If it matters to you whether the label on your polo shirt is an alligator or a pony, then Orlando’s new Waldorf Astoria speaks your language.

This brand-new 498-room behemoth is the first of its kind outside New York City—and it’s all about the logo, the look and the heritage. For a sister property that once boasted men’s-only hours at one of its restaurants, expanding and modernizing may be long overdue.

Luxurious Amenities

Fortunately for New York Waldorf veterans, the hotel’s famous Bull & Bear Steakhouse made the trip south. It still offers US$50 steaks with a red wine béarnaise.

After dinner, guests can work the protein off at the state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness centre, take years off at the cavernous Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain and tee off at the Rees Jones-designed golf course.

It’s hard to imagine anyone seriously wanting to leave but, just in case, Walt Disney World is a four-minute drive down a back road. After a theme park day spent among unfettered hordes of children, it’s nice to know the 5,700-sq.-ft. zero-entry pool (or the smaller “formal pool”) awaits, hemmed in by private cabanas.

Some say it’s lonely at the top; others just call it secluded.

Kid-Friendly Fun Next Door

Bring the kids (for free) to the splash-friendly Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek next door, connected to the Waldorf through a conference centre. It’s bigger, full of winding waterways and therefore more conducive to a 3-year-old’s brand of fun.

Rooms start at $330.