waldorf astoria vs gaylord palms?

[miamimom2012]

i've gotten spoiled at the disney deluxe resorts but tired of their prices. so thinking of waldorf astoria or gaylord palms. have not stayed at either.
which would you recommend for a husband/wife and their 3 year old? we like to eat breakfast and dinner at hotel and would like it to be "amenities-rich." we will be spending most days at park but will do first/last day hanging at resort. going december 2013 so its going to be cold and don't think i'll be taking my daughter in the pool.

a really CLEAN and newish room would be nice.

help!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Since you are planning to visit during the month of December, Gaylord Palms would be an awesome choice. They have a whole host of holiday events going on (ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman, cookie decorating with Gingy the Gingerbread Man, festive entertainers, etc.) plus other great options like the Shrek Feast (character breakfast with Shrek, Fiona and Puss 'n Boots at the onsite Villa de Flora restaurant......fabulous food that far surpasses the quality of food at the Disney character buffets).

You can get rooms that overlook the 4 acre indoor atrium, and your little one can visit the alligators from Gatorland that make the atrium home.

The decorations during the holiday season are absolutely incredible.

If you get lucky and Mother Nature blesses you with warm weather for swimming, they do have a great little waterpark that your three year old would really enjoy.

Here's the link to their "Christmassy DreamWorks Experience" package:

http://www.marriott.com/gaylord-hotels/gaylord-palms-christmassy-dreamworks-experience.mi

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Some Gaylord Palms pics:

 

[miamimom2012]

Thanks a million. That is very helpful! I think my daughter would absolutely love it. Now the big question: how CLEAN would u say the rooms are? White sheets? I know roaches/bugs are attracted to all that foliage in the atrium and I could swear I saw a pic of a guest w a roach in their room. That would totally kill it for me bc I'd be constantly looking over my shoulder for bugs lol.
What do u think ?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Thanks a million. That is very helpful! I think my daughter would absolutely love it. Now the big question: how CLEAN would u say the rooms are? White sheets? I know roaches/bugs are attracted to all that foliage in the atrium and I could swear I saw a pic of a guest w a roach in their room. That would totally kill it for me bc I'd be constantly looking over my shoulder for bugs lol.
What do u think ?

That, unfortunately, I can't help with. We didn't stay in the hotel itself, but rather visited to take in all the fabulous holiday events during our Christmas trip to Orlando last year. That said.....the hotel was superbly maintained from what we could see. If the common areas were any indication, the rooms themselves must be pretty darn special.

I would check TripAdvisor to see what past guests have to say. I find that's always a great resource.

 

[miamimom2012]

looked on trip advisor again and it was mostly glowing reviews. i booked it! we are so excited !! thanks again!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

looked on trip advisor again and it was mostly glowing reviews. i booked it! we are so excited !! thanks again!

You're welcome . Have an awesome trip!

 

[Bete]

Thanks for reminding me about the Gaylord and their resort at Christmas. I just made dinner reservations and I have plans now to see the Christmas Tree Lighting Show, as well as, two other shows they will have on Sunday night when we go there.

This is our Animal Kingdom day and I was wondering what we were going to do for evening activities. I don't have to wonder anymore. I'm not staying here, but I do enjoy seeing the place anyway.

The Gaylord is an older resort compared to the Waldorf. This may influence your decision on which place may suit you more. Honestly, I would go for the best deal you could get. You should be happy at either one.

 

[VikingInMouseEars]

Thanks a million. That is very helpful! I think my daughter would absolutely love it. Now the big question: how CLEAN would u say the rooms are? White sheets? I know roaches/bugs are attracted to all that foliage in the atrium and I could swear I saw a pic of a guest w a roach in their room. That would totally kill it for me bc I'd be constantly looking over my shoulder for bugs lol.
What do u think ?

Don't forget, you are in Florida and Florida has roachs, lots of them. There isn't a single place that you can be gauranteed NOT to see one. I would hazard a guess that some place like the Gaylord Palms would be less likely to have many bugs than other places, but they ALL have them. Even the Disney resorts.

 

[disneylover1980]

Gaylord Palms...hands down!