I've stayed at every Walt Disney World hotel over 500 visits. My favorite is inside a gated luxury community.

I've been visiting Walt Disney World in central Florida for four decades. Having clocked somewhere around 500 visits, I've stayed at each of the Mouse's dozens of resorts.

Each has its own charm and employs the same level of detail as its attractions — from the retro tiki vibes of Polynesian Village Resort to the Mediterranean opulence of Riviera Resort. I stay at the Grand Floridian for the food alone, and book Pop Century when I need a budget-friendly option.

But as my tastes and travel habits have evolved with age, a clear favorite has emerged: the Four Seasons Resort Orlando . It's become my go-to for celebratory trips, like my recent 40th birthday celebration .

The resort is located within the exclusive, gated Golden Oak development, which is also home to a luxury residential community, with multimillion-dollar homes and picture-perfect landscaping. If you're not a resident, staying as a Four Seasons guest or visiting one of its restaurants is one of the very few ways to get inside the gates (there's very strict security at the complex entrance).

The resort is just a stone's throw from Magic Kingdom, and I relished feeling completely removed from a typical theme park vacation while knowing I could hit up EPCOT within minutes if I desired.

Even though it has around 400 rooms, it has the notable feel of a boutique hotel, with personable service and one single tower (as opposed to sprawling resorts where it's downright impossible to find your room at the end of a long day). But there's one distinct difference: all the offerings of a full-service resort, including multiple restaurants, pools, bars, shopping, a golf course, fitness classes and a spa.

I find my very own happily ever after when I lay my head upon a pillow here. It's one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in, and they even offer the ability to request different pillows through the Four Seasons app.

The rooms are extremely spacious — even the standard rooms have a bit more space than other Disney resorts. One of my favorites is the 825-square-foot park-view suite with a bedroom, two bathrooms and an in-room wine machine. Rooms with a terrace are a treat, as they overlook nearby parks, including Magic Kingdom, and offer prime fireworks views in the distance.

I've stayed in hundreds of hotels all over the world, and I've yet to find a bathroom I've loved more, even in the most basic rooms. There's a rain shower, a soaking tub, a private toilet area and a sprawling countertop sink and vanity, complete with an in-mirror television.

The pool is a true oasis, with towering palm trees and a huge lazy river. The main portion is kid- and family-focused, with a mini waterpark and standout water slides (and they actually deliver real thrills). There's also a supervised kids club with daily activities that younger travelers can take advantage of.

But you'll find me at the Oasis Pool, an adult-only, waterfront lap pool with attentive cocktail service and plush loungers. (Order the Cobb salad — trust me.) The attendants are fabulous and will always keep your water pitcher consistently full. Overall, the service here is fantastic — from the lobby attendants who hand you a bottle of cold water upon returning to the friendly staff of the on-site coffee shop.

Dining is a pivotal factor in where I stay on vacations. The Michelin-recommended Capa is a Spanish-influenced rooftop steakhouse that offers amazing views, including the Magic Kingdom fireworks. I love visiting early in the evening and perching up at the bar to catch the show.

But my favorite is Ravello, a relaxed Italian-inspired restaurant I typically visit several times during my stay. In my opinion, it's easily the best Italian in central Florida, with an incredible lineup of seasonal fresh pastas.

On select mornings, Ravello transforms into the home of what's, in my opinion, Walt Disney World's best — and most underrated — character dining, the Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and his Pals. I've visited every character dining option at Disney World, and this one really impresses me. The food is a bit more upscale than most, but it's priced in line with other options, like 1900 Park Fare and Topolino's Terrace. Plus, it's the only place where you can spot Mickey Mouse in his exclusive Four Seasons golf outfit.

It's often hard to peel me away from the hotel, but when I do desire park time, I'm traveling there in style. Four Seasons has a private chauffeured motorcoach (think: prom-style shuttle) to the parks. I find this super convenient, and I can save a bit on rideshares and use the rest for some Mickey bars.

Sure, this is a Four Seasons, but the Disney touches are subtly woven into the property. One of my favorites is the lobby's soaring chandelier, meant to represent the bursting fireworks over Cinderella Castle.

Throughout the resort, there's also character artwork and an art gallery featuring Disney-inspired pieces for purchase. Even though it's a luxury resort, there's no sacrificing those touches of (tasteful) magic.