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Orlando area resorts

Food and Wine Weekends at Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria

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Hilton Bonnet CreekI’ve written before about the wonderful hotel options at the Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando. We stayed there back in 2015 for their Race Weekends package, and I’d been there before with my friend Amanda, on a girls weekend getaway, full of fun, food, and sunburn in my case. Back then, I called these hotels the “best kept secret in Walt Disney World,“ and while I think that word has gotten out, there are still many people that don’t even know where these resorts are located. Food and Wine Weekends may just change that.

A great way to get introduced to these beautiful properties is one of the many event weekends they have going on throughout the year. The aforementioned Race Weekends are a great option for runDisney races; they really give you extra fun for your races, with all sorts of great amenities to enjoy. They also have Florida Resident rates, breakfast included packages, and more. Last night we were invited to experience a taste of their Food and Wine Weekends. These weekend menu options extend the “Magical Dining” menus that happen all over Orlando in September, with proceeds going to various charities, and are a perfect complement to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

Food And Wine Weekends Breakdown:

The Food and Wine Weekends offer special tasting menus at 3 of the restaurants throughout the Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria. The best part (for me and many of my friends) is that they also offer full vegan menu options at each of these locations.

A couple of weeks ago, I enjoyed the vegan Magical Dining menu at Zeta Asia, and it was truly amazing. I was very happy Amanda made that reservation because I didn’t know it existed and I’m still thinking about the menu items we had (I am officially in love with the vegan Bao Buns and the Bibimbap)!

Vegan Bao Zeta Asia

You can find ALL of the Food and Wine Weekends menu options, including Peacock Alley’s “Bar du Chocolat and Champagne tasting” and the Myth Bar’s “Pop Culture” with house made fresh fruit popsicles, organic ice pops, and “poptails” for the adults, in this guide from Hilton Bonnet Creek.

 

Vegan Options:

Last night, we were treated to the vegan Cauliflower Salad from La Luce, the Vegetable Fricassee from Bull & Bear, and the Impossible Bibimbap from Zeta Asia. These were all wonderful choices, and honestly, I was full after the first option, and absolutely stuffed by the 3rd. I somehow made room for the two vegan desserts we were offered, a dark chocolate and passion fruit dessert from Bull & Bear, and the special request dessert available in the hotels when you request a vegan dessert: fresh fruit sauce over a coconut tart, with fresh berries and whipped non-dairy cream. They were both SO wonderful, it definitely didn’t feel like a thrown-together vegan option, which is often the case with desserts. Check out photos in the gallery below from the evening and some of the hotel properties. Just click to enlarge any photo:

 

We were also treated to a vegan cocktail, since the one they were serving that night had sheep’s milk in it. We were given a modified “Bee’s Knees” with agave instead of honey. It was very floral and lovely. You can order this at Peacock Alley any time! You can watch the bartender create this drink for us, as well as chefs creating the amazing nitrogen-cooled chocolate pictured above, any time on my Food and Wine Weekends Instagram story highlight.

Bee's Knees vegan cocktail Peacock Alley

I hope I’ve tempted you a bit to head over to the Waldorf Astoria Orlando or Hilton Bonnet Creek and experience their Food and Wine Weekends for yourselves. It really is a wonderful experience, and such a nice, relaxing, crowd-and-line-free way to enjoy some culinary delights. I was hosted for our tasting experience, but I truly do love these properties and think they are such a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of the nearby Disney hotels. Did I mention the lazy river? 

Hilton Bonnet Creek lazy river

If you’ve never been, enjoying a Food and Wine Weekends tasting menu is a great way to get over and explore the properties before staying the night (but staying the night is also a great way to end your Food and Wine Weekends evening!).

Have you stayed at either of these properties, or enjoyed their Food and Wine Weekends, or their stellar dining options?

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts or if you plan to check it out. Let me know in the comments below or drop me a line on social media, I’d love to chat about it! Thanks for reading.

Disclosure: As mentioned, I was hosted by Hilton for this tasting event, but my thoughts and opinions are, as always, my own. 

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Food and Wine Weekends Hilton Bonnet Creek Waldorf Astoria
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Holiday Memories Await at Gaylord Palms ICE!

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Gaylord Palms ICE Charlie BrownMy family and I have been visiting Gaylord Palms ICE! as part of our holiday traditions since 2007, before I even wrote about it in Zannaland. It has really become one of the things my children most look forward to, and they ask every Fall  – “when does ICE! start?” (Part of the perks of being Orlando locals; our holiday traditions are just a little bit bigger and over the top than many places.)

Over the years, we’ve seen the displays and offerings change and grow – ice skating outside, ice skating inside, snowball fights, snow tubing, enchanting circus performers, characters, and differing Christmas themes in ice. In all those years, none has been so magical, to me personally, than this year’s theme – A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Growing up in the 1980’s, I have very specific and very wonderful memories of Christmastime. Christmas is always exactly 2 weeks after my birthday, so the whole month of December has forever been overwhelmingly magical to me. I remember the weeks leading up to Christmas were filled with Christmas specials: Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,” the Rankin Bass productions of “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” and of course, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

I can see myself clearly, sitting on the floor close to the T.V. in my festive Christmas nightgown, while the lights on the Christmas tree twinkled behind me and the scent of pine and the cookies my mother was baking wafted around me…watching those shows, commercials and all, once a year. At the risk of sounding even more ancient than I already do, this was before a time of cable and satellite television, before 300 channels and DVR’s and Netflix and Roku and Apple TV, or even Blockbuster and VCR’s at this point. So waiting all year to see these shows and making sure you didn’t miss them was a big thing. It became a part of the season, a part of the traditions, a part of the magic.

Craig SchulzSo to walk in to Gaylord Palms at 9 degrees (a very common temperature feel growing up outside of Boston), and see “A Charlie Brown Christmas” larger than life, right before my eyes, was pretty special for me. The detail was absolutely mind-boggling. Every character, every color, every detail from the television special was carved in perfection. Add to that the music and audio clips from the show, and it was truly a wonderland for anyone who’s grown up with the show, or the Peanuts in general. They were my grandmother’s favorite, and she loved Snoopy, so the Peanuts Gang were always a big part of family visits to her house. I left the ICE! display and wanted to go right back in and see it all again, so I could be little 8 year-old excited-for-Christmas-me once more. If anyone is a fan of the Christmas special or Charles Schulz’s work in general, you must go, you will not be disappointed. The night we were there, Charles Schulz’s son, Craig Schulz, was on hand and seemed to be enjoying himself as well. I can only imagine the memories he must have of these characters.

More to see at Gaylord Palms

Also a part of Christmas at Gaylord Palms is a tree lighting display, A Christmas Wish Light Show, which is the most impressive display yet. Returning for the second year is Cirque Dreams, an impressive show of acrobatic artisans performing in the lobby stage nightly. Alpine Snow Tubing also makes a come-back in the ICE! area, where you can tube down snow-covered slides, as well as other fun activities like photos with Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus, a Build-a-Bear Workshop, and much more. ICE! runs this year through January 1, a perfect treat for winter break from school or work. The property itself is so beautiful, it’s like another world when you are inside and my kids ask me all the time when we can stay there next!

Thank you to Gaylord Palms for inviting my family and I to experience the magic of Christmas at Gaylord Palms and see ICE! and the other entertainment offerings first hand. My opinions, as you can see, are my own. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

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Gaylord Palms ICE! Returns to a Classic Christmas Tale

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Gaylord Palms ICE! 2015
Beautiful grand atrium tree

Continuing the grand tradition of millions of pounds of ice sculpted by artisans and formed into amazing displays for all to see, this year Gaylord Palms Resort returned to a classic Christmas story, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.This was actually one of my favorite Gaylord Palms ICE! displays in years past, so I was happy to see it return to Gaylord Palms in an updated form.

For those unaware, ICE! is an indoor winter wonderland featuring:

  • Walk-through holiday attraction, kept at a chilly 9 degrees
  • Two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures
  • Four ice slides
  • Six individual rooms depicting the story of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
  • The Frostbite Factory — a live carving zone
  • Final room is a breath-taking Nativity scene carved from crystal clear ice

 

 

In addition to the sculpted ICE! displays, there is Alpine Rush Snow Tubing in a separately ticketed area, for unlimited rides down snow-covered slides on tubes.

Both of the above ticketed events are part of the larger Gaylord Palms Christmas, including free events like an all-new show:

Cirque Dreams UnWrapped

Be dazzled by an array of seasonal characters brought to life in a dreamscape of imaginative costumes and creativity, while stunning feats of showmanship are unwrapped, performed on stage and in the air. Broadway director and Cirque Dreams founder Neil Goldberg is bringing the famed entertainment brand to Orlando for the first time in the company’s 22 years with this exclusive show. The entire family can enjoy this uniquely inspired 25-minute Christmas dream presented with the Broadway style and inventive theatrics for which Cirque Dreams is renowned.

This show was captivating and fun for the whole family, a wonderful addition to the beautiful decorations in the grand atrium – which also features SNOW this year after the Cirque Dreams shows.

You can find out more about the events and activities at Gaylord Palms on their site, and purchase tickets to ICE! and other events. Staying at the Gaylord Palms is always a magical experience, I find myself just not wanting to leave the resort because there is so much to see and do and experience. The holidays amplify that feeling, so if you haven’t booked your stay, go ahead and make plans now for this year or next!

Disclosure: I was invited to experience ICE! with my family by Gaylord Palms. My opinions and thoughts are my own. 

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The Best Kept Secret in WDW’s Backyard: Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando

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Waldorf Astoria Orlando lobby
Waldorf Astoria Orlando lobby

I’ve been lucky enough to stay at, tour, and even just visit more than my fair share of hotels and resorts, especially in the last 6 years with this site. While staying at an official Disney resort has its perks, I must say [whispers so Mickey doesn’t hear], there are some resorts nearby to give Disney a run for the money. Now before you die-hard Disney resort fans start protesting, please just keep reading and see if you agree when all is said and done. This should be of special interest to all of you runDisney racers out there, because in addition to being a relaxing, amenity-filled, comfiest-beds-ever resort, the Hilton Bonnet Creek has completely ridiculous Marathon Weekends packages that will blow your mind. In the best possible way. I promise.

 

So I first heard about the Hilton Bonnet Creek through my wonderful friend and fabulous blogger, Amanda Tinney. Amanda had been going to Hilton Bonnet Creek both as an invited guest and on her own time and dime for a while when she invited me over for a girls weekend over the last summer. We had such a great time (despite my getting sunburnt to a crisp because I seem to always forget that people with skin like Merida from Brave need SPF 500) lounging by the pool, being wined and dined at the Bull & Bear, and sleeping in. And it was $99 a night for our room at a special End of Summer rate. That’s Disney Value Resort pricing, people, and this is NOT a value resort in terms of anything BUT price. I still have to write about the exquisite dinner we had at Bull & Bear…I can close my eyes and still taste it, even months later.

What I want to tell you about now, however, is Marathon Weekends at Hilton Bonnet Creek and the Waldorf Astoria. While I don’t consider myself a “runner” (yet…) though Amanda would argue that I am, I have been cheering and attending Disney races for the last 4 years or so. I’ve done 4 5k’s and just completed my first 10k during the Walt Disney World Marathon 2015 weekend. I’ve recently lost 50lbs (and still going), so this last race weekend was really my first serious foray into the world of Disney races. While I may not have been running a half or full marathon (or all 4 races for the Dopey medal), I’ve been around enough runners to know what they appreciate and the ins and outs of runDisney races. Hilton Bonnet Creek impressed me from check-in to check-out. If you are a local looking for a great place to lay your head and be close to the action, or flying in just to race, the Hilton Bonnet Creek will treat you like royalty. I know just posting the photos that I did on my social media accounts, I was getting people right and left that said they were going to book their next race weekend there. Which made me SO happy, because we had such a wonderful time there, and I want everyone to experience it first hand!

Here is the run-down of the Bonnet Creek Marathon Weekends amenities:

 

 

A Special Experience For Runners

As our guest during Marathon Weekends at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, you’ll receive the following:

  • Complimentary bus transportation to and from the race venue
  • Carb-Load Pasta Dinner options
  • Personalized assistance from our Runner’s Concierge … and even dip into their Runners’ Survival Kit!
  • Complimentary snacks and beverages before the races!
  • Encouragement & recognition from our Marathon cheerleaders … even at 2:30 am!

A Special Marathon Rate For Runners

To get the most out of your weekend, we recommend the Marathon Weekend rate, which includes:

  • Special rate on accommodations exclusive to marathon runners
  • Complimentary bus transportation to and from the race venue
  • 10% food & beverage savings card to be used during your stay
  • A Welcome Runner’s Amenity

I’m just going to put this question here…what do the Walt Disney World Resorts do for runDisney racers staying on property? Well…if you stay at one the hotels they tell you to…they’ll send a bus for you before the races. That’s…pretty much it. The rest of the benefits to running a runDisney race are associated with the race itself and available to everyone running, no matter where you stay. So deciding whether or not to stay at the Bonnet Creek Resort is really a no-brainer, yes? Yes.

 

ADD to all of the above, the absolutely incredible guest rooms both at the Hilton and the Waldorf Astoria. Since I’d stayed at the Hilton Bonnet Creek over the summer, I was excited to experience all the Waldorf Astoria had to offer after hearing only good things from Amanda. Well, let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I pretty much wanted to move in and never leave. The beds were SO comfy, that is really the only downside…any wee hours of the morning 3am wake-up calls will seem like cruel and unusual punishment after basically being wrapped in a cloud all night in your Waldorf bed. We were lucky enough to be treated to a King suite at the Waldorf for our stay, and as a result I’m pretty much spoiled for life and only want to stay here from now on.

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is actually, like all Waldorf properties, more of a boutique style hotel, which means excellent service for you, and the intimate feeling of a boutique hotel, with the benefits of the award-winning Bull & Bear, Peacock Alley lounge (which is gorgeous and I want to live there too), the other Waldorf amenities and pool – PLUS, all of the amenities at the Hilton Bonnet Creek, which is right next door, and connected by the convention center so you can walk in comfort inside between the properties. And of course guests staying at the Hilton can also enjoy the restaurants and bars of the Waldorf Astoria too. It really does have it all.

Checking in at the Waldorf was seamless. I was asked for my cell so the concierge could text me with any information and I could ask them for anything, at ANY time! I have to say, that was the coolest feature of all. Being able to ask a question by text (which is my preferred method of communication for the record), and get an instant answer, was heaven I tell ya. We felt so welcomed and at home, it really was an amazing weekend. I know it will be the first of many stays at the Waldorf. The level of guest service we experienced in every corner of both resorts was unparalleled.

In addition to the wonderful Marathon Weekends, the resort offers several special events throughout the year, including one of Amanda’s favorites, Cupcake Lovers Weekend in June, which I feel like I must experience first-hand, for research purposes. They also have spa packages, romance, tea for two, and so many more special experiences. Hopefully I’ve convinced you to look into the Bonnet Creek Resort and stay at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando (I mean, you have to stay at both to get the full experience, I think). Did I mention how convenient it is to all the Walt Disney World parks, Downtown Disney, and I-4 if you’re headed to other Orlando destinations? It’s pretty much perfect. I think I need to check out some dates for a weekend getaway…how about you?

Rates for the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek’s Marathon Weekends start at just $149/night. A little more and you get the added luxury of the Waldorf Astoria. There are constantly specials and offers going on, and if you’re a Hilton Honors member, there are double points weekends too. Click the links above to check on availability.

Disclaimer: I was an invited guest at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando for Marathon Weekends and was provided with a complimentary Deluxe Suite, daily breakfast buffet at Oscars, and a $100 room credit. That said, all of the opinions above are my own, and if we had a bad time, I’d have told you that too. But we didn’t. It was amazing. In fact, I need to tell you more things about our stay, and I haven’t even mentioned the lazy river at the Hilton Bonnet Creek or the spa or the brand new Myth Bar that just opened, but I’ll save that for future posts. So come back and check for those! 

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Make Holiday Plans Now for Gaylord Palms ICE! and More

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After my recent visit a little further north of the hot Florida sun, the cooler weather got me thinking about the holiday season, so I was thrilled when this announcement about the Gaylord Palms ICE! theme and other Christmas events came through. This year, ICE! will feature The Nutcracker, one of my favorite holiday tales and one with a personal connection – my mother (a former professional ballerina) played the Sugar Plum Fairy for the Boston Ballet many years ago and it’s always been a family tradition to watch or experience The Nutcracker somehow each year. I think The Nutcracker is a perfect theme for the amazing ice sculptures featured at Gaylord Palms and can’t wait to see it in person. I’ll have to bring my mom too! This year they’ve also added Alpine Snow Tubing to the ICE! festivities. Can’t wait!

Gaylord Palms Christmas

Here is more about ICE! and the other Christmas offerings at Gaylord Palms, which is beautiful year-round, but even more so during the holidays:

 

Gaylord Palms ICEICE! Featuring The Nutcracker

Dreams of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King will come to life in a full-on frozen wonderland this winter during Christmas at Gaylord Palms. On Nov. 15 scenes from everyone’s favorite ballet, the Nutcracker, will be reimagined in nearly 2 million pounds of hand-carved vibrant ice sculptures. ICE! will feature four slippery ice slides and live carving stations inside of the Artisans in Action Frostbite Factory.

New in 2014

That’s not the only exciting happening during this year’s annual Christmas at Gaylord Palms.  Guests can now experience the rush – Alpine Rush Snow Tubing – an 18’ 8-lane giant snow hill created with 1.5 million pounds of real Florida snow. Children and adults of all ages will frolic with delight as they speed down these snow covered hills.

The Christmas Experience

Christmas at Gaylord Palms is a mystical experience that boasts the true nature of the season all under a glass enclosed atrium.  Lush gardens sprinkled with poinsettias, grand holiday displays and more than 2 million twinkling lights. Don’t forget the famous 54-foot-tall majestic Christmas tree; character dining and meet and greets; delectable holiday dining; Cookies with Mrs. Claus and awe-inspiring live entertainment that crowds have grown to love including the rhythmic Luminescence show.

With so much to see and do, the best way to experience Christmas at Gaylord Palms is to spend the night with us. Packages are now on sale at ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com.

ICE! is open daily from Nov. 15, 2014 to Jan. 4, 2015, including holidays. The Christmas experience begins Nov. 21, 2014. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com. There are many specials, Florida resident deals and more to choose from!

Gaylord Palms Christmas

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Four Seasons Orlando Elevates Pool-Side Dining at PB&G

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Four Seasons Orlando PB&GOn our recent sneak peek at the dining options at the Four Seasons Orlando, one of my favorite spots was PB&G, which stands for Pool Bar & Grill. Normally, I think of a pool-side restaurant as a sort of last resort for dining, but this is definitely not the case at the Four Seasons. Much like everything else at a Four Seasons resort, this is done right – you will not find an overcooked burger and fries here, this is fine dining with a southern smokehouse twist.

We sampled the Rotisserie Chicken, served on potato salad with dill, Beef brisket with sauerkraut coleslaw on rye , and Oysters “roc”a fella with spinach puree, smoked aioli, bacon breadcrumbs, as well as the deviled eggs with caviar. These are all things I would probably never have ordered on my own, but I always like to try things when offered like this so I can share them with you (like the seared tuna at Ravello!) and I was surprised at how much I loved everything.

The rotisserie chicken was fork tender and really easy to eat and the potato salad was a great texture and flavor, and wins points for the brown bag presentation. So adorable. The beef brisket was a little more challenging to eat, but no less delicious and a great combo of flavors. The oyster was fried (I probably would not have been daring enough to eat it raw) and tasted great. Coming from New England, I’m used to fried oysters and clams and this reminded me of that, but with a very light, unique breading. The deviled eggs were also fun, and the caviar on top was a great way to make a traditional bbq item more elevated. Families will be happy to know they have great kids options as well, from chicken fingers to bbq, served in a fun kids meal box with activity menu.

Four Seasons Orlando PB&G

 

Four Seasons Orlando PB&G

 

Four Seasons Orlando PB&G

PB&G also has a full bar with beers on tap and a signature Absolut Thyme  – iced tea with Absolut Peach and a sprig of fresh thyme. Refreshing for a hot Florida summer day, but also dangerously delicious! All seating in PB&G overlooks the lake adjacent to the adult Oasis pool and the family water park area. The hours are from 11am – 6pm presently, as the pool lighting as not been installed as of yet. Reservations are recommended here as well, as I’m sure it will be a very popular choice among guests. If I were staying at the Four Seasons, this would be a must-do for dining.

See more PB&G photos in this gallery (click to enlarge to slideshow):

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Four Seasons Orlando Resort Opens Dining to All

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Four Seasons OrlandoThe Four Seasons Orlando Resort is quickly becoming my favorite place to visit in the Walt Disney World area. The resort itself and the grounds are just so relaxing and inviting. And inviting is exactly what the Four Seasons Orlando is going for, for both locals and non-guests visiting the Walt Disney World Resort. When I first toured the property back in May, discussions were still underway regarding non-guests visiting the property or dining in the 5 restaurants the Four Seasons will eventually have open. At our recent visit we were pleased to hear that the Four Seasons welcomes non-guests to book dining reservations and spa appointments at their gorgeous resort.

To familiarize us with their dining options and spa, we were given a tour of some of their spaces (some are still under construction but will be completed August 3 or later in September) and samples of some of the amazing cuisine that will be offered. Here I’ll share my thoughts and photos on the first place we visited on our tour, Ravello.

Ravello is the Italian restaurant at the lobby level of the Four Seasons. To the right of the front lobby, you come to the Ravello lounge, tastefully decorated in modern design and colors, not giving a hint at all to the type of cuisine awaiting downstairs. You can enjoy lovely water views from Ravello’s large windows and there is comfortable outdoor seating for both the lounge upstairs and the restaurant downstairs. The lounge is open from 5pm – midnight and seats 70 inside and 88 outside, offering a full bar, appetizers, and pastry creations from the chef.

A beautiful set of stairs take you downstairs to Ravello’s main dining area, which features an open kitchen concept (as all their dining locations do), dark wood and light colors for a warm but elegant feel. This modern Italian kitchen offers a fresh pasta bar with housemade pastas, pizza with housemade dough and brick ovens, along with regional specialties from resident chef Fabrizio Schenardi, who has an extensive high-end hotel resume of experience and it definitely showed in the items we sampled that evening.

Ravello also offers two private dining rooms, where they will have cooking demos for adults and children as well as 114 seats outside. I have no doubt that Ravello will be a wonderful meeting place for friends to get together and share a great meal and enjoy some amazing cuisine at the same time. The seared tuna we tried is on the menu as Tonno – Pan Seared Tuna | Eggplant Caponata | Saba | Basil Oil, I have to admit, I have avoided tuna in the past because I thought I wouldn’t like it, but I tried this and loved it. It tasted more like melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon than fish. I would order it again in a heartbeat. We also sampled the Veal Ravioli – Veal, Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed | Wild Mushrooms | Truffle Essence, which left me wanting more. The pasta was so light and fresh, with just the right amount of cheese and sauce, an excellent combination of flavors. I will definitely be back to sample the full menu.

Ravello is open now at the Four Seasons Orlando Resort. You may book a reservation using Open Table. Parking at the Four Seasons is Valet only, but can be validated for a lower amount. I’ll have a full review when I experience the entire menu in a couple of weeks. I’ll also have upcoming posts on the PB&G pool area restaurant, Lickety Split dessert and coffee shop, and The Spa.

Disclaimer: Thank you to the Four Seasons for inviting us out and offering us some tastes of what’s to come at the Four Seasons Orlando. My opinions and thoughts are my own. 

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Four Seasons Orlando Extends a Special Florida Resident Rate

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Four Seasons OrlandoAfter seeing the Four Seasons Resort Orlando in person during a construction tour, I fell in love and became an instant evangelist for this gorgeous luxury hotel. The Four Seasons will be opening to the public on August 3, and in celebration of that, they are offering a very special Florida Resident Rate. If you live in Florida, I can’t recommend enough that you run to the phone to book a stay here. It is simply beautiful and a wonderful addition the the Walt Disney World Resort area hotels. Here are the official details of the Florida Resident Rate:

 

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, opening on August 3, is pleased to extend a special rate exclusively for Florida residents. Situated in a breathtaking location at the Walt Disney World Resort, Four Seasons is located in a lushly landscaped area with many mature trees, lakes and wetlands.  A Four Seasons “staycation” near the most magical place on Earth is now even more enticing for Florida residents, with this special Florida resident pricing.   
For the introductory period of August 17, 2014 through October 9, 2014, the Florida resident rate is USD 279.00 for a Golden Oak View Room, and includes valet parking for one car.   A Golden Oak View room can sleep three adults, or two adults and two children. At 500 square-feet plus a spacious furnished balcony, the guestrooms include a king bed plus a queen-size sofa sleeper, and a 5-piece marble bath complete with in-mirror television and Bose surround-sound.  

Guests of Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort will have complimentary transportation to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios . In addition to enjoying all the nearby Disney attractions, a highlight of Four Seasons Resort Orlando is the five-acre (two hectare) “Explorer Island” water park, including a winding lazy river complete with a rapids section, two water slides, an interactive splash zone with water cannons, and much more.  The Kids For All Seasons program offers organized activities for children ages 4-12, and is complimentary.  Adults will enjoy the adult-only pool, 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed Tranquilo Golf Club, and The Spa at Four Seasons. Recreational pursuits for guests of all ages are sure to provide ample entertainment.

The Florida resident offer is available exclusively by telephone reservation:  1-800-267-3046.
A valid Florida state identification will be required at the time of check-in.  

Four Seasons Orlando

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PREVIEW: The Four Seasons Orlando-Disney’s Elegant New Neighbor

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Four Seasons Orlando
The Four Seasons Orlando. Image courtesy @FSOrlando

If you’ve driven down Bonnet Creek Parkway or Vista Boulevard lately, you’ve seen the luxurious monolith rising in the sky – for the future home of the Four Seasons Orlando. Nestled within Disney’s ultra-exclusive multi-million dollar residential community, Golden Oak, the Four Seasons Orlando will be unlike any other resort property at Walt Disney World. On Disney property, but not owned by Disney, the Four Seasons is a completely unique resort experience, offering many amenities that Disney Resorts offer, as well as some of their own. I was recently given two different tours, two weeks apart, of the property while it is under construction.  Despite the incomplete state of the hotel, its beautiful future shone through.

The Four Seasons Orlando will soon be a glittering gem for those wanting to experience the ultimate in resort luxury. We were unable to take photos while construction is ongoing, but the resort was kind enough to let us use their photos of completed rooms and suites. On my second tour, we were permitted to take photos from the top floor of the pool areas.

Before we move on to the description of the amenities and all that the Four Seasons Orlando has to offer, I want to go over the overall feel of the resort. As mentioned above, even with construction taking place all around us, the elegance and impeccable design choices were already apparent. As you enter the resort, the gorgeous tile is all around you, and you are immediately drawn to the “fireworks chandelier” as you walk through the lobby. This sparkling multi-floor chandelier pays homage to the fireworks which will be such an integral part of the resort’s views. Designed in Czech Republic by Jozef Baca and Veronika Kopecna, the inspiration was a dark sky illuminated by a spectacular firework display – in much the same way, this magnificent chandelier lights up the entire grand entry of Four Seasons Resort Orlando.  More than 30,912 crystal components in radiant hues of light topaz, light smoke, amber and honey are featured. The chandelier weighs more than 1,223 pounds (555 kilograms) and requires 250 sleeves of LED lighting.

Four Seasons Orlando chandelier
The fireworks chandelier. This is even more breathtaking in person. Photo courtesy @FSOrlando

I was consistently impressed throughout the guest room and finished public areas with the attention to lighting and design details. The overall feel is one of timeless but contemporary elegance. Graphic shapes and a color palette that will stand the test of time. Relaxation and luxury envelop you with every glance around your guest room. The hallways are in pleasing yellow and grey tones, while the rooms are completed in either aqua blues or light oranges – it was hard to pick a favorite. The rooms feature state-of-the-art features including iPads in each room, flat screen TVs and in-mirror TV in bathroom, as well as digital touch buttons by the bed and the front door to request service, privacy, and more.

Four Seasons Orlando Guest Room
A Standard King Bed room with Fireworks View

Here are all the facts about the property:

  • 444-rooms, with standard guest rooms offering the largest square footage in Orlando, open for reservations for stays beginning this August
  • King guestrooms all have a queen-size sleeper sofa bed in room (perfect for families) and the resort also offers many connecting rooms via an interior hallway and suites
  • Many accommodations offer spectacular vistas over the Magic Kingdom® Park’s nightly fireworks display from the comfort of one’s furnished balcony

Gallery of guest rooms at the Four Seasons Orlando – click to enlarge. All photos in this section courtesy Four Seasons Orlando:

Enjoy world-class dining experiences, including:

  • Ravello: a culinary trip to the Amalfi coast – colourful, lively, and rich with the aromas and flavours wafting from the open kitchen.   
  • Capa: named for the matador’s red cape, sets the stage for tapas and steaks with rooftop fireworks views.  (Opening later this September)
  • PB+G: stands for pool, bar and grill, where guests can choose creative salads and poolside fare coupled with smokehouse BBQ specialties and hang out in the lounge with its central bar, dine on floating pavilions, or simply grab and go.   
  • Plancha: in the golf clubhouse, all guests can savour Cuban American cuisine in a lakeside setting. 
  • Lickety Split: a fast-casual, grab-and-go spot on the lobby level, Lickety Split will offer fresh juices, smoothies, lattes, cappuccinos, gelato, baked goods, sandwiches and more.

Additional Fun: Three Har-Tru tennis courts, a 24-hour fitness centre, Spa with 18 treatment rooms, Tom Fazio-designed golf course and an adults only pool surrounded by private cabanas.

I will admit, when I first learned of the Four Seasons building on Disney property, I wondered if they would even try to cater to kids or families. I was more than pleasantly surprised by what they have to offer at the resort:

  • Can have as much or as little Disney as you’d like as part of your vacation – can have the Four Seasons experience with Disney, or the Disney Experience, with Four Seasons 
  • Complimentary transportation is provided to the main Disney theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios) in plush motor coaches 
  • This new property can accommodate large families  – the 16th floor features the Royal Suite that can be configured with up to three separate living rooms and nine – yes, nine – bedrooms 
  • We have our own amusement area for kids – Explorer Island. A five acre (two hectare) playground packed with fun for all ages, Explorer Island includes a 7,590 square foot (705 square metre) family pool with a lazy river winding around a “ruined” mansion, climbing wall, waterslides, and more.  Look forward to beach volleyball, basketball, a video gaming centre, outdoor movie nights on the Starstruck screen, and more 
  • Twice weekly on-site Disney Character Breakfast with Goofy and Pals, plus on-site Disney Planning Center 
  • Complimentary Child Care: (Yes, you read that correctly.) Younger guests enjoy Kids For All Seasons, located on Explorer Island in the Mansion, where kids ages 5-12 will be entertained and supervised by our staff.  Complimentary child care is unique in this market. 
  • Just for Kids Amenity: A welcome amenity is provided, as well as child-size bathrobes and complimentary baby and children’s toiletries, as well as cribs, high chair, playpen, bottles, and toys at no extra charge

Views of the (still under construction) recreation areas:

So as you can see, the Four Seasons Orlando will be a resort for everyone; the single traveler or couple, the family traveling together or with a nanny, or a group who need more space that the Royal Suite and additional rooms can offer. Another plus to this resort is the elegant and technologically advanced ballrooms. They can be separated into three smaller rooms or left as one large space, as well as making use of the outdoor terraces. The chandeliers outside the ballroom are just gorgeous, looking like twinkling crystal flowers intertwined. I instantly wanted to have an event in this space, and I’m sure it will be a popular choice for weddings and more once open.

Four Seasons Orlando

As you can tell, I’m already passionate about this wonderful new addition to the Orlando resort line up – which is unlike any other resort, on Disney property or otherwise. I cannot wait to see the finished product and experience a resort stay myself. I know with the combination of luxurious accommodations, the views, the amenities, and what promises to be first class dining, I will not want to leave. I’ll be featuring more about the Four Seasons Orlando in the weeks to come, so keep checking back! Special thanks to the Four Seasons PR and travel sales team for the tours and special glimpse into this work of art .

Follow along with the Four Seasons Orlando team at: 

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Resort Review: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

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Exterior Pond Front at Hyatt Regency GrandCypress MEDIUMThere have been so many changes in the Orlando area in the past few decades, many hotels and resorts have come and gone. Some in the Walt Disney World Resort area have completely changed, upgrading their 80’s roots to more modern styles and accommodations. Amid all of the resort choices, one stands out as an established, luxury choice for those wanting all of what central Florida offers. That resort, is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.
Celebrating  30 years of exceptional service, Orlando’s original luxury resort,  Hyatt Regency GrandCypress, offers guests 1,500 acres of timeless fun just minutes from Central Florida’s most popular attractions. The Grand Cypress has really managed to combine the “old Florida” feel with state-of-the-art guest rooms and amenities. 
I was recently given a chance to experience the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress and after driving by it for the past 30 years, was pleasantly surprised with all they had to offer. I fell in love with the look and feel of the resort, the wonderful, luxurious rooms and the amenities that really made me say, “theme parks? what theme parks?” It is amazing how a place a mile away from Walt Disney World Resort can feel so private and secluded and away from the hustle and bustle of tourist life. I really didn’t want to leave.
 
Grand Cypress offers families luxury amenities surrounded by a tropical oasis that features the resort’s signature lagoon pool. Inspired by contemporary design, the lagoon pool offers a tranquil escape coupled with vibrant activities for children of all ages.  The 800,000 gallon, half acre, free-flowing pool boasts 12 waterfalls, heated and non-heated zones, two whirlpools, a rope bridge, walking paths, and expansive, wrap-around sundecks. The secluded grotto areas with padded, ridiculously comfy lounge chairs were in a word: heaven. You could lay back and watch the world go by, or jump in and enjoy the fun in the sun. 
Lagoon Pool Deck at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 2013 SMALL
 
Guests can also enjoy the new Water Slide Tower Pavilion, new Water Jet Splash Zone, and new children’s Rock Climbing Stations complement the resort’s numerous recreation activities including the family favorite S’mores pit, beach volleyball, tether ball, hammocks, watersports and marked jogging, walking, and biking trails. Additionally, Grand Cypress guests have easy access to 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf and the award-winning Tennis and Racquet Club. I was really blown away with how many recreation activities the resort offers, all included in your resort fee. Did you see the S’mores pit part??  The trails were great too, I love being reminded that there is more to Florida than just attractions. 
Family at Firepit at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 2014 SMALL
From the lobby atrium and check-in with champagne, to the beautiful rooms, with stunning views, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress truly has it all. I loved having access to the Regency Club too – it was the perfect place to grab a quick breakfast or snack throughout the day, and the seating and views were wonderful – a great spot for seeing Disney fireworks too!
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress room
We enjoyed dinner at Cascade American Bistro, whose motto is: “Thoughtfully Sourced…Carefully Served” This translates to all the food which is offered in the restaurant is locally sourced and always fresh. I loved the table-side herb garden that they brought over, and the main courses and desserts were a delight. Worth visiting even if you aren’t staying as a guest.
 
Visit Hyatt Regency GrandCypress for their always great offers and Florida Resident Rates.
 
If all of the above still hasn’t convinced you, give the video below a look, you’ll be making reservations in no time!
 

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