Possibly the sole reason for my family to vacation there is for the lazy river pool!  The hotel boasts that it's the largest lazy river pool in the south east United States.  When you start down the river and round a corner, you think you're done, but you're not.  It just keeps going and winding.  The river is mostly covered in lush landscaping withe some waterfalls.  My kids and I try running against the current, where in some parts, provides a good challenge.  One time I tried to sit in my inner tube and let the river take me without any paddling by me.  It worked just past 2/3s the way.  Thereafter you would need to do some paddling adjustments to stay on path since the latter half of the river opens into larger pool areas.  What I would consider the mouth of the river is a walk-in pool which is another nice feature allowing you to "lay in" the pool. 
The hotel itself is beautifully kept and presented for a 4-5 star hotel.  The staff is very helpful and courteous especially reception, which is good when you just get out of your car after a several hour road trip.  The rooms are immaculate with the bathrooms first class.  What I would expect for a JW Marriott property.  On the other hand, the rates are also what you would expect for the JW Marriott.  The rates are discounted quite a bit for government and military ID card holders -- good deal.

Other things and tips:
1. buy the souvenir glass for refills -- you get more on the refills than the regular glass.
2. Avoid Citron and go to Primo for dinner.  Citron is just ok yet Primo's food is delicious with better service.
3. Bring your own inner tube otherwise pay $5-10 to buy from the hotel.  Yours will probably be more comfortable.
4. You can use the amenities of the Ritz Carlton though the JW's pool is MUCH better, especially with kids.
5. If you have kids, go wander looking for jack rabbits!
6. Take a chaise lounge by the walk-in pool, order an early pool side dinner (just before pool side service closes) and enjoy your dinner theater by the pool.  They project movies on the giant blowup screen right by the pool.
7. When you go down the river on an innertube, take a book or magazine.
8. The property goes all out for new years and 4th of July with free drinks, entertainment, etc.

Recommended: Yes