Denise's Corner

Mickey Mouse Helps Cut Ribbon at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort Opening Ceremony

Hi everyone!

Mickey Mouse joined executives from Four Seasons Resorts and the Walt Disney World Resort for the offical Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort Ribbon Cutting Ceremony yesterday. This new resort officially opens to the public on August 3rd, 2014.

The Four Seasons Resort Orlando has a big feel to it, but there are only 443 rooms. Each standard room offers over 500 square feet and a generously sized 80 square foot balcony, making the usable space nearly 600 square feet. The resort feels far away from the bustle of the parks, but there are views from some rooms of the fireworks at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. We have an article with 100 photos here.

Stepping inside the lobby, this elegant chandelier from the Czech Republic greets guests. Inspired by nightly fireworks, it weighs 1200 pounds and is absolutely stunning at all times of day.

We were offered a glass of tea upon arrival. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is known for impeccable service.

The ribbon cutting was held in a lovely indoor room that had an outdoor feel, complete with palm trees.

Thomas Steinhauer, Regional Vice President/General Manager of the Four Seasons Resort Orlando talked about the hard work it took to open the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, and how it is being opened slowly to avoid bumps. “This is an incredible combination of heart, sweat and emotions”. He mentioned how on one day, there were nearly 1000 people working on the resort because that was what it needed to get done. By September, everything should be ready, including the Tranquilo Golf Club (designed by Tom Fazio) and the Capa rooftop Spanish steakhouse.

Next was Christopher Hunsberger, President, The Americas, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. He said that he believes the resort is “best in class by Four Seasons standards, and we certainly believe that it is best in class in this community”.

Mickey arrived on stage to join Tom Wolber, Senior Vice President, Walt Disney World Resort Operations and Transportation Operations (it was just announced that Wolber will be overseeing Disneyland Paris later this year). Wolber stated that “It is my deep pleasure to welcome the Four Seasons and its staff to what is truly a place where dreams come true”.

Steinhauer, Hunsberger, Wolber and Mickey Mouse get ready to cut the ribbon.

Steinhauer cuts the ribbon that signals the opening of the resort, along with the strong partnership between Walt Disney World and the Four Seasons Resort Orlando. This partnership extends to character breakfasts at the resort, and a Disney planning center in the lobby.

Here is our video of the ribbon cutting moment.

We posted an article about recreation and Explorer Island including pools and the lazy river here. This is going to be one of the highlights for guests! We have a video posted below as well.

Here is our video of Explorer Island, complete with pools and lazy river.

 

Here are some fun facts about the Four Seasons Resort Orlando:

The resort is 17 stories tall and is situated on 26 acres.

There are 5 unique on-property restaurants.

68 suites are part of the 443 guest rooms.

There are 1140 total trees on property.

30,912 crystal components make up the lobby chandelier.

531,362 gallons of water throughout the pools/lazy river/Splash Zone areas.