The WALDORF ASTORIA ORLANDO and HILTON BONNET CREEK Information Thread

[G8r4evr]

You got an awesome deal for the Hilton! Our first trip, I booked via Expedia and therefore had paid our hotel stay in full to them rather than the hotel directly. I thought this might affect any chances of an upgrade. DH who is the HH member called the Hilton reservation line (NOT the hotel) prior to our arrival to confirm the reservation and asked the agent about upgrades. She automatically gave us the Disney view because we are HH members. Maybe you can try to call the Hilton reservations # to confirm your room reservation and ask them about the upgrade rather than the hotel manager? I recall when we went to the hotel and asked again about the upgrade to the suite, the manager said that we would have to pay an additional $75 a night for the suite since we had booked through expedia.

We recently returned from the Waldorf Astoria Orlando a few weeks ago and this time we did book our room directly through the Hilton website for a standard non Disney view room at the Hilton Bonnet Creek. When we arrived at the Hilton we asked to upgrade to a suite at the Waldorf with a balcony and disney view, and they gave it to us for an additional fee which we gladly accepted because it was still way way cheaper than rack rate for the suite at the waldorf!

I wouldn't worry too much because I am sure when you arrive at the Hilton to check in, just ask if you can pay to upgrade for a view, and if the hotel is not busy I can't see why they wouldn't give it to you especially if you are willing to pay for it. And worse case snenario is you don't get your view, but you still got your hotel room for a great price. The fireworks are not that exciting anyways from Epcot because they are so small and you can only see the tops of it! Don't let that ruin your stay. The hotel ammenities are fabulous and you have the Waldorf next door too to enjoy.

I called the hotel today and spoke with a super nice rep and asked to add the requet "king bed, upper floor" to my ressie. He said sure. I then told him that I booked the my credit cards rewards program via an outside travel agency and they did not have the Disney view availabe at the time. I went on to ask the rep if I could pay to upgrade to a Disney view when I got there and he said sure, or I can take care of that now and its $10 extra night!! (same as the previous rep told me). I repeated to him that I had booked through and outside agency and asked if that would be a problem and he said nope, I will not the ressie and take your credit card when you get here. Im SOOOO hoping that they honor this. If I get turned down after 2 different reps told me I could upgrade, I will be seriously frustrated.

 

[G8r4evr]

Wow, awesome deal!!! Maybe the upgrade was available at time of booking only. But I would still try another CS rep from the credit card rewards department just in case somebody else knows how to help you out.

And if that doesn't work, I suggest to call the hotel the day before you arrive so they have a better idea of your upgrade chances. If you have your HHonors card, show that too when you check in. Can't hurt

I found the staff very helpful and pleasant when I was there. I'm sure they'll do their best to help out. You are going to be very happy you decided to stay there. Crossing my fingers for your Disney view and a great trip!

Thank you!! I am super excited about the deal we got =) I called the hotel back today and they noted the ressie, so Im really hoping it works out.

 

[G8r4evr]

So we arrive tomorrow and I have a few questions!!

What is your favorite dinner restaurant at the hotel?

Also, I think I read valet is $20.....is that $20 a day? Thank you!!

 

[snappy]

Can't help with the restaurants, but the valet is $20/day.

Call down to valet before you leave your room so your car is ready.

 

[G8r4evr]

We are here at HBC now and I am happy to say that I was worried about nothing. The resort is beautiful and the staff is more than accomodating. We checked in and received the upgrade to Disney view with no problem at all. Ahhhh. So pleased, room # 1547. 15th floor, front and center, pool view =) The lazy river is great....love how shallow the pool is for the little ones. We were a little bummed they wouldnt let my husband ride the water slide with my 3 year old, but she will live. LOL The Valet was AMAZING.....the drivers were so polite and friendly, loved them and so worth the extra price. The entire staff has been great and the weather too! YAY! Oh and the hotel is SOOO quiet. You do miss a little of the "Disney "Magic", but not much!! Last but not least, the room is very nice, the bed super comfy, oh but the tv was in and out most the time?? Alrighty, we are headed to the pool. =)

 

[WDWKOOK]

We are here at HBC now and I am happy to say that I was worried about nothing. The resort is beautiful and the staff is more than accomodating. We checked in and received the upgrade to Disney view with no problem at all. Ahhhh. So pleased, room # 1547. 15th floor, front and center, pool view =) The lazy river is great....love how shallow the pool is for the little ones. We were a little bummed they wouldnt let my husband ride the water slide with my 3 year old, but she will live. LOL The Valet was AMAZING.....the drivers were so polite and friendly, loved them and so worth the extra price. The entire staff has been great and the weather too! YAY! Oh and the hotel is SOOO quiet. You do miss a little of the "Disney "Magic", but not much!! Last but not least, the room is very nice, the bed super comfy, oh but the tv was in and out most the time?? Alrighty, we are headed to the pool. =)

Thanks for checking-in live with us. It sounds like you're having a great time at the HBC. Have you gone to any parks yet? Have fun at the pool!

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

Excellent news Gr8r.

Glad you got the Disney view.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Milesjamie]

Disney® Ticket Package
Hilton Bonnet Creek (and Waldorf Astoria)

Take your family on a fun Disney® summer getaway to Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, perfectly situated inside the gates of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.

For every two-night stay, receive an adult one day, one park theme park ticket to WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort *. Enjoy our lazy-river pool and water slide, dive-in movies, signature dining including kids eat free* at Harvest Bistro, and complimentary transportation to and from Disney® parks!

Does anyone know if these 1-day tickets are upgradeable? (That is, can I book 2 nights at the Hilton under this package, and get 1 day at DIS free, and then upgrade my ticket at the Disney gate on the first day to be a 3 day ticket?

I know it is possible to upgrade tickets (see allears.net/pl/ticket.htm#credpass for more info) but what I want to know is whether THIS ticket offered by Hilton is a straight (and thus, upgradeable) MYW ticket.

Has anyone tried this?

Thanks!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Does anyone know if these 1-day tickets are upgradeable? (That is, can I book 2 nights at the Hilton under this package, and get 1 day at DIS free, and then upgrade my ticket at the Disney gate on the first day to be a 3 day ticket?

I know it is possible to upgrade tickets (see allears.net/pl/ticket.htm#credpass for more info) but what I want to know is whether THIS ticket offered by Hilton is a straight (and thus, upgradeable) MYW ticket.

Has anyone tried this?

Thanks!

That's a good question and I'm sorry I don't have an answer for you. Hopefully, someone else might.

 

[WDWKOOK]

By Antoinette Fadera
Travelzoo Staff, Chicago - updated 9/1/2011
Lap up luxury at a 5-star Orlando resort near Walt Disney World any day, Sept. 6 - Dec. 15.

From $209, this special also comes with a free room upgrade, $75 dining credit, and 25% off golf and spa treatments.

The 482-acre Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers 12 restaurants, a nightclub and full-service spa. Tee off on the Rees-Jones designed championship golf course, or rent a private cabana at one of four outdoor pools for the ultimate in relaxation.

This is part of a larger Florida and Puerto Rico Luxury Fall Escape promotion from Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts. (It is called "The Fall Escape" package on the Hilton.com booking website.)

Note: A two-night minimum is required.

Book by Oct. 31.

How to Book This Deal

Call Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at 877-809-4318
Mention promo code PRFL1N.

Or book here: http://www.travelzoo.com/hotels/orlando/-209-up-5-Star-Orlando-Resort-w-Upgrade-and-Credit-1091737/

Or on the Hilton.com booking site here and choose "Luxury Fall Escape."

 

[Bracelet Babe]

Thank you so much for posting the information about the Luxury Fall Escape Package for The Waldorf Astoria. I just called and saved $6.00 a night on the room, there is a chance for a free upgrade when checking in and you receive a $75 dining credit. Sounds like a winner to me! The Reservationist was very nice and said I was certainly observant. I said, I just read one of the best Discussion Boards on the Net! Thanks again!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank you so much for posting the information about the Luxury Fall Escape Package for The Waldorf Astoria. I just called and saved $6.00 a night on the room, there is a chance for a free upgrade when checking in and you receive a $75 dining credit. Sounds like a winner to me! The Reservationist was very nice and said I was certainly observant. I said, I just read one of the best Discussion Boards on the Net! Thanks again!

You're welcome and you're right, the DIS is great! Oh, and don't forget about the 25% off spa treatments.

I hope you have a great stay at the WAO, Bracelet Babe.

 

[Mouseturtle]

So as a 3-time visitor to DW with each time staying at the Grand Floridian on a package deal...I am toying with the idea of staying at the WA - has anyone else "defected" from staying on Disney property that can give me advice about how "inconvenient" it really is to stay here? Specifically anyone used to staying at a deluxe? I just don't think the Disney properties can compare to the WA but am afraid of staying off property (aka out of my comfort zone)

I'm coming with 2 teenage boys after Thanksgiving, and want to have a "magical" stay and am wondering if you lose some of that magic staying off property.

 

[snappy]

Hmm, have not stayed at the GF, but have stayed Beach club, Wilderness Lodge, and villas at Old Key West several times, Animal Kingdom lodge, and Boardwalk villas lots of times.

The Waldorf has a very upscale feel to me. The beds and bedding are very comfortable. I also found housekeeping a big notch above disney. Room service was so nice. And the orchids in the room both times we stayed in a suite were right up my alley.

I really enjoyed the Waldorf but did not personnally rely on the bus system. However, my experience with my teens and young adults (21 and 23 now) whenever we have stayed in WDW in recent years was that it was good for them to have other means of transportation as they wanted to sleep late, stay out later and just generally do their own thing without mom and dad.

The bus system as the Waldorf/Hilton bonnet creek is very dependable. My DH and I used it several times in 2009 during our 4 night stay there. We also had a car and have been to WDW enough that we feel comfortable driving anywhere around. We ended up determining that it was faster for us to drive, especially to the Studios and to downtown Disney.

However, with teens, I think the bus system is a good way for them to come and go at different times if you like.

My favorite option is a combination of a few nights at either the Waldorf, Hilton, or the Wyndham bonnet creek and 5 or 6 nights at a DVC unit.

Ir feels like 2 different vacations. Staying at the Waldorf, you can use the lazy river at the Hilton (you do have to rent the tubes there).

Food is $$ at both the Hilton and the Waldorf but you are very close to downtown disney with lots of choices to eat there.

I liked the Hilton as well, very much, but the Waldorf is a 5 star and the attention to detail there is apparent.

It just depends on what you are looking for.

The Wyndham bonnet creek is nice as you can get 2, 3, even 4 bedroom units in which to spread out. But you don't feel as pampered there, even in the presidential units.

Would love to see a review if you end up at the Waldorf.

 

[snicklefrytz]

So as a 3-time visitor to DW with each time staying at the Grand Floridian on a package deal...I am toying with the idea of staying at the WA - has anyone else "defected" from staying on Disney property that can give me advice about how "inconvenient" it really is to stay here? Specifically anyone used to staying at a deluxe? I just don't think the Disney properties can compare to the WA but am afraid of staying off property (aka out of my comfort zone)

I'm coming with 2 teenage boys after Thanksgiving, and want to have a "magical" stay and am wondering if you lose some of that magic staying off property.

I am doing the same thing myself this Thanksgiving. I know my kids will be disappointed that we aren't going back to the GF. But, we are taking the plunge and headed to the WA. I have an 8 year old and a 15 year old that LOVE the GF. I know we will miss out on some of the Disney experience that one gets for staying on-property but the WA seems to win out on so many other aspects. I love the GF as well, but the room you get for the money you pay is just not worth it, IMO. If my kids were younger I'd be headed back to GF without thinking twice due to the monorail convenience.

I plan on contacting the Concierge at the WA to see if there is anything I can do to infuse a little Disney magic into the room. I may send a package ahead of time and ask them to place some things in the room to Disney it up a bit.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

I used to be a on property Deluxe snob, but I've stayed at the WA twice now, and at the HBC for the second time this weekend. I cannot pay the price that Disney asks for deluxe anymore! It's all about value for money.

Our kids are older, so we don't need the convenience of the MR.

We always have a car on property and hardly ever use Disney busses so that isn't an issue. If you are stuck, last time DH/DS took the car back to the WA and DD & I took the bus to the BW, and a cab back to the WA. It was somewhere around $10.

They have an "official" Disney Store at the Hilton, and "Stacey" (Top Must see's in Disney) is on the TV, so a little Disney feel. Plus, if you get a Disney view, you'll feel like you are right on property.

You'll LOVE the WA!

 

[Mouseturtle]

Do you think with my 40% off deal and dining plan that this time it would be worth it to stay at the GF? Maybe I should price it all out & compare, if we pay OOP for tickets & meals and stay at the WA as opposed to packaging it all at the GF

 

[snappy]

What about a split stay in case you miss the mouse too much?

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Hello all! I posted a few months back when I stayed at HBC for one night at the end of May. Well, we are doing this again! We have a surprise trip for the kids and we are heading out on an evening flight on Oct 12th (just like last May!) and we will stay at HBC that night. I'm a Hilton Gold member so they give me free upgrades and breakfast and I'm using points so the only thing I have to pay for is parking It will save us a few hundred dollars since we will not go to the Disney hotel until the following day

We LOVED the 'lazy river' at HBC last time so I'm excited to use it again. The pool area is so nice (but the slide is bumpy on your backside!) I can't wait to get the fabulous cinnamon roll they have at the quick serve spot! It is flakier like a french butter pastry (sort of like a croissant) but my DH (who used to be a chef) said he's pretty sure they use european butter in it and I don't doubt it - it is soooooo good! The coffee in the room is great - I like the LAVA coffee! So I don't have to buy any fancy drink in the morning. I can't wait - only 2 weeks away!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Food & Wine Weekends at Waldorf Astoria Orlando Sept. 30 – Oct. 30, 2011

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2011/09/20/announcing-food-wine-weekends-at-waldorf-astoria-orlando/