The Ritz-Carlton Orlando vs. JW Marriott Bonnet Creek: Which Luxury Hotel Wins for Families Near Disney?

By Adventure with Charlie

Published on July 01, 2025

Atmosphere & First Impressions

JW Marriott Bonnet Creek is calm, modern, and stylish. It balances upscale design with a laid-back feel, making it perfect for families. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando leans formal and traditional — more suited for couples or conferences than stroller-toting parkgoers.

✅ Adventure with Charlie Tip: If your child is overstimulated from the parks, The Ritz-Carlton vibe will be your rescue zone.

Location & Disney Access

JW Bonnet Creek is closer to Disney. It offers 2 daily shuttle runs to the parks and Disney Springs Ritz-Carlton is set back in Grande Lakes — peaceful, but a longer drive.

🏆 Winner: JW for convenience.

Rooms, Suites & Bathrooms

We received a generous suite upgrade at JW (worth ~$500) thanks to Marriott Bonvoy status. Rooms are modern and exceptionally clean. At the Ritz, while the décor is grand, some rooms feel dated unless upgraded. Bathrooms are more luxurious but not as fresh-feeling.

🏆 Winner: JW for upgrades and functionality.

Dining Experience

JW Bonnet Creek: Sear + Sea aims for a Michelin star — and it shows. Our hour wait flew by thanks to the rooftop sushi bar. Ritz: Knife & Spoon is more classic, but also more formal — better suited for adults than families.

🏆 Winner: JW for bold flavor and flexibility.

Pools & Relaxation

JW’s adult pool and hot tub were sparkling clean and blissfully quiet. Families have a separate pool space — a smart layout. Ritz’s pool scene feels more country club than resort. Shared lazy river with JW Grande Lakes can get crowded.

🏆 Winner: JW for calm zones and cleanliness.

Service & Staff

JW’s team was warm, efficient, and surprisingly better than the Ritz’s more formal staff.However, valet forgot to charge our hybrid vehicle — even after tipping and requesting.

🏆 Winner: JW, but room for improvement.

Value for Money & Points

Our JW stay:- 32,000 points/night- $40 resort fee, $39 parking- Free buffet breakfast with elite status- ~$500 suite upgrade

Ritz typically costs more (in points and cash) with fewer perks.

🏆 Winner: JW for exceptional value.

Final Verdict: Who Should Stay Where?

Traveler Type | Best Hotel--------------|-------------Disney Families | JW Bonnet Creek

Couples & Golfers | Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes Foodies | JW (Sear + Sea)Spa Lovers | Ritz-Carlton Reward Point Maximizers | JW

Adventure with Charlie Recommends

Choose the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek for a family-friendly luxury stay that hits all the right notes — clean, calm, and incredibly convenient. Save the Ritz-Carlton for a kid-free weekend or a more traditional, adult-oriented escape.

🏨 The Ritz‑Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Address: 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837, USA ritzcarlton.com+2grandelakes.com+2rcmcorlando.com+2Phone (Front Desk): +1 407‑206‑2400 Toll‑Free Reservations: 1‑800‑576‑5760 Fax: +1 407‑206‑2401 Spa: +1 407‑393‑4200 Golf Club: +1 407‑393‑4900 Knife & Spoon Reservations (hotel steakhouse): +1 407‑393‑4333 Highball & Harvest (restaurant): +1 407‑393‑4422 Ritz-Carlton Restaurant Reservations: +1 407‑393‑4200 Ritz-Kids (children’s activities): +1 407‑393‑4977 Grande Lakes Sports (outdoor activities): +1 407‑393‑4531 General Inquiries Email: guestrelations.orlando@ritzcarlton.com 

🏨 JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa

Address: 14900 Chelonia Parkway, Orlando, FL 32821, USA Phone (Front Desk & Main Reservations): +1 407‑919‑6300 Fax: +1 407‑919‑6305 Toll‑Free Reservations: 1‑800‑228‑9290 (for meetings/events) Spa “Spa by JW”: +1 407‑919‑6318 Restaurant Reservations (JW side): +1 407‑393‑4683