Marriott Orlando World Center (MOWC) - recent stays?

[iwannago!!]

Hi,
Our family (me, DH, 13d, 5d, 3s) is going to be staying in 2 hotel rooms at the MOWC over Easter break. I got one room on points and another for about $150/night. I have questions from those who have stayed there recently, any & all help/suggestions are appreciated! TIA!

* I am gold with Marriott, anyone receive breakfast vouchers?

* Do they for sure have a zero depth pool?

* if we didn't want to DO Disney this trip, could it be avoided? Or will the gravitational pull take control and suck us in?

* Do they have transportation to 'any' parks?

* I was considering the all week pass from Universal for $80pp, but didn't know if that would be a waste with that gravitational pull issue. Thoughts?

* I will have a fridge (I hope!) and am hoping to have some snacks in the room & at the pool. But please tell me about food options while at the pool - Am I better off with poolside menu or going to the food court with 3 kids?

*Anyone try the Japanese restaurant lately? I was thinking about taking the family there for the 'show', but want to make sure that the food is good. FWIW, our kids love Benihana.

* Any suggestions on where to go on Easter Sunday to see the EB &/or have breakfast/brunch? I would LOVE to find an egg hunt somewhere.

thanks for any help that you can provide!

 

[lacy1101]

Bumping! DH and I will be staying there for a few days the end of this month and I love all the info I can get!

 

[sabalpalms]

This is my favorite hotel! I've been going there since the '80s and my last visit was in '06. We didn't stay in the main hotel every time, mostly we stayed at the villas on property (Sabal Palms, Royal Palms, Imperial Villas) and off site (Cypress Harbor, Grande Vista). Everytime I've been, the staff is unbelievably friendly and helpful. The place is a view in itself....glass elevators, water everywhere, TONS of pools, restaurants, golf....
Last time I was there, there was no zero depth pool, however the main pool has caves, whirlpools and a water slide. The other large pool has this big red thing with water sprouting out of it that's really fun! If I told you this resort is HUGE you have to see it to believe me.

P.S. If you have time, check out the SPA!

Disney is completely up to you. Yes, they have the brochures and merch in the gift shop....but you;re in Orlando and 2 mins from the front gate so I gues s you just have to expect it. Universal is another option, Islands of Adventure is really fun! But if you have younger kids, they are going to LOVE Disney, even if it's just for one day.

They do provide transportation to Disney but it cost $. We always rent a car.

There's a great poolside restaurant and snack bar. The food court is literally right outside the main pool.

Mikado's is the Japanese rest. there and in my opinion it is BETTER than Benihana's. Go on the balcony after dinner, it overlooks the pool, everything is lit up and it looks so pretty! The pool closes pretty early but the indoor pool stays open later.

As far as the Easter Egg hunt, I'm not sure...I never looked into it Sorry!

Anyway, hope this helps! You're going to have a GREAT time!

 

[sabalpalms]

I forgot to add....I don't know how into this you are, but there are Marriott Vacation Club salespeople EVERYWHERE. If you have the time, go on a tour (it's literally 90 mins max and you aren't obligated to buy anything, but they do offer free theme park tickets or a buy 1 get 1 free option. Def. look into it if you're interested. Clearly don't tell them you're not going to buy it until the end, or just say you're going to think about it. If you have the time, it's a way to save money on tickets!

 

[crazy_for_the_dis]

We stayed here three years ago, but didn't care for it. The pool was too cold (in July!!) Was not zero entry. Food court was over crowded and food was poor quality. When we were there, there was a convention of wanna be child actors, and a lot of them, which got to be really annoying (more so the parents!!) You had to park soooo far from the hotel as well. It reminded me of the places I travel to for work, but not what I want in a vacation. We got a good package with it for Discovery Cove, but my DH and I agreed we would never go back!

 

[iwannago!!]

I keep hoping that a MVC property opens up with points, but I somehow doubt that it will. I am torn between paying for a villa or sticking with the MOWC. Our kids are little, I am guessing that they would love this pool. Not so sure about the cold water part though....

Sabal, thanks for all the info! I think that we will for sure try the hibachi place!

Crazy, sorry to hear that you had a bad stay! I actaully was at this hotel a couple years ago for a meeting and have absolutely NO recollection of the place! I tend to not pay much attention when travelling on business, probably because I would rather not be!