Hotel Review of the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Florida, USA
Situated in the Bonnet Creek resort area near Walt Disney World, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is the perfect choice for families who like to indulge in a little luxury travel as well as enjoying all that the Disney Theme Parks have to offer. We stayed here in September for five nights with our two boys aged 9 & 11.
Upon arrival the first thing you notice is the famous Waldorf Astoria Clock in the lobby area which is truly a stunning feature. We checked in early (around 10.00am) as we had just transferred from another hotel and while our room was not ready, our bags were stored and we were able to use the complimentary shuttle bus and head straight over to the Disney Parks.
Disney Shuttle Transportation
One of the great things about staying at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando or the neighbouring Hilton Bonnet Creek is that you are able to use the complimentary shuttle bus transportation provided by Mears Transport to all the Disney Parks including Downtown Disney. The bus picks up first at the Hilton and then five minutes later at the Waldorf. The Waldorf pick-up is in the driveway so you can wait just outside the Lobby while the Hilton has a bus shelter outside the hotel. You can access the shuttle times here.
Our Room – Deluxe Suite
Upon check-in we were upgraded to a Deluxe Suite (we are HHonors Diamond). The suite was a good size, it consisted of a big living area with dining table, kitchenette (complete with espresso machine) as well as a couch that was made into a bed by housekeeping at night. We also had a fold away bed in the living area so our boys had separate sleeping beds.
There was a separate bedroom with king bed for the adults and a very good-sized bathroom complete with separate bath and shower as well as Salvatore Ferragamo bathroom amenities.
The suite also had a balcony with view overlooking the golf course. There are rooms available on the other side of the resort which have a view looking towards Disney’s Epcot where you can watch the nightly fireworks show.
We loved the little cards left on our bed each night during turn down service, it’s one of those fine touches that truly luxurious hotels provide.
Watch our Waldorf Astoria Orlando Suite YouTube Video here.
Dining at the Waldorf
There are quite a few dining and bar options at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and as we were travelling with kids we chose the more casual ones to dine at. Our favourites included;
- Oscars Brasserie – serves a Buffet or A La Carte Breakfast. This was one of the most extensive and delicious buffet breakfasts that we have ever had at any hotel. If you have a sweet tooth you will love all the pasties and cakes, they were divine!
- Peacock Alley – stop by for a refreshing cocktail or something light to eat. In the mornings they offer a croissant and coffee bar for something to grab and go on your way to the parks. You can also watch the nightly fireworks show from Epcot at this bar.
- Aquamarine – for poolside drinks & snacks, we found ourselves grabbing a meal here after the parks while the kids cooled off in the pool. Loved their Prosecco Popsicle drinks! Be aware though, Aquamarine can suddenly close if the weather becomes inclement or if they are not busy enough.
- In-Room Dining – we tried room service one night after we came back from the parks and were exhausted, have to say we were all very impressed with our meals.
Staying at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando also gives you access to dining & bar outlets at the Hilton Bonnet Creek next door, we only tried the poolside dining area called Beech for snacks and drinks – the kids loved the ice-cream sandwiches there!
Pool Areas at the Waldorf and Hilton Bonnet Creek
Guests have the choice of the two Waldorf swimming pools or the more family friendly Hilton Bonnet Creek pool which comes complete with water slide and lazy river.
Waldorf Pool Area
There is the Cabana Pool which is perfect for relaxing and swimming laps. This pool has quite a number of cabanas available for daily rental. The main pool is more family friendly with a zero entry point making it suitable for toddlers to splash around in. A jacuzzi sits in-between the two pools and there are plenty of sun lounges in the pool area. The pool temperature is really nice and warm which makes going for a swim bearable for those that do like cold pools!
Watch our YouTube video of the Waldorf Pool area here.
Hilton Bonnet Creek Pool Area
Kids will love this lagoon style pool with its lazy river and water slide (slide open daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm). This pool also has a zero entry point for the toddlers.
Watch our YouTube video of the Hilton Bonnet Creek Pool Area here.
Fitness Center
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando has a good-sized fitness center with plenty of cardio machines and weight-bearing equipment available. 24 hour access is included in the daily resort charge for hotel guests. They also have a fridge stocked with bottled water if you ever need to stop by and grab one to take out and about with you.
Waldorf Astoria Spa
If some pampering and rejuvenation is in order, the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Spa has treatments to suit. Here you can enjoy one or more of the following;
- Facial Therapies
- Body Therapies
- Massage Therapies
- Hand & Foot Therapies
- Salon Services
- Tea Lounge
- Steam Room
- Jacuzzi
Waldorf Astoria Golf Club
The Waldorf Astoria Golf Club comes complete with 18 hole golf course, pro shop, practice range and putting green. If you want to stop by for a bite to eat try out the Clubhouse Grille which has a modern pub lunch menu.
Conclusion
While we didn’t try it on this trip there is a WA Kids Club which provides plenty of activities for kids.
If you are looking for a family friendly resort which is in the Disney area but away from all the Disney hustle and bustle, then the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is a great choice. At about half the cost of a similar on-site Disney hotel such as the Grand Floridian, it is also a more economical option. We got a great nightly rate and found it easy to get to the parks so we were glad we gave it a try!
Just don’t forget to include the daily resort charge ($30 UDS plus tax not included in advertised pricing) in your total price when comparing hotels.
For more information on the Waldorf Astoria Orlando go to: www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com
