First time Seaworld/Aquatica visit

[jonearl]

We are planning a trip to Seaworld and wanting the best option to get the most for our money. For some context we are coming down December 31st-January 3rd and looking at doing both Aquatica and Seaworld with our two year old daughter, would prefer to be able to walk to and from the parks, and would love priority access. We have never been to either park before so all my knowledge of how Seaworld works in comparison to Disney is all based on vlogs and online trip reports. Is it better for us to book an official hotel package deal with the free Aquatica option? Or should we book the hotel separate and buy a ticket combo that would get us into both parks for the days we plan on going? A third option would be to buy an annual pass, for one of us, but I'm not sure how cost-efficient that would be. Any tips from someone who has experience with Seaworld and a similar situation would be appreciate. As well as any reviews on the nearby hotels. We have been looking at the Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden and Holiday Inn.

 

[hardcorestitch]

We are planning a trip to Seaworld and wanting the best option to get the most for our money. For some context we are coming down December 31st-January 3rd and looking at doing both Aquatica and Seaworld with our two year old daughter, would prefer to be able to walk to and from the parks, and would love priority access. We have never been to either park before so all my knowledge of how Seaworld works in comparison to Disney is all based on vlogs and online trip reports. Is it better for us to book an official hotel package deal with the free Aquatica option? Or should we book the hotel separate and buy a ticket combo that would get us into both parks for the days we plan on going? A third option would be to buy an annual pass, for one of us, but I'm not sure how cost-efficient that would be. Any tips from someone who has experience with Seaworld and a similar situation would be appreciate. As well as any reviews on the nearby hotels. We have been looking at the Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden and Holiday Inn.

I went to SeaWorld last year… it has its own charm and vibe for sure compared to Disney.

SeaWorld sure has changed a lot in the past several years, and they have went from an animal theme to a coaster heavy focus. Your daughter may easily get bored within an hour or two unless she’s really into those beautiful sea creatures. The food at SeaWorld is good, but it’s not anything on the Disney level of special or memorable.

I can give you a little advice on hotels… there is a Holiday Inn Express located right in front of SeaWorld. Book them if you can. It’s a short drive and you can get free breakfast! Mmmm, cinnamon rolls.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

They have a big Sesame Street area, plus the shows and the animal exhibits. I think it's easily enough to keep a youngster occupied.

I expect you will find Aquatica quite uncrowded. It might not be open daily that time of year, then again so near Christmas it might.

Sea World puts out good specials around Black Friday. Often the dining plan and tours (she may be too young for the tours) and the Quick Queue. Although the QQ prices may be high during your visit regardless.

 

[keishashadow]

many of the nearby hotels have free park shuttles. i like the hampton behind bonefish

i've never been able to justify buying a package as the components are easily booked separately, with more flexibility for modification

i'd book a cancellable hotel
as a placeholder as NYE there is popular with locals

here's hoping the Blue Friday deals are a bit better this year. SW hasn't announced their military deals as to 2026 fun passes or tix deals (for active/retired & then a different deal for vets)

we work in a visit over xmas holiday every year. the trees on the lake are beautiful, ice skating show is fun & O' wondrous night show is a personal favorite

the various parks tend to close the Water parks if it gets 'Florida cold', projected to only reach high of low 60's -upper 50's. it can vary