River Falls Water Park and Falls Pool Oasis

 
Fearless kids will love the steepness of the speed slide at Falls Pool Oasis. Photo by Jackie Jones

During our trip to Orlando World Center Marriott, the new water park was still under construction, but that didn't stop us from getting in maximum splash time. The resort also has a stunning outdoor pool complex called Falls Pool Oasis. The highlight is its slide tower, a large structure with two 200-foot winding water slides and a 90-foot speed slide that goes straight down. Full disclosure: My 7-year-old and I were not brave enough to take on the steepness of the speed slide, but my 10-year-old thrill lover couldn't get enough of it. Families with little ones will enjoy the zero-entry pool and splash pad, which has its own miniature water slide.

Related: 75 Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Other Than Theme Parks

Fanciful fountains and a sprayer give River Falls Water Park's zero-entry pool a splash-pad feel.

The new River Falls Water Park adds to the resort's water-play options with its own slide tower, which has three two-person inner-tube slides that empty into a plunge pool. From there, riders can exit and do it all over again, or grab a new tube and float on down the 575-foot lazy river. Another zero-entry pool offers splash-pad elements like bubbling fountains and a sprayer. The lush tropical landscaping surrounding River Falls and Falls Pool Oasis adds to that awesome feeling of being on vacation.

Related: Orlando with Teens: Top 20 Things To Do at the Theme Parks and Beyond

 
Tackle three inner-tube slides at River Falls Water Park.

Other Activities at Orlando World Center Marriott

Like many other Marriott properties, Orlando World Center Marriott has a recreation department that caters to families with fun daily activities. My kids really enjoyed playing bingo and creating pipe-cleaner insects out by the pool. Both of these activities were included with our stay, though Marriott offers others for a fee (like making slime and tie-dye shirts). Unique to this hotel is its nightly laser light show, with 10 minutes of light-up eye candy set to pop music. And there are small touches everywhere that make a stay here feel extra family-friendly: a giant arcade, jugs of cold water by the pool, and lawn games like corn hole and Ping-Pong. For the adults, Orlando World Center Marriott boasts an 18-hole golf course and a luxury gym and spa.

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Golfers will enjoy the 18-hole golf course and the lush tropical landscaping.

Dining at Orlando World Center Marriott

Though we didn't eat on campus, the resort offers a few dining options, including a Japanese steakhouse, an Italian restaurant, and a poolside bar and grill. Our family did patronize the on-site Starbucks and Central Pantry, a market selling snacks, drinks, and light meals. The shop is a bit pricey, but we were pleased with the healthy options offered. We also took full advantage of the resort's outdoor grills and picnic areas.

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Relax near the outdoor fireplace in the resort's courtyard.

Everything Else You Need to Know About Orlando World Center Marriott

Room rates at Orlando World Center Marriott vary greatly depending on when you are traveling. For the most part, weekends cost upwards of $250 per night. Be sure to check the hotel's website for deals (through July, the resort is offering a discount for teachers, for example). If your family would prefer a less busy hotel, there are adjacent Marriott properties with shuttles that take families up to Orlando World Center Marriott, where they receive full access to the water parks and other amenities. Complimentary shuttle service to the Disney theme parks is also provided, but must be set up in advance with the concierge.

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All photos courtesy of the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort unless otherwise indicated