New Marriott Hotels opening near SW

[Magalex]

I just came across new SpringHill Suites & Fairfield Inn & Suites located together across from Sea World. They will be opening the first week of July. The photos look very nice. Love the colors & decor. The actually address is listed at International Drive. My question is what is International Drive like closest to Sea World in that area? We might be planning a Sea World/ Universal Studios trip in 2010. Those two hotels are on top of my list because we do like the idea staying closest to SW in case we need to visit MK for one day. I am not interested in staying near Universal.

 

[MinnieGi]

Its a nice area of International Drive. The new hotels are across the street from Sea World and next to Aquatica. A gas station is across the street the other way. We stayed at the Residence Inn which is also close to Sea World and closer to I-4 which may be a faster way to get to MK than travelling down International Dr.

 

[DOOM1001]

You won't find anywhere near the amount of traffic in this area of I-Drive that you'll find more north on I-Drive.From the Sand lake rd. intersection to the Kirkman rd intersection International Drive is crazy crowded and congested,south of Sand Lake rd towards the convention center and Sea World is definitely nicer.International Drive south of Sea World is even less congested with more open spaces for future construction,some time share resorts and a shopping center with a Publix next to the Orlando Premium outlets.

 

[Magalex]

Happy to hear this information about the location of these new hotels.

 

[taliategan]

They are side by side on the corner of International and Central Parkway. There is a Friday's in front of them. Very close to the main car entrance to SeaWorld. There is no much traffic on International in that area.

 

[Magalex]

I was going to ask if there are any restaurants near by the hotels I haven't seen photos of the pool but I did read there is a SW or ocean theme pool probably small but we love anything themed. The pool area is shared by both hotels.

 

[Magalex]

Oh I forgot to ask would it be possible to walk over to SW from these hotels?

 

[taliategan]

The Renaissance (1st) and the Hilton Garden Inn (2nd) provide the best access for walking to SeaWorld. The two new Marriott Hotels face the back side of the park and it would be a fairly significant walk to get to the entrance on the park. Also, I can not recall if there are sidewalks along Central Parkway (which is the road you would have to walk to get to the park) & also not sure if you would be allowed to walk through the car entry (which is on Central Parkway) into the Parks