Which Hotel

[Terry B]

Planning a trip to Sea World next year, all things considered where would you stay, Embassy Suites or Marriott Renaissance across the street from Sea World, family of 4 with two girls ages 7. Thanks for any suggestions. Bye......

 

[alexandra uk]

We're staying at The Sheraton world resort Terry, which is a 5 min walk from Seaworld.
I've had brilliant reports about it, you can see the Seaworld fireworks from the rooms.
I'll let you know when we get back

 

[robvia]

Just got back and looked at the hotels in the area, 4 within walking distance.
Of coarse, everyone knows the Renaissance Resort is literally across the street and the closest. Info is here.
http://renaissancehotels.com/dpp/PropertyPage.asp?MarshaCode=MCOSR&checked=True&Marriott_BD={B4E77A8C-D79F-43A5-AB5F-E709A411790F}
Next to it, is the Hilton Garden Inn. Info is here.
http://www.hiltongardeninn.com/en/g...ionid=VKQ5XLIRNUNZNJ31AOSMHZQ?ctyhocn=ORLSEGI
Hilton Grand Vacation Club is located at the corner of the SWF parking lot, about the same walking distance.
http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=VKQ5XLIRNUNZNJ31AOSMHZQ?ctyhocn=ORLSWGV
Next is the Sheraton World Resort on the other side about 1 block from the parking lot. Go here, type in Orlando, then look for World because the link is so long after the search.
http://www.starwood.com/sheraton/index.html
I'd say the Sheraton is a little bit farther away than the Hilton, but not by much. It's about a 10 minute walk with kids, I'm sure they can do it.
If it was my choice and money wasn't the issue I'd stay at the Renaissance. I've stayed there and it's incredible. Scroll down my site and you can see pics of a room and the atrium. During our stay, we went back and forth a few times. If you're staying at any other hotel, you probably wouldn't run back to your room if you forgot something. Whereas, with the Renaissance, you're right there.
http://home.attbi.com/~robvia/SeaWorld1.htm
If you want to save some money, then look into the Hilton or Sheraton.

 

[dandelion]

What a great report, Rob, thank you. How young were any children you saw participating in the dolphin swim? My daughter will be 6 in 2 weeks, we are considering a spring trip, so she'd be old enough but probably still one of the youngest. I'm dying to go but I wonder if waiting another year would be wiser.

The Renaissance does look gorgeous. Thanks again for providing all the details.

 

[robvia]

Thanks for your kind words. I saw a few kids on the swim, but they we're about 10, so was my daughter at the time. Tell her the water is cold, and make sure she can handle it. Also good if she can swim with a mask and snorkle. This isn't manditory, it's just that you'd be frustrated if you paid the money, and your child got frustrated about the cold water and her mask keeps filling up with water. Visit your local pool and practice first. At about the age of 8 is when kids become strong swimmers and stay near their parents at all times. It's a tuff decision because you're there to relax and have a good time.

 

[dandelion]

I'm pretty sure I should hold off then on having dd attend. But, dh just suggested there's no reason *I* couldn't do it, and he could do other things with both children while I had the dolphin experience. The whole park sounds enjoyable.

Thanks for the advice of one who's been there.