Walt Disney World Resorts Archives

Holidays At Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Experience The Magic Of The Holidays

At Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Festive Caroling, Horse-drawn Carriage Rides, Bed-time Stories with Mrs. Claus, and

Many More Special Offerings to Celebrate the Holiday Season

This holiday season, guests of the Waldorf Astoria® Orlando will experience the magic of the holidays with a variety of unique activities, special holiday menus, and new family traditions. Additional delights include caroling in the lobby, story time with Mrs. Claus, and horse-drawn carriage rides on select nights. Holiday rates start at $199 per night through December 20, 2013.

In Orlando, there are memorable experiences for families around every corner, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom® and Holidays Around the World at Epcot®. If shopping is desired, the resort is only minutes from The Mall at Millennia, featuring Orlando’s largest collection of upscale shops and department stores.

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

The Harvest Classic (Thursday, November 28) – This annual Waldorf Astoria Golf Club Harvest Classic is a great way to enjoy 18-holes for $75. Nike® rental clubs included. For tee times, please call the Golf Club at 407-597-3780. (Weather permitting)

Thanksgiving Family Golf Clinic (Saturday, November 30, 10am-11am) – The holiday family clinic is a great place to improve your strokes. Tee off with the family, participate in a complimentary putting contest and participate in the small group golf instruction from the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club PGA golf staff. Nike® golf clubs provided if needed. Beginner to moderate-based instruction provided. $25 per person. For reservations, please call the Golf Club at 407-597-3780. (Weather permitting)

Lighting of the Menorah (Nightly, November 27-December 5) Guest may join us nightly to share in the festival of lights. During the eight nights of Hanukkah, we will light a candle on the menorah outside of our lobby with all those who like to attend. Please contact the Concierge for more details.

Thanksgiving Weekend Fireworks Show (Saturday, November 30, 9:30pm) – Bonnet Creek Resort continues the celebration with a private fireworks show for resort guests.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Oscar’s® (Thursday, November 28, 5pm-10pm) – Thanksgiving Day, Oscar’s will present a traditional, holiday family dinner buffet. Menu will feature traditional Thanksgiving fare and is $49 per adult and $26 per child under 12. For guests who paid the resort fee, children under 12 are complimentary. Tax and gratuity are additional. Reservations are suggested: 407-597-5450.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Bull & Bear® (Thursday, November 28, 5pm-10pm) – Guests can enjoy a four-course Thanksgiving dinner at Bull & Bear. This dining experience includes an extensive, traditional holiday meal with all the trimmings. The Bull & Bear a la carte menu will also be available. $95 per person. Wine pairing programs are available. Tax and gratuity are additional. Reservations required: 407-597-5409.

Thanksgiving Private Dining (Thursday, November 28, 5pm-10pm) – Guests can experience a traditional family-style Thanksgiving dinner in the comfort and privacy of their suite. Menu includes choice of entrée along with additional special selections. $65 per person. Tax, delivery charge and gratuity are additional. Requests for Thanksgiving Private Dining must be received prior to 2pm Thanksgiving day to 407-597-5480.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITES FOR ALL AGES

Starting December 1 through December 28

Bring the holidays right into your guest room! (Daily, December 1-31) Guests can experience the tradition of a beautifully ornamented Christmas tree in their room. Decorated table-top Christmas trees are available for purchase. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring the family together and embrace the holidays! Reservations required by calling Concierge.

A New You For the Holidays (Daily) – The Waldorf Astoria® Spa is the perfect place to celebrate the holidays. Guests looking for a special hairstyle before a big night out, a manicure with some added sparkle, or just a moment of Zen to reflect on auld acquaintances will find the resort’s Spa a haven for pampering. To schedule an appointment, call 407-597-5360.

Twilight Golf (Daily, after 2 pm) – Guests can take advantage of the Waldorf Astoria® Golf Club Twilight Package and enjoy 18-holes after 2 pm at a special rate. Nike® rental clubs included. (Weather permitting)

Live Entertainment at Peacock Alley (Sundays, 3pm-9pm; Mondays-Thursdays, 5pm-9pm; Fridays-Saturdays, 6pm-10pm) – Enjoy live, nightly music while taking in the fabulous atmosphere of Peacock Alley.

Bar du Chocolat (Fridays and Saturdays, 6:30pm-10:30pm) – A decadent selection of chocolate treats hand crafted by Waldorf Astoria Orlando’s world-class pastry team. Highlights include chocolate truffles, exotic chocolate cakes, a rich selection of cookies, gourmet cocoa, pillows of chocolate mousse and bowls of beautiful bon-bons. [Priced per piece]

Royal Tea (Sundays, 3pm-5pm) – Guests can experience finely prepared tea sandwiches and house-made pastries, while sipping premium hot tea and listening to live piano music.

Gift Wrapping Services (Daily, December 12-24) – This year, we are offering holiday gift wrapping services for resort guests. This holiday service is available for a fee. Please contact the Concierge for additional details.

Holiday Caroling (Friday, December 20 & Tuesday, December 24, 6pm-8pm) – The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing aloud for all to hear! Guests may join our Carolers for a little holiday merriment in the lobby.

Horse and Carriage Rides (Saturday, December 14, 21 & 28, 6pm-10pm) – Guests can enjoy a 30-minute enchanting trip around the Bonnet Creek Resort in our horse-drawn carriage while enjoying champagne and strawberries. Holiday cookies are available for children. It’s an incredible holiday affair perfect for the entire family. $75 per carriage. Reservations are recommended. Please contact the Concierge for details.

Mrs. Claus Holiday Photos in the Lobby (Tuesday, December 24, 4pm-6pm) – Mrs. Claus will greet guests in the lobby on Christmas Eve for an opportunity to take photos and capture a magical family moment.

Mrs. Claus Holiday Tuck In (Tuesday, December 24, 6pm-11pm) – Little ones can delight in a memorable Mrs. Claus Holiday Tuck-In, where they are visited by Mrs. Claus at bedtime. Complete with a snack and bedtime story, it’s an experience they will treasure forever. $49 per room. Advance reservations required. Please contact the Concierge for details.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner Buffet at Oscar’s® (Tuesday, December 24 & Wednesday, December 25, 5pm-10pm) – On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Oscar’s will feature a holiday family buffet. This special feast will include classic holiday fare, new Waldorf Astoria traditions, and a special dessert finale. Holiday dinner buffet is $59 per person and $29 per child under 12. For guests who paid the resort fee, children under 12 are complimentary. Tax and gratuity are additional. Reservations: 407-597-5450.

Christmas Dinner at Bull & Bear® (Wednesday, December 25, 5pm-10pm) – Guests can take pleasure in a four-course holiday dinner, served on Christmas Day at Bull & Bear. This dining experience includes a choice of entrees, along with special selections. The standard Bull & Bear a la carte menu will also be available. $105 per person. Wine pairing programs are available. Tax and gratuity are additional. Reservations required: 407-597-5409.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Private Dining (Tuesday, December 24 & Wednesday, December 25, 5pm-10pm) – Guests can savor a traditional family-style Christmas dinner with all the trimmings in the luxurious comfort and privacy of their suite. Menu includes choice of entrée along with additional special selections. $70 per person. Tax, delivery charge and gratuity are additional. Requests for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Private Dining must be received prior to 2pm of the corresponding day to 407-597-5480.

Family Golf Clinic (Thursday, December 26, 10am-11am) – The holiday family clinic is a great place to improve your strokes. Tee off with the family, participate in a complimentary putting contest and participate in the small group golf instruction from the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club PGA golf staff. Nike® golf clubs provided if needed. Beginner to moderate-based instruction provided. $25 per person. For reservations, please call the Golf Club at 407-597-3780. (weather permitting)

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR

Starting December 28 through January 1

A Prelude to the Countdown Fireworks Show (Saturday, December 28, 9:30pm) – Bonnet Creek Resort begins the celebration a few nights early – a prelude to the countdown – with a private fireworks show for resort guests. Best viewing areas include the pool deck, Sena terrace and Signature Island.

New Year’s Eve Buffet at Oscar’s® (Tuesday, December 31, 5pm-10pm) – On New Year’s Eve, Oscar’s will serve a delectable dinner buffet. This special feast will include contemporary American dishes and a special dessert finale. $75 per person and $25 per child under 12. Tax and gratuity are additional. Reservations: 407-597-5450.

New Year’s Eve at Bull & Bear® (Tuesday, December 31, 5pm-10pm) – Guests can celebrate the advent of the New Year with an exclusive prix fixe menu consisting of seven inspired and distinctive courses. Included with each reservation, is exclusive access to the dessert room and a private celebration at Sir Harry’s®. A vegetarian menu option will be made available, as well. $195 per person. Wine pairing programs are available. Tax and gratuity are additional. Reservations required: 407-597-5409.

New Year’s Day Breakfast and Brunch Buffet at Oscar’s® (Wednesday, January 1, 7am-1pm) – On New Year’s Day morning, Oscar’s will serve a delicious breakfast and brunch buffet. For guests who paid the resort fee, children under 12 are complimentary. Tax and gratuity are additional. Reservations: 407-597-5450.

Christmas events are available to all guests of Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Fees may apply to select activities. Event schedule subject to change without notice.

Holiday rates start at $199 per night through December 20, 2013. For reservations, call 407-597-5500, or visitwww.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/christmas-holidays . For those wanting to give a special and flexible holiday gift, the hotel offers Waldorf Astoria Orlando Gift Cards. Visit www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/resort/giftcard.

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About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand’s namesake, The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel & resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,800 hotels and timeshare properties, with 630,000 rooms in 90 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide,www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.

Two Disney Vacation Club Announcements!

This week the Disney Vacation Club was busy, as they announced two very different but both very cool new things coming to DVC

Share Your Memories: Disney Vacation Club Member Challenge

Disney Vacation Club Members can participate in the Share Your Memories Pinterest challenges to win some pretty awesome prizes!

The first of three challenges is posted on the Share Your Memories Disney Vacation Club Members site, and if you are into Pinterest this challenge is super easy and looks like a lot of fun!

After members register on the Share Your Memories site, all they then have to then do is create a board on Pinterest with images showing all the ‘must-see’s’ and ‘must-do’s’ on the most magical Disney Vacation Club vacation you can imagine. The deadline to submit the URL to the dream pin boars is 11:59 AM ET on November 4, 2013.

The Pinterest Prize Package for this challenge includes 4 Walt Disney Worldor DisneylandResort Annual Passes, a Disney VIP Tour Service experience, autographed copies of “The Sherman Brothers Songbook” and “Dream it! Do It!” by Martin Sklar, plus a Disney Vacation Club Gift Bag!

Make sure you take a peek at the Official Contest Rules before you enter!

Disney Vacation Club at Disney’s Polynesian

Disney Vacation Club announced that its planned next location will be at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, located on Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World Resort. When this resort is completed, Disney Vacation Club will have destinations at all three resorts on the monorail system, allowing easy access to Magic Kingdom Park.

The planned development project at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, when completed, will join Disney Vacation Club’s 12 other properties, including The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, scheduled to open Oct. 23. Construction on the Polynesian project began this month, and completion is estimated to be in 2015. In addition to the Disney Vacation Club project, other guest areas within Disney’s Polynesian Resort will undergo refurbishment. More information and project details will be shared at a later date.

Disney Vacation Club debuted in October 1991 with a flexible, vacation point-based model rather than the traditional fixed-week timeshare model. Disney Vacation Club is approaching a total of 200,000 member families from all 50 states and approximately 100 countries who have discovered the joys of membership.

Disney Vacation Club members are able to choose from among a variety of vacation destinations, including a stay at any Disney Vacation Club Resort or at more than 500 other destinations around the world, and when they purchase directly from Disney, members also can take trips on one of the Disney Cruise Line ships or guided vacations with Adventures by Disney. Additionally, vacations at a Disney Vacation Club Resort can last from one night to several weeks.

For more information about Disney Vacation Club, visit www.disneyvacationclub.com.

Cheryl’s Grand Floridian Thoughts

Since Disney Vacation Club properties Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the soon to be opening Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort and Spa are similarly priced when you buy through Disney, I thought I would compare my opinions between the two resorts.

Grand Floridian Pluses:

The decor, especially the flooring and tile work, are definitely more upscale
You get additional h20 bath products, such as foot scrub, like you do when you stay at Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort and Spa.
In each closet, there are spa robes provided for you to relax in.
There is an additional Bed available.

The Villas at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Preview Center — A glimpse at the h20 products

Grand Floridian Things To Consider:

You will be sharing a pool with Grand Floridian Guests.
You can not walk to Magic Kingdom from the Grand Floridian.
There are no signature items to attract you to stay at this resort. Example Bay Lake Tower offers an observation deck and Bar.
In the 1 bedroom villas, there is no additional sleeper chair and bathroom.

Things To Ponder:

Will there be transportation challenges. Will buses and monorails become more crowded?
If you are driving to the resort, will parking be an issue?
How will weddings at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion impact the villas?

So I’ve been thinking about if I would buy in, and I’m not jumping at owning at the Grand Floridian right now. I’m going to be waiting to see to see what happens.

I will be staying at Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort and Spa, because I was lucky and got an available room for the Disney World Marathon weekend by runDisney. I was previously wait listed at Bay Lake and Wilderness Lodge.

Should I win the lottery? Sign me up for Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort and Spa! Along with a home at Golden Oak and a stay at Aulani!

Here is a closer look at the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa that are at the DVC preview center. It’s important to note that some of the finishes and decor may be different than those found in the actual rooms of the resort when it opens.

httpv://youtu.be/qg9IWD2UyuE

Contemporary Resort Choices

Recently Shelley and I both stayed at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and we thought we’d take this opportunity to compare and contrast our stays. We will take a look at the room accommodations, dining, recreation, convenience, overall experience and whether or not we would choose to stay in the same type of accommodations again.

Rooms

The rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort are some of the largest at Walt Disney World as far as standard rooms go at around 430 square feet. I love how spacious these rooms feel! They are nicely laid out with two queen sized beds and a day bed in the majority of the rooms, with a few with a king bed and a day bed.

Betsy: This trip I stayed in the Tower for the first time, which is the A-frame building that the monorail goes through, in a Theme Park View room. I was all the way at the end closest to Chef Mickeys on the 8th floor and had an amazing view of the Magic Kingdom.

Shelley: For my first stay at the Contemporary we got a room in the Garden Wing, which has a totally different feel than the Tower! We had a really nice view of a lawn area and Bay Lake from our window. The rooms were super spacious, well designed, and I especially loved the little touches like the hidden Contemporary shape in the sheer curtains!

Dining

Betsy: One of my favorite things about the Contemporary is the amount of dining options you have to choose from. During this stay I took advantage of the quick service location, Contempo Cafe, located on the 4th floor of the Grand Canyon Concourse. I just used it to grab drinks using the resort refillable mug I purchased and a quick snack shortly before midnight. The next morning I met up with a group of friends for the fantastic breakfast buffet at the Wave just off the lobby. If you haven’t done this buffet, you should! It is a great value at less than $20 per person and has an awesome variety. My favorites are the biscuits and gravy, sweet potato pancakes and pecan honey butter, and the multigrain Mickey waffles! Currently, the California Grill, the resort’s signature dining restaurant is under refurbishment until later this year. The other dining options include the pool bar and quick service location, the Sand Bar; Chef Mickey’s, one of the most popular character buffets; and private dining, which is available 24 hours a day.

Shelley: While the Garden Wing is away from the hustle and bustle…it’s away from the hustle and bustle, so it was a little bit of a hike to walk to the tower and then to navigate the busy elevators and escalators to get to the Contempo Cafe for a late dinner. Since traveling to get a snack was a bit of a hike, we found ourselves waiting until we needed to go somewhere to grab a bite to eat.

Recreation

Betsy: This stay I didn’t get to use any of the numerous recreation options at the resort. On previous stays I have been swimming in the pools and used the hot tub. I also enjoy watching the movies on the beach or lawn under the stars at night. There are tons of other choices from basic spa and massage services to a marina with parasailing, boat rentals, and fishing.

Shelley: During our stay there was a ton of rain, so we weren’t able to go swimming which Zoe was bummed about! But we have had the opportunity to watch movies on the beach and to take a Fireworks Cruise from the marina which was beyond amazing. There is such a wide variety of recreation options available!

Convenience

Betsy: I could not have asked for a better location as far as convenience. I had a fantastic view balanced with proximity to the lobby. It only took a couple of minutes to go up the elevator to my room and walk down the hallway from entering the resort. It was especially nice to be able to quickly run downstairs to grab an almost midnight snack after watching Wishes from my balcony. The morning we went to breakfast at the Wave I pretty much rolled out of bed and threw on clothes and was downstairs within 5 minutes. It was really really nice to be able to have several options very close by in the same building as my room.

Shelley: I really liked how convenient parking was for our building in the Garden Wing, but other than that it was a bit of a walk to get back to the Tower to get to transportation and food. We ended up making the walk several times, which got to be a little old.

Overall Experience

Betsy: I will be the first to admit that Disney’s Contemporary Resort is not my favorite resort since the decor isn’t exactly my style. Having said that, I will say that I had one of the best stays during this visit and that’s saying a lot since I’ve stayed at every Disney resort in Florida at least once, if not multiple times. I love the new check in process where the security guard calls ahead by radio to a Cast Member at the lobby entrance. They advised the waiting CM of my arrival with my name and describing my vehicle. When I pulled up to the valet stand, I was greeted by a CM with an ipad who welcomed me by name and let me know my room was ready, which was great at before 10am. I was escorted inside after leaving my keys with the valet in case they needed to move my car, and the greeter waited with me until a front desk CM was available to check me in to my room. I really enjoyed this new way of raising the level of service by adding personalization to the guest arrival process. Everything was so convenient as far as parking, getting to and from the parks, dining nearby and great service. I would highly recommend staying in the Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort to anyone who is looking for a resort with many amenities and conveniences near the Magic Kingdom.

Shelley: While I have always wanted to stay at the Contemporary, I thought that staying in the Garden Wing was a give and take. If it was just Dave and I wanting to get away for the weekend without Zoe to enjoy the resort, I feel like it would have been ideal to stay in the Garden Wing since it is so close to so many recreation options. However, having Zoe with us and having an extra long commute to the Tower proved to be a lot more than we bargained for in our stay. I would definitely stay in the Garden Wing again, but I would really plan out my stay to enjoy more of the recreation at the Contemporary.

Spaceship Earth and Wilderness Lodge from the Tower

Tree of Life and Everest in the distance

Beast's and Prince Eric's castles — Beast’s and Prince Eric’s castles

httpv://youtu.be/8bwXF6WVOuY