Orlando World Center Marriott
Looking to stay just outside Walt Disney World without sacrificing amenities? The Orlando World Center Marriott is a popular Disney Good Neighbor Hotel that offers a ton of on-site perks—including a waterpark, golf course, and sweeping views—all just a few minutes from the magic.
We recently stayed here, and while there were definitely some standout features, we also had a few hiccups that first-time visitors may want to know about. Here’s our insider scoop on what to expect—the good, the honest, and the helpful.
Why It Caught Our Attention
If you’re comparing options outside of Disney property, this resort lands in the Moderate Disney Resort price range, making it a compelling choice for travelers looking for value, space, and built-in entertainment.
Here are a few highlights that stood out:
🌆 Gorgeous upper-floor views, especially at sunset
🌊 On-site waterpark with multiple slides and splash areas
⛳ 18-hole championship golf course right on the property
🍿 Evening poolside movies for the whole family
☕ Full-service Starbucks in the lobby (yes, please!)
With this many amenities, it’s easy to see why it draws in families, conference guests, and parkgoers alike.
Evening poolside movies:
Starbucks in the lobby!
Our experience:
Insider Tips on Parking and Arrival
Let’s talk logistics—because they do matter.
Parking at this resort can be a bit tricky. Self-parking is available in a large garage located a fair distance from the main lobby. While there’s a shuttle that runs between the garage and the entrance, we found it much more convenient to use the valet service (available for a fee) after one long walk-in under the Florida sun.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re driving in with luggage or kids, budget extra time for check-in and consider letting the valet take it from there.
A Bustling Resort Atmosphere
This is definitely a high-energy resort—which can be a plus or minus depending on your travel style. During our stay, the lobby and check-in area often had long lines (think TSA-level crowds). Because the lobby is central to the resort layout, we passed this area multiple times a day, and it remained consistently busy.
The pools and water park areas were packed throughout the afternoon, which made it tough to find a spot or move comfortably during peak hours. However, evenings brought a welcome change of pace—quieter hot tubs, a more relaxing vibe, and fewer crowds around the pool area.
Pool Towel System: A Quirky Surprise
One unexpected feature was the towel vending machine by the pool. To get a towel, guests scan their room key, and a clear notice warns that unreturned towels could result in a $25 charge per towel.
We weren’t sure if this was a high-tech tracking system or just a policy reminder, but it certainly caught our attention. If nothing else, it’s a great motivator to return your towel!
Front Desk Hiccups: What to Know
While we prepaid for our stay in full, we were asked to visit the front desk multiple times to re-scan a card for incidentals that the system seemed to “lose.” With the line always stretching long, this became a bit of a hassle—especially since it pulled us out of our plans unexpectedly.
That said, the staff was polite and helpful each time, and we recognize that this may have been an isolated technical issue.
Dining & Entertainment On-Site
There’s plenty to do without leaving the resort. You’ll find:
- 🎮 An arcade and game room for kids
- 🍽️ Several dining options and lounges
- 🎆 A mini laser light show by the main pool at night
- 🎉 Daily poolside activities to keep guests engaged
This is a great choice for travelers who want resort-style amenities and entertainment without needing to leave the property.
Final Thoughts: Is It Right for Your Trip?
The Orlando World Center Marriott delivers big on features, especially if you’re looking to stay active and entertained without venturing far. But for guests who value low-crowd environments or the immersive hospitality Disney is known for, this may feel a bit more like a convention hotel than a themed resort escape.
🎯 Ideal for:
- Families who love lots of on-site activities
- Golfers and spa-goers
- Travelers who want proximity to Disney without staying inside the bubble
For our travel style—and at this price point—we personally prefer the Disney Resort experience, where the magic begins the moment we check in. But we can absolutely see the appeal for guests seeking a high-energy stay with all the amenities in one place.
Check out our pros and cons to review when you look at staying off property.
