Searching for Quiet is Impossible in Orlando but Quiet Luxury Can Be Found at The Waldorf Astoria

Around the world, Waldorf Astoria is synonymous with elegance and at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, the elegance is much needed hideaway in the land of theme parks. Guests can enjoy plenty of Disney magic, including early theme-park entry, but when the day is done, you get to return to a serene, sophisticated hotel blissfully free of character décor. With luxury and magic in one swoop, it’s the best of both worlds.

Location and Arrival

The Waldorf Astoria is located in Bonnet Creek Preserve, which is closest to Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs. The resort has its own shuttle to the parks and transportation center and the route is shared with the Signia Resort by Hilton. Pulling up to the porte cochere is thrilling experience, largely because you’re greeted with white glove service the moment you step out of your car.

Inside the lobby, you’ll immediately see the Waldorf Astoria clock, an homage to the original Waldorf in New York City which has a grand clock in its Peacock Alley lounge. And just like NYC, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando has its own beautiful Peacock Alley bar that’s ideal for winding down with a crisp and cold martini.

The Rooms

Upstairs, the elegance and quiet luxury continues. The décor is pleasant but soothing, modern but also reminiscent of the Art Deco era, with warm neutrals and occasional touches of soft color. And the real value is in the luxury touches like sumptuously comfortable beds, soft bedding, bathrobes and slippers and room service whenever you want. After a full day of rides, crowds and sensory overload, the rooms feel like a calming retreat for all the senses.

One of the property’s biggest standouts is its selection of rooms and suites for families. With 502 rooms and 171 suites, Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers an impressive range of accommodations, including several configurations that work particularly well for families. We stayed in a spacious Waldorf Suite connected to a room with two queen beds—an ideal setup when you want to travel together without sharing quite that much togetherness. The best part was having a view of EPCOT at night.

The Resort Experience

Like any good Orlando resort, the Waldorf has plenty of things to do on-site for the days that you don’t do theme parks. There’s world-class golf, an award-winning spa, a kids club and a comprehensive fitness center. The pool scene is a little ho-hum–no lazy rivers or water slides–but again, this fits the quiet luxury theme of Waldorf in general. However, if your family does want a little water adventure, guests of the Waldorf have access to the lazy river at the Signia Hotel by Hilton resort next door.

Dining Scene

Another perk of staying at a non-Disney resort is having quality restaurants on-property. The Waldorf has its Bull and Bear steakhouse, a locals favorite, along with Oscar’s for breakfast, the Clubhouse Grille for upscale lunch and Aquamarine for poolside bites.

Who I Would Book Here

For the parents or grandparents who are doing Disney for the kids but don’t want to sacrifice their usual luxury comforts, this is where you should stay. I also love the Four Seasons in Orlando for families but I’ve found the pricing at Waldorf Astoria to be better on certain dates. And as you can see in the photo above, it’s pet-friendly!

All in all, this is a super lovely resort and if you come here for any non-Disney related reasons, you will have a wonderful time. Be sure to make your dinner, golf, spa and pool cabana reservations ahead of time since it is a popular place in peak dates.

PERKS PERKS PERKS

But perhaps the best part of staying here is all the perks you get. You will get the Disney perks that come with staying at an official Walt Disney World Resort hotel AND you get the perks of booking through me and my luxury travel agency, Beyond Traveled. While staying at a Disney hotel does have more magic, some families prefer twice the perks.

Official Hotel of Walt Disney World Resort Benefits:

Early Entry: Guests get 30-minute early entry to all four Walt Disney World theme parks every day.
Transportation: Complimentary luxury motorcoach transportation is provided to the Disney theme parks and Disney Springs. You can see the schedule here.
Lightning Lane: Guests can purchase and select Lightning Lane passes up to 3 days before their stay.

Beyond Benefits:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

Ready to Book?

Considering the Waldorf Astoria Orlando for your next Disney vacation? I’d be happy to help you decide if it’s the right fit—and take care of the booking details. Email me at Juliana@BeyondTraveled.com to get started.

Disclosure: My family and I spent one night here at the behest of the resort in early February 2025. We were still displaced from the fires and so are forever grateful for the friends at Waldorf who gave us this special stay.

All other photos: Waldorf Astoria Orlando