Orlando family oriented hotel help

[wwessing]

I know this question likely has appeared quite a bit, however, I would like to ask it once again. Sorry for those of you who are bored with answering this, but I truly appreciate your assistance.
My family (includes hubby, 14, 11, 9) and I will be traveling to Orlando. We have been before, but want to try something different. Last time, we stayed at Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Kissimmee (I believe). It really was wonderul 2.5 years ago and met our needs perfectly. I have since discovered the Nickelodeon Family Suites and am wondering if others have stayed and your thoughts. I also can't seem to find any other hotel in the area which offers anything close to this place. While we realize it is costly (around $300 a night for 2 bedroom suite with tax), what the heck. . .right! This vacation is all about our children (except for the free beer at Sea World and Busch Gardens!) and we want this one to top our last visit (going to be hard to do). We have plenty of time to continue researching this issue, so experiences with Nick hotel and other hotels will truly be appreciated!
Thanks!!!

 

[pocohontas2004]

We stayed at the Sunspree before we discovered the Nick hotel a few years ago. On our last 2 stays, we stayed at the Nick hotel (when it was still just Holiday Inn Family Suites) and LOVED the space and separate bedrooms. The pools were great, too. This time I've found it hard to justify that cost, though. We're staying off-site at a townhouse in Terra Verde resort that was was on vrbo website. I like the Nick hotel and it is more spacious than the rooms at the Sunspree, especially as your kids are growing and taking up more space, like mine (DS 11, 9, and 7).

 

[robvia]

What parks are you visiting and what area do you want to be near?
Are you renting the car?

The Renaissance Resort is directly across the street from SWF. You could see about getting a club level room, then you get food and drinks during the day. I think they have suites, you'll have to check the prices. I know the rates drop for holidays, because this is really a business hotel. A good time to go is July 4th. The advantage to staying here, is you literally walk back and forth to Sea World and they can shuttle you over to Discovery Cove. That means you could drink a few beers, walk over, and continue with the samples. SWF has a shuttle to BGT, it leaves aroud 9:30am so the early morning advantage would be gone, but it can be done.
http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/MCOSR&checked=True&Marriott_BD=

 

[wwessing]

Thanks to those who have responsed. Your opinions and suggestions will be taken into consideration.

"What parks are you visiting and what area do you want to be near?
Are you renting the car?"

Answer: We will be driving to Florida, so no problem with transportation. We are visiting Sea World, Universal, Islands of Adventure and Busch Gardens.

What's the deal with Discovery Cove? Is it recommended?? My kids say they want to swim with the dolphins, but it is costly and I'm thinking they would be afraid once it actually came time to get in the water with them. Any opinions on Discovery Cove???