Review: Waldorf Astoria Orlando

What's the vibe here?
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando echoes the elegance of its under-renovation New York counterpart, with casual elegance suited to its Central Florida setting. The black-and-white marble floor and iconic clock tower in the center of the lobby rotunda contrast with a bright blue mural.

Got it. What's the story behind this hotel?
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is part of the Bonnet Creek Resort. Bordered by Disney-owned land on all sides, it's the closest you can get to the Walt Disney World Resort without being on Disney soil.

How are the rooms themselves?
Guest rooms have plush bedding and dark wood furniture with accents of yellow, teal, and tangerine. Bathrooms are spacious and well-designed, with separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs—a plus for families with young children—plush spa robes, and Ferragamo Tuscan Soul toiletries. Park-view rooms can catch the nightly fireworks show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Sounds like this hotel has it all. That extend to the food, too?
Bull & Bear masters fine dining; think, table-side preparation of steakhouse classics. Start with the escargot and gnocchi, and finish with the house cheesecake, served with strawberry roll ups that melt in your mouth.

How's the check-in process?
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando recently joined a handful of offsite hotels offering Extra Magic Hours and extended FastPass+ booking.

Anything else we should know about the hotel? What should we be sure to take advantage of when staying here?
Get outside to enjoy the 18-hole championship golf course, designed by acclaimed course architect Rees Jones, or the serene, cabana-lined pool, where attendants are on hand with prosecco popsicles. Want a night out without the kids? Astoria After Dark provides dinner and activities on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Bottom line: Worth it? Why?
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is a sanctuary from the theme parks right in Mickey’s backyard.