Did you know that Florida is home to the biggest Marriott brand hotel in the WORLD? As my kids get older, their birthday expectations evolve: Finding something truly special that keeps them engaged and excited can be a significant challenge. But this year I wanted to create an unforgettable experience for my youngest, who was turning the big 1-0 — something packed with activities, and the Orlando World Center Marriott turned out to be the perfect solution! From the moment we arrived, the excitement was palpable: as Britton said, “Whoa! This place is HUGE, Mom!”
Accommodations
As we drove up to the Orlando World Center Marriott, Britton’s eyes lit up when he took in the grand entrance and expansive grounds. He couldn’t wait to hop in the Willy Wonka-like elevator and ride it up all 28 floors — we were actually able to ride it up and down without anyone trying to get on, making it feel like a private journey soaring up, up, and away as we took in gorgeous panoramic views. Check-in was a breeze, and the staff made us feel right at home. Britton was thrilled (and maybe a little surprised!) when they acknowledged his birthday and surprised us with an upgrade to a spacious suite overlooking the gorgeous pool for our mother-son weekend getaway.
With over 2,000 rooms at Orlando World Center Marriott, there’s plenty of variety to choose from to accommodate your needs and select rooms with views of the pool, waterpark, golf course, or holiday fireworks. We were impressed with the recently renovated rooms that feature a contemporary design: The hard-surface flooring felt fresh and modern, perfect for a relaxing escape. The spacious bathroom with long countertops provided plenty of room to spread out, and the oversized balcony was a wonderful spot to unwind after a day of enjoying fun at the pool or exploring the area.
River Falls Water Park: A Splashing Adventure
The undisputed highlight of the Orlando World Center Marriott was the incredible River Falls Water Park. As soon as we entered, we noticed that a buzzing energy filled the air, excited shrieks of laughter mingling with the sound of cascading water. Towering water slides dominated the landscape, promising thrills and spills.
The River Falls Water Park features three thrilling multi-rider innertube water slides: Boomerango, Aquasphere, and Tail Spin. Water park enthusiast Britton wasted no time making a beeline for the Boomerango. The anticipation was electric as we climbed the stairs, the curving slide with its dramatic drop visible at the top. I think both our stomachs did nervous flip-flops, but we were both eager to conquer the slide. The whoosh of the descent was exhilarating, followed by a moment of weightlessness before the heart-pounding reverse loop. Let’s just say I may have let out a surprised yelp that wasn’t quite birthday-appropriate — oops! Britton, ever the comedian, found this experience immensely entertaining.
We took turns conquering the other slides, each offering its own unique twists and turns. The lazy river provided a welcome respite between the adrenaline-pumping rides. As we meandered around the river, gently bobbing along the 575-foot course, we chatted up another family in town for a cheerleading and dance competition. It was the perfect balance of exhilarating thrills and peaceful relaxation.
Falls Pool Oasis
This amazing lagoon-style pool eases you right in with a zero-entry design. Plus, there are comfy, built-in sun shelves, perfect for soaking up the rays or reading a book while staying cool in the water. There are also four jumbo TVs to enjoy poolside sports, dive-in movies, and trivia. And when you need a break from the sun, plenty of comfortable lounge chairs surround the pool, creating a relaxing oasis for the whole family. This is also where you can find the nightly Laser Light Show!
The Falls Pool also has three water slides of its own, including a 90-foot speed slide and two 200-foot twisting slides. The Kids Splash Zone also offers a dedicated space for the little ones — plus, there are always fun activities, crafts, and themed events happening.
On select nights, visitors can join Mermaid Elle and friends for a spectacular glow event and mermaid experience. Watch as Mermaid Elle and friends splash and swim around Falls Pool, and then enjoy a meet-and-greet as you are introduced to these magical creatures. The glow event begins at 7 p.m., with the mermaids splashing around from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the following 2024 dates: July 13, July 20, Aug. 3, Aug. 21, Oct. 12, Nov. 30, and Dec. 28.
Dining Delights
Calling all foodies! The Orlando World Center Marriott is a haven for every palate, offering a diverse range of restaurants that take your taste buds on a global journey. Here’s a peek into our delicious discoveries:
- Mikado Japanese Steakhouse: This place was a birthday celebration dream: The chefs put on a show with their teppanyaki skills, sizzling up meals right at the table. Self-proclaimed steak aficionado Britton declared it his favorite. Not only was the food delicious, but the interactive element added an extra layer of fun. Plus, they even sang Happy Birthday, making it a truly special experience for Britton.
- Siro Urban Italian Kitchen: Craving a taste of Italy? Siro delivers! Their sophisticated menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients transformed into innovative dishes. We couldn’t resist indulging in their delectable pasta and pizza — both were absolutely divine.
- Latitude & Longitude: Fueling up for our adventures was a breeze, thanks to the incredible breakfast buffet at this restaurant. Imagine a feast fit for a king (or a hungry 10-year-old)! Britton devoured the fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon, while I reveled in the fresh fruit, yogurt, and made-to-order omelets. From pastries and cereals to breakfast meats and carving stations, L & L offers everything you could crave; this delicious spread was the perfect way to kickstart each day at the resort.
- Central Pantry: For those times when a quick bite or casual meal is on the agenda, Central Pantry is your go-to. Their extensive menu features fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, and a variety of other options to satisfy any craving.
This description offers just a taste of the culinary adventure that awaits visitors at the Orlando World Center Marriott. With 10 on-site dining options — including the Falls Pool Bar & Grill, a family-friendly sports bar, and a full-service Starbucks — to explore, you’re guaranteed to find something that tantalizes your taste buds throughout your stay.
Beyond the Splashes
The excitement doesn’t end at the water’s edge. Here’s how Orlando World Center Marriott caters to every member of the family:
- Calling all birdie lovers! Tee off at Hawk’s Landing Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course designed by the legendary Robert Cupp, Jr. Feeling rusty? No worries: The Orlando Golf Academy offers personalized instruction right on-site to help you perfect your swing.
- Need a break from the action? The Spa at Orlando World Center Marriott is your ultimate relaxation haven. Melt away stress with a soothing massage, treat yourself to a rejuvenating facial, or indulge in a pampering body scrub or manicure/pedicure. You deserve it!
- Planning a Disney adventure? Make it a breeze with the resort’s included shuttle service to all four Disney Parks and Disney Springs. This convenient perk, included in your nightly resort fee, lets you skip the hassle of parking so that you can focus on the magic.
In short, the Orlando World Center Marriott is your ultimate vacation destination — its proximity to the parks is very convenient, but you can also enjoy it as a one-stop vacation spot all on its own.
The one suggestion I would add to this is that if you can afford it, book one of those lounge chairs upfront. This hotel gets extremely busy and on some popular weekends, the line for the pool starts an hour before they open the gates. Small chance of getting chairs close to the pool to be able to supervise younger kids. Otherwise, this is a great place. No need to go to any Caribbean hotels when you have this in Orlando.