The WALDORF ASTORIA ORLANDO and HILTON BONNET CREEK Information Thread

[NYPrincess422]

WDWKOOK - thank you and no we have not officially booked yet! We're still playing the waiting game and seeing how the prices go within the next few months. If they are still then we are definitely considering WA. So Ill be lurking

 

[RoosMomKanga]

Great info here, thanks! Hilton looks great for us.

Not sure if this is the right place, but we're booking our trip tomorrow and I have a question about whether we can use the shuttle service to switch hotels (or suggestions for another way). We're (DH, me-DW, and DS2/16yo) at the Hilton Sat. and Sun. nights (this month) for a convention/DH is working Sunday. We're looking to book a WDW hotel for Friday and Monday nights (want to be able to use Early Magic for the 2 days/Sat. & Mon., that we'll be at the parks).

Trying to figure out how we can switch hotels. Right now I am thinking of placing our bags with the bellhop (at the Disney hotel) in the early am (Sat.) when we go to the park, then coming back in the afternoon to switch hotels over to the Hilton...Does the Hilton Shuttle go to the TTC, and if so, would it be alright for us to take our luggage on the shuttle so we can transfer hotels or is there another inexpensive way to do this? Also not sure how long all this will take as we want to get back to the parks for the evening. Will have to do all this again on Monday...yikes. crud...And I just figured out that we'll have to do the switch before we go to the parks Mon. to get our hotel keys for EMH.

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[Mouseturtle]

This is my first time staying off property for a vacation at Disney. But I just had to do it, I have always wanted to see how the WAO is! So my question is about transport to the parks.

We are doing the night race in May - it starts at 930pm and then there is an after party - will it be difficult to get "home" to the WAO afterwards? It might be close to midnight.

For this vacation we are going to the parks just two days (out of 5) so will "hang out" at the hotel most days and relax. It will be a totally different vibe and I am excited to be there!!

 

[babyruth]

BLAH the family of five blues strikes again! I'm starting to plan for next year and we just discovered Bonnet Creek when we were there last week. I was so excited to try this place and just to get a ballpark I tried to price a room for 2 adults & 3 children and got that lovely all too familiar message that this hotel does not offer accomodations for more than 4 guests in a room.

 

[Tink415]

Great info here, thanks! Hilton looks great for us.

Not sure if this is the right place, but we're booking our trip tomorrow and I have a question about whether we can use the shuttle service to switch hotels (or suggestions for another way). We're (DH, me-DW, and DS2/16yo) at the Hilton Sat. and Sun. nights (this month) for a convention/DH is working Sunday. We're looking to book a WDW hotel for Friday and Monday nights (want to be able to use Early Magic for the 2 days/Sat. & Mon., that we'll be at the parks).

Trying to figure out how we can switch hotels. Right now I am thinking of placing our bags with the bellhop (at the Disney hotel) in the early am (Sat.) when we go to the park, then coming back in the afternoon to switch hotels over to the Hilton...Does the Hilton Shuttle go to the TTC, and if so, would it be alright for us to take our luggage on the shuttle so we can transfer hotels or is there another inexpensive way to do this? Also not sure how long all this will take as we want to get back to the parks for the evening. Will have to do all this again on Monday...yikes. crud...And I just figured out that we'll have to do the switch before we go to the parks Mon. to get our hotel keys for EMH.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Taking a cab from your hotel with your luggage would be the easiest way.
You don't say what Disney hotels your staying at, but figure $15-$25 for the cab ride as a ball park figure. Might be cheaper to rent a small car.

 

[macrosswife]

Great info here, thanks! Hilton looks great for us.

Not sure if this is the right place, but we're booking our trip tomorrow and I have a question about whether we can use the shuttle service to switch hotels (or suggestions for another way). We're (DH, me-DW, and DS2/16yo) at the Hilton Sat. and Sun. nights (this month) for a convention/DH is working Sunday. We're looking to book a WDW hotel for Friday and Monday nights (want to be able to use Early Magic for the 2 days/Sat. & Mon., that we'll be at the parks).

Trying to figure out how we can switch hotels. Right now I am thinking of placing our bags with the bellhop (at the Disney hotel) in the early am (Sat.) when we go to the park, then coming back in the afternoon to switch hotels over to the Hilton...Does the Hilton Shuttle go to the TTC, and if so, would it be alright for us to take our luggage on the shuttle so we can transfer hotels or is there another inexpensive way to do this? Also not sure how long all this will take as we want to get back to the parks for the evening. Will have to do all this again on Monday...yikes. crud...And I just figured out that we'll have to do the switch before we go to the parks Mon. to get our hotel keys for EMH.

Thanks for any suggestions!

I agree with the PP who suggested a cab!
You really would not want to be hauling your luggage on the buses.
I do think it's a good idea you have to leave your luggage with bell services on Saturday morning, then just take the cab from your Disney hotel to the Hilton.
Have a great trip!!

 

[djmatthews]

Hello All,

I’m a bit of lurker, but i thought i’d contribute to this post and ask a few questions to the experts on the board. WOW, I made it through 40 pages of posts....., what a great resource!

We are booked to stay 9 nights at the Hilton Bonnet Creek in May and can’t wait to be back in Orlando. The rate that we paid, in my opinion is amazing. At the time of booking, it was about £60 (in total) cheaper than the All Stars, let alone a Moderate or Deluxe.

For information, we booked through a third party website rather than Hilton, however, I contacted hotel directly who have married up my HHonors account, with the booking. My Bonnet Creek reservation now shows up when I log into HHonors. I’ve been told by the hotel that normal HHonor privileges will be honored except point accrual. *fingers crossed*

I have a couple of questions that I’m hoping this board can answer, we don’t plan on having a car, so....

• How would we get to/from Blizzard Beach/Typhoon Lagoon?
• How would we get to/from Universal Orlando? I’ve been looking into the Universal tickets that included Mear’s Shuttle transportation, does anybody have any experience with this?

Your help is most appreciated!

Have a magical day!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hello All,

I’m a bit of lurker, but i thought i’d contribute to this post and ask a few questions to the experts on the board. WOW, I made it through 40 pages of posts....., what a great resource!

We are booked to stay 9 nights at the Hilton Bonnet Creek in May and can’t wait to be back in Orlando. The rate that we paid, in my opinion is amazing. At the time of booking, it was about £60 (in total) cheaper than the All Stars, let alone a Moderate or Deluxe.

For information, we booked through a third party website rather than Hilton, however, I contacted hotel directly who have married up my HHonors account, with the booking. My Bonnet Creek reservation now shows up when I log into HHonors. I’ve been told by the hotel that normal HHonor privileges will be honored except point accrual. *fingers crossed*

I have a couple of questions that I’m hoping this board can answer, we don’t plan on having a car, so....

• How would we get to/from Blizzard Beach/Typhoon Lagoon?
• How would we get to/from Universal Orlando? I’ve been looking into the Universal tickets that included Mear’s Shuttle transportation, does anybody have any experience with this?

Your help is most appreciated!

Have a magical day!

Just wanted to make sure you receive a proper . I'll leave your transportation question to the off-site commuting experts, but in the meantime...

This is from the HBC website:

Transportation to Other Orlando Attractions
Transportation to and from SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Studios®, is available and can be arranged through our concierge (fees apply). For guests with their own car, self-parking is available at the park and the hotel (fees apply). For information prior to your arrival, please call the hotel 407.597.3600.

Transportation to and from Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is available and can be arranged through our concierge (fees apply). For guests with their own car, self-parking is available at the park and the hotel (fees apply).

 

[Canajan]

We are booked to stay 9 nights at the Hilton Bonnet Creek in May and can’t wait to be back in Orlando. The rate that we paid, in my opinion is amazing. At the time of booking, it was about £60 (in total) cheaper than the All Stars, let alone a Moderate or Deluxe.

For information, we booked through a third party website rather than Hilton,

Hi djmatthews, it's great to hear that you were able to find such a wonderful rate. We really like Hilton Bonnet Creek as well, but the prices on the HBC website can be very, very high. Could you please post the address for the third party website that led you to such a great deal?

Thanks so much!

 

[djmatthews]

Hi djmatthews, it's great to hear that you were able to find such a wonderful rate. We really like Hilton Bonnet Creek as well, but the prices on the HBC website can be very, very high. Could you please post the address for the third party website that led you to such a great deal?

Thanks so much!

Hello Canajan, we orginally searched through trivago.co.uk which linked us through to vivastay.com. I believe it's a British website.

 

[djmatthews]

Just wanted to make sure you receive a proper . I'll leave your transportation question to the off-site commuting experts, but in the meantime...

This is from the HBC website:

Transportation to Other Orlando Attractions
Transportation to and from SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Studios®, is available and can be arranged through our concierge (fees apply). For guests with their own car, self-parking is available at the park and the hotel (fees apply). For information prior to your arrival, please call the hotel 407.597.3600.

Transportation to and from Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is available and can be arranged through our concierge (fees apply). For guests with their own car, self-parking is available at the park and the hotel (fees apply).

Thanks for the welcome and thanks for this, I completely missed this on the HBC website.

 

[Canajan]

Hello Canajan, we orginally searched through trivago.co.uk which linked us through to vivastay.com. I believe it's a British website.

Thanks so much, djmatthews! Have a fabulous holiday! Hope you will post to let us know how things work out.

 

[vavalynn2]

We stayed at HBC this past August for two nights and loved it!! We are headed back soon but I have one question.... I read through a bunch of posts but cannot seem to find information on laundry at the HBC.

Is there a laundry service? Are there washers and dryers?

This is important because I need to know how much to pack. No one likes to do laundry on vacation, but I don't mind one load if it means we pack less. I also don't mind laundry service, afterall, it is vacation.

 

[WDWKOOK]

From the latest AllEars Newsletter:

There's an amazing new cocktail menu at La Luce in the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort. In the mix are the Umami: A cocktail including tomato-infused Plymouth Gin, Campari, Honey Truffle Syrup, and a Bacon Rim garnish; the Black and Blue with Gosling Black Seal Rum, House-made Blueberry Syrup, Lemon, and Basil; and the Citrus Sparkler made with Prosecco, Grand Marnier, Sugar Cube, Angostura Bitters, and Local Fresh Squeezed Citrus. In addition, order the brand new Polenta cake for dessert.

We stayed at HBC this past August for two nights and loved it!! We are headed back soon but I have one question.... I read through a bunch of posts but cannot seem to find information on laundry at the HBC.

Is there a laundry service? Are there washers and dryers?

This is important because I need to know how much to pack. No one likes to do laundry on vacation, but I don't mind one load if it means we pack less. I also don't mind laundry service, afterall, it is vacation.

Sorry, there aren't any washer/dryers at either resort. (I have this posted on the first page under "laundry.")

 

[Mouseturtle]

I am headed to WAO in just 8 short days! I usually stay on-site at Disney but got a great deal as a Hilton employee....just a few questions:

Is it "easy" to get shuttles to the parks? Do they have a set schedule? Is it easy to get back to hotel as well?

Where do you eat in the immediate vicinity?

I am going for 5 days and have 3 days at the parks, so I am hoping to RELAX (something I rarely do on vacations!) around the pool a little.

Very excited!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I am headed to WAO in just 8 short days! I usually stay on-site at Disney but got a great deal as a Hilton employee....just a few questions:

Is it "easy" to get shuttles to the parks? Do they have a set schedule? Is it easy to get back to hotel as well?

Where do you eat in the immediate vicinity?

I am going for 5 days and have 3 days at the parks, so I am hoping to RELAX (something I rarely do on vacations!) around the pool a little.

Very excited!

Here is a link to the WAO shuttle schedule:

http://www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/resort/amenities/disney-transportation

You'll have to enter a date and location.

I hope you have a great vacation!

 

[djmatthews]

Hello,

Could anybody provide me on the advice on the following?

• How to get to/from Disney Water Parks and approximate costs.
• How to get to/from Universal Orlando and approximate costs.
• Whether the Hertz desk at the resort will allow you to return your car after the Hertz desk is shut

.

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Straitlover]

djmatthews:

For the water parks, what I would do is take the shuttle to Magic Kingdom. It drops you off at the Tticket and Transportation Center. the you cna either walk or take the monorail to the Polynesian next door and hop on their water park bus. Taht would be the easiest IMO.

As for Universal, you can either rent a car for the day or buy the tickets w/ the Mears shuttle included. If you don't want to rent from Hertz, there are lots of other places on /disney property to rent from.

 

[Debs Hill]

We are staying at the Waldorf for the first time in July and I have a couple of questions.......
1) When I booked on line I signed up to the deal where if available you can up-grade to a better room/suite for a set price and if not available you are not charged! Can't remember what it is called but it seemed like a good deal! Does anyone know how often this comes through for people? Do I need to ask when we check in or will they automatically offer us one of these rooms if available? We are celebrating our wedding anniversary so don't know if that will make any difference!!

2) We are thinking about renting a cabana for one of the days. Has anyone done this? is it worth it? Any photos?

Thanks so much
Debsx

 

[snappy]

It is called an eupgrade I think. I did it at the Waldorf last year in early March, but it was just a one night stay after we checked out of the Beach club.

We had only paid about $80 for the Hilton Bonnet Creek through lastminutetravel, then I picked the luxury suite at the Waldorf to upgrade to, which was a $1,500 or more room. I think the upgrade fee was around $120. There were other upgrades for less and more money.

When we arrived at the Hilton to check it, they told us at the counter that we had been upgraded and to drive over to the Waldorf.

We did have a handicapped accessible room, but the only difference I could see was that there was an open area high enough to roll in a wheelchair under at the vanity, and the light switches were placed lower on the wall.

It was on the the third floor and faced the conservation area.

It was a wonderful room. The bathroom was so large you could dance in it.

If you drink tea, don't miss the tea service set up in the Peacock lounge in the lobby area. They put out a selection of Tea Forte teas, along with coffee. There is a nice balcony right outside the lounge that overlooks the pool area, the cabanas, and the canal.

I did not rent one of the cabanas.

I have some pictures, I will try and post them later tonight.

Even the regular suite that my DH and I stayed in in the fall of 2009 when it first opened was very very nice, but the rooms are larger in the luxury suite.