Staycation in Orlando

Growing up in Connecticut, and moving to Florida six years ago (BEST decision I ever made btw...) I truly treasure the year round outdoor living and all that there is to do and the beauty of the sunshine state. When most people think of Orlando, they think of Disney and as much as I loved being an annual pass-holder (you can find my recap of my Magical Year at Disney World here filled with tips and tricks for the 4 parks and my favorite spots to Drink Around the World here), one of my favorite places in Central FL is the lazy river at the JW Marriott. It's located near all of the big theme parks and I-Drive, which makes it a great spot to stay when traveling here from out of town.



As soon as you walk into the hotel, you're greeted by a beautiful grand entrance before heading to check in or to go meet friends by the pool/lazy river. This past weekend, I met up with friends who had a room for the weekend to hang out in the lazy river, but last fall a bunch of us celebrated the bachelorette and got rooms with gorgeous views of the pool area and golf course.




*Night time view from the room*





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56 comments:

  1. It looks like a ton of fun!

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  2. I need to go there...like TODAY!! Looks so incredible fun and you look so cute and happy!! Heaven!

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  3. it is a gorgeous place--i can see why you like staying there!! i think i've passed by it before.

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  4. This place looks amazing!!! The hotel we stayed at last year when we were down there for work had a lazy river too but unfortunately there was no time to actually make use of it.

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  5. we're heading to orlando again for our big family trip and we're excited! we love that city :)

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  6. I was excited for this post because that hotel just looks gorgeous + we're always looking for good places to stay when we visit Disney! Love your little black swimsuit cover-up!

    www.rosyoutlookblog.com

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  7. the JW is no joke. it's so pretty! and that pool though. you don't even feel like you're in town. really feels like a nice staycation! need to go there asap!

    xoxo cheshire kat

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  8. Oh my gosh the hotel is HUGE!! That lazy river looked like so much fun...and so relaxing!! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  9. I've stayed at that hotel before too. It's so nice and beautiful. That lazy river is the best ♥ So happy that you had a wonderful staycation!

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  10. Ugh that hotel is so gorgeous! I can't wait to sneak into their pool for a day ;) I kinda want to stay there for my birthday this year too! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  11. I'm pretty sure I stayed at this place for a trip in high school, but I didn't have the opportunity to check out the pool/lazy river. Bummer! It looks like a fun and relaxing place to spend a weekend.

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  12. The JW is so beautiful! I stayed there for training a few years ago, but I didn't have a chance to utilize the beautiful pool! That's so awesome that your friends were staying there for a weekend so you could hang out with them and have a staycation at such a fabulous hotel!

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  13. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I love lazy rivers too--we have one at our local amusement park and the three of us have so much fun when we go. Such a fun recap and staycation!

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  14. Looks like an amazing place! We always stay at Marriott hotels and JWs are so nice. That lazy river and pool look so fabulous right now!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

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  15. Such a beautiful property! I miss FL and the continuous outdoor living; it's definitely been an adjustment now that I live in Virginia! Make today work, Rachel -CubicleCouture

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  16. This place looks beautiful! Zack and I were just taking the dogs for a walk this morning, and I was telling him as much as I love the change of seasons in Illinois, it would be so nice to be able to enjoy being outside every day year round. You are so lucky to live where you do!

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  17. Looks incredible! My brother is in Orlando and we'll be visiting Disney in September. I will definitely be reading your tips and tricks! Beautifully Candid

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  18. Staycations are the best! Still a vacation but not all the stress. This hotel looks awesome!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  19. I totally need to stay at this hotel. It looks amazing. I love that lazy river!

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  20. Fun!

    Some outdoor living sounds good right about now. The weather has been the pits up here.

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  21. Wow that hotel looks amazing! I could totally go for a night or two there!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  22. Oh my...what an amazing hotel! Seriously, it looks like SO much fun! Definitely need to visit Orlando someday...and stay at this place! Haha!
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

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  23. What a beautiful hotel! Doesn't make a staycation seem bad at all?! :)

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  24. Oh fun! We always think a staycation would be a good idea... but book so many trips it doesn't usually work out! What a blast, glad you had a great time, and aren't regretting your move to Florida!! hehe XO - Alexandra

    Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things

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  25. Looks like a great staycation!

    XoXo,

    Tamara - LoveofMode.com

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  26. Ughh I want to be there right now!! Lazy rivers are the absolute best! I'm convincing A to do a trip to Orlando and staying here next time for sure!!

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  27. I love lazy rivers so much! This looks like such a beautiful, relaxing hotel. :)

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  28. We have been thinking of popping down for a weekend to take the kids just to Universal, and this hotel would totally be worth staying an extra day for! How fun is that lazy river??

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  29. Florida is freakin' amazing. I bet staycations are the best! I love hotels in general, but I super love them if they have pools and lazy rivers! Can't wait to check out other posts from the link up. Thanks for hosting it!

    Ashley
    acutelifestyle.blogspot.com

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  30. So pretty! We love Florida (I've only been once, my husband twice) we are already planning our next trip, after baby! Thanks for sharing, love the sunny pictures and staying at hotels while on vacation is so fun! Xo

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  31. The JW Marriott is amazing everywhere! I was talking about doing my birthday at the one in Phoenix which also has the lazy river. And, of course, it is beautiful and fun.

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  32. What a gorgeous hotel! Living there seems like your always on vacation! xo, Kristina

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  33. Your really can't go wrong with a nice staycation. There's some thing so thrilling about exploring somewhere without traveling far. I've never even been to Florida! :]

    // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲

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  34. The hotel looks like such a relaxing place. I'm always a fan of a hotel with some water park attractions
    Carly from Dresses & Denim

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  35. What a fun place to stay! Staycations are always so nice! xo, Champagne&Suburbs

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  36. I have not done a lazy river in the longest time and this looks so relaxing and fun - and a gorgeous setting!

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  37. What a gorgeous resort! I still can't believe I haven't made it there yet but now I'm itching to go now that the weather is perfect and the bestie will love it there!

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  38. This is gorgeous and way too fun! I remember when you shared the bachelorette party weekend... It looks like a blast! We're thinking of taking my niece to Disney this fall and this is on my must-do list!

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  39. Oh my gosh, that place is paradise! The lazy river looks so nice and relaxing. I could float in there all day!
    Evelina @ Fortunate House

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  40. How fun! I havent checked out the lazy river there yet, but sounds like I need to make a trip!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  41. I wouldn't say no to a staycation in a place as gorgeous as this. Look at that view! Wow!

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  42. How FUN! And I love a good float on a lazy river with some beverages! :)

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  43. What a stunning resort! And so many fun things to do and relax - I need to book a staycation!

    Amanda Kids and Cabernet

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  44. Small world! I've stayed at that hotel!

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  45. What a fabulous hotel! I don't think I would ever leave that amazing pool area, either! Sign me up for a Orlando vacation any day!

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  46. Okay... I so need that kind of pool time in my life right now!! That looks incredible!! Love JW properties!

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  47. There's seriously nothing better than a lazy river on vacation...also, I'm totally bookmarking those other posts for my Disney trip planning!

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  48. That hotel looks awesome! We're coming to Orlando in September.

    Tif
    www.brightonabudget.com

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  49. So much fun!!! I have a few bachelorette weekends planning this summers and I can only hope they are as fun as this one was for you! Love all your pics, friend!

    Xox Dana Ivy // http://www.iadorewhatilove.com

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  50. Great post! I've never been to Orlando.
    ~Samantha
    http://goldcoastgirlblog.com

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  51. Ugh Vacation! So Jelly! it looks like you guys had such a blast in Orlando!!
    Happy Monday!
    xoxo,Victoria
    www.coffeeandablonde.blogspot.com

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  52. This looks AMAZING!! We always stay at the JW in Palm Springs. It's such a great chain of hotels -xx

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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  53. OH my wordddd this looks amazing. ON MY WAY ;)

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  54. Oh how perfect...reminding me how badly I need a vacation!

    Laura
    www.blackcoffeebeautiful.com

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  55. this looks amazing. i want to go on a lazy river! i might have to stay here next time we go to disney, especially if it's so close to all the theme parks!

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