Newbie Questions

[warrenite]

Hi everyone,

We are planning a DCL cruise next April with a couple of days before the cruise at Sea World.

Are their benefits to staying at a "Partner Hotel" or flying with south west?

Best way to get from airport to sea world hotel?

We've never visited sea world and are complete newbies. Right now we plan to rent a car after our shore vacation for the trip to PC.

Any suggestions, hints or advice?

Thanks lots:

John

 

[Tank]

I just booked at one of the partner hotels and got what seems like a good deal. I got the tickets and free dining for the same price that just the hotel room and tickets would have cost me by going through AAA. The main reason I wanted the partner hotels was for the front of the line passes they are supposed to give you. What worries me is they don't have it in writing anywhere on the ressies. I called them directly to confirm this was included and they said it was a perk but was not guaranteed. Even without the front of the line pass it was still a good deal. With a family of 4 it will save me a lot of money in food at the park.

 

[kikids]

This is exactly what we did in April (spring break). We flew Southwest, stayed at SeaWorld property (Marriott Renaissance) two nights and then cruised a 4 night on the Dream out of Port Canaveral. It was a wonderful vacation! The on site properties have specials right now with early entry, dining pass, quick queue, etc. but they might be completely different for 2013 when you plan to travel. You might want to read the fine print on Sea World's website to find out. In past years, having a Southwest Airlines frequent flyer card gets you 20% off tickets at the gate, but people on these boards have said that is being discontinued. I booked the hotel and park tickets thru SeaWorlds website as a package and it went great. I was concerned that it wasn't really clear who to call if I had any problems with the tickets or hotel, but thankfully I didn't have any issues. (I called the hotel shortly after booking on SeaWorld's web site though just to make sure they got the info. )

As far as travel, we never rented a car, just didn't want the hassle. I called the hotel and asked what they recommended and they gave me the name of a guy who owns his own limo company. He met us at the airport (holding a sign with our name), took us to the Marriott SeaWorld, then took us to the port for the cruise and picked us up from the port afterwards. Airport to hotel was $45, hotel to port was $110 and port to airport was $90 (I think). This seemed like the easiest way to go. We have used Happy Limo in the past and their charges are similar to what this private individual charged but I had to tip Happy Limo. Car rental is cheap if you find a deal but you have to pay tolls and parking at the port is like $15 a day.

Feel free to ask any more ques or send me a PM. You'll have a great time!

Cindy