Four Seasons WDW

[Astro Blaster]

So is anyone else excited about this new Four Seasons that is opening on WDW property this summer? I am, but I had a few questions -

Will this be considered a "Disney" resort like the Swan/Dolphin where guests get EMH and Disney transportation to the hotel?

Also, will you be considered a Disney resort guest for MM+ privileges? I can't imagine that the Four Seasons would have Magic Bands open the rooms but I would want the perks of MM+. I'd hope that since you're paying Four Seasons prices on Disney property, you would be considered a Disney resort guest.

Thanks in advance for the replies! Unless I hear really bad feedback, this is where I want to stay when I'm at WDW for the Wine and Dine Half in November.

 

[Master Yoda]

As I understand it, Disney will provide onsite perks to off site resorts providing the resorts pay for it. I have not heard anything confirmed as of yet, but I would expect to see something similar to what you see at Swan and Dolphin.

 

[Astro Blaster]

Ahh ok, I'm thinking that it's IN WDW, like Swan/Dolphin, not off to the side like Hotel Plaza Boulevard. It's kind of in a weird location - just to the east of Fort Wilderness and Osprey Ridge.

 

[slappy magoo]

Looking at their website they give no mention of any WDW-related amenities aside from proximity.

Which is not to say they won't have any. But they're not listed yet.

 

[Master Yoda]

Ahh ok, I'm thinking that it's IN WDW, like Swan/Dolphin, not off to the side like Hotel Plaza Boulevard. It's kind of in a weird location - just to the east of Fort Wilderness and Osprey Ridge.

Technically, it is not in WDW. The land was actually sold to 4 seasons and is no longer part of the RCID. From that perspective it is more like the resorts on HPB than it is like the S&D which leases the property from WDW. That however does not really make a difference when it comes to amenities. It all comes down to what the resort itself wants to pony up the cash for.

 

[Astro Blaster]

Interesting. I don't really like the idea of Disney selling WDW land but if they were to sell it to any company, Four Seasons is definitely a reputable one.

 

[WendyTinkerbell]

I figured their perks would be more in line with the Bonnet Creek hotels such as the Hilton. Close to property, but separate transportation.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

My only real gripe from what I've seen is the bus service....twice per hour to MK and once per hour for the other parks. I know they will be nice buses, but the frequency isn't really any better than other offsite resorts. I know the Four Seasons will bring true luxury, but I can't see myself staying there for a Disney trip and dropping that kind of $ to potentially wait an hour for a bus to/from Epcot, HS, or AK.

 

[rob0519]

My only real gripe from what I've seen is the bus service....twice per hour to MK and once per hour for the other parks. I know they will be nice buses, but the frequency isn't really any better than other offsite resorts. I know the Four Seasons will bring true luxury, but I can't see myself staying there for a Disney trip and dropping that kind of $ to potentially wait an hour for a bus to/from Epcot, HS, or AK.[/QUOT

As an option to waiting, you can always rent a car and drive to each of the parks. We stay at the CR or Polynesian each visit and always drive to AK or HS. Waiting for even the Disney bus at those resorts is ridiculous some days.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I guess we've been fairly lucky. With the exception of our stay at WL (atrocious bus wait times), we've experienced minimal waits for buses with WDW transportation. I just can't see picking expensive lodging for the sake of luxury, just to have to rent a car and drive to the parks to compensate for what I feel to be flaws in their busing services. I guess there is always the option of taking a cab, but just like the cost of a rental car...I'd much prefer to sink that $ into other things. The rooms I've priced at the Four Seasons are on par with the prices of rooms (rack rates) at the monorail resorts. So,as a matter of personal preference, I guess I'd rather cut back a bit on true luxury (vs Disney luxury) and get some added convenience.

 

[rob0519]

I guess we've been fairly lucky. With the exception of our stay at WL (atrocious bus wait times), we've experienced minimal waits for buses with WDW transportation. I just can't see picking expensive lodging for the sake of luxury, just to have to rent a car and drive to the parks to compensate for what I feel to be flaws in their busing services. I guess there is always the option of taking a cab, but just like the cost of a rental car...I'd much prefer to sink that $ into other things. The rooms I've priced at the Four Seasons are on par with the prices of rooms (rack rates) at the monorail resorts. So,as a matter of personal preference, I guess I'd rather cut back a bit on true luxury (vs Disney luxury) and get some added convenience.

My fault for not asking, but do you take ME from the airport? I guess I was a little quick to say rent a car because as a family of five with family in Tampa, we put the cost of a rental car into each trip budget so we can drive over and see them for a day. Plus we use the car to go to either Universal or Sea World. I can understand not wanting to invest money into a car rental if you're not leaving the property. Our next trip will be after the Four Seasons opens so we'll be able to read some reviews before we decide where to stay.

 

[Rob562]

My fault for not asking, but do you take ME from the airport? I guess I was a little quick to say rent a car because as a family of five with family in Tampa, we put the cost of a rental car into each trip budget so we can drive over and see them for a day. Plus we use the car to go to either Universal or Sea World. I can understand not wanting to invest money into a car rental if you're not leaving the property. Our next trip will be after the Four Seasons opens so we'll be able to read some reviews before we decide where to stay.

Since Magical Express doesn't even serve the Swan and Dolphin, I doubt it will serve the Four Seasons.

-Rob

 

[rob0519]

Since Magical Express doesn't even serve the Swan and Dolphin, I doubt it will serve the Four Seasons.

-Rob

True enough, but I was referring to the comment of having to rent a car to compensate for what the poster felt to be flaws in busing system. If he/she took ME, Mears, a taxi, etc, no matter where they were staying they wouldn't have a car in any of those situations.

I would probably prefer the newness of the Four Seasons, but I have a feeling our family's attraction to the CR and it's proximity to MK will be still be too strong to resist.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

My fault for not asking, but do you take ME from the airport? I guess I was a little quick to say rent a car because as a family of five with family in Tampa, we put the cost of a rental car into each trip budget so we can drive over and see them for a day. Plus we use the car to go to either Universal or Sea World. I can understand not wanting to invest money into a car rental if you're not leaving the property. Our next trip will be after the Four Seasons opens so we'll be able to read some reviews before we decide where to stay.

While we don't fly every trip, the cost of airport transportation would factor in to some trips as well. Still, even if we drive to FL (since we sometimes tack on a trip to south FL to visit family), I really don't want to be behind the wheel once we get to WDW. While some of this is just going to come down to personal preferences, I love being able to show up at WDW and be car free. It's an added layer of relaxation for me and DH. While we're hardly the only people in the world with lengthy commutes, when you spend 2-3 hours per day going to and from work, ditching the car while on vacay is a big bonus...well, to me it is.

Now, I'm sure the Four Seasons' bus service will be more reliable than lesser non-Disney hotels offering complimentary transportation, but I'd still want more frequent bus service and convenience from my lodging. You brought up CR ... the walk to MK is pretty hard to beat. So, I would still likely to stick with a deluxe Disney resort. The reality...many of the Four Seasons' guests won't care. ex. I have a coworker who would pick the Four Seasons ahead of any monorail resort because that level of luxury is paramount. She also isn't one for bus service, so she'd cover the fee for direct private service to and from the parks. I'm sure a lot of their potential clientele fit a similar model, which is likely a reason for their noted bus schedule.

Ultimately, next trip is a F&W trip and staying at an Epcot area resort - while not as luxurious as the Four Seasons - makes more sense. i.e. why be stuck waiting for buses once per hour or paying for a private car when you could just walk to the park?

 

[Richie248]

I just booked the Four Seasons for a quick trip in September! I'm happy there is a true luxury option right near Disney. My last 2 on property stays in WDW were average at best. Starting the research process to see what the resort has to offer. Can't wait!

 

[Dwarful]

Unfortunately we had less than great bus service at YC. Four stops is three stops too many...YC...then to BC, then to BW and then to Swan/Dolphin before heading to parks...unless the bus filled up early. I will say on our MK days we tended to fill up at BC. But still that did add travel time. It didn't take away from our resort stay...but for deluxe resorts we were expecting more from transportation.

 

[jmargarone27]

If people are looking for luxury, go stay in one of the Grand Floridian's new rooms and get the Disney Transportation and MM+ benefits! End of story... By the way, I checked the rates at the Four Seasons when I go in November and stay at the GF: the GF was a more expensive rack rate.

 

[Richie248]

There is a big difference between luxury at a Disney Resort (Grand Floridian) and Four Seasons. For me the benefits of a Four Seasons is greater than a WDW Resort (but that is just my travel preference). I'm also excited about the Adults Only Pool. I'm curious if the Four Seasons buses will run on a schedule, that way you can plan your day without waiting for up to an hour. I asked the question on their facebook page. Stay tuned.

 

[Mr Toad]

Unfortunately we had less than great bus service at YC. Four stops is three stops too many...YC...then to BC, then to BW and then to Swan/Dolphin before heading to parks...unless the bus filled up early. I will say on our MK days we tended to fill up at BC. But still that did add travel time. It didn't take away from our resort stay...but for deluxe resorts we were expecting more from transportation.

When we were there in June we stayed at YC. We only had BC as the 2nd stop. Well, from MK at least. We didn't do DHS or AK.

 

[Mr Toad]

There is a big difference between luxury at a Disney Resort (Grand Floridian) and Four Seasons. For me the benefits of a Four Seasons is greater than a WDW Resort (but that is just my travel preference). I'm also excited about the Adults Only Pool. I'm curious if the Four Seasons buses will run on a schedule, that way you can plan your day without waiting for up to an hour. I asked the question on their facebook page. Stay tuned.

Please do...I have enjoyed Four Seasons the few times I have stayed in one...