Sea World Package Questions - Aquatica?

[disneymom2one]

Background: 2 adults, our 16 year old. We spend every winter break in Orlando - usually for about 10 days and usually Disney. We drive and have DVC. This year, we're taking a new direction and doing 2 quick days at WDW (we'll back over spring break), then 5 days at Royal Pacific (great pin code) with US/IOA annual passes. We've haven't been to US/IOA in about ten years and our daughter has been asking for a trip there. I think 5 days will be more than enough as we're not Harry Potter people at all (have never even read the books). That gets us until 12/23.

We also haven't been to Sea World in about ten years and our teen has been asking about going to Busch Gardens (we've been once many years ago). So I looked at the Sea World site and I found what seems to be an unbelievable deal - just under $600 for the three of us to stay at the Renaissance with Sea World/Busch tickets for 12/23, 12/24, 12/25, plus all day dining for each park for one day (know it's counter service). The interesting thing is we can add Aquatica for $24 more (total). That would also give us transportation to Busch (if we wanted it) and All day dine for a day at Aquatica. We've called Sea World multiple times to verify that quote.

Here's the thing. I know Orlando can be anywhere from the 30's to the 70's that time of year so Aquatica may even close down or be too cold to do. But if they don't, couldn't we just go over for a little while, walk around, and grab lunch? My teen has high functioning autism and loves looking at rides (we've been known to sit in parking lots and watch roller coasters - for fun). For $24, one meal or the Busch shuttle and I'm slightly ahead. What am I missing?

My plan would be 12/23 - morning at Sea World, afternoon/lunch at Aquatica, evening at Sea World
12/24 Busch all day (all day dine)
12/25 Sea World all day (all day dine)

Thanks.

 

[rstout01]

Heck, I would bring bathing suits, just in case. Average highs that time of year are in the low 70s and you never know if you will get a warm spell. We went a couple of years ago the week after Thanksgiving, during a cold spell (highs in the low 70s), and went to Aquatica twice. The water there is heated and the kids had a blast. We were cold when we got out, but that's what towels are for! You can do as much or as little as you want. It's a really nice park, and we can't wait to go back this year.

 

[Lynne G]

My DS 14 and DD 10 loved Aquadica. There are so many slides, and the water will be heated. Just bring heavy towels or clothes to wear if cold. Also, the slides all allow non-cotton clothes. My DS wore a surf shirt and had no problem. We also had the free day meal at Aquadica. It is only for the one restaurant, and a buffet. It cost $16 adult, so not as much savings as you would get as a free day meal in SW or BG. However, the food was ok, and we could take the drinks out of the restaurant.
I think your DD would like it there.