
JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes
Best for travelers who want resort activities, a large waterpark, a full-service spa, and on-site golf.
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JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes is an upscale, full-service lakefront resort with a golf course, large waterpark, and a full-service spa — best for travelers who want resort amenities and a quieter luxury stay. Disney's Art Of Animation Resort is a highly themed, value-oriented Disney family hotel with strong character theming and multiple family pools — best for families focused on easy access to Disney parks and character immersion.
Updated · about 10 miles apart

Best for travelers who want resort activities, a large waterpark, a full-service spa, and on-site golf.

Best for families who want Disney character theming, value-oriented rates, and shuttle access to Walt Disney World parks.
When JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes wins: pick JW Marriott if you want an upscale resort experience with multiple dining venues, a large shared spa (The Ritz-Carlton Spa), an 18‑hole Greg Norman golf course, and a substantial on-site waterpark and family activities.
When Disney's Art Of Animation Resort wins: choose Art of Animation for strongly themed family rooms, direct Disney atmosphere, a very large family-room inventory, multiple themed pools, and complimentary Disney-theme-park shuttle service at a lower nightly price point.
Bottom line: JW Marriott is the choice for a resort-centered, higher-end stay with spa and golf; Disney's Art Of Animation is the practical family pick for park-focused stays and memorable character theming.
| Category | JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes | Disney's Art Of Animation Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Upscale full-service resort, quieter luxury focused on amenities | Colorful, character-driven Disney family hotel |
| Location (closest attractions) | Near SeaWorld, convention center, International Drive; transfers to Disney/Universal available | Within a few minutes of Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs; on Disney property area |
| Size (guest rooms) | About 1,010 rooms | About 2,104 rooms |
| Ages / audience | All-ages resort with family programming and adult-focused facilities (spa, golf) | All-ages, strongly family/child-focused (character rooms, kids' pools) |
| Pools / water features | Grande Lakes Waterpark: connected pools, quarter-mile heated lazy river, zero-entry area, kids' aqua course, three waterslides | Three outdoor pools, themed family pools (e.g., Big Blue Pool) and poolside activities |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site restaurants and bars (Primo, Whisper Creek Farm: The Kitchen, Knife Burger, Citron, EvrBar, Starbucks, Café Bodega) | Limited on-site dining choices; listing shows 1 restaurant plus a pool bar / lounge and breakfast options |
| Spa / wellness | Full-service spa (The Ritz-Carlton Spa, shared with the Ritz-Carlton), fitness classes and a 24-hour fitness center (age policies apply) | Not published |
| Known for | Spa, golf course, large event and meeting spaces, resort waterpark | Disney character theming, family suites, complimentary theme-park shuttle |
| Parking & transport | Self-parking and valet (fees); complimentary/reserved transfers to theme parks with reservations required | Free self parking and complimentary theme-park shuttle |
| Accessibility features | Accessible rooms and features; accessible spa policies and fitness-area age limits | Multiple wheelchair-accessible public areas, accessible pools and fitness center noted |
JW Marriott sits on a 500-acre lakefront estate a short drive from SeaWorld, International Drive and the Orange County Convention Center.
Best if you want a resort base with golf and nature-based activities while still having access to Orlando attractions by car or shuttle.
Disney's Art Of Animation Resort is located in Lake Buena Vista near Walt Disney World parks and Disney Springs.
Best if you want to prioritize quick, easy access to Disney parks and a Disney-owned resort experience.
JW Marriott offers a range of rooms and suites across multiple room types, from standard rooms to multi-bedroom family and presidential suites.
Choose JW Marriott for more space and suite variety, particularly if you want luxury-suite or multi-room family options.
Art of Animation focuses on family-friendly rooms and suites with heavy character theming.
Choose Art of Animation for themed family rooms and large inventory that helps when traveling with kids and needing connecting rooms.
JW Marriott has a wider and more upscale dining lineup, including a MICHELIN‑recommended Italian restaurant and poolside fare.
JW Marriott suits guests wanting varied, higher-end dining options on property.
Art of Animation offers practical, family-oriented dining with limited on-site options and a poolside bar.
Art of Animation works for families who will mostly eat at the parks or prefer quick, casual on-site meals.
JW Marriott's on-site Grande Lakes Waterpark is a major family amenity with a lazy river, waterslides, and kids' features.
JW Marriott is the pick if on-property waterpark amenities are a priority for your family.
Art of Animation provides multiple themed outdoor pools and family-friendly pool programming.
Art of Animation is ideal for families who want themed pool time and easy Disney access without a large resort waterpark.
JW Marriott offers full-service spa access, fitness classes, a 24‑hour fitness center (age restrictions apply), and an adult-oriented lounge.
JW Marriott is the better choice for guests who want spa treatments, fitness programming, and more traditional hotel evening outlets.
Art of Animation focuses less on spa/fitness and more on family entertainment and Disney programming.
Pick Art of Animation if on-site spa and adult-focused nightlife are not priorities and park-based evenings are planned.

Choose JW Marriott for a full-service waterpark, full spa access, golf, and a wide range of on-site activities.

Choose Art of Animation for strong Disney theming, family suites, and complimentary shuttles to Disney parks.

Choose JW Marriott for multiple restaurants including the MICHELIN‑recommended Primo and a broader dining program.

Choose Art of Animation for more family-room inventory and value-focused, character-driven accommodations near the parks.
Disney's Art Of Animation Resort is significantly closer to Disney parks (minutes away); JW Marriott requires a short drive or scheduled transfer.
No — neither property includes theme-park tickets or an all-inclusive dining plan as part of standard room rates.
JW Marriott has a larger on-site waterpark (lazy river, waterslides, kids' aqua course) while Art of Animation offers multiple themed pools better integrated with Disney-style family programming.
Not published.
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