Which Marriott or Sheraton is best with kids?

[Picabo]

We're having a non-Disney vacation to Florida with 8-9 yr olds. We plan to do a few day trips (to various places) and plan to spend 2 days at Sea World. Possibly Gatorland. (Open to ideas!!)

We want a resort with a fun pool and activities since we do plan to spend down time at the resort. I've seen a few that offer kids-night-out type things and kids activities during the day. But I can't tell if ALL Marriotts offer it, or just a few. Mini Golf, water slides, lazy river would be huge bonus'! On a lake, with pretty trails to walk would be awesome as well.

Can you point me in the right direction to which resorts would fit our wants? I've looked a Marriotts and Sheratons (we trade through Interval International, by the way). But I'm open to any suggestions! Thanks so much.

 

[lindsmom]

We have stayed at Marriott Cypress Harbour and Harbour Lake. I would recommend Harbour Lake for what you are looking for.

Activities, and the pool selections, would meet your needs. Also the second bedroom has 2 queens; at Cypress Harbour the 2nd bedroom has a queen and a pullout sofa.

Personally we enjoyed Cypress harbour more for our family - but it was quieter, and a generic pool. Harbour Lake had the pirate pool and a waterslide for better swimmers. Both properties are across the street from each other right around the corner from SeaWorld, so location is a wash there.

Neither of those properties had lazy river - I believe both had mini golf. The "trail" at Cypress Harbour wasn't much.

 

[brood of belles]

We love the Ritz Carlton/JW Marriott Grande Lakes complex. The JW pool has a lazy river and is fantastic for kids! The Ritz has a kids program for Parents Nights Out and some daytime activities as well. The hotels share all of their facilities. Super close to Sea World too!

 

[ArwenMarie]

Grande Vista has a lot of what you are looking for but it does not have water slides if that is important to you.

I wouldn't recommend Imperial Palms or Royal Palms for what you are looking for. Possibly Sabal Palms, that is walking distance to the Orlando World Center Marriott pool complex which is amazing. (Imperial and Royal are not walkable) The Palms are by Disney.

Lakeshore Reserve has an amazing pool complex. That would be my first pick if you can get it. That is up by Seaworld.

I don't know anything about the kids night out or kids clubs.

Good luck!