Waldorf Astoria Orlando: Luxury with Missed Opportunities

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TGT Rating: 7/10

Our recent stay at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando spanned seven nights, offering us the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in the property’s amenities and services. As a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, it promises proximity to the parks and luxury accommodations suitable for families and couples alike. However, while the hotel delivered on some fronts, it left us questioning its five-star status in other areas. Here’s an in-depth account of our stay.

The Location: A Disney Good Neighbor Hotel

One of the standout features of the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is its prime location near Disney World. As a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, it offers early park entry, a significant perk for guests looking to maximize their time at Disney. Complimentary shuttles are also available to and from the parks. However, we opted not to use this service as we rented a car, which provided us with greater flexibility.

The hotel itself is set against the backdrop of a stunning golf course, offering serene views and a tranquil atmosphere. This setting felt like a peaceful retreat after the high-energy atmosphere of the Disney parks.

The Pools: A Relaxing Escape with Drawbacks

The Waldorf Astoria boasts two pools on its property: a lap pool (not heated) and a heated saltwater pool, where we spent the majority of our time. The heated pool maintained a comfortable 82–85 degrees even as the weather shifted from warm to chilly, making it ideal for swimming throughout our stay. There’s also a large jacuzzi that can easily accommodate 10–12 people, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

While the pools themselves are well-maintained, the poolside experience was less than luxurious. Unlike other five-star properties, the staff doesn’t assist with setting up chairs or clearing used towels promptly. This made it challenging to find available seating, as chairs often appeared occupied due to leftover towels. On one occasion, I spent nearly 10 minutes circling the pool area before finding a spot.

Another downside was the lack of lifeguards. While not uncommon at hotels, this became a significant concern during a frightening incident involving my son, Eli. A child he was playing with became upset and attempted to push him underwater. Thankfully, both sets of parents were in the pool and intervened quickly, but the lack of lifeguards at a family-oriented hotel was alarming.

For families looking for more water-based fun, the Waldorf shares pool access with the Signia by Hilton, which features a lazy river. However, Eli was content with the main pool, so we didn’t venture over. That said, this option could be a draw for families with children eager for more activities.

Poolside Dining at Aquamarine

The Aquamarine restaurant, located near the pool, offers poolside dining with a menu of casual, family-friendly options. While the food was enjoyable, the service was frustratingly slow. The restaurant appeared to operate with just one or two servers covering the entire pool area. Unless you actively flagged down a server, you were unlikely to be approached for orders. When we did manage to place orders, there were delays in receiving items like water, and follow-ups often went unanswered.

This hands-off approach may appeal to some guests who prefer not to be disturbed, but for us, it detracted from the experience. At one point, we asked for water and never received it, choosing not to follow up due to the long wait times. This inconsistency in service felt out of place at a property of Waldorf Astoria’s caliber.

Dining at Oscar’s: Breakfast Disappointments

Breakfast at the hotel is served at Oscar’s, which offers both buffet and à la carte options. Unfortunately, our experience here was underwhelming. The buffet, priced at $40 per person, featured standard offerings like pancakes, bacon, eggs, fruits, and pastries. While the food was decent, it lacked the creativity and variety we’ve come to expect from five-star hotel dining. The much-advertised “croissant bar” was little more than a small selection of pastries displayed on a counter.

The service at Oscar’s was also disappointing. When we arrived, the host repeatedly interrupted our conversation to address questions from other staff members. This lack of focus made what should have been a seamless seating process unnecessarily frustrating. Once seated, we weren’t provided menus until we specifically requested them—a surprising oversight given the restaurant’s à la carte offerings.

After this experience, we decided not to return to Oscar’s for breakfast during the remainder of our stay. Instead, we opted to dine off-property, which offered more value and better service.

Rooms: Spacious and Comfortable

Our room was a highlight of our stay. It was spacious, recently renovated, and immaculately clean. The design felt modern yet inviting, with plenty of room for our family to spread out. The Aesop bath products were a luxurious touch that we appreciated.

However, the housekeeping and turndown service were inconsistent. On some days, turndown service included water bottles and chocolates; on others, there was no service at all. One day, housekeeping didn’t come to our room, leaving us to request fresh towels. For a brand as prestigious as Waldorf Astoria, these lapses were surprising.

Staff and Service: A Mixed Experience

Interactions with the staff were hit or miss. The team member who checked us in was curt and unwelcoming, failing to acknowledge our hotel status or explain the benefits available to us. This lack of recognition set a disappointing tone for the start of our stay. However, other staff members we encountered later were more accommodating and professional.

This inconsistency in service was a recurring theme throughout our stay, affecting everything from dining to housekeeping. While some employees went above and beyond to provide a luxury experience, others fell short of the standard expected at a Waldorf Astoria property.

Cons

Lack of activities for kids: As a family traveling with a child, we were disappointed by the lack of kid-friendly programming. Beyond the pool, there were no activities or amenities specifically designed for children. When we inquired about options, staff suggested visiting the lazy river at the Signia by Hilton. While this might be a convenient solution for some, we felt the Waldorf should have more to offer for families directly on-site. Given its designation as a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, the absence of child-focused activities felt like a missed opportunity. Families staying here will likely spend most of their time at the parks, but on rest days, the lack of engaging options for kids could be a drawback.
Parking: The hotel offers both valet and self-parking, priced at $54 and $38 per night, respectively. We used a mix of both during our stay. While valet service was generally prompt, there were a couple of occasions where our car wasn’t ready when requested. The self-parking lot is a short walk from the hotel, providing a more budget-friendly option for guests who don’t mind the extra effort.

Bottom Line

Our weeklong stay at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando revealed a property with incredible potential but significant areas for improvement. The hotel’s beautiful setting, heated pool, and spacious rooms showcased its luxury pedigree. However, inconsistent service, underwhelming dining, and a lack of family-friendly amenities left us feeling that the experience fell short of five-star expectations.

For couples or individuals seeking a serene retreat near Disney, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando could be an excellent choice. However, families with children may find the lack of programming and lifeguard supervision a concern. While we enjoyed parts of our stay, we couldn’t help but feel that the Waldorf Astoria Orlando needs to address these gaps to fully live up to its reputation.