The WALDORF ASTORIA ORLANDO and HILTON BONNET CREEK Information Thread

[Tink415]

We just stayed at the Hilton Bonnet Creek for 3 nights and it was wonderful! We had a room with 2 queens and a parlor suite. We got a super deal. The suite was large, very nice and comfortable, but no mini fridge which I found odd and we missed having one. The views from the rooms were gorgeous. Loved the pool but the water was a little cool (we stayed at SSR for several nights after and the pool there was very warm). We had meals and snacks at Harvest Bistro (very good breakfast buffet), Beech and Muse. All of the food was yummy, the selection is on the small side but there is an adequate variety for a few days. We did not like the frozen non-alcoholic drinks, all ice and no flavor. My kids like to get these drinks everyday on vacation but after one they didn't want anymore. My husband golfed everyday and loved the course. The valet staff were excellent. We had a car so didn't use the shuttle service. All in all it was a great stay and I can't wait to go back!

 

[WDWKOOK]

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.

I'm going to assume the pool was heated - I hope! Did you link to the military rate online or did you call to book? Thanks for posting

We just stayed at the Hilton Bonnet Creek for 3 nights and it was wonderful! We had a room with 2 queens and a parlor suite. We got a super deal. The suite was large, very nice and comfortable, but no mini fridge which I found odd and we missed having one. The views from the rooms were gorgeous. Loved the pool but the water was a little cool (we stayed at SSR for several nights after and the pool there was very warm). We had meals and snacks at Harvest Bistro (very good breakfast buffet), Beech and Muse. All of the food was yummy, the selection is on the small side but there is an adequate variety for a few days. We did not like the frozen non-alcoholic drinks, all ice and no flavor. My kids like to get these drinks everyday on vacation but after one they didn't want anymore. My husband golfed everyday and loved the course. The valet staff were excellent. We had a car so didn't use the shuttle service. All in all it was a great stay and I can't wait to go back!

It does sound like you had a great trip! About how long did it take you to drive to the parks? Thanks for posting your TR

 

[Tink415]

We didn't go to any parks only went to DD Marketplace and FW for trail ride, it was 5-10 minutes to get to each of those places. But a car ride to any park would be 5-15 minutes not including tram time to gate.

 

[mom2twokids]

For anyone who has stayed here, I heard that the waterslide in the Hilton pool has a height requirement of 47". Does anyone know if I can take my child down the slide if she does not meet this requirement?
We booked this hotel for the fun pool and it will be sad if we can't use the slide!
Thanks

 

[WDWKOOK]

For anyone who has stayed here, I heard that the waterslide in the Hilton pool has a height requirement of 47". Does anyone know if I can take my child down the slide if she does not meet this requirement?
We booked this hotel for the fun pool and it will be sad if we can't use the slide!
Thanks

I only know that at the WDW resorts, only one person at a time can go down the slides.

 

[Promomx2]

It would save us over $100 to turn in our rental car early while we stay at the Hilton for just 2 days. But we need to get from the airport,(where we turn the car in) and then back to the airport the day we leave. Does the Hilton have anykind of shuttle to/from the airport or how much is a cab?

 

[BunnieGene]

It would save us over $100 to turn in our rental car early while we stay at the Hilton for just 2 days. But we need to get from the airport,(where we turn the car in) and then back to the airport the day we leave. Does the Hilton have anykind of shuttle to/from the airport or how much is a cab?

When I last took a cab to/from the airport/WA it was around $50 each way...don't know about shuttles...

 

[WDWKOOK]

Memorial Day Weekend at Waldorf Astoria Orlando

We are kicking off summer with a bang and offering a fun-filled Memorial Day Weekend at Waldorf Astoria Orlando. Enjoy special events throughout the weekend including poolside barbecues, live jazz by the pool at night, a Micro-Brew Beerfest in Sir Harry's Lounge, and a grand fireworks display. As always, you can relax in our poolside cabanas available for daily rental, rejuvenate at the spa, or challenge your game at the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club. All this is just minutes to disney and you have the convenience of complimentary transportation to the parks.

Rates starting at $199/night

Memorial Day Weekend Events at Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Friday May 28
11am-10pm - All-American Small Plates Menu , a special holiday feature at Peacock Alley
5-6pm - Micro-Brew Beerfest, including tasting "flights" available at Sir Harry's Lounge
5-11pm - Bull & Bear Prime Steakhouse, serving a 3-course sustainable menu with beer pairings, featuring all products from Central Florida.
6-9pm - An Enchanted Evening, enjoy live jazz by the Waldorf-Astoria signature swimming pool
WA Kids Club - Special kids activities, including arts and crafts, and more Note: additional fees for arts and crafts activities. (throughout weekend)
Cabana Family Fun Package - Rent a cabana, with lunch, child item, and a refrigerator stocked with family-friendly drinks (throughout weekend)

Saturday May 29
11am-10pm - All-American Small Plates Menu , a special holiday feature at Peacock Alley
Noon-4pm - Acoustic Guitarist, poolside
6-9pm - An Enchanted Evening, enjoy live jazz by the Waldorf-Astoria signature swimming pool
5-6pm - Micro-Brew Beerfest, including tasting "flights" available at Sir Harry's Lounge
5-11pm - Bull & Bear Prime Steakhouse, serving a 3-course sustainable menu with beer pairings, featuring all products from Central Florida.
6-9pm - Cool Jazz and Poolside Grill
9pm - Summer Lights! A Memorial Day weekend fireworks display over Bonnet Creek Resort.
WA Kids Club - Special kids activities, including arts and crafts, and more Note: additional fees for arts and crafts activities. (throughout weekend)
Cabana Family Fun Package - Rent a cabana, with lunch, child item, and a refrigerator stocked with family-friendly drinks (throughout weekend)

Sunday May 30
11am-10pm All-American Small Plates Menu , a special holiday feature at Peacock Alley
5-6pm - Micro-Brew Beerfest, including special tasting flights at Sir Harry's Lounge
5-11pm - Bull & Bear Prime Steakhouse, serving a 3-course sustainable menu with beer pairings, featuring all products from Central Florida
5-9pm - Acoustic Guitarist, poolside
6-9pm - Cool Jazz and Poolside Grill
WA Kids Club - Special kids activities, including arts and crafts, and more Note: additional fees for arts and crafts activities. (throughout weekend)
Cabana Family Fun Package - Rent a cabana, with lunch, child item, and a refrigerator stocked with family-friendly drinks (throughout weekend)

Monday May 31
11am-10pm - All-American Small Plates Menu , a special holiday feature at Peacock Alley
WA Kids Club - Special kids activities, including arts and crafts, and more Note: additional fees for arts and crafts activities. (throughout weekend)
Cabana Family Fun Package - Rent a cabana, with lunch, child item, and a refrigerator stocked with family-friendly drinks (throughout weekend)

 

[ascardino]

So far I have mixed feelings. The resort itself is very nice. Kids love the lazy river. Had a decent dinner at Beech and kids are enjoying a dive-in movie.

Thought we had a pretty good rate @$169 with a 50 resort credit.

We just spent 5 nights at the Dolphin and I was anxious to check out this new hotel for possible future stays so while in MK yesterday, I booked 2 nights.

We arrived at the hotel @ 10:30am and the staff was very friendly. Our room was ready and I started chatting with the person chexking us in who said that a big convention was clearing out today so the hotel would be @ 40% which would make it unnecessary for dining reservations. Then I asked about the view. He said for an extra $10 per night we could "upgrade" to a resort view. I found this odd that they wouldn't automatically upgrade even given that we are HHonors members but we went for it. So, for that, the $20 per night valet parking fee, charge for wifi, charge to rent the tubes for the movie (free @ Dolphin), I am not so sure it is such a great deal. We had a resort view king room for $169 + 10 resort fee at the Dolphin with access to Disney transportation, EMH, AAA or TIW discounts on the dining AND last but certainly not least, prime Epcot location.

Another small note, it cost almost $95+ including tip for our dinner which was one appy, two salads, two children's meals, one mixed drink, and 3 soft drinks. Almost $25 more for a similar meal at the Dolphin's Cabana restaurant.

 

[ascardino]

So far I have mixed feelings. The resort itself is very nice. Kids love the lazy river. Had a decent dinner at Beech and kids are enjoying a dive-in movie.

Thought we had a pretty good rate @$169 with a 50 resort credit.

We just spent 5 nights at the Dolphin and I was anxious to check out this new hotel for possible future stays so while in MK yesterday, I booked 2 nights.

We arrived at the hotel @ 10:30am and the staff was very friendly. Our room was ready and I started chatting with the person chexking us in who said that a big convention was clearing out today so the hotel would be @ 40% which would make it unnecessary for dining reservations. Then I asked about the view. He said for an extra $10 per night we could "upgrade" to a resort view. I found this odd that they wouldn't automatically upgrade even given that we are HHonors members but we went for it. So, for that, the $20 per night valet parking fee, charge for wifi, charge to rent the tubes for the movie (free @ Dolphin), I am not so sure it is such a great deal. We had a resort view king room for $169 + 10 resort fee at the Dolphin with access to Disney transportation, EMH, AAA or TIW discounts on the dining AND last but certainly not least, prime Epcot location.

Another small note, it cost almost $100 for our dinner which was one appy, two salads, two children's meals, one mixed drink, and 3 soft drinks. Almost $40 more for a similar meal at the Dolphin's Cabana restaurant.

Forgot to mention no free parking at the parks either if it matters.

 

[WDWKOOK]

So far I have mixed feelings. The resort itself is very nice. Kids love the lazy river. Had a decent dinner at Beech and kids are enjoying a dive-in movie.

Thought we had a pretty good rate @$169 with a 50 resort credit.

We just spent 5 nights at the Dolphin and I was anxious to check out this new hotel for possible future stays so while in MK yesterday, I booked 2 nights.

We arrived at the hotel @ 10:30am and the staff was very friendly. Our room was ready and I started chatting with the person chexking us in who said that a big convention was clearing out today so the hotel would be @ 40% which would make it unnecessary for dining reservations. Then I asked about the view. He said for an extra $10 per night we could "upgrade" to a resort view. I found this odd that they wouldn't automatically upgrade even given that we are HHonors members but we went for it. So, for that, the $20 per night valet parking fee, charge for wifi, charge to rent the tubes for the movie (free @ Dolphin), I am not so sure it is such a great deal. We had a resort view king room for $169 + 10 resort fee at the Dolphin with access to Disney transportation, EMH, AAA or TIW discounts on the dining AND last but certainly not least, prime Epcot location.

Another small note, it cost almost $95+ including tip for our dinner which was one appy, two salads, two children's meals, one mixed drink, and 3 soft drinks. Almost $25 more for a similar meal at the Dolphin's Cabana restaurant.

Thank you for posting your thoughts. It sounds like you probably wouldn't choose the HBC again for a future stay, but it's great you could try it out for a couple of nights. I've wondered why WDW Resorts haven't started including "free" WiFi at their hotels. I'd personally rather have the room rate increased than have "extra" fees tacked on to my bill for every little amenity.

Forgot to mention no free parking at the parks either if it matters.

Unless you have APs...

I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip

 

[BunnieGene]

We just returned from a 4 night stay at the Waldorf...WOW!!!...it might be our best stay there yet.

We had planned a short trip for my nieces to celebrate their 8th birthday. Concierge planning helped us with cakes, balloons, etc; they also went above and beyond with "Waldy" stuffed peacocks and plates of cookies for each personalized with their names. It was such outstanding service, but not only that, they seemed to have as much fun as we did!

We also tried the cabana service for the first time and were very pleased with the attentive service...dined at Bull & Bear...and, oh yeah, went to the parks a time or two

We can't wait to stay there again...MNSSHP is right around the corner

 

[WDWKOOK]

We just returned from a 4 night stay at the Waldorf...WOW!!!...it might be our best stay there yet.

We had planned a short trip for my nieces to celebrate their 8th birthday. Concierge planning helped us with cakes, balloons, etc; they also went above and beyond with "Waldy" stuffed peacocks and plates of cookies for each personalized with their names. It was such outstanding service, but not only that, they seemed to have as much fun as we did!

We also tried the cabana service for the first time and were very pleased with the attentive service...dined at Bull & Bear...and, oh yeah, went to the parks a time or two

We can't wait to stay there again...MNSSHP is right around the corner

Thanks for posting about your latest stay at the WA. Sounds like your nieces had a great birthday thanks to the WA's great staff.

Did you use their shuttle or did you drive to the parks? Did you stay at the WA last December? Just wondering how difficult it would be parking at the TTC that time of the year. We arrive at WDW the day after Christmas.

 

[BunnieGene]

Thanks for posting about your latest stay at the WA. Sounds like your nieces had a great birthday thanks to the WA's great staff.

Did you use their shuttle or did you drive to the parks? Did you stay at the WA last December? Just wondering how difficult it would be parking at the TTC that time of the year. We arrive at WDW the day after Christmas.

We used the shuttle...and,yes we were there for New Year's Eve and Day but didn't even consider going to the parks because we were there for the Capitol One Bowl and really didn't have time for the parks. No idea about parking at TTC.

That said, we do love Disney at Christmas...and the WA was just stunning for the holidays (and it's pretty amazing anyway!)

 

[ilovediznee]

The 34th annual NAMSS convention is at the Bonnet Creek from 10-2 - 10/6 - anyone besides me going??????????????????????

 

[ascardino]

Thought I'd post an update to our stay. Kids and DH and I agreed that we really liked the pool alot. Service at the pool was also great. They walked around and offered cold fruit kabobs and cold face towels which were really nice touches. Liked the towels and that you could get as many as you needed unlike the Dolphin which gave out one per person after you supplied your room #. Breakfast buffet was a pretty good deal with kids eating free and it was a really nice selection and quality of food.

So, overall, if the rate were comparably lower to the Dolphin, we would stay here again.

We do have APs so we did not have to pay to park at the parks and we also have TIW so we get free valet parking that we used for example at the Boardwalk one evening.

Another plus was that being a little removed from the "action" we did feel a little more relaxed and not as much in our WDW commando mode.

Just need to crunch the numbers to feel it is a good value.

 

[ascardino]

For anyone who has stayed here, I heard that the waterslide in the Hilton pool has a height requirement of 47". Does anyone know if I can take my child down the slide if she does not meet this requirement?
We booked this hotel for the fun pool and it will be sad if we can't use the slide!
Thanks

Not sure you still need to know but if you or anyone else does: 40 - 48" requires the use of a vest (supplied) to go down the slide.

Both my DDs loved it as well as DH and I thought it was a pretty good hotel slide.

 

[ms mouse]

Thought I'd post an update to our stay. Kids and DH and I agreed that we really liked the pool alot. Service at the pool was also great. They walked around and offered cold fruit kabobs and cold face towels which were really nice touches. Liked the towels and that you could get as many as you needed unlike the Dolphin which gave out one per person after you supplied your room #. Breakfast buffet was a pretty good deal with kids eating free and it was a really nice selection and quality of food.

So, overall, if the rate were comparably lower to the Dolphin, we would stay here again.

We do have APs so we did not have to pay to park at the parks and we also have TIW so we get free valet parking that we used for example at the Boardwalk one evening.

Another plus was that being a little removed from the "action" we did feel a little more relaxed and not as much in our WDW commando mode.

Just need to crunch the numbers to feel it is a good value.

Is the pool service at both the Hilton and the Waldorf?

 

[ascardino]

Is the pool service at both the Hilton and the Waldorf?

We only used the pool at the Hilton. My DD and I took a walk one night through the convention center and saw the Waldorf pool which looked very nice with it's cabanas. But, DD quickly said that she liked "our" pool better. I am sure the service must be at least as good on the Waldorf side.

 

[polkadotminnie]

We just got back from 2 nights at the Hilton. We really loved this resort. The pool area was gorgeous. My girls loved the slide and lazy river. The employees were all friendly and the service was wonderful at the pool. The pool was huge and not crowded at all. We will definitely return.