I had the pleasure of staying for five nights at a fabulous luxury hotel courtesy of The Waldorf Astoria Orlando. Going to Orlando can be a bit hectic at times as I want to see Disney, Universal Studios and have a little time by the pool. Time flies every time I am in Orlando with the amount of activities I have going on that I had to make the best of the hotel and my stay. If you are headed to Orlando, here is my guide to ensure you make the most of your time in Orlando.
Cabana Rentals
At the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, there is a gorgeous pool that can be seen as soon as you walk into the hotel through floor to ceiling windows. It is the definition of relaxation, so being able to have my own private cabana was the cherry on top. Walking over and seeing my name written on the sign in front of it made me feel like I was Beyoncé. The cabana accommodates up to 8 people and has a fridge stocked with sodas and water. Not to mention the poolside attendants walking around offering free frozen grapes. If you want more of an adult beverage, you can choose from the cocktail menu at the Aquamarine Pool Bar and Grill, where anything you order will be delivered straight to your cabana. There is a complimentary fruit platter brought over as soon as you arrive and if that isn’t enough, order a meal from Aquamarine along with your cocktail. Before even arriving to the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, I had my heart set on trying their Prosecco Popsicle drink so of course that was the first thing I had to order and I was not disappointed. Naturally, I had to take my pictures first, but after that I happily sipped on my drink. Before long, I had finished it as well as my guests.
Places To Eat:
Peacock Alley
Peacock Alley is located in the focal part of the main lobby of the hotel. In the mornings, it transforms from just Peacock Alley to Peacock Alley Croissant and Coffee Bar, serving espressos and homemade pastries. I was excited to find out this was the origin of the mouthwatering donuts that were delivered to my room when I arrived. At night, Peacock Alley becomes a bar serving small plated food and hosting live entertainment. It’s also home to the delicious and well known Peacock Egg drink that not only tastes amazing but is 100% instagrammable.
Oscar’s
To start your day, stop by Oscar’s. Whether you feel like ordering off the menu or choosing the buffet, you won’t be disappointed. I splurged for the buffet as I couldn’t pick just one thing to eat. The buffet had everything from pastries to cereal; omelets to waffles or crepes, which is made right in front of you and any way you want it. Not to mention the fresh squeezed juice bar, which I had to try every kind.
The Room
While staying at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, I was lucky enough to stay in one of their Deluxe Suites. Let’s just say it was absolutely gorgeous! The room offered one bedroom with a king size bed, a full living room, and a four-person dining area. Not to mention the balcony that took my breath away. The stunning view was overlooking the pool and I could see Epcot and other Disney Parks in the distance. At night, I was able to sit and relax on the balcony while watching the IllumiNations firework show from Epcot. The first thing I did when I got into the room was check out
the bathroom. It had a gigantic bath made of Italian marble and an enormous glass shower. If you’re like me and enjoy the finer things it life (aka anything designer) they had even stock the bathroom with Salvatore Ferragamo shampoo which definitely made this designer lover ecstatic!
The Spa
I spent my first morning at The Waldorf Astoria Orlando at The Waldorf Astoria Spa. I met with the manager, Linda Hales, who took me and my guests on a tour of the spa. On the tour, Linda told us about some of the products
they carry in the spa. The spa has handmade soaps and vegan nail polish that are all made from local products such as plants, minerals, and locally crafted honey. The honey is used in some of their treatments they offer. Take a skin treatment for example, the honey helps create a look of natural radiance and healthy glow. The spa offers facial therapies, body therapies, massage therapies, and salon services. After the tour, we were brought to the changing area so we could put our robes on and get ready for our massages. My masseuse’s name was Jeannini and I received the spa’s newest addition called the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage while my guests got the Honey Butter Massage. While waiting for our masseuses to arrive, we were taken to their Tea Lounge and Jacuzzi area for some delicious tea and relaxation before the real fun began. After we got our massages we of course had to try out their steam room. I cranked it all the way up and let my toxins drip away.
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Shopping
If you are looking to do some designer, high end shopping you can head to the Mall at Millenia. They have shops like Prada, Gucci, Versace and Chanel. It’s only a twenty-minute drive but if you are looking for some cute boutiques and shops, take a walk down Park Ave in Winter Park which is about a thirty five minute drive from the hotel.
Disney Springs
A quick 6-minute drive from the hotel and you’re in Disney Springs. Only costing you $10 in a uber, you can enter through the once Downtown Disney, which has now been renovated and revamped to the fabulous new Disney Springs. They have completely updated and transformed the whole area and even added in a phenomenal shopping area with new restaurants. They even have bowling!
Dining
If you are out and about and looking for a bite that’s not in the hotel, check out restaurants in Celebration, Downtown Orlando and Winter Park. Kate from Waldorf Astoria Orlando made some amazing suggestions such as The Rusty Spoon, which is locally sourced in downtown Orlando. Another place to hit is Maxine’s on Shine, which is a fun local place located in downtown Orlando as well. There’s also Luma on Park which offers great outdoor seating, people watching, and good food; located in Winter Park. The Briar Patch is the perfect breakfast/brunch spot in Winter Park and if you’re looking for some crazy loud fun, you must check out Rocco’s Tacos! It’s has fantastic Mexican food and they even offer tableside guacamole. Located in Orlando.
Drinks
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers some amazing fresh cocktails. My favorite being always the Grey Goose and grapefruit juice, but I loved that they used fresh squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice. The Wine Room on Park Avenue (popular, fun, and wine!; Winter Park); The Courtesy Bar (local favorite, great mixologists; The Whiskey
(as the name dictates whiskey lovers will definitely love this, but they have a great assortment of cocktails;
Orlando)
Places To See
I know when most people think of Orlando, they think of Disney and Universal Studios but there is much more to see and do while staying at this hotel! Might I add that Disney is only about a ten minute drive away from the hotel. They also offer free daily shuttles to and from the park. Waldorf Astoria Orlando is in the most central area I have stayed at in Orlando. Here are some places I suggest checking out while you are enjoying your stay.
Wekiwa Springs
If you are looking for other things to do besides your typical Disney and Universal days, head over to Wekiwa Springs. One of my personal favorite things to do in Orlando besides Disney. It is a natural springs park where you can picnic, go trail running, or paddle down the river in a canoe or kayak. Make sure to arrive when they open at 8am as they tend to reach capacity of the park very quickly.
The Orlando Eye
The Coca-Cola Orlando Eye is one of the newest attractions in Orlando and the largest observation wheel on the East Coast!
* This post is sponsored by Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
Comments
So, yeah, basically I gotta book a trip to ORL like right away. This sounds like the most amazing time. Everything you did, saw, ate and bought looks incredible! Super jealous, I have to admit 😉
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
I am probably tagging along to a vacay in Orlando in March. I think I need to stay here!!
Meghan | beyondbasicblog.com
All I want in life after reading this is frozen grapes and one of those prossecco popsicle drinks! 😍😍😍
This place looks beautiful! I will hopefully be there later this year!
This looks like a beautiful place to visit! I hope you had a great time. xo, Nataly
That looks like an amazing and relaxing visit. Also love your camel bag!
Trying to decide between Dubai or Orlando for next Christmas. Having read this it may just be Orlando😉
Oh my gosh, that drink sounds amazing! And this place looks divine, glad you had a wonderful time!
XO
Lee Anne
http://www.lifebylee.com
It looks like your stay was absolutely magical! The prosecco popsicle drink is my kinda drink. You scalloped swim suit is also adorable.
xoxo,
Kim
This looks like the PERFECT place to stay! It’s so gorgeous!
By Lauren M
This looks like the best trip and the best place to stay!! I can’t wait to check them out the next time we visit!! XO
Oh my gosh I need to go there. Love this!!
Dress Up Buttercup // Dede Raad
Looks like such an amazing trip! We were just in Orlando over the summer! xx
AH what a wonderful trip! I feel a bit the same. I am planning a trip to LA and I want to do so much but also relax!
So jealous! Looks like an amazing trip and that hotel is gorgeous!! That olive bikini is super cute too! xo
This looks like a fun trip girl!
Looks so amazing!!! So happy you had a good trip!
This looks like the BEST time- love that you included so many details!
Love your scallop bikini! And those Popsicle drinks look amaze!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
So, truthfully, when we got to Orlando, we alway stay on-property at Disney. Butttttt…. the Waldorf is kiiind of amazing and I may need to re-think that haha! UM PROSECCO POPSICLE PLEASE?! May need to figure out how to make that for the summer! Looks like you had a fab getaway! (I love hitting the outlet malls in Orlando… they’re SO GOOD!)
i LOVE orlando (disney annual passholder over here) and i’ve been dying to check out this hotel! looks like such a relaxing trip. also, OBSESSED with that scalloped bikini and your cozy white sweater
xo Emily
http://www.thehipsuburban.com
This looks like the dream! Such a fun vacation!
Obsessed with your olive color bikini- so cute!
And your pictures are gorgeous!
xx, Jamie
theblonderlife.com
This trip looks like a dream! This is usually the go to place my friends and I stay at when visiting the parks. Glad you had a great time!!
Looks like such a great trip, all the food looks so good. I am heading back to La soon really looking forward to getting back to the sunshine.
Great guide! That Prosecco Popsicle drink looks amazing! I have never heard of Wekiwa Springs but will have to check that out next time I am in the area!
Love how detailed and informative this post is. The food looks amazing.
First, those popsicle drinks look amazing and second, that whole place looks fabulous!
Gorg!
Love these photos!
Woah this looks amazing! Love your photos! xx
You had me at that popsicle cocktail! What an amazing trip.
Your stay looks so wonderful! I was just in Orlando recently and I so wish we had stayed at the Waldorf Astoria!
XO Amanda | http://www.glitterandspice.com
Looks amazing there!!
This is a dream! Thank you for sharing!
XX, Amy | Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins
Basically, I need this vacation right now. Looks like a blast!!