The WALDORF ASTORIA ORLANDO and HILTON BONNET CREEK Information Thread

[LindaR]

Oh, I LOVE nice places to stay! I will look into this for sure when planning our next trip!

Sometimes our trips are heavy on the parks (and we usually stay at moderates then) and then sometimes if we go at a very busy time (spring break) we spend alot less time in the parks and more at our resort (that's when we prefer deluxe accomodations.....love those spas!).

 

[WDWKOOK]

Wow, I had not realized that the WA was open!
I have a couple of questions for anyone who may know (jacqu3lin3?)

1) do the deluxe suites have TV's in the living room and the bedroom? I think they do based on the floor plan but I can't tell 100%

2) the WA's pool is zero entry, correct? Does anyone know where the cabanas are in relation to the zero entry part?

ETA: Pretty sure that the living room and bedroom both have TV's after re-reading the brochure.
also, I think but I'm not sure that my answer to #2 is n/a - there are 2 separate pools? One w/cabanas and one that is zero entry?

Yes, there is a flat-screen in the LR and in the MBR. If you click-on "floor plan" it shows a TV in each room (the horizontal white line).

And, yes, the WA's pool is zero entry and the cabanas surround the Private Pool which is also called the Cabana Pool in the online brochure:

PRIVATE POOL & CABANAS
Discover the ultimate in elegance and relaxation in the private cabanas near the swimming pool. They offer a multitude of amenities for comfort and entertainment. Using the wireless waiter, guests can order an array of food and beverages, including dishes from Oscar’s Restaurant. Cabanas are large enough to accommodate as many as eight.

Technological conveniences include wireless Internet connectivity and a 42-inch, High-Definition flat-screen television. Guests will also discover all the necessities for enjoying the outdoors, including complimentary sunscreen lotion, moisturizing skin care products, and goggles and nose plugs for swimming. Fluffy towels, bathrobes and slippers are provided as well.

 

[fla4fun]

I have a couple questions.

Are there any extra fees (i.e., resort fees, parking fees) that are not included in the per night rate? I know there are separate fees for pool cabanas and the spa, but I'm looking for anything that would be required or standard to every reservation (like the parking fee at the Swan/Dolphin).

Are there any dress codes for restaurants or any other part of the resort?

I tried to find this info on their website, but I couldn't.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I have a couple questions.

Are there any extra fees (i.e., resort fees, parking fees) that are not included in the per night rate? I know there are separate fees for pool cabanas and the spa, but I'm looking for anything that would be required or standard to every reservation (like the parking fee at the Swan/Dolphin).

Are there any dress codes for restaurants or any other part of the resort?

I tried to find this info on their website, but I couldn't.

The only additional resort fee is for parking (valet and self). The amenities that the Swolphin charge for are included at no additional cost at the WA.

As you mention, they haven't posted any dress codes, however, I would imagine they would have them at some of the restaurants and golf course.

 

[snappy]

I just booked 4 nights in november in a King suite with a balcony.

I wish I could stay longer!

This is a great location in my opinion to match up with a Sunday through Friday DVC stay.
We stayed at the Wyndham Bonnet creek time share in May which shares the same entrance. It was literally a 5 minute drive over to the Boardwalk villas.

Very, very convenient area.

 

[jacqu3lin3]

jacqu3lin3, thank you for posting your TR! Yours is the first on this thread and probably the first on the DISboards!

I have a few (well, maybe a little more) questions if you don't mind:


!! And, YES, we would love for you to post some pictures (room pics. would be great). So hurry up and get home!

Here are the answers to your questions....Please don't hesitate to ask me anything..I don't mind answering questions

~Do you know if the WA has a guest laundry?
The WA does provide laundry/dry cleaning service at a charge. Housekeeping picks up your items in the morning and drops them, off later on that day. The WA does not have self serve laundry service like at the laundromat.

~Did you notice a WA-TTC shuttle? The WA had told me that there would be a shuttle that would depart every 30 mins. and would only stop at the TTC and there would also be a "Disney bus" that services other Bonnet Creek hotels and would make some other stops. It sounds like the Mears bus you spotted might be the "Disney bus" and not the shuttle
The only bus I spotted at the WA was a large white bus that said Mears in small black print on the driver’s side. I’m not sure which bus that was. At the front desk, all they told us was that there would be a Disney shuttle that departed every 30 minutes. Because we drove, we didn’t really ask too many questions regarding the bus transportation.

~Did you try any of the WA or HBC restaurants? If so, could you give us an idea of the price ranges/menus?
The only place that we tried at the WA was Aquamarine, the poolside bar & grille. We didn’t spend much time over at the HBC< although I do know that there is an Italian restaurant there called La Luce; I’m not sure about the menu prices. The princes at the WA restaurants can be quite expensive. Here is a break down of the WA restaurants:

Bull & Bear: This place is the signature steakhouse at the NYC WA. They essentially recreated it down in the Orlando WA. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Bull & Bear! The prices are steep, though. Entrees start at $40+. The dress attire is business casual.

Oscar’s: Another NYC WA signature restaurant. The menu here is much more eclectic. The offer breakfast, lunch & dinner and the entrees range between $15-$30. We did look at the menu here and would love to try this place on a return trip to the WA. The lady at the front desk also told us that the attire here is business casual.

Peacock Alley: Also located at the WA NYC. They serve Breakfast and lunch. The prices for entrees are similar to Oscar’s but Peacock Alley also serves cheaper options like bagels, cereals, oatmeal, etc.

Aquamarine: This is the poolside bar & grill. They mostly serve cocktails here, but they also have options like quesadillas and shrimp cocktail. We ordered the shrimp cocktail and at $15 we got 4 pieces of shrimp and cocktail sauce…..I’d say it wasn’t worth it.

Sir Harry’s: This is more of a bar/lounge area

The WA also offer room service, although because they just opened, in room dining is only available until 11:00pm. They expect to offer 24 hour room service in the future.

~Did you notice a self-parking area at the WA or is it shared with the HBC?
The WA does offer valet parking and self parking. Valet parking is $20 per day and self parking is $12 per day. We decided to valet park, although at the end of our stay we were surprised to see that we weren’t charged the $20 valet fee. We’re not sure if that was a promotional thing or because we are HHonors members. From what we could tell, it looked as though the self-parking was shared with the HBC and was in the parking garage located between the HBC and WA. I’m not 100% sure about this.

~Since you drove, would you mind telling us about how long it took you to drive to WDW and where you parked?
We drove to MK & EPCOT and I must say that the drive was not bad at all. It took maybe 10 minutes to get to both parks. I’d say it took about the same amount of time as if you were driving from the CBR. We took advantage of the AP free parking benefit and parked at both parks.

~Was there a fee for the lazy river tubes?
There is not fee for the inner tubes. The pool staff was great at making sure everyone at the pool was comfortable and made sure everyone had enough inner tubes and pool noodles to use.

~Would you go back to the WA or would you instead stay at an on-site WDW hotel?
This is a question that my DH and I thought about over and over again. The answer is yes, I would definitely stay at the WA (and the HBC) again. I’ve stayed at various WDW resorts to include a few of the deluxes, and while I love staying on property, the truth is that you get more bang for your buck at the WA. While I did miss the theme-ing of the WDW resorts, I quickly got over that once I laid on the plush bed at the WA. Simply put, the WA offers more luxury amenities than if you were to pay to stay, at say, the WL. The only thing that I wished the WA offered was a cheaper dining option like at WDW…..I definitely missed using my refillable mug at the food court!

 

[jacqu3lin3]

Here are some photos of the WA from our stay (10/2 -10/6). We were upgraded to a deluxe king suite:

 

[jacqu3lin3]

Some more photos:

The way too expensive shrimp cocktail

The back of the convention center

Walkway to the HBC pool

HBC pool

Peacock Alley

Because it was DH's B-day, we came "home" to find chocolate covered strawberries sitting on the dining room table...they were very yummy!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Here are the answers to your questions....Please don't hesitate to ask me anything..I don't mind answering questions

SNIP

Those are great photos, jacqu3lin3! Thank you so much for posting them! And, thanks so much for answering everything! We're staying in a Deluxe Suite w/ balcony, too so this gives me a much better idea of what everything (including the bathroom) actually looks like. I was getting so tired of that artist's rendition of the WA; it's great having an actual photo now! BTW, what was your view?

It's so helpful to finally have an actual review and by someone who is willing to answer questions, too. You even answered some of the dress-code questions a PP asked about. THANKS SO MUCH!

 

[jacqu3lin3]

SNIP

Those are great photos, jacqu3lin3! Thank you so much for posting them! And, thanks so much for answering everything! We're staying in a Deluxe Suite w/ balcony, too so this gives me a much better idea of what everything (including the bathroom) actually looks like. I was getting so tired of that artist's rendition of the WA; it's great having an actual photo now! BTW, what was your view?

It's so helpful to finally have an actual review and by someone who is willing to answer questions, too. You even answered some of the dress-code questions a PP asked about. THANKS SO MUCH!

You're very welcome! I know what you mean about the artist's rendering of the rooms. I searched high and low for actual photos of the room before my stay and found nothing online.

Our view was of DTD. It would have been cool to have a view of EPCOT, but with the amount of time we spent on the balcony, it really didn't matter.

 

[rtill]

I apologize if this has already been posted but I have not had a chance to read through the whole thread. I was browsing through Travelzoo.com and saw a deal advertised for the Waldorf - $179/night for a 1 bedroom deluxe suite with a balcony plus if you book 3 nights, you get the 4th night free.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I apologize if this has already been posted but I have not had a chance to read through the whole thread. I was browsing through Travelzoo.com and saw a deal advertised for the Waldorf - $179/night for a 1 bedroom deluxe suite with a balcony plus if you book 3 nights, you get the 4th night free.

Thanks, rtill, this is the Great Beginnings package, and you will also receive a one category upgrade if you book five nights. All of the WA's packages can be found here:

Great Beginnings Package

Celebrate our historical opening as the first Waldorf Astoria to be built since the original in New York City since 1931 with our Great Beginnings package. Package includes: Pay for three nights at Waldorf Astoria Orlando and receive the fourth night free. Plus, pay for five nights and receive an upgrade to the next room type category. Rates start @ $179.

 

[PhotobearSam]

We are looking at staying at this Hilton for our stay in early December. Any place to look foor great rates?

Any Florida Residents rates or AAA rates? My Mom lives in Florida.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We are looking at staying at this Hilton for our stay in early December. Any place to look foor great rates?

Any Florida Residents rates or AAA rates? My Mom lives in Florida.

The Hilton Bonnet Creek website lists all of their packages here. I would also recommend calling the resort directly at: 1-407-597-3600 to inquire about a FL resident rate (the AAA rates are on their reservations page, just input your number). However, when I asked the WA about a military/gov. rate they said they would extend one to me, but that I couldn't combine it with a package. The packages they are currently offering are much cheaper than a room-only % discount.

Here is a great deal that is the equivalent of paying $59/night!:

Resort Credit Package

Experience Hilton's newest premium resort with this fabulous resort credit package. Float down the lazy river, enjoy a round of golf or a massage at the spa, or dine in one of our 12 premium restaurants and lounges. The possibilities are incredible! Package includes: guestroom at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and $50 resort credit. Rates start @ $109

Great Beginnings Package

Great Beginnings package. Package includes: Pay for three nights at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and receive the fourth night free. Plus, pay for five nights and receive an upgrade to the next room type category. Rates start @ $99.

 

[jade1]

Those are great rates, is it that tough to get WDW visitors off property? Surely they didn't build this with $179 a night in mind I hope.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Those are great rates, is it that tough to get WDW visitors off property? Surely they didn't build this with $179 a night in mind I hope.

Yes, they are great!

The Disney hotels, especially the Deluxes on the monorail, have been paid in-full many times over, while the WA and HBC have a lot of costs to start paying down. They need "heads in the beds" and guests to stay at least once and then never go back onsite for their next vacation or convention. We're wondering if that's what will happen to us; this will be our first off-site stay in about a dozen trips.

 

[mechteach]

Thanks, rtill, this is the Great Beginnings package, and you will also receive a one category upgrade if you book five nights. All of the WA's packages can be found here:

Actually, the travelzoo deal is *slightly* different, and can be a better deal for some people (thanks, rtill, btw - I canceled my old res, and booked a new one). With the Great Beginnings package, you only get the upgrade when you are paying for 5 nights. With the travelzoo package, you get it when paying for 3 nights. Also, for my dates, the GB package priced out at $229 for the cheapest room, and the TZ package priced out at $179 for a Deluxe King Suite with balcony.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Actually, the travelzoo deal is *slightly* different, and can be a better deal for some people (thanks, rtill, btw - I canceled my old res, and booked a new one). With the Great Beginnings package, you only get the upgrade when you are paying for 5 nights. With the travelzoo package, you get it when paying for 3 nights. Also, for my dates, the GB package priced out at $229 for the cheapest room, and the TZ package priced out at $179 for a Deluxe King Suite with balcony.

Yes, you're right! Thanks for correcting this for everyone! This is the special that appears after you link from the Travelzoo site here

Rate Type:
TRAVELZOO OFFER GDM BUILD
STAY 3 NIGHTS AND 4TH NIGHT IS FREE FREE NIGHT DEDUCTED AT CHECK-OUT

Orlando, Fla.
Top 20 deal - sells out quickly!
Travel dates: Through Dec. 23

By Kristin Whitton
Travelzoo Staff

The famed Waldorf Astoria in New York now has a new sister property in Orlando -- the first-ever newly built Waldorf Astoria hotel. To celebrate its grand opening on Oct. 1, the resort is offering a special for travel through Dec. 23.

For $179 per night, guests will receive a guaranteed free upgrade to a suite, rooms for which comparable 5-star resorts in the area charge up to $700.

And, stay three nights and get the fourth free -- this is an effective nightly rate of $135.

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando has taken many cues from the landmark property in Manhattan, including the signature restaurants Bull & Bear Steakhouse, Peacock Alley and Oscar’s. New features include a pool with cabanas, the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club and Rees Jones designed golf course, and a full-service spa by Guerlain.

Suites feature a living room, a wet bar and dining area for four, a separate bedroom, a marble bathroom with premium bath amenities, and views of a nature reserve, the golf course or Disney.

Blackout Date: Oct. 24

To Book: Click here and select the Deluxe Suite. Book by Oct. 9.

About the Hotel: Located on the 482-acre Bonnet Creek Nature Reserve and surrounded on three sides by Walt Disney World, the resort offers wireless high-speed Internet access and free transportation to and from the Disney parks. Guests enjoy full use of the amenities at its sister property, the Hilton Bonnet Creek, including a lagoon-style, zero-entry pool with waterslide and a Kids Club with supervised indoor and outdoor activities. The two resorts combined have 12 restaurants and bars.

Travelzoo Tip: Kids can eat free breakfast (with adult purchase) at the sister property's Harvest Bistro restaurant.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

This is terrific information.

 

[jade1]

Yes, they are great!

The Disney hotels, especially the Deluxes on the monorail, have been paid in-full many times over, while the WA and HBC have a lot of costs to start paying down. They need "heads in the beds" and guests to stay at least once and then never go back onsite for their next vacation or convention. We're wondering if that's what will happen to us; this will be our first off-site stay in about a dozen trips.

I look forward to seeing what you think. I can't see us giving up ME, EMH, SAB, 2BR villas and walking to EPCOT in 5 min, but do like the idea of the high rise view and certainly richer details. I have a feeling it may enter our list for maybe last minute trips where the WDW deluxes are filled, it's never a bad thing to have more options=esp at moderate prices, and appreciate all the info.