Official Hotel of Sea World Benefits

[Marshay]

I'm looking for a hotel close to Sea World (we'll have a car) and noticed that some hotels are *official* hotels with added benefits. However, I'm leery of the language saying I have to go to a special desk to get these benefits and order them in advance.

ETA: OK, after some more research it appears this is a legitimate benefit (i.e., not a timeshare) and there are only a limited number or quick queues available, so FCFS.

Also, I'm looking at the following hotels...will be myself and 7yo daughter. We plan to do SW and DC for 3 days in July. Having the quick queue pass is my main reason for doing a SW exclusive hotel. Any positive/negative reports on these hotels:

Hilton Garden Inn
Fairfield Inn & Suite

ETA: After more research, I eliminated the Grand Vacation (timeshare) and Doubletree (bad reviews). I booked with Hilton Garden Inn AAA rate, but I'll look for deals, too!

TIA!



Official Hotel of SeaWorld
Guests of this Official Hotel of SeaWorld are eligible for the following exclusive benefits (park admissions must be purchased separately and are not included in the room rate):
Complimentary Quick Queue Unlimited at SeaWorld Orlando (SeaWorld's front-of-the-line program; restrictions apply)
Complimentary transportation to SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica (SeaWorld's Waterpark), Discovery Cove, and Universal Orlando
Early entry to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica on select dates
Exclusive access to the SeaWorld Rescue Tour at SeaWorld Orlando on early-entry days (restrictions apply)
10% discount on dining options, including SeaWorld's Sharks Underwater Grill, SeaWorld's All-Day Dining Deal, and Aquatica's All-Day Dining Deal
10% off purchases of $50 or more at Friends of the Wild (SeaWorld) and Kiwi Traders (Aquatica)

Advance reservations for Universal Orlando transportation, Quick Queue Unlimited, and SeaWorld Rescue Tour are required and are subject to availability. Reservations are available only at the property's Local Expert Guest Service Desk upon arrival. Guests will receive a benefits card from the Local Expert Guest Service Desk which will be used to obtain discounts as well as early entry (on designated dates). Park admissions required and are not included in hotel room rate. Benefits and attractions are subject to change without notice. Benefits are not valid with any other offers, promotions, or discounts. Complete details available from the Local Expert Guest Service Desk. Other restrictions apply.

 

[Marshay]

Also, if you don't think these benefits are needed, let me know. It looks like there are other hotels in the immediate area too that are cheaper.

My vacation is end of July so peak season for crowds, hence why I was thinking the quick queue and early entry might be good.

 

[mjohnson96]

Don't eliminate the Hilton GV. It is wonderful and not once were we pushed to go on any type of time share tour. I did get a call asking if I wanted to and I told them no thank you about 3 days before our trip and that was it. The rooms were very large and there was lots to do at the pool for the kids and adults. My dad is not a huge Orlando fan but he loved this place. I am staying there whe I come down for a convention and my parents got a room too since they liked it so much.

When we went we stopped at the desk up front got our pass for the quick que and it was great for Manta. In July it will come in handy for Atlantis too, we did not use any of the other benefits but the hotel itself was great.

 

[Momof4DisneyLuvrs]

You may want to check out Floridays too. If you check their early booking rates you can find some really good deals. I think they are still offering the deal with free dining as well at SeaWorld.

 

[Marshay]

Don't eliminate the Hilton GV. It is wonderful and not once were we pushed to go on any type of time share tour. I did get a call asking if I wanted to and I told them no thank you about 3 days before our trip and that was it. The rooms were very large and there was lots to do at the pool for the kids and adults. My dad is not a huge Orlando fan but he loved this place. I am staying there whe I come down for a convention and my parents got a room too since they liked it so much.

When we went we stopped at the desk up front got our pass for the quick que and it was great for Manta. In July it will come in handy for Atlantis too, we did not use any of the other benefits but the hotel itself was great.

Thanks for your review. I just cringe when I hear Orlando Timeshares ... not b/c they are lousy (there are a lot of lovely ones) but b/c of how pushy some can be. We already own DVC, so not interested in any other.

You may want to check out Floridays too. If you check their early booking rates you can find some really good deals. I think they are still offering the deal with free dining as well at SeaWorld.

Thank you! I have not heard of them but they do look really good!! However, their smallest room is $50+ more than my AAA rate (albeit the room is larger, 2 br, but since it's just my DD and I, we are fine with a regular room + fridge/microwave).

However, if DD and I really love SW and/or DC, we may take the rest of our family in January, so I will keep this on my future list.