3 days - Disney vs. Sea World/Busch Gardens

[dosekies]

I am most likely heading to Daytona Beach the week after Easter next April. As the event we are going for doesn't start until mid-week, we were thinking of doing Disney for the first few days. We are trying to make this a budget trip as we have other things we are trying to pay for at the moment and have found some great AirBNBs for both Orlando and Daytona to bring the costs down significantly, but now I'm debating whether it's worth spending over $600 for 3 day tickets to Disney for two people, or save that money for our next trip and try Sea World/Busch Gardens instead.

Neither of us have been to SW/BG, are they fun for two adults to spend 2-3 days at? Or since we love Disney would we be better spending the money for tickets and knowing we will definitely enjoy those 3 days?

 

[stsomewhere]

Have you looked at taking a 3 night cruise Carnival? Great way to keep cost down

 

[dosekies]

Have you looked at taking a 3 night cruise Carnival? Great way to keep cost down

I looked into a few different cruises, but I haven't found anything that matches up well with the dates we're looking for!

 

[Jaime4004]

I like both and having been to both, I'd chose Disney for myself because I like it better. If I had never been to SW/BG though, I'd probably chose that. Have you been to Universal? Another fun place. 3 night cruises are awesome too. I'm easy to please.

 

[dosekies]

I like both and having been to both, I'd chose Disney for myself because I like it better. If I had never been to SW/BG though, I'd probably chose that. Have you been to Universal? Another fun place. 3 night cruises are awesome too. I'm easy to please.

Haven't been to Universal, but it looks like it would be pretty much the same price as Disney! I would love a cruise, that was actually one of my first options, but with our dates of arrival and when we need to head to Daytona it doesn't seem like that would work.

 

[la79al]

We find SeaWorld to be a much less crowded park with a lot to walk around and see, shows, etc versus rides. Busch Gardens was okay but we like the one in Virginia better. We went mid March and it seemed like a lot of the shops and concessions were closed. We still had fun. It kind of depends what you are going for. You know what Disney has to offer. SW/BG is more laid back. Personally I say try SW/BG and put the money saved toward a longer Disney trip.

 

[Jaime4004]

Haven't been to Universal, but it looks like it would be pretty much the same price as Disney! I would love a cruise, that was actually one of my first options, but with our dates of arrival and when we need to head to Daytona it doesn't seem like that would work.

Oops, yeah it is the same price. Missed the part where you said saving money by going to SW/BG. You'll have a good time either way!

 

[halfpintpeggy]

Since you have time, keeps your eyes out for deals! Quite often, SeaWorld & Busch Gardens offer heavily discounted combo tickets throughout the year.

 

[Carrie Ellis]

If you have Hilton points (because it makes your room free), the Double Tree Hotel Orlando at Seaworld is a SW hotel and you can get "fast passes" for the day. We go to SW and BG because the military gives us the free tickets..So the last time we used Hilton points, got the military tickets and then got the front of the line benefit!!!

I love the Williamsburg one too. Tampa was fun but I was a little disappointed.
I just got an email that if you buy tickets soon for BG (use later too) you get to dine all day for free. I would definitely sign up for email offers!

No matter how cheap it always adds up!

 

[LovesTimone]

Busch Garden is in Tampa, and while its not that far away... I-4 is a complete mess, trying to get back and forth will take quite a bit of time, plus depending on time of day can add hours to the trip... If you are planning on staying in Tampa, be careful where you are staying, make sure to check and double check the area...

For me I would just go with the 3 day ticket to WDW... cause you know if your this close you'll want to visit Mickey and the Gang... just sayin'

 

[sjrec]

If you haven’t been to Seaworld I think it’s definitely worth a visit. It never seemed crowded to us even in August- Great tip about the Hilton points and fast passes! Maybe a visit to Seaworld and one of the Disney water parks?

 

[Tinknalli]

My suggestion would be to look into a day at Discovery Cove (plenty to even without the surcharge activities like the dolphin swim) and add a day at Sea World and a day at Aquatica. I think you will definitely come out cheaper than WDW and since Discovery Cove includes breakfast, lunch, snacks and alcoholic beverages that will affect your savings as well. We love Sea World, WDW and Universal, but as far as value and relaxation goes Sea World parks win. Plus they have some great coasters.

 

[Marionnette]

If I was trying to keep costs down, I wouldn't choose either of those.

I'd try to explore the "other Orlando" by snagging a few Groupon deals and seeing what's outside of the Disney bubble. It's too early to purchase deals now for a trip that won't be until late April but there's no reason not to at least browse around to see what's out there.