Four Seasons - Opening Date and Dining Options

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From Orlando Attractions Magazine...

 

http://attractionsmagazine.com/four-seasons-resort-walt-disney-world-announces-executive-chef-dining-options/

 

 

When Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World opens Aug. 3, 2014, they’ll offer a variety of dining concepts, available to both resort guests and those just visiting to dine. From a rooftop steakhouse concept to a lakeside Southern rotisserie grill and an Italian pizza and pasta family style restaurant, there is something for everyone.

 

Fabrizio Schenardi has been made the executive chef. He says, “I’m excited to return to the Central Florida area and bring some new, innovative cuisine options to Orlando.” Schenardi lived in the Tampa area before joining Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in 2010 as Executive Chef for Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. “The Resort will have so many options, so there’s going to be something for everyone to love.”

 

Schenardi has worked for the Pelagia Trattoria at Tampa Hotel International Plaza; the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and Spa in Dana Point, California; Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Los Angeles, California; and numerous other fine properties around the world.

 

Capa

The highlight of the resort will be Capa, the 17th-floor rooftop steakhouse and bar, featuring Spanish influenced cuisine in a romantic setting. Capa’s diverse offerings range from freshly shucked oysters and Florida seafood to small plates and grilled cuts. An open kitchen and wood-burning grill allow diners to get close to the action, while those dining on the outdoor terrace enjoy views of the nightly fireworks. Capa, Spanish for a matador’s red cape, is decorated in black and white with bold hues of crimson accenting the space. An abstract painting conveying the movement of dust as it rises during the matador’s performance appears near the bar. Six traditional matador jackets flank the entrance to the private dining room, and a flowing red art installation travels across the ceiling, representing the flow of the matador’s cape. Capa, serving dinner only, will open in September 2014.

 

Ravello

Named for the Italian seaside town situated above the Amalfi coast, modern Italian cuisine is the specialty at Ravello, an all-day dining restaurant. Breakfast offerings include an omelet station and traditional breakfast favorites. Dinner offers fresh pizza and bread from the wood-burning oven, regionally influenced Italian specialties, and the open kitchen’s pasta bar. Ravello will offer a “Goofy & Pals” Disney Character Breakfast on Thursdays and Saturdays, and select Tuesdays during peak school break periods.

 

Plancha

Located at the Golf Clubhouse, Plancha – Cuban for grill – will offer Cuban-American cuisine in a lakeside setting. Signature dishes such as the Cubana sandwich, empanadas and chorizo burger offer an authentic taste of Cuba, and vibrant cocktails from the Mojito to the Hemingway Daiquiri are sure to please. Plancha will open in September 2014.

 

Lickety Split

For guests on the go, Lickety-Split provides quick bites throughout the day. Café lattes and breakfast pastries, savoury quick bites, gelato and more will be offered at the colorful spot.

 

PB&G

Premium American barbecue dishes, fresh salads, frozen cocktails and mocktails, an extensive kids’ and teens’ menu with lots of healthy options: the Pool Bar & Grill offers a lively, casual atmosphere. This smokehouse and rotisserie serves up pulled pork, rotisserie chicken, smoked brisket and house-made hot dogs and burgers with Southern charm. Brightly painted picnic tables, teak floorboards, and whimsical lighting elements such as lanterns and stringed lights give the space a fun vibe.

 

The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World is now accepting reservations.

Visit their website at fourseasons.com/orlando.

 

 

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

I guess the investors in this project know what they're doing, and that I'll be proven wrong, but I can't believe that there's a big market for the product that they're offering.

 

These restaurants all sound great, but are they what people traveling to Disney World are looking for?

 

I have been wondering ever since this project was announced how they will be handling transportation, and if guests at the Four Seasons will have the same privileges as WDW resort guests.

 

Well, I recently stumbled across the Four Seasons Orlando Facebook page, and those questions were answered:

 

 

If I'm reading that right, there's a shuttle every half hour to the TTC, and then hourly shuttles to the other parks.

 

And no EMH or early FP+ bookings for the Four Seasons guests.  I presume that also means they don't get early bookings of WDW restaurants.

 

So, they think people paying in that price range will choose to stay at the Four Seasons over the Contemporary and Grand Floridian?

 

Good luck with that.

 

TCD

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

I guess the investors in this project know what they're doing, and that I'll be proven wrong, but I can't believe that there's a big market for the product that they're offering.

 

These restaurants all sound great, but are they what people traveling to Disney World are looking for?

 

I have been wondering ever since this project was announced how they will be handling transportation, and if guests at the Four Seasons will have the same privileges as WDW resort guests.

 

Well, I recently stumbled across the Four Seasons Orlando Facebook page, and those questions were answered:

 

 

If I'm reading that right, there's a shuttle every half hour to the TTC, and then hourly shuttles to the other parks.

 

And no EMH or early FP+ bookings for the Four Seasons guests.  I presume that also means they don't get early bookings of WDW restaurants.

 

So, they think people paying in that price range will choose to stay at the Four Seasons over the Contemporary and Grand Floridian?

 

Good luck with that.

 

TCD

 

That's what I've been wondering!

 

Also, do you think they'll let me drive my golf cart over for dinner? :)

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

 

Also, do you think they'll let me drive my golf cart over for dinner? :)

 

You might want to wait and see the prices. I'll bet that steakhouse menu will be a doozy.

 

TCD

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

You might want to wait and see the prices. I'll bet that steakhouse menu will be a doozy.

 

TCD

 

I was thinking they might make them slightly lower than similar Disney restaurants to lure people in.

 

We eat a doozy of a steak meal about twice a year, so I could plan ahead.....

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

I was thinking they might make them slightly lower than similar Disney restaurants to lure people in.

 

We eat a doozy of a steak meal about twice a year, so I could plan ahead.....

 

OK. It's your money.

 

If you want to go, I know how you can ride your golf cart there.

 

Let me know when you're going, and I'll let you know.

 

TCD

[Lou... 3,118]

I guess the investors in this project know what they're doing, and that I'll be proven wrong, but I can't believe that there's a big market for the product that they're offering.

 

So, they think people paying in that price range will choose to stay at the Four Seasons over the Contemporary and Grand Floridian?

 

 

 

They will choose to stay there because it's a 5 star resort and Disney doesn't have any.

 

I doubt that they're focusing on attracting the typical WDW family?

The people that will stay there, not all, but for the most part, could care less about what WDW perks they get or don't get.

It's not the, I'm saving for 4 years to stay at a 4 Seasons resort, or the, I go to a great restaurant once a year crowd.

It's the doctors, the lawyers, the bankers, crowd. Bif and Buffy will have their people make all of their travel, recreation, and dining arrangements.

They'll have car service, and a Disney tour guide to avoid the long lines.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

They will choose to stay there because it's a 5 star resort and Disney doesn't have any.

 

I doubt that they're focusing on attracting the typical WDW family?

The people that will stay there, not all, but for the most part, could care less about what WDW perks they get or don't get.

It's not the, I'm saving for 4 years to stay at a 4 Seasons resort, or the, I go to a great restaurant once a year crowd.

It's the doctors, the lawyers, the bankers, crowd. Bif and Buffy will have their people make all of their travel, recreation, and dining arrangements.

They'll have car service, and a Disney tour guide to avoid the long lines.

 

You're right.

 

That's their market.

 

But, these are the type of people who could just as easily go to a swanky resort to ski, or to Hawaii, or Europe. 

 

Is Disney World a destination for them? 

 

How long has Disney World been open?

 

Why are there no 5 star resorts there now?

 

TCD

[Lou... 3,118]

 

But, these are the type of people who could just as easily go to a swanky resort to ski, or to Hawaii, or Europe. 

 

Is Disney World a destination for them? 

 

 

 

The younger kids and grand kids want to go, and what they want, they get.

 

Why are there no 5 star resorts there now?

 

 

It's not from a lack of trying. After 20 years, the GF just can't seem to get the full 5th star.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

The younger kids and grand kids want to go, and what they want, they get.

 

Sure. And the kids of the trophy wives will want to visit as well. But, are those going to be repeat customers, or are they just going to check Disney off the list and head off to the African Safari next? Speaking of African Safaris, why wouldn't Richey Rich and his second family want to stay in a nice AKL concierge suite instead of off property?

 

It's not from a lack of trying. After 20 years, the GF just can't seem to get the full 5th star.

You missed my point. You know if Disney wanted that 5th star, they could pull out all the stops and get it. But, they know they would price themselves out of the market.

My question was rhetorical.

There hasn't been a 5 star resort at Disney for the past 40+ years because there is not a sufficient demand for one.

TCD

 

[Lou... 3,118]

You know if Disney wanted that 5th star, they could pull out all the stops and get it. But, they know they would price themselves out of the market.

 

 

So they don't want the 1/2 star that would put them at 5 stars?

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

So they don't want the 1/2 star that would put them at 5 stars?

 

I guess not.  They have the resources to do whatever they need to achieve that 1/2 star, don't they?

 

TCD

[Lou... 3,118]

I guess not.  They have the resources to do whatever they need to achieve that 1/2 star, don't they?

 

 

While they may have the money, it's not something that throwing money at will fix.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

While they may have the money, it's not something that throwing money at will fix.

 

Really?  What is it that is unfixable?

 

TCD

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

Really?  What is it that is unfixable?

 

TCD

 

I'd like to know that too.

 

I stayed at my share of 5-star resorts while traveling on business.  Yes, they are great.  And yes, I'd rather be on Disney property.

[Lou... 3,118]

Really?  What is it that is unfixable?

 

TCD

 

It's too huge a topic to discuss here in depth, but it basically comes down to two areas, tangibles and intangibles.

The Grand is very strong on the tangibles, but a tiny bit short in the intangible side. A major one being consistency and quality of service.

The same thing that plagues the Fort, also plagues the other resorts. The quality and consistency of service is spotty. Five star service must be impeccable all the time and from everyone. The staffing structure and method at WDW doesn't lend itself to advancing that way of thinking.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

It's too huge a topic to discuss here in depth, but it basically comes down to two areas, tangibles and intangibles.

The Grand is very strong on the tangibles, but a tiny bit short in the intangible side. A major one being consistency and quality of service.

The same thing that plagues the Fort, also plagues the other resorts. The quality and consistency of service is spotty. Five star service must be impeccable all the time and from everyone. The staffing structure and method at WDW doesn't lend itself to advancing that way of thinking.

 

OK, but I don't see how that couldn't be fixed if they wanted to.  Hire better staff.  Pay them more.  Whatever it takes.  They could do it if they wanted to.

 

It goes back to my original point, the geniuses in charge reached the conclusion that it doesn't make economic sense to spend the money required to be a 5 star resort.  In this instance, I think they're right.  To have a true 5 star resort, they would have to charge more than they already do.  They know that won't fly.  This is the point I think the Four Seasons folks are missing.  Just plunking a nice hotel there isn't going to fill the beds.  At least not in the long term.

 

TCD

[Lou... 3,118]

Pay them more.  Whatever it takes.  They could do it if they wanted to.

 

 

 

That's a can of worms. Are they going to pay the thousands of CMs at the other resorts doing the exact same jobs more too? There are Union considerations too.

But as I said, it's the staffing system.

What level of service can you expect long term from an operation with so many CP kids and part timers?

You want career professionals in a lot of those positions, but you'll never get them using the current staffing method. 

[Beckers 1,136]

When I worked at the trucking brokerage, the owners had a theory that they never wanted to be #1. Why? Because their theory was there is only one place to go from being #1 and that was down. Guess the same could be said about being a 5 star resort

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

I've stayed at some 5 stars... After you check in, they know your name on sight, etc. I'd still rather have monorail and boat service if at Disney. And when Z gets a little older, the EMH will be more appealing.

[Lou... 3,118]

 After you check in, they know your name on sight,

 

That's not going to happen on a consistent basis at the Grand, it's too big.

And that's another reason that it's not a 5 star resort, the shear size of it makes it very difficult to have the personalized interaction you expect at a 5 star resort. The front desk staff and Concierge can't know or remember everyone's name.

I'm surprised that they have as high a ranking as they do.

 

 I'd still rather have monorail and boat service if at Disney. And when Z gets a little older, the EMH will be more appealing.

 

If the monorail and boats went to all the attractions and resorts, that's one thing, but they don't.

Due to my station in life, I choose not to get into a smelly monorail, a so-slow boat, a tram, or packed like a sardine into a bus driven by a cranky old bus driver. I'm beyond that now. I'll hire a town car and get dropped off at the entrances.

I also couldn't care less about those silly FPs or EMHs that you regular people that make under 200k a year, seem to be crazy about because I've got a Disney tour guide for my entire stay. I'll get in as early as you, not that I would ever want to do that anyway, and before you do on the rides.

.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

I still think the Four Seasons market at WDW will be more "wannabees" than actual wealthy people.  Not to say they won't attract wealthy guests, but I'm guessing there will be lots of the other, with their entitled, snot-nosed little brats peeing in the lazy river, and the parents spending more than they can really afford just to appear they belong there and to tell all the other prima donna Moms at their kids' preschool that THEY went to Disney World but stayed at the Four Seasons.  I know I sound mean and judgmental, but don't tell me you don't know what I'm talking about.   :rofl3: