Hilton Garden Inn -Shuttle?

[Bustersmom]

We will be staying at the Hilton Garden Inn which I understand is very very close to Sea World, within walking distance. I have received conflicting information though regarding shuttle servive to WDW Parks. DOes anyone who has stayed thereknow if they offer complimentary shuttles to the different parks or perhaps to the WDW Transp center? Thanks so much!

 

[MissionMouse]

The Hilton is 3 blocks away from Sea World. We elected to take a short drive over in our rental car, verus navigating streets without sidewalks and the parking lot near the parking fee gate with small children.

The shuttle service is a basic offering, providing drop-off/pick-up just a few times of the day to Sea World, Universal and Disney. I don't recall the details beyond this since the times the provided the service got you there late and ended your day early.

 

[robvia]

Agree. The hotel usually hires a shuttle company, and the guests have to pay. In the past it may have been free, but the Amerisuites charges $9 per person round trip (pprt) as an example. The pick up times happen around 10am, and the return time is usually at 4pm. In other words, you miss the early morning advantage, and have to end your day early.

Hotel shuttles are not Disney, they don't run every 15 minutes, and are not free.

You can walk from the Hilton Garden Inn. It's about 5 minutes from the Renaissance. Can you do it with little kids? Maybe, but it's a long walk. You'll have to call it an adventure. Two adults can easily do it.

Rent the car if you want to drive over to Disney and Universal.

 

[s.and.s]

Hi

Just to note that there is a Lynx public bus service (route 50) that runs from opposite Sea World (Sea Harbor Drive) to the Disney Ticket and Transportation Centre. Adult fare is around $1.50. See the golynx website for details. We use it to get to Sea World when staying at Disney hotel.

Cheers

 

[Bustersmom]

Thanks so much for info on the buses! That might be the best way and with a more regular schedule. Forgive me, but once in Disney, can you get between all the parks from the Transportation Center and is that free or a charge?

 

[Squirlz]

Yes, you can travel between all the parks and it is free!

 

[Bustersmom]

Thanks to all of you for the wonderful information! I know I will have more questions and it just a great resource.

 

[nobodies36]

I joined here just to post this.

I stayed at the HGI at Sea World for three weeks in June 2005 and 4 weeks September 2006. The shuttles did not change from then, so I imagine they will still be the same. There is two different shuttles (all free). The first goes to Disney (Epcot to be exact) then you use Disney transport to get around. There are three drop-off and three pick up times. I tried to find a copy but couldn't so from memory:

9.45am, 11.15am and 12.30pm to Epcot
6pm, 8pm and 10pm from Epcot

The other shuttle is the Sea World/Universal shuttle which goes in that order and reverse on the way back. The times are (not remebering these very well):

9.15, 10.45 and 11.30 to both
5ish, 6ish and 7pm from Universal.

On our first year the driver got to know us and he used to drop is on I-drive to eat after a day at Disney and last year if we were the only people on the bus, he would take us to whatever park we wanted (even the water parks or Downtown Disney).

Very efficient and helpful. There were people being rude and even though they should have been the first drop-off, the driver took us back to our hotel first because we were not rude, but friendly.

You CAN walk to Sea World. Very easily. I am disabled and I can do it. Walk right as you leave the hotel and cross the street as if going towards the Renaissance. Look right and see the Sea World Parking lot and walk towards it. Cut across the parking lot or go forward to the pavement and left. That is it. That is the way with the pavement/sidewalk. We learned the hard way the first time.

I like the hotel and if you have any more questions ask away.

Hope that helped.

 

[Bustersmom]

Oh you have been so helpful! I may have other questions later, but for now thank you so much for answering my questions so completely. By chance, did you go to Discovery Cove also?

 

[nobodies36]

I didn't. You see, with my disability, there is no way to book in advance; I could never tell if I was going to be able, even booking 24 hours before could end in disaster. This year I think I might just risk the money and book anyway. There is an easy way to walk to DC from the hotel, but if you do go, just get the little shamu car/bus from SW.

Oh, I forget to mention on the first post (as you were asking about transport). There is an I-ride stop and a Lynx stop right at the hotel door (well...just about). Do NOT try to use the I-ride around SW opening/closing times- you will have three full ones pass before you get on one. Take the Lynx instead. In fact, use the lynx all the time, it gets to places faster.

Feel free to ask anything.

 

[Bustersmom]

Great info! You are a true resource. This will be our first trip to Discovery Cove and I have booked the swim with the dolphins which I expect will be the hilite of our trip. We are going to Disney with children and grandchildren but honestly I just love Seaworld. I hope you health will allow you to book Discovery Cove. From all I read here, they are well equipped for anyone. Thanks again!