Escape to Epcot and Marriott World Center Resort

Pool at Orlando World Marriott Center Resort

Enlarge Photo

I escaped to Orlando for a day at Epcot and to enjoy the Marriott World Center Resort and its amenities. The landscaped swimming pool area alone, with its curvy slide and "mountain" waterfalls, is definitely worth a stay. The resort was hopping with folks in for business meetings (there’s an attached convention center), but plenty of people were there just for fun. Like me.

Saturday morning, I arrived early enough at Epcot—a quick and easy drive from the Marriott—to grab a seat on Soarin’ in the Land Pavilion. Wow! Now I know why people want to go on it repeatedly. You are physically lifted 40 feet above it all "hang-gliding" in a vivid sky over California’s mountains, rivers, redwoods, wine country, golf courses and more. Don’t close your eyes, you really don’t want to miss a second of your IMAX flight. Later, as I journeyed around the World Showcase, a favorite thing of mine to do, I ended up at Epcot’s Mexican Pavilion. The sweltering heat outside made the cool surroundings even more inviting. I found myself waiting for La Cava de Tequila de San Angel Inn to open, also known as the tequila bar. I ordered a sweet/tart blood orange margarita (topped with blood orange foam), the glass was rimmed with hibiscus Himalayan salt. Beautiful! Coupled with guacamole and chips, I was blissfully in weekend mode.

Back at the Marriott, lounging poolside, I needed to decide where I’d watch the first pre-season Miami Dolphins football game (vs. the Tampa Bay Bucaneers). Lucky for me, High Velocity Sports Bar was located right on property. Arriving just in time to catch a seat for kick-off, I was amazed at the interior and the vibe of the place: upscale sports bar all the way, starting with an amazing concrete countertop bar, plus lots of zebrano wood detailing. The green leather booths around the perimeter had their own TV screens, patrons seated there could choose the sporting event they wanted to watch and listen to play-by-play too. Fantastic! I ordered lemon hummus with pita chips and a mélange of house-cured olives (this kind of sports bar food I could get used to) and one of Orlando’s own Pale Ales. I never knew Orlando had a brewery! The place was fun and friendly, plus the Dolphins’ win was sweet, concluding a perfect day.

Tags: Epcot | High Velocity Sports Bar | Mexican Pavilion | Orlando Marriott World Center Resort | Soarn'