The JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa in Orlando is on the grounds of Walt Disney World, but isn’t owned by Disney — it’s a type of hotel I only recently found out existed. This modern property is a great go-to resort if you’re looking for a high-end and relaxing staycation, or a change of scenery from the usual decorative and flashy resorts that attract most of Disney’s guests.
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek: a Convenient Resort Near Disney World With Park Perks
Though I’m an avid Disney World lover and frequent traveler to the parks (I have a tattoo of Simba from “The Lion King,”) there were plenty of times when I wished Disney had a simpler on-property hotel, one not covered in endless Disney branding and throngs of energetic children. Sometimes, you just want a more adult-focused stay. I understand it’s Disney World, and there will always be kids around, but for trips like those with just my Mom and I, it’s nice to have a hotel that’s more our speed, giving us space to relax or go to a spa.
The hardcore Disney-themed resorts are fun, and I very much love them. But I want to try something different.
And the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa was just that. With maximum convenience to the parks, it could be the best of both worlds. It’s a modern hotel (built in 2020) with a contemporary feel, a spa, two resort pools, and several restaurants, all very close to the Disney Springs area. I liked it so much, in fact, that I didn’t even go to the parks while I was there. Here’s why.
Expect big rooms with luxe details
The suites with lofted beds are ideal for families. Photo: JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
The JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa is a huge resort, with 516 rooms and suites. That means there are different room types to suit various budgets, all with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in the bright Florida sunshine and views of the pretty pool area, the small Bonnet Creek Nature Reserve, or Disney Springs. And from some rooms, you can see various theme park fireworks shows at night.
There are rooms with two queen beds or one king, one-bedroom executive suites (as I stayed in), two-bedroom suites with balconies, family suites with lofted second sleeping areas and extra space, luxury suites, and even a presidential suite.
My executive suite was super spacious, with lots of room to spread out. It can fit up to four people, but felt roomy enough for more, with a big living room and two bathrooms. There was also a walk-in closet, perfect for me as I love to unpack once I settle into a room. And one of the two spacious bathrooms had both a shower and a bathtub, which I happily used to wind down after a long day in the sun.
It has the amenities you expect from a luxury hotel
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Yes, most people staying at the JW Marriott by Disney World are probably there for one reason: to explore Disney World. But there are plenty of ways to stay busy for travelers who don’t plan to spend every day at the park.
I started at the Spa by JW, which offers the usual massages and facials, as well as a host of treatments focused on rejuvenation, disconnecting, and stress management. There’s no denying that a busy theme park vacation can be extremely stressful.
I tried a unique experience new to me: a sound therapy massage, which ended up being a completely immersive experience. During the massage, you’re surrounded by melodies and vibrations from Himalayan singing sound bowls positioned on and around your body. The reverberations and separation from other resort sounds made me feel fully engulfed in the sounds and sensations, which was a stress-relieving experience. I highly recommend it.
Aside from the spa, the two pools had plenty of space to relax, with optional daybeds and cabanas available to rent. (Note that they’re not the cheapest, with daybeds starting at $200.) I liked being able to order from the restaurant and bar from the pool area, and liked the garden as a relaxing spot for both mellow walks and private space to think or write. The garden has a dedicated landscape designer and grows the resort’s fresh herbs and many ingredients used in the restaurants. Also available are daily wellness classes like yoga and dance, as well as mini-golf and a rock wall.
The dining options were vastly better than a family-friendly cafeteria
Poolside drinks, and a dish at Sear + Sea. Photos: Jori Ayers
The resort has many dining options, ranging from upscale experiences to lounges to casual dining. Diners can make reservations online, and the various options were much more appealing than the usual family-friendly dining options at some Disney-owned hotels. Each restaurant gave the resort a little more character, and they all went well with the resort’s upscale feel.
I especially like the UnReserved Food Bazaar and Beer Garden, open all-day and offering a unique array of internationally inspired foods. The Palm Cove pool bar had a good mix of healthy pool snacks, food, beer, and drinks for easy outdoor dining, and morning coffee and teas quick at the casual JW Market cafe.
The highlight is Sear and Sea Woodfire Grill, listed in Florida’s Michelin guide. The upscale steakhouse focuses on prime cuts of steak and seafood, with a 1,200-bottle wine cellar and a very impressive gin menu – something you don’t expect to find at Disney World. The lobby bar shares the same bar menu, so you can order quality drinks without the full dining experience.
Perhaps the most unique of the JW Marriott by Disney World is Illume, serving Japanese cuisine and creative cocktails on the 9th floor. I highly recommend it for sunset, or even later in the evening to snag a perfect view of the fireworks at Walt Disney World.
The hotel has some Disney perks for guests
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JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa is a Walt Disney World “Gateway Hotel.” That means it offers some of the Disney World perks for guests normally reserved for Disney-owned hotels. You can book your hotel-and-park-ticket packages through the Disney World booking website, and there’s a free shuttle to all the parks, just like an official Disney hotel shuttle.
Along with easy access to Disney World and Disney Springs, the resort is near other well-known Orlando attractions like Universal Studios, Sea World, Discovery Cove, Universal’s Volcano Bay, Fun Spot America, International Drive, and the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets.
Things to consider
The JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa has some kids and family activities — but they aren’t Disney themed. Photo: JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
While it’s not a con, the fact that the JW Marriott by Disney World is an upscale, luxury hotel may not be a good fit for all travelers, even if it is priced similarly to a midrange Disney World hotel. At Disney World-owned hotels, most are creatively themed with an over-the-top commitment to decor. Even the ones with lighter theming have the famous “hidden Mickeys,” whimsical lobbies, and staff members committed to upholding the so-called “Disney magic.”
That’s not what you’ll find at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa. It’s luxurious and the staff are delightful, and it still offers activities for kids and a kids club. But if you want to be fully immersed in the world of Disney for days on end, you’ll probably find a theme park property to be a better fit. I’ll definitely keep staying at Disney World hotels sometimes, but I liked the JW Marriott as an available option when I’m in the mood for a more upscale, relaxing stay. 