This is how I’ve been getting Map references so far. I’m trying to put it into an Event “input” pin, but can’t find it in the type list.
I know people here are saying not to use the World reference, but from a programming POV it seems safer than saving a “string” of a Map name. If the map name changes you need to go find it everywhere. The only thing I can think of is creating a function in my game instance to keep track of all my map names and pull the map name from there; ie: Map Name always stays the same in code, but calling the function to pull it will grab it from a World soft object reference which can change automatically if the map is renamed.
I’m still learning a lot of “do’s & don’ts” in UE, but so far world soft references don’t seem to be causing any issues and programmatically they’re just placeholders in case the Map name changes.
Anyways - UE 5.1.1 still no World Soft Object Reference in the type list, but it can be stolen from an “Open Level by Object Reference” to variable as mentioned.
@ Epic Games: Can you guys please add a World Soft Object Reference to the type list. I don’t see the harm in it, especially if it’s just an ongoing list of maps. I guess it might be bad if one of the maps is deleted, but then again won’t you get the “Force Delete” screen like everything else and freak out?
Keep gaming! 
Thanks for all the replies.