Four Seasons Resort Orlando Expands Luxury Meetings and Events Capabilities

With newfound experience in successfully orchestrating programs that incorporate digital enhancements, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort offers the ability for companies to enjoyably connect with colleagues and clients in-person and via hybrid meetings and events. As Central Florida’s first and only AAA Five Diamond Award rated resort, named Best Hotel in Orlando by U.S. News & World Report for seven years straight, the Resort features world-class amenities and signature guest service that attendees won’t want to miss - and now, with the option to join in-person at the Resort or to tune-in virtually from afar, they don’t have to. 

Virtual Gatherings

The digital experience begins in the planning phase, with live virtual site tours led by the Resort’s sales leaders, establishing a face-to-face connection and offering a real-time look at the Resort’s expansive grounds and 66,587 square feet (6,200 square metres) of event space. Spacious ballrooms can accommodate more than 400 attendees at a safe physical distance while the event is live-streamed to those joining digitally, while more intimate spaces can be utilised for broadcast presentations.

The Resort offers a baseline of packages as a guide for meeting and event planners, with technological inclusions customised to group size and need. Packages range from basic set-ups with webcams, microphones, laptops and wired internet, to comprehensive packages that fully integrate all attendees into an environment of active communication through numerous sound and display reinforcements, fast-fold screens, multiple cameras, projectors, web interface kits and more.

“While virtual connectivity is in many cases essential to the current business environment, these capabilities will inevitably continue to provide a new level of accessibility for key stakeholders who are either unable to attend in person, or would like to drop in on an event to share a choreographed message or interact with the participants,” says Nick Anderson, Director of Sales.  “We will be offering these enhancements as options for our clients well into the future, as our talented team will continue to develop new and exciting ways to elevate the group guest experience.”

Groups can also elevate their standard “Zoom happy hours” with hybrid receptions in unique settings, such as at the rooftop terrace of Capa Steakhouse featuring idyllic views of lakeside scenery and lush Florida woodlands. A recent successful program featured a virtual wine pairing with winemakers tuning in live from their vineyards while attendees sipped wine on the patio at Capa and enjoyed cuisine paired by the Resort’s talented culinary team. 

The options are endless, and a team of on-site technology and audio-visual professionals are available to lend their expertise so presenters and hosts are ensured a seamless event.

Open-Air Spaces

Set amid 26 sprawling acres (more than 10 hectares), guests will enjoy ample space to spread out while still enjoying the Resort's incredible amenities. Expansive meeting spaces include opulent ballrooms flooded with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and adjacent terraces, as well as several immaculately manicured event lawns, where attendees can take advantage of the beautiful Florida weather.

Additionally, each of the Resort’s six restaurants offers indoor and al fresco dining spaces, many of which are available for private bookings and buyouts, including two outdoor terraces at the signature 17th floor Capa Steakhouse. At Ravello, the Resort’s modern-Italian restaurant, a semi-enclosed terrace opens up to an expansive Tuscan-style patio shaded by towering palms trees, ideal for group breakouts in a refreshing, outdoor setting. 

At Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando, a pristine 16-acre (6.5 hectare) practice facility offers a fun and unique environment to host team-building events with access to the Par 3 short course, driving range, 18-hole putting course and chipping area. This area can also be set up reception style, with full food and beverage service by the greens, and themed “mini golf” décor such as string lighting, lanterns, a rustic bar with coordinating tables and chairs, and more.   

Incorporating Wellness into In-person and Hybrid Meetings 

Innovative group fitness classes are offered on-site for attendees to recharge and restore while promoting optimal performance and fostering connections. Guests will enjoy diversifying their standard workout regimen with an Aqua Aerobics fitness session at the Resort’s five-acre water park (two hectares), where an instructor guides the group against the stream of the lazy river while incorporating resistance exercises. The open-air spa lawn also provides a picturesque setting to enjoy outdoor group fitness classes such as Wellness Warrior Bootcamp, Yogalates, Mindfulness Sessions and more. 

Plus, group tennis clinics and round robins are available at the Resort’s three Har-Tru courts, led by Tennis Professional Alain Labrecque in partnership with Peter Burwash International.  Group golf tournaments and lessons are offered by Rod Cook, PGA Director of Golf Instruction at Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando.

Staying engaged during a conference or event comes easier for in-person attendees, while those joining virtually are at risk of “Zoom fatigue” setting in.  With this in mind, the Resort’s craftspeople have shaped creative solutions to cultivate interactivity on the wellness front. Derek Hofmann, Senior Director of Spa, and his team of wellness professionals assist by offering guided yoga breaks for attendees to follow along with remotely, with stretching techniques tailored to those sitting in front of a computer for extended periods of time. 

"Often times we are so consumed with the task on the screen in front of us that we forget to pay attention to proper posture, which can lead to muscular tension, stiffness and headaches,” says Hofmann. “Our team is here to remind guests to take a moment to realign, both physically and mentally, to allow for increased productivity and overall wellbeing.” 

Unique Interactivity with Food and Beverage

The Resort’s award-winning culinary team offer an engaging way to connect with attendees from Ravello’s fully equipped Demonstration Kitchen with hands-on cooking classes, group mixology classes, wine tastings with a Four Seasons sommelier, and much more. Groups and events with local remote attendees can opt in to having Four Seasons pre-package ingredients, to be coordinated with the meeting planners’ designees and delivered to remote attendees, while regional groups can tease an ingredient shopping list via delivery services such as Instacart, for those at home to follow along with a streamed culinary presentation in the comfort of their own kitchen.

“Virtual connection ultimately allows groups to be more creative with their meeting agendas,” says Jennifer Johnson, Director of Conference Services. “Attendees are now given the opportunity to engage digitally without missing the experiential element of in-person meetings and events.”

Remote participants will feel even more engaged with custom “Stay Connected” boxes sent to those joining virtually ahead of their meeting or event, stocked with an exclusive coffee blend from Lickety Split, a Four Seasons ring light, and virtual reality eyeglasses for a fully-immersive event-from-afar experience.

Work and Play 

Whether in between meetings or after the conference wraps, there’s plenty of fun to be had on property. With a private five-acre (two hectare) water park featuring a winding lazy river, an adult-only pool, a sumptuous spa and salon and much more, the Resort offers something for everyone to enjoy. The team at Four Seasons can arrange programs for the attendees’ guests, including spouse and children’s programs, and will ensure every last detail is taken care of.  Click here for more information on group offerings or contact the sales office at 407 313 8100.