17 Perks You Can’t Get at Disney World’s Fanciest Hotel

By Quincy Stanford
Posted on Posted on September 14, 2023

I’ve stayed at every single Disney World resort hotel and some non-Disney hotels on property as well — and I’ve learned some pretty shocking things about accommodations in The Most Magical Place on Earth.

I recently was hosted for a stay at Four Seasons Resort Orlando, an award-winning hotel by the luxury hotel brand. My stay was unlike any other in Disney World — even when compared with the often equally-expensive Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The main surprise was how many perks Four Seasons had that Disney’s own “luxury” hotel was lacking. Here are 17 perks you can’t find at Disney World’s fanciest hotel (that you CAN find just down the street at Four Seasons!).

Before we dive in, if you’re curious about our FULL experience at Four Seasons, you can check out the full review in our video right here!

But let’s talk about those perks!

1. Water Park

Though Grand Floridian has a very nice pool offering, Four Seasons has a full water park that is completely included with your stay. Not only is there a massive family pool, but there’s also a lazy river, a rock climbing wall, two water slides, a splash zone, a game room, and more!

Now, Grand Floridian has a few of these options, but walking around the island at Four Seasons feels like more of an all-encompassing experience. Plus, you can’t beat a lazy river!

2. Complimentary Overnight Shoe Shine

Yep, if you’re staying at Four Seasons, you can send off your shoes for a shine every evening if you want. As you can probably guess, Four Seasons is true luxury compared to the more Disney luxury of Grand Floridian. You can’t walk to Magic Kingdom…but you CAN get your shoes shined.

3. Umbrellas

When it rains in Disney World (which is often) you’ll find small towels at the doors to help you dry off at Grand Floridian. Four Seasons, though, has this beat!

All of the doors at Four Seasons come equipped with an umbrella stands at each door with full sized umbrellas for guest use. Simply walk from place to place on Four Seasons property, and drop your umbrella off for another guest to use at your destination.

4. TV in the Bathroom

One of the most fun amenities we spotted at Four Seasons was that there is an in-mirror TV in the bathroom. So while you’re showering, getting ready, or whatever else, you can tune in to your favorite cable channel.

5. Robes, Slippers, and More! 

Four Seasons has an extremely robust in-room request catalogue. Not only will you find terry robes and slippers for your use, but you can request almost anything you can think of via the in-room tablet. We were even able to get a shave kit and body pillows brought up with the touch of a button!

6. Nespresso

You’ll find coffee makers in all Disney hotel rooms, but the one at Four Seasons was much higher end. Instead of your typical Keurig or coffee pot, the Four Seasons has a Nespresso with a variety of pod options.

7. 4-park View 

Grand Floridian has the amazing perk of being very close to Magic Kingdom and many of the rooms offer park views!

Four Seasons in close-ish to Magic Kingdom, but it is also one of the tallest buildings on Disney World property. This means that in some of the higher rooms you can see all four of the theme parks from your balcony! We could see everything from Cinderella Castle, to Expedition Everest, to Tower of Terror and Spaceship Earth!

8. Kids For All Seasons

In recent years, Disney hotels have been lacking in options for childcare. Not only does Four Seasons offer 9-5 childcare with activities at Kids For All Seasons, it’s also included in your stay!

9. Character Meal

Weirdly enough, Disney World’s flagship hotel does not currently offer a character meal. Since the 2020 park closures, 1900 Park Fare has remained closed.

However, at Four Seasons’ Ravello, you can find Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and His Pals which has you hanging with Goofy, Mickey, and Minnie while you chowdown on an expensive and tasty buffet.

10. Text the Front Desk

When you check in at Four Seasons you are given a phone number to text and the front desk will respond with an answer in minutes! Though the My Disney Experience app has a chat feature, it sometimes takes hours to get a response.

11. Spa Areas are Included

Both Four Seasons and Grand Floridian have a lovely spa, but Four Seasons includes access to the spa relaxation areas with your stay. I preferred the relaxation areas at Grand Floridian, but I had to pay for a treatment to access those!

12. Complimentary Fitness Classes

Grand Floridian has a nice fitness center, but Four Seasons has one that is much larger with a wider variety of equipment. Plus, you can take fitness classes as a complimentary benefit with your stay!

13. Michelin Star Restaurant

This one might be shocking. Though the fanciest Disney restaurant is found at Grand Floridian, it is not the most highly recommended restaurant on Disney property from the Michelin Guide.

Victoria & Albert’s is Michelin recommended, but Capa (the rooftop restaurant at Four Seasons) has a Michelin star!

14. Adult-only Pool

This one is a pretty big deal for any adult headed to Disney World. Four Seasons has a quiet pool for adults only. ‘Nuff said.

15. Late Departure Lounge

As with any hotel, you may have to leave your room well before you are departing the property. At Grand Floridian, you’re welcome to leave your bags and hang out in common areas. But at Four Seasons, you can drop off your bags and then access a variety of amenities in the late departure lounge.

16. Bose Bluetooth Speakers

All of the rooms at Four Seasons have Bose Bluetooth Speakers so you can listen to your podcasts, music, audiobooks, or whatever else while you relax.

17. Twice-daily Housekeeping

Grand Floridian has the standard daily Disney housekeeping but there is a second round over at Four Seasons to keep your room feeling spick, span, and comfortable.

Overall, you’re missing out on a number of Disney perks when staying at Four Seasons as compared to Grand Floridian, but you make up for them in luxury amenities. So, the choice really depends on what you’re looking for from your hotel experience! Keep an eye on AllEars.Net for more Disney tips!

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What do you think of these perks? Tell us in the comments! 

Disclosure: We were invited by Four Seasons to stay at their Walt Disney World location. This did not affect our reporting of the event — our opinions are our own.