Orlando World Center Marriott
8701 World Center Dr., Lake Buena Vista, Florida, 32821, United States, Orlando, Florida, USA
Why We Like It
This giant hotel is fun to explore and offers activities for kids and the kid in us all. The resort's location, next door to Disney World, makes it perfect for conventioneers to bring their families along for a vacation. On-site dining choices are so varied you never need to leave the property to eat, but if you want to boast to friends back home that you dined in a celebrity chef-owned restaurant, Disney Springs is just minutes away.
Fodor's Expert Review
With 2,009 rooms and 120 suites, this luxury resort is one of Orlando's largest, catering to conventions (nearly a half-million square feet of meeting space) and families. It sits in the middle of a golf course, just a mile or so from Disney's front door. All rooms have balconies, deluxe bedding, upscale bathrooms, flat-screen HDTVs, and, from the upper floors, spectacular views of Magic Kingdom and Epcot fireworks. Families with children are decidedly welcome, and there are scheduled programs just for them. The complex encompasses four pools: two for kids with a waterfall and slide towers and two (one indoors) for more serene swimming and sunbathing.
You Should Know The $25 nightly resort fee includes shuttle service, Wi-Fi, some phone calls, in-room coffee and water. In addition, self parking is $24 a day.
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Room
The generous rooms contain either a king or two double beds, with Marriott signature Revive bedding featuring down comforters and pillows, along with large flat-screen TV, coffee maker and fixings. King-bed rooms also offer a sleeper sofa, while the double bed rooms offer a sleeper chair. A desk with ergonomic chair ensures the comfort of the many business guests who must work while at the hotel. Plenty of plugs and ports along with Wi-Fi make sure everyone stays charged and connected.
You Should Know If down pillows and comforters are not to your liking, request alternative bedding with no feathers in sight.
Bathroom
The granite vanity features two sinks and offers plenty of space to spread out. The vanity is separated from the bath/shower and WC. Marriott signature bath amenities are supplied as needed. A full-length mirror is a bonus in the bathroom.
Lobby
Flanked by columns, the modern décor and bright, airy ceilings in this vast lobby are all welcoming and impressive. Ample check-in areas are designed to efficiently serve the sometimes large groups arriving for conferences, and sociable seating groups are scattered throughout. A sizeable arcade is equipped with games of all sorts.
Pool
The four heated indoor and outdoor pools at this resort are not simply places to take a dip. Nightly laser light shows and outdoor fire pits with comfortable seating add to the fun, along with two slides, one 200-feet long, the other a 90-foot speed slide. Guests looking for some relaxation rather than activities can make use of the large pool with ample lounge chairs and a whirlpool for those muscles made weary by too much golf, theme-park hopping or conference sitting. Families can make use of the kid’s splash park, a sand volleyball court, and a Lego play area.
Spa
Muted metallic and neutral colors help to focus the mind and encourage relaxation in preparation for selected spa treatments. Offerings include massage, facials, steam room, waxing, mani/pedi, and couples massage among other services.
Gym
The fitness center is lined with windows so you can enjoy the Florida sunshine while you exercise. Rows of treadmills, ellipticals, and free weights are available.
Dining
There's little need to leave this vast resort to dine, as it features several excellent fine-dining choices and ample spots for a quick snack. Central Pantry offers light fare all day long for guests on the go; Siro Urban Italian Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and uses local farmers and ranchers in addition to the on-site garden to ensure a seasonal farm-to-table menu; Hawk’s Landing Steakhouse & Grille, an upscale steakhouse with very traditional booth-style décor, serves prime dry-aged beef and local seafood. Mikado Japanese Steakhouse offers traditional Teppanyaki style cooking as well as fresh-made sushi. High Velocity Bar is the on-site sports bar and restaurant. There are TVs everywhere, a bar area for drinks and booths for family dining. Casual food and drinks are served at Falls Pool Bar & Grill.
You Should Know Prices in the on-site eateries are geared to a corporate expense account, thus tend to be pricey.
Drinking
Central Pantry has wine and beer on tap and beer and spirits by the glass and bottle, and all the in-house eateries have full bars. Drinks are served poolside at Falls Pool Bar & Grill.
Golf
Set amid a 220-acre championship golf course, rich with natural Florida beauty, the resort offers much to golf-lovers, whether it's enjoying the views from your guestroom window, or playing the 18-hole course designed by Robert Cupp Jr., or the chance to improve your game at The Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The hotel offers scheduled shuttle service to the Disney parks, but there is nothing within walkable distance from this vast resort. If you want to explore farther, a car would be necessary (steep daily parking fee and a shuttle between the parking lot and the resort). If a night out at Disney Springs is your destination call a ride-share service or taxi.
Restaurants
The closest neighborhood is Disney Springs (7-minute drive), a dining, drinking, and shopping extravaganza. Restaurants include the three-story PaddleFish, a modern-day paddle-boat, where seafood is king and the outdoor rooftop terrace offers striking views of the lagoon and the entertainment at the Springs. Nearby you’ll find Morimoto’s Asia, an Asian Fusion eatery owned by, and often visited by, famed Japanese chef, Morimoto; Raglan Road, an authentic Irish Pub owned by celeb chef Kevin Dundon, featuring refined Irish fare and lots of music and dancing; and Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ restaurant, showcasing local, Southern food.
Bars
Disney Springs (7-minute drive) offers dozens of places to lift a glass. The rooftop bar at Morimoto's Asia offers high-end sake; Raglan Road's Irish pub pours a mean Guinness; wine connoisseurs can head to Wine Bar George, where a master sommelier dispenses a wide range of domestic and imported wines; and House of Blues is the spot for beer.
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