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boy swimming with snorkel
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Orlando World Center Marriott
Living in southwest Florida certainly makes short vacations in Orlando an easy reality. Almost every family I know has been to Disney World numerous times and, truth be told–most parents could easily skip yet another Disney-themed trip. This winter, why not schedule an Orlando trip filled with fun but minus the mouse?
There’s something extra relaxing about taking 3-4 days to recharge when it doesn’t include a flight or long car ride or a packed itinerary of activities. It’s an even bigger treat when the kids are happy and active and you feel pampered.
I spent four days in Orlando recently and found a slew of entertaining and relaxing activities without ever setting foot in Disney World.
The majority of our fun was at the Orlando World Center Marriott. The largest Marriott in the world, it is a AAA Four-Diamond Resort with 2,009 guestrooms. The newly remodeled suites are perfect for families and it’s great location for a relaxed family vacation.
Accommodations
Our suite had a separate bedroom with king-size bed, a great room with large dining table, and a living area with a queen-size pullout couch. The suite’s bathroom had a vanity separate from the bathroom making it convenient to share with kids. Plus, you could enter the bathroom from the main living area or the bedroom. A spacious balcony ran the length of the suite and looked down on the resort’s Falls Pools Oasis. TV’s in both the livingroom and the bedroom mean that parents and kids can both enjoy a late night movie.
Dining Out
There are plenty of choices for your meals at Orlando World Center Marriott. The Hawk’s Landing Steakhouse & Grille offers an upscale dining experience with steaks and seafood and an excellent wine list. Siro Urban Italian Kitchen is an Italian kitchen focusing on local flavors and family-style dishes. The mixologists at Siro will delight you with innovative drinks and craft beers. Mikado Japanese Steakhouse is a definite kid favorite–they’ll have a blast as their chef prepares their meal tableside. For breakfast and brunch, Solaris features a daily 80-item buffet that should not be missed. There also is a food court with casual and affordable dining options, a poolside grill, a Starbuck’s and a sport bar.
If you prefer to get away from the resort for some of your meals, Orlando’s “restaurant row” is just minutes away.
Water Fun
The Falls Pool Oasis is the highlight of the resort and where your family will likely spend most of your stay. The pool has been ranked as one of the “world’s coolest hotel pools” by Forbes. With two 200-foot winding waterslides and one 90-foot speed slide, it’s easy to see why it’s gotten such great press. The resort also has a Splash Zone with a zero-entry pool for hanging out with the littlest family members.
The huge palm-lined pool features several waterfalls and a backdrop of rock outcroppings. The tiered seating layout offers plenty of room for lounging while you keep a watchful eye on the kids.
Planned activities poolside include Gatorland animal appearances, arts and crafts, face painting, and other special events. There is also a video game arcade with XBox, PlayStation and more.
Tune Up Your Golf Game
For adults, the Bill Madonna Golf Academy at Hawk’s Landing Golf Club might be the biggest draw. Bill is one of Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Teachers in America” and after participating in one group lesson and one private lesson, I’m not exaggerating when I say he is the best teacher I’ve ever worked with. In the one-hour private lesson he fixed a swing flaw I’ve had since I started to golf years ago. His instructions are simple, easy to understand and possible to replicate. If your children are getting into the game–or you want them to–a lesson with Bill is a great way to introduce them to golf.
Relax at the Spa
I found time during my stay to get a deep tissue massage at the resort spa (as if I wasn’t relaxed enough!). The Spa is located adjacent to a quiet outdoor pool where I lounged for a bit before my treatment. The spa offers various massages, facials, manicures and pedicures.
Turn Your Family Into Believers
Ar first, your kids may be (very loudly) skeptical that it’s possible to have a great time in Orlando without ever setting foot on Disney property. But by the end of your first day at Orlando World Center Marriott, I promise they’ll be believers.
Orlando World Center Marriott is located at 8701 World Center Dr, Orlando, FL 32821. Call (407) 239-4200 for information.