These include the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Beach Club, the Boardwalk Inn, the Contemporary Resort, the Grand Floridian, the Polynesian, the Wilderness Lodge, and the Yacht Club. But for some well off guests, the Disney definition of luxury does not match up with their definition of luxury. They are looking for something beyond what even the opt notch Disney resorts offer. Enter the Four Seasons hotel.
A New Definition Of Luxury
The Four Seasons Hotel is a unique institution – it helped to pioneer a new definition for luxury. Historically, luxury in the hotel business was defined by physical attributes: location, architecture, or room size. The Four Seasons changed the game by defining luxury in terms of services: two-line phones, 24 hour room service, and secretarial support. They also slightly customized each hotel to match the local area.
One Of The Few New US Locations
Like many hotel chains, most of the growth at The Four Seasons is focused on new properties outside the United States. However, the company plans to build a new hotel in Orlando, and on Disney property. It is one of the few US markets that the hotel isn’t in and still wants to be (Source).
The Four Seasons is estimated to cost more than $350 million. The hotel will include typical amenities like a restaurant, spa, pools, and meeting space. It is currently targeted to open in 2014, and will be located just east of the Magic Kingdom and just north of Epcot.
Part Of Golden Oak
The hotel will be the centerpiece of the Golden Oak luxury resort community, which will be nearly 1,000 acres large. It will be located on the former site of the now-defunct Eagle Pines golf course. Golden Oak is scheduled to include more than 400 private homes, each with multi-million dollar price tags. Some of those private residences are already under construction.
Golden Oak is currently organized into four different neighborhoods: Carolwood Reserve, Carolwood, Silverbrook, and Kimball Terrace.
Ownership of a home in Golden Oak entities residents to some special perks, including the right to purchase a special Disney Annual Pass that not only grants admission to the theme parks (as the normal Annual Pass does) but also admission to guests. Disney also offers transportation from the homes to the theme parks, and plans special events exclusive to Golden Oak residents.