When I started planning our last Disney World trip, I knew I wanted something a little more comfortable than a value resort, but I didn’t want to lose the convenience of being close to the parks. That’s how I ended up researching all the best Marriott hotels near Disney World, and let me tell you—there are some real gems out there if you know where to look.
Whether you're going for a family vacation, a couples getaway, or even a solo Disney adventure, Marriott properties offer comfort, cleanliness, and often some surprising perks you might not expect.
I’m sharing everything I’ve learned so you don’t have to spend hours sifting through reviews and maps. These are the tips I’d tell my best friend if they asked me where to stay.
Key Points for Booking Marriott Hotels Near Disney World
- Prioritize location with easy park access, like properties that offer shuttles or are just a short ride away.
- Look for hotels with resort-style amenities, especially if you want some downtime between park days.
- Don’t overlook loyalty perks and points—Marriott Bonvoy members can sometimes snag upgrades or free nights.
Marriott Hotels Near Disney World: What You Should Know First
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that not all hotels near Disney are created equal.
Some are technically close on a map but a pain to get to the parks from. Others may look affordable but tack on daily resort and parking fees. That’s why I always check if the hotel is listed on resorts near Disney World with shuttle service or if it's mentioned alongside the Disney World hotels that actually offer solid convenience.
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek and the Marriott World Center are two standout options. The JW Marriott feels luxurious and relaxing after a long day at the parks, and the World Center is packed with family-friendly amenities like water slides and golf. Both are great in different ways depending on your style of trip.
Recommended Marriott Hotels Near Disney World
If you’re trying to decide which Marriott hotel is right for your Disney trip, I’ve got you covered. I know how overwhelming it can be to compare reviews and amenities online, so I’m breaking it down for you just like I would if we were sitting at a coffee shop planning your vacation together.
Each of these hotels has its own strengths depending on what you’re looking for—whether it’s luxury, family fun, affordability, or just a great location near the parks.
Here’s my honest take based on personal experience and a lot of research.
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
This luxurious resort absolutely blew me away. It’s only a short shuttle ride from the Disney parks, and every time I came back to the hotel, I felt like I was entering a peaceful, upscale retreat. The design is stunning—modern, elegant, and filled with thoughtful details. I especially loved the rooftop bar where I could unwind with a drink while watching the sunset.
There’s also a spa if you want a little pampering. If you’re like me and love Disney but also crave a calm, quiet space to recharge at the end of the day, this hotel hits the sweet spot.
Orlando World Center Marriott
The Orlando World Center Marriott is where I’d recommend staying if you’re traveling with kids or a big group. It’s massive—in a good way—and there’s so much to do right on the property.
The pool area is basically a mini water park with waterslides, splash zones, and poolside dining. My family had an absolute blast here, and we barely scratched the surface of all the amenities. There’s a shuttle to Disney, but also enough on-site entertainment that you could enjoy a full day at the hotel if you wanted a break from the parks.
I also appreciated the variety of food options, especially the casual ones when we were too tired to go out.
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel (A Marriott Property)
This one took me by surprise in the best way. The Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel is technically on Disney property, but since it’s part of the Marriott family, I was able to book it with my Bonvoy points—major win!
It’s within walking distance to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios, which made mornings so much easier and less stressful. I also loved taking the boat transportation—it was such a relaxing start to each day. And because it’s part of Disney’s hotel system, you still get perks like early park entry. If you want Disney convenience and Marriott perks, this is one of the smartest choices you can make.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista
When I wanted something more budget-friendly, I stayed at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista. It’s not fancy, but it was clean, comfortable, and affordable—which honestly checked all the boxes for that particular trip.
It’s really close to Disney, and shuttle service was included during my stay. The rooms are simple but functional, and some even have bunk beds for kids, which is a fun touch. If you’re planning to spend most of your time in the parks and just need a reliable place to crash at night, this hotel delivers great value.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista South
This all-suite hotel ended up being a great option when I was traveling with friends and wanted a bit more space. Each room had a separate sitting area, which made it feel way less cramped than a standard hotel room.
Breakfast was included (which saved us a lot of time and money), and the shuttle to Disney was convenient. It’s not a luxury property, but it’s warm, welcoming, and super practical for groups or families. I’d definitely stay here again, especially for the extra room to spread out between park days.
Why I Loved Staying at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek
This place felt like a peaceful retreat right on the edge of the magic. Even though it’s not a Disney-owned hotel, it still offers a shuttle service that gets you to the parks without much hassle. The rooms are spacious and modern, and there’s something about coming back to that quiet elegance after the chaos of the parks that just feels so right.
There’s also a rooftop bar with amazing views, and I loved having a nice dinner and drink up there while the kids enjoyed the on-site activities. It’s not as close as the hotels within walking distance to Disney World, but the comfort makes up for it in my opinion.
Marriott World Center: The Best Family-Friendly Option
If you’re traveling with kids and want a fun atmosphere, the Marriott World Center is hard to beat. It’s massive, has a killer pool area with waterslides, and even a laser light show at night. There’s a shuttle to the parks, though I recommend checking the schedule in advance—it’s not quite like the Art of Animation bus schedule, but it gets the job done.
I found the food options here to be more casual and family-friendly, which was perfect after a long park day. Plus, if you're a Bonvoy member, you can sometimes get upgraded to a room with a fireworks view.
What About the Swan and Dolphin Hotels?
Here’s a little trick I didn’t even realize myself until I was knee-deep in planning: the Dolphin Hotel is actually a Marriott property. That was a total game-changer for me because I had always assumed you had to choose between Marriott points and the perks of staying on Disney property—but you can have both.
If you’re aiming to be close to Epcot or Hollywood Studios, this location is honestly one of the best out there. You’re technically on Disney property, but since it’s part of the Marriott portfolio, you can book it using Marriott Bonvoy points, which I absolutely love. It’s such a convenient way to maximize rewards while still enjoying Disney benefits like early park entry.
What surprised me even more was how connected everything felt. The Swan and Dolphin hotels are just a short walk from Disney’s BoardWalk, and there’s a lovely boat service that takes you directly to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. I used it almost every morning and it made my start to the day feel calm and effortless compared to waiting in crowded shuttle lines.
I genuinely hadn’t expected it to be that seamless, but it completely changed my idea of what staying “off-site” really means. If you want that sweet spot between convenience, comfort, and points perks, the Dolphin is definitely one to consider.
Don’t Forget About Marriott Bonvoy Points and Perks
Another thing I always tell friends—don’t sleep on your Marriott Bonvoy membership. Seriously, even if you’re just planning one trip a year, those points add up faster than you’d think.
I’ve personally used my points to book free nights (which always feels like a huge win), gotten upgraded to rooms with better views, and even scored late checkouts, which is a lifesaver when you’re trying to squeeze in a last breakfast or extra pool time before heading to the airport.
One time, I booked a basic room and was surprised with an upgrade to a suite just because of my Bonvoy status—no extra charge. I also love how easy it is to rack up points through regular stays or even by using a Marriott Bonvoy credit card.
Especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons or holidays, these little perks can save you money and add a layer of comfort and convenience to your trip that really makes a difference. If you’re planning your Disney World vacation anyway, you might as well let Marriott’s loyalty program work in your favor.
How far is JW Marriott from Disney World?
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek is about a 10-15 minute drive from most Disney parks, depending on traffic. The shuttle helps make it even easier.
Does the Marriott World Center have a shuttle to Disney?
Yes, the Marriott World Center offers shuttle service to Disney parks, but check the schedule when you arrive—it’s not as frequent as Disney buses.
Is the Dolphin hotel a Marriott property?
Yes, the Dolphin is part of the Marriott portfolio and bookable with Marriott Bonvoy points. It’s a great option for staying on Disney property with Marriott benefits.
Is there a shuttle from JW Marriott to Disney World?
Yes, the JW Marriott offers a complimentary shuttle to the Disney parks. It’s best to confirm shuttle times at check-in.
Is JW Marriott considered high end?
Definitely. It’s one of Marriott’s luxury brands, known for its elegant atmosphere, upscale dining, and refined service.
How far is JW Marriott to Epcot?
It’s around 10-12 minutes by car or shuttle from JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek to Epcot, depending on traffic.