I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn in September for a great price ($59/night!). It was within walking distance to Sea World (it was across the street - right behind the parking lot). We did the walk with a 3.5 year old - no problems. The rooms were bright and open. They were big. We got two queen beds. The restaurant was "okay" - breakfast was good (buffet, kids eat free). Lunch was only a certain time (like from 11 to 2), and we missed it. Dinner was okay. There was a small pool. There was also a section of the common room (large-screen t.v., sofas, chairs, fish tank), that was dedicated to kids. There was a smaller tv, kids-sized furniture, blocks, dominoes, videos, etc. We really liked that a lot. It wasn't that crowded, so it was used mostly by my son and another little boy.
They have a "pantry" which sells ice cream, cookies, chips, milk, alcoholic beverages; as well as sunscreen, those rain ponchos (for a dollar!), and various other stuff.
Also, mid-day they put out complimentary homemade cookies.
I don't know anything about the Resident Inn.
