Going to Sea World first - what would you do?

[Lisa3]

We have the 7/4 deal booked at the Polynesian for early Sept. Since it is such a long drive from NJ we have decided to come down two days early and visit relatives and go to Sea World. Our family of 5 needs to stay somewhere 2 nights before we head to the Polynesian. Would you -

a. Stay close to Sea World at either the Hilton Garden Inn, Sheraton World or the Renaissance Hotel (I have Hilton Honors points or I could sign up for Marriot's Reward Program to cut the cost.)

b. Try to get a good rate at AKL (kids would love to stay here but I would need a deluxe room for the 5 of us). Would it be too inconvenient to drive from AKL to Sea World?

In either case we would have to move after two nights so I would pack a bag of essentials instead of emptying the entire car. I am also trying to keep the cost of this trip down since it was very "unexpected".

 

[DianeV]

I wouldnt pay the money for AKL when you are going to be going over to Sea World. I would find a place like you mentioned near Sea World for those couple days..

 

[pluto's fan]

I agree w/DianeV.

Plus, because you have Hilton Honors points, that more money you can put towards something else.
Whatever you decide, have a wonderful time!

 

[goofy4tink]

Have you checked out the hotels that are part of SeaWorld packages? Sometimes you can get a pretty good deal that way, especially if you are staying two nights. I wouldn't stay onsite at WDW and then move to the Polynesian. I would opt for a whole different experience.

 

[Grumpy37]

We stayed at the Renaissance just across the street. You have to walk across the entire SeaWorld parking lot to get to the entrance but it wasn't *that* far. The hotel itself was nice, esp. having and interior balcony and waking up to the birds in the little aviary down in the lobby. The restaurants were mediocre at best and the overall hotel service wasn't all that great though the rooms were clean and neat.

We all loved SeaWorld, esp. my DS5, and we'll definitely go back, but we'd only stay at the Renaissance again if we got a great rate.