The New Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Bonnet Creek (Lots of Links & Info!)

[WDWKOOK]

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando and the neighboring Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek (they are connected by a shared convention center) opened on the 78th anniversary (October 1, 2009) of the opening of the original Waldorf Astoria on Park Avenue in NY.

The Waldorf Astoria® Orlando, offers the highest level of amenities and services expected at the most extraordinary properties across the globe. It is the first Waldorf Astoria outside of New York City. Built from the ground up, the 482-acre development emulates the elegance and grandeur of the New York City landmark. The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is a member of The Waldorf Astoria Collection™, Hilton Hotels Corporation.

Comprised of 497 deluxe rooms and suites, the hotel features 28,000 square feet of exclusive flexible meeting space and pre-function area, a 7,113-yard Rees Jones designed championship golf course at the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, signature Waldorf Astoria food and beverage establishments, a formal swimming pool with private cabanas, recreation pool, 24,000-square-foot Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain® and 4,000-square-foot fitness center. The adjacent contemporary Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek will compliment the locale with specialty restaurants and exemplary meeting space.

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek are located just south of Epcot, between DHS and DD on Bonnet Creek Resort Lane right behind CBR. http://www.yesterland.com/bonnet.html provides an excellent, fact-filled history (with photos) of the development of Bonnet Creek, where the WA and HBC are located.



The following images are from: http://www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com and http://www.facebook.com/BonnetCreek


























Related Links:

http://www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmtJD...eature=related (WA virtual tour)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread....7#post34094207 (WA review posted by: twinsaunt)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread....262762&page=12 (WA photos posted by: jacqu3lin3)

http://www.facebook.com/BonnetCreek (WA and HBC Facebook page)

http://hiltonbonnetcreek.com/hotel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PRuZ...eature=related (HBC virtual tour)

http://waldorfastoriaorlando.com/resort/amenities/ (WA amenities)

http://waldorfastoriaorlando.com/res...s/locationmap/ (WA/HBC location map in relation to WDW)

http://www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com...s/deluxesuite/ (WA Deluxe 1-bedroom Suite)

http://www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/dining/ (WA dining)

http://hiltonbonnetcreek.com/dining (HBC dining)

http://hiltonbonnetcreek.com/poolwater (HBC lazy river pool-shared with WAO)

http://hiltonbonnetcreek.com/rooms (HBC guest rooms)

http://www.yesterland.com/bonnet.html (History/development of Bonnet Creek with photos)

http://www.bonnetcreekmedia.com/index.html (WA/HBC fact sheet/press releases)




WAO/HBC INFORMATION:


RESERVATIONS/INQUIRIES:

For more information or to make a reservation call:

1-888-353-2009 or (407) 597-5500 (HBC) or (407) 597-3600 (WA)


DINING:


Waldorf Astoria Orlando:
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is the first Waldorf Astoria to be built outside of New York City. It will bring the legendary hotel's four acclaimed restaurants and bars to the area and introduce two new concepts with the introduction of the first Waldorf Astoria Golf Club and resort-style pool. Offerings include:

Peacock Alley® is a restaurant, bar and private dining venue open mid-day through late night. Located in the heart of the bustling main lobby near the famed lobby clock, the restaurant serves as the hotel's "living room." It will feature a small plate menu, aperitifs, creative cocktails and live music. On Saturday afternoons, Peacock Alley will feature "Champagne Tea" service.

Bull & Bear Steakhouse® is a clubby, classic steakhouse that will attract an international set, including guests and Central Florida devotees. An elaborate mahogany bar will be a scene for cocktails and watching the restaurant's electronic stock ribbon. A private dining room will offer views of the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club. Bull & Bear will be open for dinner and present a wine list featuring applauded boutique vintners.

Oscar's® is a stylish and contemporary American brasserie offering casual dining for breakfast, dinner and weekend brunch. Comforting dishes which made the original Waldorf Astoria famous such as Veal Oscar and Eggs Benedict will be reinterpreted with a contemporary flair. The bar will offer appetizers to complement its selection of craft and micro-brews and wines served by the glass.

Sir Harry's Lounge is the quintessential lounge that will be open each afternoon through late night, providing a subdued yet inviting atmosphere for conversation. It will feature an "American Dim Sum" style menu, modernized, pre-prohibition beverage menu and exclusive, ultra premium label selections.

Aquamarine will be open mid-morning through sunset and will offer light poolside cuisine featuring "Shaken not Stirred" salads, grilled fish and a signature WA hamburger. Cabana and pool ambassador service includes chilled towels, smoothie samplings, frozen fruit kabobs and cucumber facial mist.
Grille, located at the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, serves as the 19th hole for guests.


Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek:
While Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is one of the largest properties in the company's portfolio, each restaurant and bar offers a distinctive experience. Offerings include:

La Luce® is the hotel's signature restaurant created by Chef Donna Scala. It is a modern Italian country kitchen which will serve dinner nightly and feature thin crust pizzas, family style pastas, Mediterranean-inspired drinks and a Trattoria-style wine program.

Harvest® Bistro is a family-friendly, high-energy American bistro offering a "Farm to Fork" menu featuring seasonal and local products. Kid's can also enjoy creatively-presented menu selections (12 and under eat free at breakfast with each adult meal ordered) and all guests can delight in the bistro's fresh-pressed apple cider, just-squeezed local citrus concoctions and flavored lemonades. Another highlight will be retro comfort desserts that are designed to share.

Beech® is a casual poolside eatery that will be open mid-morning through sunset and will feature hamburgers, salads and fun appetizers to share. Guests will also enjoy delectable frozen beverages and a shaved ice cart, complete with fresh fruit popsicles and shakes.

Sena Bar + Lounge®, known as the hotel's "family room," the relaxed and contemporary lobby bar and lounge offers a small plate menu, seasonally inspired cocktails and local micro-brewed beer selections.

Zeta Bar® is a sophisticated lounge that will feature a chic beverage menu and bottle service.

Menus can be found for the WA here and for the HBC here. Click-on the name of the restaurant and the PDF menu will download.



TRANSPORTATION:

The WA provides their own dedicated shuttle to WDW. Enjoy our complimentary private transportation directly from Waldorf Astoria Orlando to neighboring Disney Parks and Attractions. Our two private shuttles run every half hour from 8:00am to 1:30am. It does not stop at any other resorts. Here is the transportation schedule.

Beach710 posted:

The bus(es) run every 1/2 hour but that doesn't mean you can get to any park every 1/2 hour. On the hour the bus will go to MK and AK, and on the 1/2 to MK, EPCOT, DS. The bus returns from EPCOT every hour. You miss a bus and you have to wait another hour or you can take the monorail to the TTC and get the MK bus. The bus only goes to DD 4 times a day. You can take a Mears town car for $13 to go to DD.


EMH:

Not yet - still "negotiating" with WDW on this.


WiFi:

jacqu3lin3 reports that there was a $10/day charge for WiFi in their suite at the WA.


PARKING:

Self-parking is available to both WA and HBC guests in the parking garage in the middle of the resorts for $13/day + tax. Valet parking is $20/day + tax.


POOLS:

A picture-perfect setting, our impressive Orlando family resort offers a pool area that is pure Florida. Relax amid lush, subtropical landscaping and crystal-clear water sparkling in the sun. The swimming pool itself is lagoon-style and free form, so it gently snakes through the grounds. Being zero-entry, the pool encourages easy access into the water, wading out to a comfortable depth. A more exciting, circuitous route into the water is down the winding waterslide - ideal fun for both kids and adults. Other areas of the pool are perfect for swimming laps, splashing around with kids, or even doing low-impact exercises in the water. Delight in all this enjoyable Orlando family-friendly hotel has to offer in a truly striking setting.

Beautiful zero-entry lagoon-style pool. Areas for swimming laps, playing with the kids, and for water exercise. Exciting winding water slide.

The photo above is of the Hilton's lazy river-type pool. It is a 3 acre free-form lagoon-style pool with zero-entry and an action water slide. It appears to have a hot tub in the middle of the photo. I suppose it could best be compared to SAB. The pool at the WA does not have those features, but is very large and geared more toward adults. There is also a cabana or private pool surrounded by cabanas available for rent. WA guests can access the Hilton pool by:

Walking on one of two pathways outside.

Walking from one lobby to the other inside.

Taking their shuttle.

The hotels are also connected by the shared convention facility.



"WA KIDS" CHILDREN'S PROGRAM:

Creating a specialized Orlando kids' program of this magnitude was no small task. Led by our Children's Concierge, a specialized service that aims at children's activities, children will experience a world of adventure and learning. There is always plenty to do, including making new friends. The exciting kids activities schedule changes seasonally and can include watersports, bike tours, golf clinics, arts and crafts, and movies depending on the time of year. Gamers will love the challenge of playing some of the latest gaming equipment at our impressive Orlando kids-friendly hotel.

Depending on the season activities may include:

Watersports
Bike tours
Golf clinics
Arts and crafts
Scavenger hunts and relay games
The latest gaming equipment including Wii and Rock Band



BONNET CREEK NATURE PRESERVE:

The property features 125 acres of state protected waterways and wetlands that are home to turkeys, foxes, pigs and 100+ migratory birds.


SPA AND FITNESS CENTER:

The 24,000-sq.-ft. Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain® features 23 luxuriously appointed indoor treatment rooms and six outdoor treatment areas affording an opulent hotel guest room experience, each adjoined by private bath and changing rooms to provide a completely cocooned experience with a seamless pre-and post-treatment transition.

To view the spa menu go here and select "make a reservation" and then "click here" and finally (phew), "select a service" from the drop-down menu.

The Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain® features the exclusive Guerlain Méthode and advance skincare technologies – the combined efficacies stunningly demonstrated through Guerlain’s iconic Exceptional Orchidée Impériale Treatment and skincare. With an emphasis on customization, treatments are designed to enhance the individual’s beauty and well-being through a personalized analysis and precise skin diagnosis so therapists gain an intrinsic understanding of essential requirements to tailor a therapy according to individual needs and expectations. The Fitness Center will provide a revolutionary approach to working out with superior weights and cardiovascular offerings.

To satisfy those wishing to partake of more ambitious physical activity, a spectacular 4,000-square-foot fitness center lies within the spa. It contains some of the very latest exercise stations, each one isolating and toning a different area of the body, which maximizes the benefit of each movement. Utilize our treadmills - perfect for increasing cardiovascular fitness, while watching a flat-screen television or enjoying the scenery through the expansive windows. A variety of classes, including aerobics, Pilates, yoga and spinning, are held throughout the day. A personal instructor is also available to recommend a suitable exercise program in-line with your fitness levels and exact intentions.

State-of-the-art facility overlooking pool and golf course
Precor® workout equipment
Treadmills with flat-screen televisions
Open 24 hours per day
Staffed with fitness attendants



GOLF:

The WA golf club brochure is located here.

Designed with a five-tee system for all playing abilities, yet quite challenging, the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club provides a truly exceptional setting for Orlando golf. Test your skill on the 18-hole Rees Jones-designed championship course, winding through a large wetland preserve and measuring 7108 yards with a Par 72, Slope 139, and 74.6 rating from its Professional Tees. Holes are visually arresting from tee to green and require intelligent management of the game. Bunkers are carved to be reminiscent of the hazards designed on courses a century ago. Majestic stands of pine and cypress trees line the fairways. The style of this meticulous Orlando golf resort was dictated by the land's existing contours, which Jones then enhanced always mindful of the natural elements and environmental issues.

Written by GolfOrlandoFlorida Editor July 07, 2009:

Peter Kacheris, managing director of Bonnet Creek, home to the Waldorf Astoria® Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, announced the addition of the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club to the destination’s extensive list of amenities. Created by acclaimed golf course architect Rees Jones, the 18-hole, 7,113-yard championship course is the centerpiece of the first golf club for the Waldorf Astoria brand. The Waldorf Astoria Golf Club will also feature a clubhouse and be open for play October 1, 2009, the same day as all of Bonnet Creek, conveniently surrounded on three sides by Walt Disney World® Resort.

“As the first Waldorf Astoria to be built outside of New York City, our desire is to pay tribute to the landmark hotel’s legendary past and create new traditions. Due to our distinctive preserve setting, there is a sense of being alone with nature, playing the ‘game of kings’ in a fairy tale forest,” says Kacheris.

One of the few golf courses in the Orlando area to be free of real estate dotting its greens, the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club is open to all players – those staying at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando or Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and those who want to experience a piece of history. Although designed with a five-tee system for all playing abilities, the course is challenging. Winding through a large wetland preserve, it has a par 72, slope 130 and 72.5 rating from its professional tees.

Holes are visually arresting from tee to green and require intelligent management of the game. Bunkers are carved to be reminiscent of the hazards designed on courses a century ago. Majestic stands of pine and cypress trees line the fairways. The style was dictated by the land's existing contours, which Jones then enhanced, always mindful of the natural elements and environmental sensitivity.

“Opening the first Waldorf Astoria Golf Club in conjunction with legendary designer Rees Jones is a tremendous monumental addition to Bonnet Creek and the golfing public,” states Ted Ratcliff, senior vice president, North Eastern Americas for Hilton Hotels Corporation. “We are thrilled to be part of Orlando ’s prominent golf community and look forward to introducing the Waldorf Astoria experience to visitors of our hotels and the destination.”

Please call 1-888-WA –GOLF-1 (1-888-924-6531) to arrange a tee time. The Clubhouse is located at 14224 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, Florida 32821. The phone number is 407-597-3300.


The property also includes a volleyball court for leisure and teambuilding activities. Jogging paths crisscross the grounds and bicycles are available at no charge.


MEETINGS:

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers 28,000 square feet of exclusive meeting space and pre-function area including the 8,100-square-foot Ballroom, which will be flawlessly decorated for the most opulent galas and functions.

Two Executive Boardrooms showcasing leading audio/visual technology will be available for Fortune 500 meetings and earnings conference calls. A portfolio of 15 classically designed meeting rooms capable of hosting gatherings from small and private to the most grand and extraordinary are available.

Outdoor venues including Bonnet Creek Island which will provide a backdrop for cocktails or storybook weddings under the stars.

Located adjacent to the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, giving meeting planners the priceless asset of further flexibility and versatility. The two properties combined total 150,000 square feet of meeting space and pre-function area.

Outstanding venues are complimented by the dedicated services of a sales, catering and culinary team. Customized packages including VIP transportation for intimate experiences can be arranged for meetings and incentive groups of every size.



PRICING/SPECIALS/VIEWS:


Both the WA and HBC have rooms with views of WDW. As of 9-1-09, it is now listed on both the WAO and HBC sites as "Disney View." It was previously listed as "Epcot View." It is indeed a view of Epcot and one can see Illuminations. This is the only view that costs more. The "Disney View" also has a view of the golf course and is in the back of the resort. The "Landscape View" is in the front of the resort and is of the greater Orlando area and the, umm, parking lot.

Brian Noble writes:

"For what it's worth, we had a unit on the 10th floor of Wyndham BC's northern end, overloooking all of Epcot. You can see the castle and Contemporary in the distance, and can see Wishes from there. It's not at all the same as seeing it from, say, the Poly beach, but it's there. It's also surprising that, from that perspective, the castle looks a lot smaller relative to the Contemporary towers as its seems from around the MK-area. The 'forced perspective' tricks don't work when you can't see the detail!"


If you are considering a stay and you are a little flexible, it's worth your time to plug-in an arrival date + or - a day or two to see if the price might be is lower. The first night's rate seems to be the rate that is applicable for the duration of your stay.

For packages check the WA website here. Or the HBC here.


RESORT FEES:

There are NO additional resort fees. However, there is a charge for parking (self and valet) and WiFi in your room.


LAUNDRY:

Neither hotel has a self-service laundry. The WA will pick-up your laundry from your room and have it cleaned and back in your room the same day. However, per item charges will apply.



HILTON HHONORS:
From www.Mousesavers.com

You can trade in Hilton HHonors points for "FREE" Walt Disney World tickets. It takes 175,000 points for an adult 4-Day Magic Your Way with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More ticket with the No Expiration option. It is 160,000 points for a 4-day child's ticket with the same inclusions. 7-Day tickets are also available at higher point values.

http://hhonors1.hilton.com/en_US/hh/rewards/disney.do

[ElizabethB]

Definitely considering the Waldorf!

[rie'smom]

We have reservations already for our April 2010 trip. I won't book the Waldorf for that trip because I'm excited to see BLT. However, when I book the trip after, I will definitely consider the Waldorf for the weekend before we go to BWV.

[WDW-BWV]

What is the transportaiton plan? Will they have Disney busses like the Disney Villge hotels did 20 years ago or will you be treated like a parking lot guest and shown to edge of the property have to hike the extra distance?

[helenk]

Originally Posted by WDW-BWV

What is the transportaiton plan? Will they have Disney busses like the Disney Villge hotels did 20 years ago or will you be treated like a parking lot guest and shown to edge of the property have to hike the extra distance?

Since its not WDW owned resort I would suspect that if they provide transportation to the parks it will be similar to the other offsite hotels. I think that those hotels have stops at the TTC, their own area at DHS. I am not sure about the buses at Epcot and I do not recall any stops at the AK for any other buses than the Disney resort buses.

[ddleffers]

Just got back from a week at BLT. Nice enough but if I had it to do again and the Waldorf had been open - not even a tough call. Was not impressed with the Disney version of "deluxe" accommodation.

[TheRustyScupper]

1) We will book the Waldorf or Four Seasons before ANY Disney resort.
2) The level of service and amenities are far superior.
3) There is no doubt or concern.
4) Besides, the prices, that I've seen, make them comparable to WDW rooms.

NOTE: I am hoping that with the competition from these two hotels, WDW will finally improve their service. They have tried, but they keep failing. Even the WDW flagship deluxe resorts keep fluctuating between 3-stars and 4-stars. Just shows that consistency is not a trait at WDW hotels.

[rie'smom]

From the map it looks like the pool is at the Hilton or is the reflecting pool really a swimming pool. Does anyone know?

[eliza61]

Originally Posted by TheRustyScupper

1) We will book the Waldorf or Four Seasons before ANY Disney resort.
2) The level of service and amenities are far superior.
3) There is no doubt or concern.
4) Besides, the prices, that I've seen, make them comparable to WDW rooms.

NOTE: I am hoping that with the competition from these two hotels, WDW will finally improve their service. They have tried, but they keep failing. Even the WDW flagship deluxe resorts keep fluctuating between 3-stars and 4-stars. Just shows that consistency is not a trait at WDW hotels.

ITA

We usually have a car so transportation is not an issue for us. I can't wait for the Waldolf to open and I'm positively hyperventilating over the thought of a four seasons close by.

I love the WLV's but as Rusty says, disney's idea of a deluxe is a far cry from the real world.

[eliza61]

click on the virtual tour guys. OMG it looks stunning!!
Brochure says it is surrounded by disneyworld on 3 sides so I'm thinking they will have some type of shuttle transportation

[mechteach]

We're sticking with the Poly for our trip in October - it's me, my mom, and 2 young kids for DD's birthday, so a nicely-themed monorail resort seems to be the best.

However, I have a conference at the Swan/Dolphin in November, and I've already booked the W-A for those dates. Their regular daily rate is cheaper than the S/D conference rate (once you include the resort fee), plus I get the 4th night free! No contest....

[rie'smom]

Originally Posted by rie'smom

From the map it looks like the pool is at the Hilton or is the reflecting pool really a swimming pool. Does anyone know?

Quoting my own post but found out the info. There is a pool at the W-A.

[gatorchinsky]

We are definitely going to book the Waldorf and/or Hilton. It looks amazing. As pp's have mentioned, the service at Disney deluxe resorts does not even compare and they cost the same or even more. We have APs so for us driving to the parks is no big deal. I think the hotel transportation will be limited so using our own car would be better. I am curious to see what the Four Seasons will charge for rooms.

[chrisw127]

I would do it on a trip without the kids, but when they're with us, transportation is too complicated. Until I hear they're just as good as Disney transportation, I'm sticking with Disney.

[rie'smom]

Originally Posted by chrisw127

I would do it on a trip without the kids, but when they're with us, transportation is too complicated. Until I hear they're just as good as Disney transportation, I'm sticking with Disney.

As good as Disney? I hope they're better.