Escape the Madness at Waldorf-Astoria Orlando

Don’t get me wrong, I love Walt Disney World Resort and I love children.  I love to watch the faces of children light up when they see Cinderella’s Castle for the first time, and I love to hear their squeals as they experience the fast moving rides.  But, I also love to get away from the thongs of children and head to a place where I can be an adult.

One place where I long to escape is the Waldorf-Astoria Orlando (map). The first Waldorf-Astoria to be built outside of New York, this luxury property is surrounded on three sides by Walt Disney Resort, and situated near the Downtown Disney Area (map).  The 482-acre development boasts a Rees Jones designed champion golf course, swimming pool with private cabanas, and a 24,000 square foot luxury spa among its many amenities.

While this is all very enticing, my planned retreat would include one of fine restaurants or bars located within.  Serving many of the famous dishes created by the original Waldorf-Astoria New York, who wouldn’t want to sample The Waldorf Salad, Veal Oscar, Thousand Island Dressing, Eggs Benedict or even Red Velvet Cake?  But it is a renown concoction of a different variety, invented by the Waldorf-Astoria that would beckon me, as well as other adults, away from the theme parks, a Manhattan.

Sir Harry’s Lounge, located within the Orlando hotel, has the ambiance of a true cocktail lounge, dark and rich with a relaxed atmosphere. The formation of the chairs and the selection of ultra premium liquors served encourage conversation.  An elaborate Mahogany bar awaits guests in the Bull & Bear Steakhouse, and open nightly for dinner, this restaurant proudly serves a wine list including highly acclaimed  boutique vintners.

Paying homage to it’s New York roots, Peacock Alley is a Big Apple inspired bar and lounge open mid-day until late-night.  Located in the heart of the hotel lobby, near the famed hand-crafted clock, guests can enjoy cocktails, small plates, and aperitifs. During the holiday season, Peacock Alley hosted a dream menu, Bar du Chocolat, and served everything from truffles to pastries to shooters.  All chocolate lovers should unite and beg for this option to continue!  From a simple glass of wine to the inspired Blackberry Cobbler and White Cosmopolitan or perhaps the throwback Sidecar or Manhattan, Peacock’s seems right up my alley.

Whether you stay a little while or a little while longer, Waldorf-Astoria Orlando is the perfect respite from the bustling theme parks.

Photo Selection: flickr