Today we started our 10 day countdown to history! Bonnet Creek is Hilton’s largest project ever with nearly 1,500 rooms and 150,000 square feet of meeting space all located on 482 acres in the heart of Disney. But that’s not the only thing that makes this grand opening 10 day countdown special. Bonnet Creek features the first-ever newly built Waldorf Astoria outside of the legendary original in New York City. In just 10 days, for the first time ever, if you want to stay at a Waldorf Astoria, you no longer have only one option. Now you will be able to enjoy the same legendary service and experience that is Waldorf Astoria right here in Orlando, Florida. We have just 10 days left to wrap everything up before we welcome our first guest on October 1. As our Managing Director Peter Kacheris says, “History is being made every day.”
The hotel is buzzing with activity. Every day there are new smiling, eager faces. Kacheris considers himself the luckiest guy in town for being able to hire so many employees at this point in our economy; we’ve hired nearly 600 employees so far. Weekly orientations introduce hundreds of new employees to Hilton’s standards and service culture. The employee cafeteria opened two weeks ago and started out pretty relaxed…not anymore – you can bet on a long line and full house once you enter!
First day at Employee Cafeteria
The hallways are packed with people unloading items for the rooms and transporting laundry back and forth. Who knew there was so much laundry before a hotel opens! And did I mention that from one end of the back of house to the other is about a mile? So we are all getting lots of exercise!
Thirteen men and 2 hours later, the 300 pound grandfather clock was installed in the Waldorf and chiming the same chime as the famous lobby clock in New York City has since 1931. It is the centerpiece of the lobby and really does make a grand statement! All the artwork has been delivered and is almost finished being hung. In fact, Bonnet Creek houses the largest private collection of commissioned artwork in Orlando from artists all over the world and offers something exciting for every taste from traditional to modern. (More to come on that in a future blog posting)
The Lobby Clock at Waldorf Astoria Orlando
The cabanas went up just the other day at the Signature Cabana Pool and are just waiting to provide some shade and relaxation. The 700,000 gallon lazy-river has been filled and ready to go; however, don’t let the name fool you, it would be more appropriately called an “action-river” with its power the equivalent of a 737 jet engine!
Lazy River at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Chefs from all over the world have joined our team and are working diligently on finalizing the menus for our 12 fantastic restaurants, bars, and room service. We are all just waiting for the employee tastings to begin 
As you can see there has been a lot going on here at Bonnet Creek! Be sure to check out our packages at Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for regular updates. (pssst….we are giving away one night every day until our opening to a lucky Facebook fan so be sure to join!!!)
