Close Hotel and Non-Swim Package ?

[princesslondon]

We are thinking of doing Discovery Cove the day we get off our Disney Cruise? Will we have time to get there? Is there a certain time to check in? We would be doing the Non-Dolphin Swim Package (traveling w/our 4-year old). Has anyone done this package before? Any suggestions?
Also, we would need a hotel close to here that is nice.

 

[robvia]

I don't remember when the Disney boat lets the people off, but it's about an hour drive, and I think you would arrive around 11am or so. DC stays open till 5pm, so you could do it. It's just usually better to arrive early, because the wet suits you will need are in bins out in the open, and some sizes are taken quickly. And you'll have to look for a spot to put all your stuff, and the beach chairs in the good areas will have been taken already. It's kinda like walking into a popluar movie just before it starts. You can find a seat, but it won't be in the middle.

There are basically 3 hotels close by.
The Renaissance Resort (best choice).
http://renaissancehotels.com/dpp/PropertyPage.asp?MarshaCode=MCOSR&checked=True&Marriott_BD=
Next is the Sheraton World Resort. 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
The budget choice is the Hilton Garden Inn. Nothing wrong with staying here, rooms are clean, but the walk to SWF is a little bit farther than the Renaissance.
www.hiltongardeninn.com

All 3 hotels are within walking distance of SWF. But the Renaissance Resort is the best, and most expensive. It's across from the parking lot. After visiting DC, you can check into your room, and walk to SWF to see the dolphins and pet them. Pay the extra money and get a club room, then you get free breakfast and snacks for dinner. You"ll have 7 days of access to SWF and BGT after visiting. There is even a shuttle that will take you from SWF to BGT, see my page here for details.

http://www.nogodforme.com/IOA072905.htm

 

[princesslondon]

Thats some really great info - Thanks so much!!!!
Do you think Discovery Cove will be that crowded in Sept and on a Thurs?

 

[robvia]

September is fine. They only allow about 1000 guests into the park. Once everyone is there, it doesn't seem crowded at all. The only lines happen for the snorkle station early in the morning, and lunch at noon. When you arrive, you walk down a path talking to a cast member about your visit. They take a family picture, then you go to a stand to get a bag that has a mask, snorkle (you keep it), and a beach towel. From there you keep walking to get a free locker to put your stuff in, get free sun tan lotion, and get a vest to wear.

To beat the lunch crowd, go at 11am or 2pm. In your case, since you will be arriving late, you would probably go to lunch at 2pm. After that, you would have 2 hours to swim, and hang out. Most leave at 3pm, so the park will empty out, and things become very quiet.