The WALDORF ASTORIA ORLANDO and HILTON BONNET CREEK Information Thread

[eddiemcgarrigle]

Oooooohhhhhhhhh. I think I'll have to investigate a stay at the Waldorf for the future, it looks fantastic. My upcoming trip will be my first on-site and I'll reserve judgement until after that but I will never stay at I-Drive again and if Disney doesn't tick every box then the Waldorf is next on the list.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Enviable Orlando Hotel Specials
Treat yourself to once-in-a-lifetime getaway with one of our enviable Orlando hotel specials. Experience unforgettable moments with a customized family package. Test your skill on the championship Rees Jones-designed golf course. Reignite romance with your special someone. Delight in our extensive array of unique Orlando hotel packages - perfect for any occasion. All hotel guests enjoy our Complimentary Direct Transportation to Disney Parks and our Kids Eat Free* special.

Packages
Grand Getaway
Winter Escape
Wandering Wizards
Unlimited Golf
Pampered Shopper
Bed & Breakfast

Special Rates
Florida Resident
Senior
Military & Government
Firefighter
Nurse
Teacher
Airline Industry Employees

http://hiltonbonnetcreekresort.com/packages

 

[eddiemcgarrigle]

Woo Hoo, special rates for firefighters. Do you think they'll honour that for non-US firemen?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Woo Hoo, special rates for firefighters. Do you think they'll honour that for non-US firemen?

When you click-on the booking link here under "special rates" - "Firefighters", it doesn't stipulate "US Firefighters". It looks like you'd have no trouble booking online; a Scottish firefighter should be eligible for the same discount!. But, make sure that it would be a greater discount than one of their packages

 

[WDWKOOK]

I just noticed on Fox News that the bus that was hit today by the WDW bus driver near Epcot has "Follow me to the Waldorf" on the side of it. Does anyone who has taken the WA bus remember seeing that written on it?

Here is the bus crash story that I posted earlier to the Rumors and News thread.

 

[dpndka]

Has anyone tried the kids program or baby sitting services at Hilton Bonnet Creek? we're tentatively looking to go back in May but for a week this time so it would good to find a resort that offers a nice kids program.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Wandering Wizards Package

Get ready for action-packed days of magic and villains with daily breakfast guaranteed to satisfy magicians of all ages. Children will receive a spell-casting wand upon arrival and your guaranteed late checkout will ensure you have enough time to cast all your spells!

Package Includes:

One Magic Wand per Child at check-in
Daily Breakfast for each registered guest
Guaranteed 3:00pm Late Checkout.

Starting @ $214/night

Accepting reservations starting April 1, 2010.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Has anyone tried the kids program or baby sitting services at Hilton Bonnet Creek? we're tentatively looking to go back in May but for a week this time so it would good to find a resort that offers a nice kids program.

I haven't tried it, but here's more info. on it:

Programs Just for Little Ones at our Orlando Kids Hotel

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

The WA Kids Club is open to children ages 5 to 12 and is available Daily 10AM - 9PM.

The cost is $15 an hour per child.

For a night-time option, kids will love Astoria After Dark with fun-filled activities and dinner served right in the Kids Club. Astoria After Dark is from 7PM - 10PM and costs $75 per child. Reservations are required; please call 407-597-5388 to reserve your child's space or for more details.

 

[dpndka]

Thanks WDWKOOK.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks WDWKOOK.

You're welcome, dpndka.

 

[carpetride]

We arrive Tuesday, can't wait!

 

[WDWKOOK]

We arrive Tuesday, can't wait!

We'd love a TR when you get back.

Have a great vacation!

 

[dpndka]

$199 -- 5-Star Waldorf Astoria, Half-OFF w/FREE Fourth Night
The luxurious 5-Star Waldorf Astoria Orlando has reduced its rates to $199 per night for select May-June dates. Guests will receive a free night stay based on a minimum four night booking.

Located on the 482-acre Bonnet Creek Nature Reserve, the resort offers complimentary private shuttle service to the Disney Parks and wireless high-speed Internet access.

Stay for $199, checking in on the following dates: May 1, 6-9, 15, 19-22, 26-31; June 1-7, 13-20. Other dates in May and June start at just $10 more per night.


http://hotels.travelzoo.com/orlando-hotels/780084

 

[carpetride]

Thought I would give a "live" update of WAO. Currently there until Monday. We checked in Tuesday, had a Deluxe Suite, I had a minor issue with my bed and mentioned it to the front desk the next the morning. They immediately offered to fix it and we ended up with a Waldorf Suite. They really went way beyond the call of duty to make sure I was happy and I told them so. They moved a couple of roll-aways in for the kids and these are actual twin mattresses on wheels. I had visions of what was available 30 years ago at the Holiday Inn...not even close! The pool has been nice, not busy at all. I walked down to the Hilton one afternoon it was very busy and loud...not a bad thing just a difference. All the staff has been very courteous and looking to please. Both rooms have been corner rooms with a Disney view. Knowing what I know now, the next time I will book a Deluxe Suite King and have the roll-aways brought in. I haven't really had a chance to try the restaurants, the wife and kids had room service last night and they say it was great.

Bus service has been convenient and reliable in our experience. Every 30 minutes at the hotel and varying times at the parks. www.bonnetshuttle.com will give you their schedule if you forget while at the parks.

I booked this hotel using miles from Delta through their Marketplace, so it hasn't directly cost me a thing other than I chose to valet the car.

I've stayed at quite a few Four Seasons in my travels (ranked very high in my book) and would make a direct comparision of the two. It is always in the details and the WAO has surpassed every expectation along the way.

 

[BunnieGene]

Thanks for the update, carpetride. We're headed back on Wednesday and I cannot wait...I just love, love, love this hotel.

 

[snappy]

Great review, carpetride! Thanks!

I really liked the deluxe king suite too. I did not know about the rollaways, so a big thank you too for that info. Those would be beter than the sofabed, I would think and there is plenty of room in the living room.

I really loved the tranquil feel of the pools as well. Did you find them warm?They seemed perfect in November and the air temp was cool.

I am glad they took care of you and upgraded you. Was the Waldorf suite huge? I wanted to at least check one out when we were there in November but and the front desk was willing, we just ran out of time.

I am going back this October but am having trouble waiting until then.

I am hoping there is another Travel zoo deal when I go back.

We liked the bus system too, although we also drove as well since we always have a car and both Epcot and the Studios are so close and quick to get to.

Did you get the sense of how many guests were there?

 

[carpetride]

Great review, carpetride! Thanks!

I really liked the deluxe king suite too. I did not know about the rollaways, so a big thank you too for that info. Those would be beter than the sofabed, I would think and there is plenty of room in the living room.

I really loved the tranquil feel of the pools as well. Did you find them warm?They seemed perfect in November and the air temp was cool.

I am glad they took care of you and upgraded you. Was the Waldorf suite huge? I wanted to at least check one out when we were there in November but and the front desk was willing, we just ran out of time.

I am going back this October but am having trouble waiting until then.

I am hoping there is another Travel zoo deal when I go back.


We liked the bus system too, although we also drove as well since we always have a car and both Epcot and the Studios are so close and quick to get to.

Did you get the sense of how many guests were there?

Pools have been warm but nice, not hot.

Waldorf Suite is very nice, certainly larger than the Deluxe suite. Layout wise, we kinda like the Deluxe suite a little better...go figure! I would like to see some that were not an end/corner unit. The half bath door is in the bedroom which doesn't make a lot of sense to me...but I really have no complaints.

We caught a town car one morning, and a cab back from Animal Kingdom as we were tired and didn't feel like using the bus i.e. we didn't pay attention to our time! Also had a town car run the family over to DTD while I took an afternoon nap.

The hotel gets busy in the evening but it seems more like people coming in for drinks and dinner. In a week we have had 3 elevator trips with other guest. Certainly others here but not booked to a high capacity in my guesstimate.

Edit: Last edit didn't take: I should add that we actually had the roll aways parked in with the King. I stay up much later than the rest of the family, hence my desire for a 2 room suite, condo, or house when we travel with the kids. Still plenty of room to walk around in the bedroom with them in there.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thought I would give a "live" update of WAO. Currently there until Monday. We checked in Tuesday, had a Deluxe Suite, I had a minor issue with my bed and mentioned it to the front desk the next the morning. They immediately offered to fix it and we ended up with a Waldorf Suite. They really went way beyond the call of duty to make sure I was happy and I told them so. They moved a couple of roll-aways in for the kids and these are actual twin mattresses on wheels. I had visions of what was available 30 years ago at the Holiday Inn...not even close! The pool has been nice, not busy at all. I walked down to the Hilton one afternoon it was very busy and loud...not a bad thing just a difference. All the staff has been very courteous and looking to please. Both rooms have been corner rooms with a Disney view. Knowing what I know now, the next time I will book a Deluxe Suite King and have the roll-aways brought in. I haven't really had a chance to try the restaurants, the wife and kids had room service last night and they say it was great.

Bus service has been convenient and reliable in our experience. Every 30 minutes at the hotel and varying times at the parks. www.bonnetshuttle.com will give you their schedule if you forget while at the parks.

I booked this hotel using miles from Delta through their Marketplace, so it hasn't directly cost me a thing other than I chose to valet the car.

I've stayed at quite a few Four Seasons in my travels (ranked very high in my book) and would make a direct comparision of the two. It is always in the details and the WAO has surpassed every expectation along the way.

Thank you for posting your "real-time" review, carpetride

Do you think you would book again if you were paying OOP? And, would you choose it over on-site, if paying OOP?

Thanks!

 

[carpetride]

I would definitely book here again. Onsite is quickly becoming a non-option for me, not knocking Disney, it just doesn't work for me. I have stayed at the Animal Kingdom and the Grand Californian as my comparison stays...both nice hotels. I'm not sure how the DVC villas would stack up. If paying I would definitely have to consider the difference in what Disney calls luxury vs. the rest of the world. The separate bedroom would be a deciding factor for me on trip longer that 2 nights, which would bring us back to the value proposition when considering a Disney vs. non-Disney property.

I travel for our company 25-30 weeks a year visiting our locations and customers primarily in the midwest. I am an avid "point" collector and rarely fully pay for a family vacation unless it is camping...haven't figured that one out yet! This trip with point/miles was 3 of 4 air tickets, hotel, and car. Not bragging, just pointing out it can be done with a little forthought.

 

[Charleston Zurg]

We stayed at the HBC for a couple of nights back in Feb. On the 11th floor and upgraded to Dis view because of being a HHoners Gold member. Only paid $81 plus tax which was a military rate.

B-fast was good. We had it both days we were there. Again free because of HHoners. Kids loved the pool. Even though it was about 50 degrees on Sat they still got in. They thought it was better than any Dis pool even SAB. If we can continue to get a rate under $100 we probley will not stay on sight again.