Orlando has no shortage of luxury hotels, but there is something special about Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. It is located within the park itself and the go-to destination for those that don’t want to sacrifice service and upscale accommodations when visiting Mickey Mouse. These are five of the top reasons to stay at this theme park-convenient Four Seasons.

The location

Without a doubt, this is a reigning feature of the property, and free transportation to the parks is a huge win for guests. While many may arrive with cars, there is also the option to borrow from the hotel’s fleet of electric cars to drive around the area without an additional charge.

From the hotel, you can see just how close the hotel is to Walt Disney World and Epcot Center. The evening fireworks shows at both parks are visible from the resort. The international airport is about 30 minutes by car.

While the resort is close to the parks, it still feels as if it were in its own little world. Surrounded by pristine forest and lakes (this is actually a “Certified Audubon Sanctuary,” home to numerous bird and wildlife species), a stay here feels as if you are in the countryside despite being so close to the action.

The onsite recreation

The parks are the big draw for Orlando, but it is not unheard of for guests to base themselves here and never want to leave. There are two beautiful swimming pools, one is the only adult pool in the park. The other is the family pool, complete with water slides, a lazy river, kids splash pad and tiered seating facing the pool and lake. Both pools are heated making them popular every month of the year, and the water park here spans five acres.

Almost every hour, the staff comes around with surprise-and-delight treats like frozen grapes or ice cream by the pools. There is also a food and beverage menu delivered to your seat. For maximum privacy, poolside cabanas are available for rent.

That’s not all though. There are rock climbing walls, basketball, pickleball and tennis courts, a Tom Fazio-designed golf course (clubs and balls are free for guests), and a game room. The latter is especially popular with teenage guests, and younger kids have access to a complimentary children’s club with supervised activities.

If it’s pampering you are looking for, the spa here is one of the region’s best. A long list of massage and beauty treatments like an oxygen facial and a beauty salon are on offer, but even without a treatment, all guests enjoy access to the relaxation facilities. These include men’s and women’s changing rooms, complete with al fresco whirlpool, sundeck, steam room and experience showers.

Strolling the grounds here is just as relaxing though as there are various patios with artwork, sculptures and fountains dotting the grounds.

The dining

You won’t go hungry here. Starting at breakfast, Ravello presents an impressive buffet with made-to-order eggs as well as an a la carte breakfast menu. A weekly character breakfast is another popular option for both guests and outsiders, and many prefer the one here since it is less crowded than those at Disney resorts. Kids get to spend more time with the characters themselves.

For dinner, Ravello focuses on Italian specialties with the option to dine on the terrace. It even received the Platinum tier of 100% Italian Taste Certification, the first restaurant in the U.S. to earn it, for using such a high number of premium Italian ingredients. On the top floor is Capa, the Michelin-starred steakhouse restaurant room focusing on Spanish fare with great attention to detail (even the bottled water is from Spain).

My meal was absolutely delicious with exceptional service (special shout out to Kayla). I watched in amazement as the kitchen team prepared everything with precision and absolute calm. The flaming grill provided plenty of entertainment. One of the highlights of this dining room, besides the menu and service, is that this is the ideal spot to catch the evening fireworks displays at the parks.

There is a Latin American grill at the golf clubhouse, a casual poolside bar and grill menu with plenty of salads, burgers and sandwiches, and Lickety Split, the grab-and-go deli and coffee bar in the lobby. The newest venue at the resort is the adults-only speakeasy, home to a long list of craft cocktails.

The rooms

Airy and bright, these rooms have soft carpeting, corner sitting areas with a coffee table, separate dining table that doubles as a guest and ample storage in closets or on the counter. Power outlets are in all the right places, and the customary espresso machine and refrigerator are tucked away for a streamlined look.

The famous Four Seasons bed is the star of the show, however. Its stacks of enormous pillows, cushion-topped mattress and thick duvet are among the most comfortable beds on the market.

Guests can choose between views of the parks and pools or the Golden Oak resort view with the city in the distance. Both offer interesting perspectives, and for those that plan to spend most of their time outside, the bed is the priority anyway. Furnished balconies are a great place to unwind.

There are numerous suite options with views of the parks and pools or resort grounds. For big spenders that want maximum privacy, the entire 16th floor can be reserved in its entirety.

Bathrooms are spacious with marble-lined showers, deep soaking tubs, double vanities stocked with grapefruit-scented Atelier Cologne toiletries and built-in TVs inside the mirror.

The details

Like any Four Seasons, there is no shortage of attention to detail here. From the staff that engages with each guest as they pass to the special check-in desk for kids, it seems they have thought of everything. Kids, for example, receive welcome treats and a stuffed animal in the room. There is also a scavenger hunt around the hotel that keeps them busy. Don’t be surprised if other treats await around the resort like chocolate-covered strawberries by the pool.

With Florida’s unpredictable weather, I was impressed to see umbrellas stocked by most doors to the outside. Rain can come and go frequently, and it’s always good to be prepared. There are separate spaces for wet umbrellas as well as new, dry ones.

Even the artwork shows thoughtful details like the Mickey Mouse designs in the stairway railing. And look closely to spot the hidden Mickeys in the wallpaper of guest room hallways.

In the rooms, the housekeeping staff continues this theme. Expect your strewn laundry to be folded, unwieldy charging cables tied up and bathroom toiletries organized. Many luxury hotels follow these practices, but this property seems to have thought of how they can improve upon them. For example, it is common to have toiletries organized and placed on a linen cloth. Here, toiletries are placed on a branded rubber mat. Even when water splashes on it, it still stays in place and looks clean.

Like many hotels around the world, this Four Seasons recently introduced a $50 amenity fee. It includes numerous perks like a free wine reception three times a week for an hour in the lobby. It also adds sports equipment rental (tennis and pickleball) and the thrice-weekly pasta-and-play dinners. The latter allows kids to order their food and dine first. Then, there are supervised activities on the lawn while their parents enjoy their own leisurely meal. Now, that’s luxury.