Best Condo (or similar) for SW/DC/Aquatica/BG stay

zilp

Mouseketeer

Joined

Jul 31, 2010

• Jun 30, 2015

• #1

Hi All- I am excited to be planning a family trip next spring to Sea World and the sister parks. I need a comfortable place for the 5 of us. Separate bedrooms, kitchen, laundry (in room) and good pools are important to us. We have stayed at Wyndham Bonnet Creek, Floridays and World Quest resorts. What places would you recommend?

 

Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina

Life is short. Live it well.

Joined

Sep 12, 2008

• Jun 30, 2015

• #2

Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld would be a good choice for the SW benefits alone (its an official hotel of SeaWorld, so you would get free Quick Queue, early entry on select dates, and the list of other perks extended to onsite guests).

Other properties you might want to give some consideration to are Sheraton Vistana Villages, Sheraton Vistana Resort, and Marriott Grande Vista.

 

zilp

Mouseketeer

Joined

Jul 31, 2010

• Jul 2, 2015

• #3

Thanks Gina, I will check those out!

 

zilp

Mouseketeer

Joined

Jul 31, 2010

• Jul 3, 2015

• #4

I checked out the resorts mentioned above. The prices are more than I was hoping for . The best price was for the Sheraton Vistana for our dates @ $1200+. In contrast, we spent less than $1000 at similar resorts. Are there any perks to staying at the Vistana? If not, what other condo-like resorts are nearby to SeaWorld etc?

 

SevenWonkas

Mouseketeer

Joined

May 4, 2010

• Jul 3, 2015

• #5

I don't know what the pricing will be, but Marriott also has Cypress Harbour and Harbour Lake near Sea World. You could also look at the websites VacationRentals By Owner and Red Week for cheaper rentals.

 

Syndrome

Who's super now?

Joined

Mar 27, 2005

• Jul 3, 2015

• #6

After all the searching and checking all the resorts close to DC/SW/AQ , we settled on Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld . We needed a large Villa style room with separate bedrooms with more than one bathroom . (got too used to Disney DVC ! ) HGVCSW semed like the best choice.
VERY close to DC/SW and not too far to AQ . Great perks at the parks, like early entry , quick queue , discounts at the parks (10%), free backstage tour , etc .
It wasn't too expensive really. We are going in August, and I got a rate of $224 (AAA) for a 2 bdrm villa .
They also have some nice pools .

The Sea World website will have a list of all the resorts that are "official Sea World " and those that are "partners" . There is a difference in perks between the two ! The "Official" resorts will have the better perks, not to mention they are closer !

 

Last edited: Jul 3, 2015

Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina

Life is short. Live it well.

Joined

Sep 12, 2008

• Jul 3, 2015

• #7

zilp said:

I checked out the resorts mentioned above. The prices are more than I was hoping for . The best price was for the Sheraton Vistana for our dates @ $1200+. In contrast, we spent less than $1000 at similar resorts. Are there any perks to staying at the Vistana? If not, what other condo-like resorts are nearby to SeaWorld etc?

Click to expand...

There are no specific Seaworld parks perks for staying at the Vistana, but its a fabulous resort (full disclosure: we own there. Fell in love on our first visit, bought two annual weeks resale, and have never stayed anywhere since). There is a great thread with lots of info and photos over on the Orlando Hotels forum. You can check it out here: http://www.disboards.com/threads/the-sheraton-vistana-resort-thread.3148502/ .

I don't know what your dates are, but check out Skyauction (my boss got a week at SVR in a two bedroom/two bath villa in May for $470 including taxes and fees). They can be a great resource.

Also check Mousesavers....sometimes they have a good deal running.

Consider renting from an owner. TUG (Timeshare Users Group) has a marketplace with available rentals. myresortnetwork is a place to try, as is Ebay and Redweek. Renting from an owner should be much cheaper than booking direct with Sheraton as many owners are only looking to cover their annual maintenance fees versus making a profit.

 

zilp

Mouseketeer

Joined

Jul 31, 2010

• Jul 4, 2015

• #8

I am not sure why I didn't think of renting from an owner, that's a great idea! Are there any major re-sellers similar to Vacation Strategy? I have used VRBO in the past, but I like the ability to go with someone who has a cancellation policy. We have had to cancel a vacation once due to a serious illness, so that's always on my mind when booking-- especially so far in advance.

 

Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina

Life is short. Live it well.

Joined

Sep 12, 2008

• Jul 5, 2015

• #9

zilp said:

I am not sure why I didn't think of renting from an owner, that's a great idea! Are there any major re-sellers similar to Vacation Strategy? I have used VRBO in the past, but I like the ability to go with someone who has a cancellation policy. We have had to cancel a vacation once due to a serious illness, so that's always on my mind when booking-- especially so far in advance.

Click to expand...

I don't know of any other major resellers other than SkyAuction, but their reservations are non-cancellable and non-changeable.

Is travel insurance an option for you? To protect you in the event that your plans change due to illness or emergency?

 

SevenWonkas

Mouseketeer

Joined

May 4, 2010

• Jul 5, 2015

• #10

Airbnb is another site, but it may be more for houses and condos as opposed to vacation resorts.

 

zilp

Mouseketeer

Joined

Jul 31, 2010

• Jul 5, 2015

• #11

Silly question, what area of Orlando is SeaWorld located? I am looking now at VRBO and the like and need to limit my search area.

 

F

FLOIR

DIS Veteran

Joined

Dec 23, 2009

• Jul 5, 2015

• #12

On VRBO you should be able to type in Orlando SeaWorld and get the right neighborhood. Not sure about other sites but you might be able to do the same thing. If not try Williamsburg, that is the closest area.

 

zilp

Mouseketeer

Joined

Jul 31, 2010

• Jul 10, 2015

• #13

OP here. This past Disney vacation we stayed at WBC for the first time and loved it, especially the price! I am seeing some lovely accommodations near SeaWorld, but prices are significantly higher. I have checked out the timeshare boards and am not seeing my week available. I am now contemplating if we should just stay at WBC again and do the drive.....what are your thoughts??