the parks brought all the joy and magic for my kids that I had hoped for, and I’m so glad we took our daughters when they were still young enough to appreciate the enchantment of it all.
After 2 crazy days at the parks, we needed a hotel day, and we were happy to sit and relax at The Four Seasons Orlando. The grounds at The Four Seasons are beautifully manicured; walking along all the pathways and by the pools you feel completely relaxed and away from all the chaos.
I couldn’t have dreamed up a better pool area for families. Our girls are 1 and 4, and the kids pool and splashpad were perfect. At no point was the water too deep for my 1-year-old to walk through, and my 4-year-old could splash around with no fear. There were water features galore at the splashpad section, and awesome mini waterfalls fall out of the top of cool rock columns. Just when we thought we were having the ultimate kiddie pool experience, we noticed the winding lazy river and grabbed tubes to get in. I can’t even count how many times we circled that thing because the girls-as well as adults- were loving it. The water fun never ended! There are 4 kid-friendly pools, plus a gorgeous adults-only pool.
We also decided to eat lunch poolside, and the food was excellent. We all tried quite a few menu options, but the lobster roll was the clear favorite with the adults, while the kids loved the pizza and PB&J!
At night, (with a little assistance from grandparents) my husband and I managed a quick get-away to the hotel bar, which makes some delicious cocktails. We tried a bacon-infused bourbon (with an actual piece of bacon) and a delicious Vodka drink with a spray of rose water.
The Four Seasons truly exceeded our expectations in every way; a truly tranquil, luxury resort, right on Disney property!
Heidi, Editor-In-Chief
