With trip after trip getting cancelled as the health concerns of the year continues on, we’ve been so thankful to have a little slice of paradise less than two hours from our front door. Not only have we enjoyed family getaways and couples time in a way that is safe and enjoyable, but last weekend it proved to be the perfect place to celebrate Catherine turning two. I mentioned in my blog post about the party we would’ve had that we love planning and hosting big celebrations, but we knew this wouldn’t be the year for that, so we set about planning our trip to the Four Seasons Orlando, especially since it was the last weekend of the Florida Residents specials rate.
On Friday we drove up and stopped first at Disney Springs to do a little birthday shopping with Catherine. After that we checked in we got straight down to the pool area to enjoy lunch by the pool. They took great care of us, treating us to yummy paletas and Catherine loved every minute in the zero entry pool. Margaret snuck in an hour with Kids For All Seasons for their water play time and so we got some one-on-one with the birthday girl. After that we did water slide races and watched the sunset on a beautiful day. We picked up take-out from Ravello, and headed upstairs to eat and get ready for bed. the girls enjoyed their some special birthday treats that had been delivered by the hotel since they knew we were celebrating a birthday!
The next day was our big birthday meal celebration and on of the big reasons we chose the Four Seasons Orlando – the character brunch with Goofy & His Pals! Catherine is a huge Minnie Mouse fan and we thought she’d find this opportunity special. At first she was a little nervous with the characters, who parade around the restaurant at intervals throughout your meal, but by the end she was SO into it and screaming out to Minnie that she wanted a hug! While they aren’t doing up close character greetings right now, the constant parades were so fun. Not to mention the food was delicious. The meal was $45 per adult and came with a generous fruit plate, muffin basket and entrée of your choosing. The girls were $28 and ate so well! We also enjoyed bottomless mimosas for $18 and there was a Bloody Mary option as well.
After this special brunch we headed upstairs to change into our swimsuits and get more time on the lazy river. After such a big morning at the brunch and time splashing around, Catherine needed a nap so Curtis headed up to the room to put her down while Margaret was eager to get back to the Kids For All Seasons. We noticed that some families around the pool were able to request pack and plays for their little ones to nap which we would’ve done but Catherine is a more temperamental sleeper. So with both girls taken care of I got some time alone by the 21+ pool to read and enjoy lunch in quiet. After Catherine woke up she was ready for more time by the pool. Margaret joined us after and then we headed up to get ready for dinner at Capa. It was such a special dinner with incredible food. Their steak offerings are out of this world and their sunset view is mesmerizing. The girls loved looking out and seeing the parks and picking out Cinderella’s Castle. Kids 5 and under get to eat free at the restaurants (not for take out or room service) and so they enjoyed bottomless mac & cheese! We all enjoyed churros and both are officially churro fans! Our last day was Sunday and Catherine’s actual birthday! We started with a yummy room service breakfast and later celebrated with in-room tea party. The girls loved changing into their fancy princess dresses and pouring “tea” (we used apple juice) and picking out whatever treat their heart desired from the beautiful offerings. ($35 a person) With no reason to hurry home we sought late check out and planned to use the facilities as long as well could. The weather was cooperating and Margaret was enjoying more time at KFAS making crafts and playing water games. And while we were sad to leave our hearts felt full and happy after so much quality time with each other to celebrate Catherine.
The Four Seasons Orlando has always been special but over the past few months it has proven to be such a wonderful spot to get away while feeling safe and secure during these unusual times. And if you’re looking to celebrate something there are many options to do so! Below are some other ideas for celebrating with FS Orlando.
Poolside Cabanas: Available for adults only (at the Oasis pool) or for Families (Explorer pool), the cabanas offer the ultimate private retreat and “home base” for your pool day. It comes with a dedicated server for orders and guest service. The cabana includes a round of drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) for the party, bottled waters, a mini fridge, and power to charge up your cell phones. Poolside Cabanas are available from Monday – Thursday for $400 per day and from Friday – Sunday for $500 per day. They sell out, so reserve in advance. A maximum of 6 per cabana.
Custom Cake by Lickety Split
Lickety Split makes the most delightful celebratory cakes, made by the Executive Pastry Chef Rabii Saber and team. Chef Saber was a semifinalist for the 2019 James Beard Awards- Outstanding Pastry Chef. The customizable cakes have big “wow” factor with options like a pirate cake, mermaids, unicorns, and many more. Order a custom cake 48 hours ahead and arrange for delivery to the guestroom at the requested time. Prices vary, and contact Lickety Split to inquire.
Reserve a Demonstration Kitchen Experience
If you’re celebrating a foodie, they will surely love a private cooking class with one of the resort’s talented chefs. Reserve Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi from Torino, Italy or Sous Chef Riccardo Sala from Milano, Italy for a class on authentic pasta making. Chef Saber or one of his team members are available for a class on chocolate making or cake decorating. Sous Chef Ryan Schelling can lead a BBQ class with the Big Green Egg. Whatever type of cuisine you seek, the resort’s team is sure to be able to facilitate a special class and meal!
Capa Dinner
Celebrate at the most special restaurant in town, Capa, on the roopftop level of Four Seasons. Enjoy sunset sips with glasses of Cava or the signature Capa GinTonic. Indulge in the new paella options or the delicious Wagyu beef. Treat yourself to the Jamon de Iberico (a delicious pork made from Spanish pigs that were exclusively fed acorns) and tapas such as the Datiles (bacon wrapped dates with marcona almonds). Ask the Sommelier for a wine pairing recommendation, there are more than 140 bottles and Capa holds a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Let the Capa team know in advance what you’re celebrating, and request a special dessert.
Spa Day
Book yourself time at The Spa! The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando offers 18 treatment rooms, including six couples’ suites, plus a full-service hair and nail salon. It’s easy to spend the day relaxing by the lakeside outdoor relaxation lounge, or taking advantage of the spacious facilities including whirlpool and experience shower—always complimentary to resort guests. The Spa offers several exclusive treatments, such as the Mindful Matcha body scrub and the Healing Honey massage, both which use locally sourced ingredients. The Sticks & Stones Therapy, also exclusive to The Spa at Four Seasons Orlando, uses sculpted basalt stones and birch wood massage sticks. A variation on hot stone massage, this targeted massage focuses on warm, flowing movements and tension release.
Retail Therapy
The resort’s boutiques, Wardrobe and Fable are so well stocked. There are amazing children’s wear and gifts at Fable and designer clothing and accessories for adults at Wardrobe. This fall, Wardrobe offers brands such as Love Shack Fancy, Golden Goose, Tory Burch, Camilla, and much more. Fable carries Stoney Clover Lane bags and accessories and is the exclusive carrier to the Disney accessories for SCL…. So for little ones, it’s a treat (and fun!) to pick out a bag and customize it in-store with whatever patches their heart desires!
Media Disclosure: Our hotel stays are sometimes reserved under a media rate, as was the case with this stay. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.
