Special guest Mickey Mouse attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially mark the opening of Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World.

Developed by Silverstein Properties and Dune Real Estate, the 443-guestroom property is located just minutes from all the attractions in the Disney theme park and has views across 26.5 acres of landscaped grounds of gardens, Lake Buena Vista and the Tom Fazio golf course – which will open separately in September. Four Seasons bought the land from Disney in August 2008 and will retain a 30 per cent ownership interest in the project in addition to operating profits. Construction began in December 2011.

The 14,000sq ft (1,300sq m) 18-treatment room Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando includes two ultra private couples’ bungalows and experience showers.

“Everything has been designed for ultimate relaxation,” says the spa director Derek Hofmann, recently appointed to the Orlando resort after working at the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles in Beverly Hills.

The resort also boasts three on-site Har-Tru tennis courts in partnership with Peter Burwash International, an adults-only pool surrounded by private cabanas and a 24-hour fitness centre.

In addition to the pool bar and grill, plus the snack bar called Plancha at the golf club house, the resort features three additional restaurants and drinking hot spots, including a gourmet coffee shop, a Spanish steakhouse and a modern Italian dining venue.