Hotel Review: Orlando World Center Marriott
It is the age-old debate for Disney travelers: is it actually worth staying off-property to save some cash, or do you lose too much of the magic? On our most recent trip to Disney World, we decided to step outside the "Disney bubble" once again to see if the savings and amenities at the Orlando World Center Marriott were worth the trade-off. We have historically been pretty true to staying on-property because of those classic Disney perks, but this Marriott property, just minutes from the parks, might just turn us into off-property converts!
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The Location and Atmosphere
While you are technically off-property, the Orlando World Center Marriott is so close to the action that it hardly feels like a commute. One of the best parts of the stay was our view; being able to see Disney Springs from the resort kept the excitement alive even when we weren't in the parks!
You do lose the specific Disney theming in the hallways and rooms that you’d find at a Walt Disney World Resort, but the trade-off is a massive, full-scale resort experience that feels significantly more upscale than many on-property options.
Here is a breakdown of the typical drive times we found from going from Orlando World Center Marriott to Disney World parks:
Disney Springs: This is actually the closest neighbor! It’s only about 7 minutes away. It’s so close that you can even see the Aerophile balloon from the pools and some rooms!
EPCOT: You can usually make it to the EPCOT parking lot in about 10 minutes.
Hollywood Studios: You can usually reach Hollywood Studios in about 11 minutes.
Magic Kingdom: It takes about 15 minutes to reach the TTC by car or shuttle. From there, you can take the monorail or ferry boat to reach the park.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: It takes about 18 minutes to reach Animal Kingdom because it’s on the western edge of Disney property.
The Room at Orlando World Center Marriott
Our spacious room blew us away, especially when compared to what you usually get at a Disney Moderate or even some Deluxe resorts. The space was much more generous, featuring a very comfortable King bed that actually let us get some real rest after long park days.
The bathroom was another major win. The lighting was excellent, there was plenty of space for all of your toiletries, makeup, and essentials, and there was a full length mirror on the wall. Unfortunately, there are no real doors here. Instead, there is no door to the sink area, and there is only a sliding barn door to the toilet and shower area. The shower pressure was great, but the shower was weirdly noisy when it ran. It’s not a deal breaker, but just an interesting note.
We loved having a balcony that overlooked the massive waterpark pool, slides, and lazy river! We could see the balloon from Disney Springs go up and down as we relaxed on the balcony with our on-property Starbucks drinks on hand.
The Resort Perks and Amenities
If you are looking for value and variety, this resort hits the mark. Here are the main perks we enjoyed:
Multiple Pools: This isn't just a place to take a quick dip. The resort features multiple massive pool areas. One includes multiple waterslides and a lazy river, and the other is a more relaxed, more adult-oriented looking pool. It’s the kind of place where you could easily justify a full "resort day" without ever leaving.
On-Site Dining: Having multiple restaurants and a Starbucks right on the property is a huge convenience. Whether you need a quick caffeine fix before the shuttle or a sit-down dinner after the fireworks, the options are there. We particulary loved the grab-and-go kitchen option that had everything from light bites like sandwiches to wine and candy bars.
Marriott Bonvoy Points: One of our favorite perks of staying here is the ability to collect Marriott Bonvoy points. Unlike staying at a Disney-owned resort, you’re building toward future free stays while you vacation.
Daily Shuttle: There is a daily scheduled shuttle service to the Disney World parks available to guests.
The Honest Trade-offs: Transportation and Timing
We always want to be honest and acknowledge that there are a few things you give up by staying here. You do lose out on Early Theme Park Entry, which is a perk reserved for those staying on Disney property. However, if you aren’t a “must-ride-everything” person or a morning person, that extra 30 minutes isn’t always a make-or-break factor.
The biggest hurdle is the transportation. While the hotel offers a shuttle, it doesn't run nearly as frequently as the Disney resort buses. If you are trying to hit a specific rope drop time or stay until the very last second of the fireworks, the shuttle schedule might feel a bit restrictive. If you aren’t driving your own vehicle, we’d recommend budgeting for a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to maintain your flexibility.
On this trip, we had flown down to MCO, so we relied on rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. Waiting on a shuttle that only comes around every now and then for many guests is a quick way to burn through your precious vacation time!
Is It Worth It?
When it comes to value for the price, the Orlando World Center Marriott beats out Disney’s Moderate and even some Deluxe resorts in terms of both price and offerings! During our spring break trip, the room was about $360 per night, which was cheaper than most of Disney’s moderate rooms. The rooms feel more spacious and functional, and the pool complexes are massive step up from what you’ll find at even most on-property locations.
For us, the pros clearly outweigh the cons when comparing this resort to the value and price of Deluxe and Moderate resorts. However, if you prioritize staying as close to the magic as possible, relying on Disney transportation, wanting to spend less than $300 per nights in peak times, and wanting a little more “Disney” look to your stay, a Disney Value resort might be for you. If you want a comfortable, high-end home base for a moderate price with excellent amenities that is still seconds away from the parks, the Orlando World Center Marriott is a serious contender!
Looking for more of a value stay for a steal of a deal?
Check out our hotel review for the Fairfield Inn at Flamingo Crossings here!