Planning a trip to Universal/Sea World and need some help please

[cork2009]

Hello,

I am planning a trip in late December and am looking for advice on lodging..doesn't have to be fancy but clean and nearby Universal or Sea World...saw some Hilton's that look good...are they?

I see ticket prices are quite expensive for those two parks and was curious if there are any discounts to be had or packages that save $$$.

Thank you!

 

[Metro West]

Moving to the Orlando Hotels and Attractions board.

Since you are asking about offsite hotels, you will get more responses here.

Universal tickets are expensive if you're only going for a short time...Disney's tickets are quite expensive for a short trip as well...just keep that in mind.

I'm sure the hotel experts will recommend some great offsite hotels for you.

 

[Lynne G]

Though I am sure others are much more versed in Orlando than I am, here are my thoughts.

Universal and SW are not close together. Some people like staying somewhere in between and driving or taking I-trolley or shuttle/bus to the parks. I have not stayed in between. I stayed at the Portofino to get the front of the line access, early HP entry, and closeness to parks. I stayed at the Fairfield at Sea Word to be a 5 or 6 minute drive from SW, Aquatica, and DC.

Lots of places sell discount US tickets. I thought my ticket deal through Undercover Tourist was good. Free shipping and prices include tax. Universal's website discounts about 20% off, but must include tax and not sure about shipping costs.

Seaworld usually has ticket discounts on its website. Check. They may not discount the tickets, but if you book a package through Seaworld for hotel and tickets, the hotel rate is discounted. We got our SeaWorld and Aquadica combined tickets with Fairfield (and free one day food at both parks) as a package from SW. I thought that was a good deal too.

 

[msucooper]

Also check out http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g34515-Orlando_Florida-Hotels.html and you will get TRUE traveler reviews of hotels with real pictures.

 

[clovicelee]

I am not sure of any other resorts, but I know that the Hilton Grand Vacation Club SeaWorld is a parking lot walk away from the resort. I have also heard that the concierge desk gives front of line passes and discounted tickets.

 

[stepdisney]

We stayed at the Hilton Vacation Club SW for one night before we checked into the Royal Pacific Resort which is a US/IofA resort. As a previous poster stated, we received Front of the line passes at Hilton Vacation Club for Sea World. Because we have platinum passes for Busch Gardens, we did not have to pay for tickets or parking. We had front of the line access for Universal/Islands of adventures because we were staying in one of their resorts. It is worth every penny to stay at a resort offering front of the line.

 

[shalom]

I see ticket prices are quite expensive for those two parks and was curious if there are any discounts to be had or packages that save $$$.

We got a deal for SeaWorld one year through hubby's company, so you might ask around on that. Mousesavers also sometimes offers some deals, although none of them are stunner. SeaWorld does always have a second day free deal -- the first day you go, you need to go to customer service (or whatever it's called), they'll give you a ticket good for anytime the next seven days. I think you have to turn in your own ticket, and I know you have to do it while you're there the first time. We always do it as we're leaving, which can mean a wait at closing time but OTOH, by the time we hit the parking lot we can practically drive right out.

Orlando Sunshine, a Timeshare where you can get 2 BR condos, is right across I-4 from Universal, and has been completely renovated now. It's nothing fancy but if the price is good (when we went it was about $100 a night), it's nice to have the space. Although staying in one of the Universal properties is great while you're doing the parks because you get the front of the line passes.

 

[newmouse2008]

How about The Doubletree at the entrance to Universal. Or Sheraton Vistana. Both are great options!! Here are a few links with loads of info

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/Resorts/Sheraton/Villages/index.html

http://www.wdwinfo.com/universal/doubletreeorlando/