Orlando, Florida

We always take our kids with us on vacation but we don't always want to stay in the most kid-friendly hotels. When visiting the Orlando theme parks, we love to stay in a fabulous location called Grande Lakes. About 20 minutes to 1/2 hour away from Disney World and even closer to Sea World, it's home to TWO gorgeous resorts. The JW Marriott is complete with amazing restaurants, large accommodations, and an AWESOME lazy river. Plus, Grande Lakes also boasts a Ritz-Carlton, which is also part of the Marriott brand, but it's a bit quieter and even more luxurious. See below why Grande Lakes is our pick for amazing activities, accommodations and incredible dining for a magical Orlando, Florida vacation.

If you want to upscale your Disney experience to be within close proximity to the theme parks, while still being far enough away for luxury relaxation, this is where you'll want to be.

Stay, Play, and Eat at Grande Lakes Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott in Orlando, Florida

Photos taken April 2017 and March 2019

The two hotels are easily accessible to the other without even going outside. You can enjoy both lobbies, as well as grand shopping throughout. In the past we've stayed at the JW Marriott as a family, although the photographs below are from more recent visits to the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes to photograph the annual Wine and Spirits Convention which took place in their stunning ballroom area. Definitely the place to have an event!

It's definitely on my bucket list to get back as a family and experience all of the familiar and new features this property has to offer.

Stay at Grande Lakes

The lobby areas at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes and JW Marriott are both stunning!

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando

JW Marriott Grande Lakes

Play at Grande Lakes

Head outside and you'll find more water than you'd ever expect in Orlando! From a lazy river for all ages at the JW Marriott, you'll also find an enormous pool and an adults only spa pool at The Ritz-Carlton.

Ritz-Carlton Orlando

Welcoming umbrellas and lounges are awaiting.

Pool at The Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes

Doesn't this just make you want to jump in?!

JW Marriott, Grande Lakes

One of the quiet spots on the lazy river.

Overlooking the JW Marriott property. It's a magical place on it's own!

Eat at Grande Lakes

The food is amazing at both of these resorts and there are truly many places to eat for all ages and all palates. At The Ritz-Carlton for dining, you can choose from relaxing in The Lobby Lounge to cooling off poolside at Bleu, or fine dining at Norman’s (my favorite place to celebrate a special occasion!) and so much more.

A great find is farm-to-table cuisine at Highball & Harvest:

Cape Canaveral Rock Shrimp with Stuffed Local Squid and Citrus Spaetzle

Dinner at Highball and Harvest at Ritz Carlton Orlando

Wood Fired Duck Breast

Or have a seat in the beautiful lobby for a quick bite and take in the glamorous view of The Lobby Lounge:

The Lobby Lounge at Ritz Carlton Orlando

The Lobby Lounge of The Ritz-Carlton Orlando

What to eat at The Lobby Lounge at Ritz Carlton Orlando

The chips and sliders are incredible! Nice portions, too.

The JW Marriott has it's own dining options and shopping options.

Whisper Creek Farm: The Kitchen for a farm-to-table experience.

Stop in Cafe Bodega for a grab-and-go breakfast, lunch or snack.

SLEEP at Grande Lakes

Ritz-Carlton Orlando

Beautifully appointed and spacious rooms. If you have older kids, these are perfect to get two adjoining rooms for a family of 4 or more. Although if your children are still agreeable to sharing, I love the fact that they offer both one King and or two Queen bed rooms. When I see two Queens as an option, I literally jump up and down! If you are not sure what room type is for you, they have a terrific Compare Rooms Guide that shows size of rooms, number of people, views, photos, and more.