New to Orlando Questions

[Dolphin_Rachel]

Hello All.
I have been following this board and reading everything in order to get myself some background for an upcoming trip to Sea World and Discovery Cove. This board has been a great reference so far, but I have several questions that I am hoping the more experienced experts might be able to offer input.

i will be traveling with my 10 year old daughter and my husband is concerned with us traveling alone. I will be booking a Hotel / Discovery Cove package for 5 days and am considering either Fairfield Inn or Residence Inn. Does anyone have any specific feedback on either of these options? I am leaning towards Fairfield since it seems that the location has more shopping/dining options within walking distance. Plus I believe it is closer to Discovery Cove, which leads me to my next question.

Since it is recommended to get to Discovery Cove at 7 AM, I assume that the hotel transportation isn't running this early. Does anyone know if the Fairfield Inn is within a decent walking distance and safe walkway to Discovery Zone that early in the morning?

I am not planning on getting a rental car, so the scariest part would be transportation. I am not a seasoned traveler and have never been to Orlando so this is an area of great concern for me. Could anyone offer advise on the easiest and safest method of transport from the Airport to the hotel? I am not familiar with Uber but have started doing some research. A cab makes me nervous, as again i am not a seasoned traveler with experience. So any suggestions on transportation and the approximate costs would be greatly appreciated.

Finally, and I am sorry for all of the questions. When you book through Discovery Cove do I need to also present credit card at hotel check in and will they put a hold on funds? Just trying to plan ahead and make sure that I am budgeting correctly.

Thank you in advance for all of your recommendations.

 

[bobbie68]

Hi I can help with transportation from the airport to the hotel. We use Tony Hinds and he is very very well liked and respected on these boards. He is awesome we have used him 6 times now and will continue to do so. His email is aobh607@gmail.com. You can just give him your itinerary and based on what you need will let you know the price. We go from the airport to Universal and back with a grocery store trip and it runs about $100.00.

I have not stayed at either but do know people who have and they like the Fairfield Inn. We will be going to Discovery Cove one day on our trip this summer from Universal hotel. We will have to take Uber to get there early. I have never used it either so here's hoping.

Good luck!

 

[angryduck71]

I second Tony Hinds. An uber should be safe honestly. I am traveling alone with my 10 year old son (but I am also a seasoned traveler, so I get that I am a little bolder). I, unfortunately, have not stayed at those hotels, but I think taking an uber would be safer than walking, frankly. You should be able to google how to use the app and feel a little more secure.

 

[Vicki106]

We have stayed at the Residence Inn and would recommend it. In fact, we are going back to Discovery Cove this August before our Disney Cruise, and we are going to stay at the Residence Inn again. We always have a rental car, so I'm not too much help with the transportation question, but I've traveled alone often and I've never had a problem with a taxi. I will say that I wouldn't walk it from the hotel to Discovery Cove. I'd definitely get a cab or Uber to DC. Maybe inquire at the front desk and they would provide a recommendation for a taxi and call him for you? Additionally, I know you are concerned about walking to dining locations. I know that the RI SeaWorld has a nice complimentary breakfast buffet every day. They don't have any evening receptions with food, but they will pick up groceries for you if you give them a list when you check in. Hope this info helps. Have a great trip!