If you had to choose what would you chose and why??

[sdoll]

Just when I think I have it figured out another idea pops up... As of right now we are planning on disney water parks. My dream is discovery cove. But we really are trying to stick to our budget. We have started to purge our house and plan on a huge garage sale. That will help us decide what to do!

 

[cel_disney]

SeaWorld and Aquatica for sure. That way you get two totally different experiences (theme park + water park) versus just water parks.

Blizzard Beach was, for us, disappointing. We hated the "snow/winter" theme. There was a lot of concrete and a lack of water park lushness. Definitely a one-and-done kind of attraction for our family.

Aquatica has the most amazing tubeless lazy river with a strong current (called Roa's Rapids) that is, without a doubt, the best water feature in any water park we've ever been to. Their interactive kids area is HUGE and puts the similar areas at BB & TL to shame. There are dual wave pools, big slides for thrill seekers, Commerson dolphins, a gorgeous sand beach, and a plethora of loungers and large blue umbrellas for shade which are free on a first-come, first served basis.

SeaWorld has spectacular shows, great rides, and some fabulous animal exhibits. Many of the rides (SkyTower, Antarctica, Turtle Trek, Wild Arctic) can be enjoyed by the whole family. Their coasters, Manta and Kraken, are fantastic for thrill seekers. Shamu's Happy Harbor offers some hands-on fun and and games for the younger guests. The animal feedings are super fun and a great way to learn about sea life. Its easily a place where you could spend two full days of your vacation.

This post sums up my thoughts perfectly - the coasters at Seaworld are some of the very best in the world and my 8 year old would want to go there more than once. I think it's nice to have a none beach day option as well if the weather isn't stellar one day.

My family growing up and Our current family is happy to visit and have experienced wonderful memories and learned so much while we were there that the blackfish movie has not changed our position on visiting the parks.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Just when I think I have it figured out another idea pops up... As of right now we are planning on disney water parks. My dream is discovery cove. But we really are trying to stick to our budget. We have started to purge our house and plan on a huge garage sale. That will help us decide what to do!

Discovery Cove is an experience of a lifetime.....its incredible. If there's any way that you can make it fit in the budget, I absolutely highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed!

 

[lilchief27]

My family of 4 is headed to Universal IoA, SeaWorld and a Typhoon Lagoon TONIGHT for a long weekend trip (& bc DH & DD have a convention at Gaylord Palms ) I selected SeaWorld because it will be a different experience than all of our Disney trips, opted for Typhoon Lagoon at my son's request (it's just the 2 of us that day) & IoA visit is a part of the convention deal. We love roller coasters & have heard/read great things about SeaWorld. We are also looking forward to the animal portion of SeaWorld.

Check with your employer to see if they are a part of TicketsAtWork - an amusment park, movies & travel discount site. I purchased discounted tickets for Sea World & Universal IoA. Also make sure you are subscribed to Mousesavers.com newsletter for the UT discounted ticket link. Undercover Tourist has great discounts to lots of Orlando attractions beyond Disney - like the Discovery Cove (w/ mulit-visits to SW & Aquatica). Good luck on planning your trip! Pick what your family will enjoy & go make memories whatever park(s) you select!

 

[TravelMommy]

Have you thought about Legoland? We have friends who went last year and I believe she found coupons in a Lego magazine, free kid admission with an adult? You might want to check out YouTube videos of all the places you are considering and see what you think. Have a great trip!

 

[LovesTimone]

Disney water parks get my vote.

You can check out the mini golf at Disney as well, but there are other mini golf places on I-drive or the one right outside of DTD at crossroads, that are fun too. DTD or Disney Springs as it is now know as, would be a fun day for movies or bowling, walking around.

As far a dinning out, check out Sweet tomatoes as they always have some kinda coupon deal going on. I think the last one was a family of 4 buffet and drinks for 22.00 or 25.00 dollars, pretty cheap for lunch. There is one near the mini golf at Crossroad to make a day of it. Check Groupon for other deals.

The eye over Orlando is open, and there is some kind of combo ticket offered there.

You could do dinner at one of the monorail resort and ride it around and check out all the resorts.

You might want to think about Mickey not so Scary Halloween Party tickets start at 68.00 dollars, You will be here visiting the week it starts, the party starts at 7:00 till 12:00, you can trick or treat, dress in costume or not, there are special fireworks, and 2 parades, and most of the attractions are open. I do think that they start letting guest with the hard ticket event in around 4:00 pm ( Please correct me if I am wrong) So this might be a way to get your fix to....

 

[disney144]

Blackfish is an incredibly biased "documentary" that ignores all of the good things that sea world does. Sea world is an incredible organization that does a lot of good for animals in the wild and raises awareness about conservation issues.

There is very little difference in the housing of orcas and the housing of other animals in zoos and aquariums. If you are going to boycott sea world, you most certainly need to boycott Disney also. Have you seen their Dolphins? What do you think an orca is? It is a large dolphin.

 

[LadyOfDunBroch]

I wouldn't be able to go to Sea-World for all the reasons already mentioned... but ooohhhhhh WBC!!! Tell the lazy river I said hello and that I miss it dearly!

 

[Belle & Ariel]

We have done both choices and enjoyed both, but much prefer the Disney waterparks AP. We have had it several times and really enjoy it. You might be able to add AP for DisneyQuest for about $30-40.
If you belong to AAA you can do a non dolphin swim day at Discovery Cove for about $150 and it gives 14 days admission to Sea World and Aquatica. If you do this, BE SURE to purchase the $30 parking permit to SW and Aquatica when you book. Otherwise parking is about $17 a day. You will have to pay that if you do the funcard which I am guessing you are looking at. Disney waterparks have free parking. Discovery Cove is awesome. We have been there three times, never done the dolphin swim, yet stayed all day. I am not one to sit in a lounger--I was doing the other stuff all day.
I could spend ten days at Disney and do their parks/waterparks every day and not get bored. I could not go to SW more than 2 or 3 days in a week. Aquatica is fun for a few hours, but every time I have gone there it makes me wish I was at a Disney waterpark. It is just not as good. And the lines are horrible compared to Disney's.
You can also do MNSSHP one night to get your Disney fix. You are allowed to go in at 4 and it goes to midnight, so for about $60 you get almost a full day's visit.
We prefer the Disney waterparks to their themeparks. We do not have to get up as early, you are not sweating to death, and it is relaxing. We come home from vacation refreshed, not exhausted.

 

[sk!mom]

I'm another vote for Disney Water Parks. I will never visit Sea World again. Even if I had no issue with SW's treatment of Orcas, it just isn't a place that I could spend more than a day.

 

[kirstenb1]

We love Sea World and Aquatica.