SW parking and staying at an "at SeaWorld" hotel?

[26555]

Going to stay at the brand new Springhill suites hotel and while there might not be too much experience yet from those staying there; I think maybe some of the Sea World experts or people staying at other "at Seaworld" hotels might know.

Springhill/Fairfield Suites seems to be very close to SW but not walking close after a long day at the parks, for us at least, I think. No shuttle offered as far as I can see. Any recommendations for when fireworks let out? I usually try to avoid the mass of humanity.

Do you think we could see fireworks just outside park or hotel or somewhere to beat crowds out?

How is the parking lot in relation to hotel (if you've seen where built)? I wonder if its one of those things where I'll see hotel easy enough but be sitting in parking lot traffic b/c you need to follow exit signs to big roads and make your way back to hotel.

Are there cabs avail when get out of SW after fireworks? Do they have a special route that gets them past traffic? I'm just wondering if we hitched a ride or did manage to walk there, would there be an easy way home. Cab ride shouldn't be expensive that close.....

Thanks for any helpful tips!

 

[taliategan]

They are on the corner of International Drive and Central Florida Parkway - close to the back corner of SeaWorld (the part of the park where the Shamu Stadium is located). It would be a long walk to get to the entrance of SeaWorld as you would have to walk around the outerperimeter of the park to get there and through the length of the large parking lot. They are not to far from car entrance on Central Florida Parkway into the park. I saw the hotels in late June, but I do not think they were open at that time. I would be surprised if Marriott did not run a shuttle to SeaWorld from these hotels.

 

[26555]

They are on the corner of International Drive and Central Florida Parkway - close to the back corner of SeaWorld (the part of the park where the Shamu Stadium is located). It would be a long walk to get to the entrance of SeaWorld as you would have to walk around the outerperimeter of the park to get there and through the length of the large parking lot. They are not to far from car entrance on Central Florida Parkway into the park. I saw the hotels in late June, but I do not think they were open at that time. I would be surprised if Marriott did not run a shuttle to SeaWorld from these hotels.

Thanks for the reply, they opened this month. I called, they do have a shuttle that runs at certain times, the last one referenced was 9:15. Are there cabs around the exit if you didn't want to wait for a shuttle back or left park after last shuttle?

Anyone notice taxi cabs in that area?

Thanks.

 

[Dolphina]

does anyone know how far the hilton garden inn hotel is? it is walking distance, isn't it?

 

[taliategan]

does anyone know how far the hilton garden inn hotel is? it is walking distance, isn't it?

Hilton Garden Inn is within walking distance - it faces the SeaWorld parking lot. You would need to cross the street (I think Sea Harbour Drive) and walk across the parking lot to get to the SeaWorld entrance. The Renaissance, next to the Hilton Garden Inn, is a little closer to the entrance as far as walking distance.

 

[Dolphina]

Hilton Garden Inn is within walking distance - it faces the SeaWorld parking lot. You would need to cross the street (I think Sea Harbour Drive) and walk across the parking lot to get to the SeaWorld entrance. The Renaissance, next to the Hilton Garden Inn, is a little closer to the entrance as far as walking distance.

wow, sounds great. how many minutes would you guess it is in normal walking speed? i'm so curious and excited. can't wait to go there!

 

[SandrA9810]

If the hotel is off of sea harbor drive... just walk. I've had to park my car in the back of the lot before, about 3 spaces from the end.

The fireworks go off at 9:50pm, it's a 10 minute show, kinda like Illuminations, where if you're not seated around it, you really can't see. The fireworks are pretty, but they use lots of water and light effects. The show has to be over by 10pm because of noise ordinance laws of Orange County (Universal and Sea World have to follow this policy), if they don't, they have to pay like a 20,000$ fine to the county. They usually pay this twice a year for the Fourth of July and New Years....

Now back to the topic.
Off to the north end of the entrance is the taxi/shuttle area. It is full of taxis, so I wouldn't see a problem getting one. It would be quite a walk to International Dr. I can't say the firework show is something amazing. It never quite compares to Disney's (slightly spoiled... i know). Just make sure you get to the early show (if you take the hotel shuttle) of Shamu Rocks... now that show is amazing and definatly worth it. If you do a cab, wait till the second show, much much less crowded and easier to find good seats. Last time I walked in as the last show was exiting. Good time to finally put your feet up. And you don't have to worry about the rope dropping to open the stadium... I hate that mad rush with tons of people pushing behind you to get to "the best seat".

 

[RabFlmom]

Personally, I would not want to even walk across Sea Harbor Drive to the Renaissance after a day of walking in the park. I am always worn out. Also if you do decide to walk, be very careful of the cars and keep your kids close. Everyone is driving every which way trying to get out of the parking lot and into the lane they need to be in on the street. The street is also bumper to bumper cars and there really isn't a cross walk.
If they are using the trolley to get to the overflow SW lot on the other side of the street that might be a safer way to get through the traffic to get to the hotels over there. Or.....just wait in the park with a snack until all the people rushing to get out are gone.

 

[Dolphina]

thanks for the pieces of advice.

 

[SandrA9810]

I've had to park at what seems to be the door step of the Renaissance hotel... so unless you're in preferred or handicap, dont be surprised if you're at the back of the lot. I'm guessing if you're staying at one of these hotels, you get free parking... if not, save your 12 bucks, that money could be better spent.

 

[26555]

Thanks everyone for the info!

 

[dancersmom]

last year. Definitely doable - there were a lot of people doing the same thing.

 

[26555]

last year. Definitely doable - there were a lot of people doing the same thing.

They have an $89 rate at Renaissance which seems really good but I decided to try the new Springhill suites b/c they have a fridge in the room. It's "at Seaworld" but I don't think as close as Renaissance.

 

[dancersmom]

at the Renaissance. Friends of our stayed at the Springhill Suites and really liked it. It is not within walking distance to Seaworld though. Enjoy your trip!!

 

[Dolphina]

Does the Hilton Garden Inn actually provide a SeaWorld shuttle? Is it included to the room price or do I have to pay extra? Anyone know?