The WALDORF ASTORIA ORLANDO and HILTON BONNET CREEK Information Thread

[mechteach]

Beginning on opening day (October 1st) the WA will provide their own dedicated shuttle to WDW (and those "other" Orlando attractions).

I forgot to comment on this earlier - a shuttle to SeaWorld or Universal would also be an excellent perk! I'll probably have a rental car, but it would be nice to not need to drive.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks for the additional information WDWKook and Brian. We always rent a car, too, even on property (can't stand the bus). So, W-A is really a possibility!

We are bus phobic, too! We're impatient vacationers and that's partly why we always loved the CR because we could walk to the MK and monorail to TTC-Epcot. And, we drive to DHS and AK.

My DH even insists on paying for preferred parking at Busch Gardens so that we can walk to the entrance instead of having to take the tram. Our poor DD10 thinks she is really missing out on those buses since she has never ridden a bus to school and rarely gets to take them at WDW. Maybe she'll rebel and end up becoming a bus driver someday...

 

[ElizabethB]

Yeah, we always pay for the preferred parking at Universal! I totally understand!

 

[WDWKOOK]

The only thing holding me back is this will be my daughter's boyfriend's first ever WDW trip. I'm thinking the fireworks view at the MK would be a great sight. Of course, we'll see Wishes in person too, so you see my dilemma.

The WAO (and I'm assuming the HBC, too) has "Epcot view" rooms (sorry, the MK is too far north) that can be booked.

 

[rie'smom]

The WAO (and I'm assuming the HBC, too) has "Epcot view" rooms (sorry, the MK is too far north) that can be booked.

Thank-you for that information!!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I called and asked a few (more) questions that had come-up on this thread, and some that hadn't:

TRANSPORTATION:

Asked for clarification on what the "Disney bus" is and Brian Noble had it right: It's a contracted (non-Disney) bus that stops at other BC hotels and will also stop at the WAO/HBC. She highly recommended the WAO shuttle instead, as it will travel every 30 minutes to/from the TTC, before and after park closing and will not stop anywhere else along the way. Additional shuttles will go to other parks, but I didn't ask about which ones or at what times.

EMH:

Not yet - still "negotiating" with WDW on this - don't get your hopes up.

WiFi:

First time I called this weekend, I was told $15/day, but she may have meant for the secured/ethernet cable. Today when I asked, I was told that it is complimentary throughout the resort

AVAILABILITY OF RESORT AMENITIES:

I asked if there were any amenities, such as golf or pools, that would not be ready when they open in one month. She said that as far as she knew, everything would be ready and available for use when the resort opens.

PARKING:

On their website under "Amenities" they list "valet/self-parking." When I asked about the cost of self-parking she said that she shows there is no self-parking at the WAO. I asked if there was self-parking at the HBC and she said there is and it is $12/day and valet parking is $19/day. Perhaps the self-parking lot is shared by the two resorts like the convention center. She did say that WA guests could self-park at the HBC.

SPECIALS:

There is, as blissventure mentioned a Fall Special that does not show-up on their website; you have to call to get this special. I asked if there is a Winter Special and she said that one hasn't been announced yet and to call back toward the end of November to inquire.

If anyone else calls the WAO, could you ask about laundry facilities there (or at the HBC), I forgot

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank-you for that information!!

You're welcome. It shows up as "Epcot view" on their reservation page.

 

[WDWKOOK]

The WAO (and I'm assuming the HBC, too) has "Epcot view" rooms (sorry, the MK is too far north) that can be booked.

Update: As of today, it is now listed on both the WAO and HBC sites as "Disney View." Maybe the lawyers had an issue with "Epcot View"



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 about any price differences:

I fiddled around with some December dates and I found that unlike WDW, the WAO doesn't have higher prices for weekends and the initial nightly rate seems to apply to your entire stay. For example, if you were to check into a Deluxe Suite on 12/23, the rate would be $349/nt (and you get a $50/day resort credit). If you arrive the day before, the rate is $329/nt, but if you arrive on 12-22, the rate is $259/nt for the entire length of your stay!




This is from www.Mousesavers.com:

Hilton HHonors

You can trade in Hilton HHonors points for "FREE" Walt Disney World tickets. It takes 150,000 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 140,000 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

 

[amw]

Hilton HHonors

You can trade in Hilton HHonors points for "FREE" Walt Disney World tickets. It takes 150,000 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 140,000 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

And to stay at the Hilton Bonnet Creek on points is 40,000 a night!

 

[Brian Noble]

The WAO (and I'm assuming the HBC, too) has "Epcot view" rooms (sorry, the MK is too far north) that can be booked.

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!

 

[PolyAddict]

Just clarifying a few things...

WA..only valet at $19 per day?

Any resort fees?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Just clarifying a few things...

WA..only valet at $19 per day?

Any resort fees?

No, there are no additional resort fees, only parking.

The WA website does show there is self-parking here:

http://www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/resort/amenities/

However, when I asked on the phone, she said that her screen didn't show self-parking, only valet at $19/day. I asked about the Hilton, which is connected, and she said they do have self-parking ($12/day) and WA guests can use it, and that's what we plan on doing. I suspect the self-parking is actually shared between the two resorts.

 

[WDWTigger72]

You should start working for WAO, by the time your done with all your knowledge gathering for your trip you will know enough to become a Concierge LOL I keep reading this post as I am interested in this resort or Four Seasons for a future visit, and start laughing with all the knowledge gathering your doing. Great job

 

[PolyAddict]

No, there are no additional resort fees, only parking.

The WA website does show there is self-parking here:

http://www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/resort/amenities/

However, when I asked on the phone, she said that her screen didn't show self-parking, only valet at $19/day. I asked about the Hilton, which is connected, and she said they do have self-parking ($12/day) and WA guests can use it, and that's what we plan on doing. I suspect the self-parking is actually shared between the two resorts.

Oh well, i can live with $12 a day vs $20 at Swan/Dolphin. Thanks

 

[WDWKOOK]

You should start working for WAO, by the time your done with all your knowledge gathering for your trip you will know enough to become a Concierge LOL I keep reading this post as I am interested in this resort or Four Seasons for a future visit, and start laughing with all the knowledge gathering your doing. Great job

Well, thank you! I've got a lot to learn (and I might be slightly vacation OC). Though we've done about a dozen on-property stays, we've never stayed "off" and never at Christmas.

I just hope I can help out some other Disaffected Disney Deluxe DISers before this thread dies and goes where all dead threads go - to the bottom of our subscribed threads list.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I've consolidated some info. from this thread onto the first page:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2262762

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

I would consider at stay here and do think in the future will stay at one of the Bonnet Creek Resorts. Competition is good.

 

[katallo]

Thanks so much for the links. The Waldorf and Hilton are beautiful. They are truly "deluxe" hotels. I can't wait to try them.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks so much for the links. The Waldorf and Hilton are beautiful. They are truly "deluxe" hotels. I can't wait to try them.

You're welcome.

 

[WDWKOOK]

WA Golf Club reservations started being taken on 9-1:

Waldorf Astoria Golf Club Opens October 1, 2009

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.”

The Waldorf Astoria Golf Club will begin taking reservations September 1, 2009. 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 . Its phone number is 407-597-3300.