We just stayed at the Waldorf and it was lovely! If you're choosing between luxury hotels in the Orlando area, here's my thoughts....
Waldorf.....more of a modern, slightly jazzy vibe compared to the Ritz (which has a more classic, Italian-villa thing going on).
--The Waldorf pool area is nice, but the one at the adjoining Hilton is amazing, with a lazy river that winds under bridges. You're allowed to use the Hilton pool as a Waldorf guest.
--Valet parking is mandatory and $24.00. This we do not like but it seems to be standard for hotels that think of themselves this highly.
--There is a $25.00/day resort fee. No fee at the Ritz.
--Dining at the Waldorf was wonderful. The Bull and Bear had great steaks and superlative service. Out of the random goodness of their hearts or for whatever reason, the front desk gave us vouchers for the (normally $32.00/person) breakfast at Oscar's, their "American brasserie". It was the most amazing breakfast buffet I've ever seen. If you're planning on going to Disney and doing a "celebration" breakfast one day, I'd think I'd skip Crystal Palace and just allocate the money here. Waaay better food.
--To get really nitpicky, the question of room quality is mostly a toss-up. It depends on whether you like the darker feel of the Waldorf rooms or the lighter, brighter atmosphere of the Ritz rooms. We did think, though, that while both were nice, the Ritz-Carlton rooms were more easily recognized at a first glance as not-your-typical-hotel. Of course, that's straining at gnats.
--Waldorf service and personnel were unfailingly professional. No difference between here and Ritz, but a big difference between here and our last Disney resort (CSR).
--The only really bad thing I have to say is about our mattress. That was The Worst Mattress we have ever slept on, and that includes the saggy ones at Coronado Springs. I have no idea why a hotel of this caliber would include a mattress like that in any room whatsoever. That would be the main reasons we would probably not choose to stay here again.
Aside from the mattress -- which must have been an anomalous experience, since the Waldorf is still in business -- we had a lovely time. Hope that helps somebody!
Waldorf.....more of a modern, slightly jazzy vibe compared to the Ritz (which has a more classic, Italian-villa thing going on).
--The Waldorf pool area is nice, but the one at the adjoining Hilton is amazing, with a lazy river that winds under bridges. You're allowed to use the Hilton pool as a Waldorf guest.
--Valet parking is mandatory and $24.00. This we do not like but it seems to be standard for hotels that think of themselves this highly.
--There is a $25.00/day resort fee. No fee at the Ritz.
--Dining at the Waldorf was wonderful. The Bull and Bear had great steaks and superlative service. Out of the random goodness of their hearts or for whatever reason, the front desk gave us vouchers for the (normally $32.00/person) breakfast at Oscar's, their "American brasserie". It was the most amazing breakfast buffet I've ever seen. If you're planning on going to Disney and doing a "celebration" breakfast one day, I'd think I'd skip Crystal Palace and just allocate the money here. Waaay better food.
--To get really nitpicky, the question of room quality is mostly a toss-up. It depends on whether you like the darker feel of the Waldorf rooms or the lighter, brighter atmosphere of the Ritz rooms. We did think, though, that while both were nice, the Ritz-Carlton rooms were more easily recognized at a first glance as not-your-typical-hotel. Of course, that's straining at gnats.
--Waldorf service and personnel were unfailingly professional. No difference between here and Ritz, but a big difference between here and our last Disney resort (CSR).
--The only really bad thing I have to say is about our mattress. That was The Worst Mattress we have ever slept on, and that includes the saggy ones at Coronado Springs. I have no idea why a hotel of this caliber would include a mattress like that in any room whatsoever. That would be the main reasons we would probably not choose to stay here again.
Aside from the mattress -- which must have been an anomalous experience, since the Waldorf is still in business -- we had a lovely time. Hope that helps somebody!
