Details at the Four Seasons Orlando

When I first visited the Four Seasons Orlando back in August, the first thing I noticed was how grand it was to drive back into the property (past the mansions under construction for Golden Oak). But when I walked into the lobby, the hotel struck me with an interesting blend of grandiose and intimate at the same time.

Unlike, say, a Disney Value Resort that will practically smack you upside the head with theming, there wasn’t a lot at the resort that screamed “Look at me!!” But after wandering around the beautifully tiled floors on the way to breakfast, I knew I wanted to spend some more time just looking around. When I slowed down to really take a good look, all sorts of details appeared. Here’s a few of my favorites.

Chandelier

 

The very first thing that caught my eye the minute that I walked in to the lobby was the amazing chandelier. This beautiful work of art was designed in the Czech Republic by Jozef Baca and Veronika Kopecna and can best be described as a chandelier that captures the magnificence of a fireworks grand finale exploding in the night sky. It is made of more than 30,000 crystal pieces illuminated by 250 sleeves of LED lights. It really puts the grand in grand entry.

 

 

 

 

 

Golden Oak Model

Many a lottery player in the Disney community has said that part of their dream winnings would go to buy a house in Golden Oak. While the community is still under development, it is nice to see the model just off the lobby and get an idea of how the “other people” live.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Models of Crowns

 

As this hotel is certainly a crown jewel on property, it makes sense that there would be crowns on display. Along the main hallway near Ravello, you can find these models of different designs of crowns, fit for royalty.

 

 

Gelato

Over at Lickety-Split, a small coffee shop/gelato shop located near the main lobby, they have an impressive display of house-made gelato. With more than a dozen flavors available, it would be difficult for anyone to just walk away.

 

Iced Drip Coffee

 

Full disclosure – I am not a coffee drinker, but I am a self-described geek. So when I saw this iced coffee drip gadget, also found in Lickety-Split, I was almost tempted to get a cup. My husband, who does drink coffee, tried it, and said it was probably the smoothest, most un-bitter coffee he had ever tasted. The principle is simple – ice water is placed in the top, and gravity causes it to filter down through the coffee beans and into the collecting reservoir below. Think of it as the microbrew of coffee. It takes eight hours to brew a full batch, but if you are a coffee connoisseur, this is one that you’ll want to try.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Touch Screen Map

 

 

As I mentioned above, self-described geek. So when I saw the video display in the lobby, and was told “go ahead and touch it”, you better believe I decided to play with it. Using the touch screen map may not be the most efficient way to figure out where you want to go when there are people all over the lobby ready to help you at a moment’s notice, but it certainly is fun to explore this handy bit of technology!

 

 

 

Hidden Mickeys

Let’s face it – it would be disappointing if there weren’t hidden Mickeys at a hotel on property. The Four Seasons certainly has them, but they are done in incredibly classy ways in the ironwork, chairs, and more. While the one on the desk here is anything but hidden, take a look inside the Mickey. See a couple more hidden in there?

 

 

Seating Areas

No matter how wonderful a hotel room is, I’m one of those people who often likes to leave the room and just find a cozy place somewhere in the hotel to sit down and relax. Throughout the main level, there were comfortable seating areas, both inside and out. A personal favorite was the individual swinging chairs, but I also loved the outdoor seating space with amazing views.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunscreen and Lotion

 

While this may not have the “wow” factor of some of the other items, this is just one of those nice touches that shows how the Four Seasons goes one step further. Out at the valet stand, there are complementary pumps for sunscreen (SPF 15 and 30) and aloe sun gel. So while you are waiting for the valet to bring your car, make sure that you take good care of your skin.

 

As the Four Seasons celebrates its opening of its restaurants like Capa and Plancha, as well as its AAA five-diamond hotel rating (the only hotel in Orlando to receive this honor), there are plenty of reasons to visit this amazing resort. But when you stop by, whether for a meal or a stay, make sure to take time to look for all the little extras hidden in this resort. (And even on the way in and out – if you keep your eyes open, you might be able to spot a Little Mermaid statue along the road.)