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The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes is a full-scale luxury resort set on 500 acres of lakes, gardens and golf in south Orlando. It shares the campus with the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, so you get a quiet, grown-up hotel plus the JW Marriott’s lazy river and waterslides. Universal’s Epic Universe is about 2.3 miles away in a straight line, and SeaWorld is a short drive.
It is not a Disney-area hotel, and fees add up fast. This review draws on the resort’s official pages.
Quick answer: Book the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes if you want a quiet resort with a big spa, a golf course, a kids club and access to a real lazy river and waterslides, and you plan to visit Universal or SeaWorld more than Disney. Skip it if you want to walk to a park or keep extra fees low: expect a $55-plus-tax daily resort fee and $58-plus-tax valet parking at the time of writing.
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Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes at a glance
- Area/address: 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837, east of SeaWorld and just south of the Beachline Expressway (SR 528).
- Distances: about 2.3 miles to Epic Universe in a straight line (roughly 4 to 5 miles by road); the resort estimates roughly 10 minutes to SeaWorld, 20 to Universal Orlando and 25 to Walt Disney World; about 10 miles (around 20 minutes) to Orlando International Airport.
- Rooms: 480-square-foot rooms with one king or two queens and a balcony; 960-square-foot Executive Suites; Club Level rooms; three- and four-bedroom Residences.
- Pools and water features: heated Ritz-Carlton pool with a children’s pool and cabanas; shared Grande Lakes Waterpark at the JW Marriott with a quarter-mile lazy river and three heated slides.
- Breakfast: not included in standard rates; served at Highball & Harvest from 7 a.m. and First Drop coffee house from 6 a.m. Club Level includes breakfast.
- Restaurants: seven Ritz-Carlton venues, including MICHELIN-recommended Knife & Spoon, plus the JW Marriott’s restaurants on the same campus.
- Parking: valet only at the Ritz-Carlton, $58 plus tax per day at last check.
- Resort fee: $55 plus tax per night, including enhanced in-room internet and reservable shuttles to SeaWorld, Walt Disney World and Universal.
- Best for: couples, multigenerational families and Universal or SeaWorld visitors who want a resort day between park days.
See prices and availability at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes photos
A closer look at the tower, lobby, rooms, suites and lake views from the resort’s own photo gallery. Tap any photo to enlarge it, or see the full gallery and current rates on Booking.com.
Location and distances
Grande Lakes sits on Central Florida Parkway between John Young Parkway and the SeaWorld area. The official directions route you from the airport via the Beachline (SR 528, a toll road) to John Young Parkway and then Central Florida Parkway, so budget for tolls if you rent a car.
The resort’s own drive-time estimates are about 10 minutes to SeaWorld, 20 minutes to Universal Orlando and 25 minutes to Walt Disney World. Its Universal partnership page puts Grande Lakes 2.3 miles from Epic Universe. That is a straight-line figure; by road it is roughly 4 to 5 miles (10 to 15 minutes without traffic). Disney is the longer trip, especially to Magic Kingdom, so this location makes the most sense for a Universal, SeaWorld or Discovery Cove trip. Our guide to hotels near Epic Universe compares it with the on-site Universal hotels.
The setting is the selling point: about a dozen lakes and ponds and Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Everglades, make it feel far from International Drive. Still choosing a base? Our guide to the best areas to stay in Orlando compares this area with Lake Buena Vista and I-Drive.
Rooms and suites
According to the resort’s accommodations page, the standard rooms are all 480 square feet and come with one king or two queen beds, a private balcony and marble bathrooms with dual vanities and a separate tub. The view sets the category:
- Resort View: gardens and the morning sun.
- Lake View: lake, golf course and Orlando skyline.
- Lakefront: lake and pool views.
- Executive Suites: 960 square feet with two balconies, a separate bedroom (one king or two queens) and a living room.
- Presidential Suites: 2,400 square feet on the 15th floor, with five balconies.
- Residences: three or four bedrooms with a private pool, full kitchen and garage.
A room with two queens works for many families of four, but the official pages don’t publish a maximum occupancy per room, so confirm it for your party before you book. Mini fridges are listed as available on request for $20 per night, and pack-and-plays are available on request. Guaranteed early check-in (noon) and late check-out (2 p.m.) cost extra, and guaranteed connecting rooms can be reserved. Standard check-in is 4 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m.
Club Level is the big upgrade. The Club Lounge on the 14th floor serves five food and drink presentations a day, from breakfast to evening cordials. It also adds a dedicated concierge, reservable pool loungers, and a free daily half-day of Ritz Kids plus one Kids Night Out per stay for two children per room. The resort notes that Marriott Bonvoy elite status does not include complimentary Club access.
Pools, lazy river and recreation
The Ritz-Carlton pool is heated, open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and has a children’s pool, rentable cabanas and daybeds. The spa’s adults-only lap pool is only open to guests who buy a spa day pass or book a treatment.
The cabanas run from small Luxury Cabanas for four to Family and Trellis Cabanas for eight, each with a mini fridge, fruit, snacks, a TV and Wi-Fi. They cost extra and carry an automatic 18% service charge.
The bigger draw for families is the Grande Lakes Waterpark at the JW Marriott, which Ritz-Carlton guests can use. The resort describes a quarter-mile lazy river holding 670,000 gallons, with jets, waterfalls and bridges, open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the JW Marriott pool. For more resorts like this, see our Orlando hotels with lazy rivers.
The Headwaters Slide Tower has three heated slides, open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.:
- The Chute: the fastest slide, single riders, 48-inch minimum height.
- The Rapids: tube slide with a funnel, single or tandem, 42-inch minimum.
- The Current: light-effects slide, single or tandem, 40-inch minimum.
Younger kids get the zero-entry Splash Cove, the AquaVenture water course, a playground and a game room. Grande Lakes Sports adds a two-hour kayak or canoe Eco Tour on Shingle Creek, a Sunrise Safari, falconry, archery, guided bass fishing and a mountain bike trail. The Ritz-Carlton lists two tennis courts and two pickleball courts. Most guided activities cost extra.
Dining and breakfast
Breakfast is not included in standard rates. The main Ritz-Carlton venues:
| Venue | Style | Hours at last check |
|---|---|---|
| Highball & Harvest | Southern, all day | Breakfast 7–11 a.m., dinner 5:30–10 p.m. |
| First Drop | Coffee, pastries, light bites | From 6 a.m. daily |
| Knife & Spoon | Steakhouse, MICHELIN-recommended | Daily 5:30–10 p.m. |
| Bleu Pool Bar | Burgers, seafood, salads | Daily 11 a.m.–6 p.m. |
The Lobby Lounge serves cocktails and light fare from 4 p.m. (2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday), Vitale Spa Café serves healthy lunches, and Fairways Pub at the golf clubhouse serves pub food. In-room dining runs 24 hours. At the waterpark, Knife Burger serves burgers and salads, and the JW Marriott side adds more restaurants on the same campus.
Parking and fees
Charges listed on official pages at the time of writing:
| Item | Cost at last check | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resort fee | $55 + tax per night | Added to the room rate |
| Valet parking | $58 + tax per day | Ritz-Carlton is valet only |
| Self-parking | $42 + tax per day | Only at the JW Marriott |
| Pet fee | $250 (+ tax) per stay | Non-refundable |
The Grande Lakes FAQ says the resort fee covers enhanced in-room internet, mountain bike rental (two bikes, one hour a day per room), driving range privileges, two pool floats at the JW Marriott lazy river, shuttle transportation to SeaWorld, Walt Disney World and Universal (24-hour advance reservation), tennis court time and one fitness class a day for two guests. Rates vary by season, availability and how far ahead you book, so compare the total with fees and parking rather than the nightly rate alone.
Pet rules differ slightly between official pages: the Ritz-Carlton page lists one dog or cat up to 25 pounds, while the Grande Lakes FAQ mentions two pets per room. Confirm with the hotel before you travel with a pet. Service animals are allowed at both hotels.
Transport to the parks
The Grande Lakes FAQ includes shuttles to SeaWorld, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando in the resort fee; reserve at least 24 hours ahead. The Marriott fact sheet’s line that the hotel “does not provide shuttle service” sits under airport transportation. It also lists a $45 local shuttle without details, so ask about the schedule and any charge when you reserve.
At last check, the resort’s Universal partner page advertised a Ritz-Carlton offer with a daily resort credit, valet parking and shuttles to all Universal parks, including Epic Universe.
For Disney, a car or rideshare gives you the most control. There is no airport shuttle: the resort says its concierge can arrange a taxi or car service.
Spa, kids club and other amenities
- Spa: a 40,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa with 40 treatment rooms, a full salon and the adults-only lap pool. Hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.–7 p.m. on weekends.
- Ritz Kids: for ages 4 to 12. Full day 10 a.m.–4 p.m. with lunch, or half days 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 1:30–4 p.m. Book at least 24 hours ahead. Kids Night Out runs Friday and Saturday 6–9 p.m. with dinner. There is a free open house from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m.
- Fitness: a free 24-hour Athletic Club with classes such as yoga, Pilates and HIIT.
- Golf: an 18-hole Greg Norman course that hosts the PNC Championship. At last check, the golf page said the course was closed for enhancements from April 24 through October 31, so confirm it has reopened.
- Wi-Fi: free in public areas. In-room internet is included in the resort fee, and Marriott Bonvoy members who book direct get free in-room internet.
For more family resorts with supervised programs, see our Orlando resorts with kids clubs.
Who it suits
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes works best for travelers who want the resort to be part of the vacation. Couples get the spa, Knife & Spoon and a quiet pool, which is why it appears in our romantic hotels in Orlando for couples. Multigenerational groups can split up: grandparents at the spa or golf course, kids at Ritz Kids or the lazy river, everyone together at dinner.
Families planning several Disney days in a row usually do better closer to Disney.
Pros
- Quiet 500-acre setting with lakes, trails and guided outdoor activities.
- Access to the JW Marriott’s lazy river, three heated waterslides and kids’ splash areas.
- Large spa, adults-only lap pool, 24-hour fitness center and an on-site championship golf course.
- Ritz Kids program for ages 4 to 12, plus Kids Night Out on weekends.
- About 2.3 miles in a straight line from Epic Universe and roughly 10 minutes from SeaWorld.
Limitations to know
- $55-plus-tax daily resort fee and $58-plus-tax valet-only parking at the time of writing.
- Breakfast is not included unless you book Club Level.
- No walkable restaurants or shops outside the resort.
- Disney is about 25 minutes away and Disney resort perks don’t apply.
- Park shuttles must be reserved 24 hours ahead, and official pages disagree on the pet policy.
- The waterslides close at 5:30 p.m., and the waterpark is shared with JW Marriott guests.
What to check before you book
- The total price including the resort fee, taxes and parking for your number of nights.
- Maximum occupancy for your room type if you are traveling with three or more people.
- Shuttle schedule and any charge, especially for Disney days.
- Golf course status and spa availability for your dates.
- Ritz Kids prices and availability, booked at least 24 hours ahead.
Nearby alternatives
If you want a luxury resort closer to Disney, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando sits inside Walt Disney World, and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando in Bonnet Creek pairs golf and a spa with a short drive to EPCOT. Our best luxury resorts in Orlando compares ten options side by side.
Comparing luxury resorts? read Four Seasons vs Ritz-Carlton vs Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes have a resort fee?
Yes. The official Grande Lakes FAQ lists a resort fee of $55 plus tax per night at the time of writing. It covers enhanced in-room internet, limited bike rental, driving range privileges, lazy river floats, tennis court time, a daily fitness class for two and reservable theme park shuttles. Parking costs extra, so add it when you compare hotels.
Can Ritz-Carlton guests use the JW Marriott lazy river and waterslides?
Yes. The Ritz-Carlton lists the JW Marriott Waterpark among the pools available to its guests, and the Grande Lakes resort fee mentions floats at the JW Marriott lazy river. The quarter-mile lazy river is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the three heated slides run 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. They have height minimums of 40, 42 and 48 inches.
Does the Ritz-Carlton Orlando have a shuttle to Disney World?
Yes, according to the Grande Lakes FAQ. Shuttle transportation to Walt Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld is included in the resort fee, and you must reserve at least 24 hours in advance. The Marriott fact sheet’s “no shuttle service” note refers to airport transfers, but it also lists a $45 local shuttle, so confirm the schedule and any charge when you reserve.
How far is the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes from Epic Universe?
The resort’s Universal partnership page puts Grande Lakes about 2.3 miles from Universal Epic Universe in a straight line, or roughly 4 to 5 miles by road, so it is one of the closest luxury hotels to the new park. The resort estimates about 20 minutes to the main Universal Orlando area and about 10 minutes to SeaWorld. Rush-hour traffic can add time, so leave a buffer.
How much is parking at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes?
The Ritz-Carlton is valet only, listed at $58 plus tax per day at the time of writing. The Grande Lakes FAQ says self-parking is only available at the JW Marriott, at $42 plus tax per day. Parking is charged separately from the resort fee, and the hotel’s FAQ says there are no electric vehicle charging stations at the Ritz-Carlton.
Is the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes good for kids?
Yes, especially for kids who like water and nature. Ritz Kids runs full- and half-day sessions for ages 4 to 12, with a Kids Night Out on Friday and Saturday evenings. The family can use the JW Marriott’s lazy river, slides and splash areas. Most programs cost extra, so check prices and book at least a day ahead.
Bottom line
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is one of the best Orlando choices if you want a true resort with a large spa, golf, a kids club and a lazy river with slides, and your park plans lean toward Universal, Epic Universe and SeaWorld. Budget for the resort fee, valet parking and dining, and reserve park shuttles at least a day ahead.
Check your dates for The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes on Booking.com
Sources checked in October 2026: The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes overview, Grande Lakes Orlando FAQs, Grande Lakes Waterpark, The Ritz-Carlton rooms and suites, Ritz Kids.