Taking a scout group to Discovery Cove and Seaworld

[MrsPete]

I'm thinking about taking my scouts (a dozen girls, mostly age 14) to Discovery Cove and Seaworld, and I need some help with a few things:

1. Can anyone recommend an inexpensive but safe hotel nearby? It doesn't have to be fancy, but I'd prefer interior hallways so the girls won't be outside at night. A nice pool would be a plus. If I could have anything I want, I'd want something like a Residence Inn so that we could have maybe three 2-bedroom suites with kitcheonettes. I'm thinking that might be less expensive too, since so many people could share a 2-bedroom suite.

2. If you could only choose one, would you go to the Dinner with Shamu or the Sea World Luau? Remember, 14 year old girls. What would they enjoy most?

3. The Polar Behind-the-Scenes thing sounds great, but do I understand correctly that you can't reserve tickets ahead of time? What time of day is the tour given?

4. Is there a water park near SeaWorld? I'm thinking it'd be a nice last activity before returning to the bus for the long ride home.

5. Is there any such thing as a discount at Discovery Cove?

Thanks in advance.

 

[robvia]

There is a Hilton Garden Inn across the parking lot from SWF. The closest hotel is the Renaissance, but that would probably cost too much. The Hilton Garden Inn has inside hallways and is next to the Renaissance.

On dinner, I dunno, either one would be fun.

The Polar Bear tour is worth it, and happens in the afternoon around 1pm. You buy your tickets as you enter SWF next to the map station.

No water parks near SWF, the hotel pool or a trip to Wet N' Wild would have to do.

AP members get a discount at Discovery Cove, but it's not that much. I've never heard of any other discounts.

 

[ajksmom]

There is a radio station promotion (code WLOQ) If you go to DC's website there is a link at the bottom of the page for the promo. It brings you to a reservation page where you enter the dates and code. I know there isn't any availability thru end of August but perhaps for your dates there will be.
There is also a Marriot code (P50 put in promo code box) for some dates. You can check their website out with the code.(I got a Studio 2 Queen-sleeps 5 for 74. per night with breakfast) You have to print a coupon if they have availability go to this link,print and bring with you.
liURL=http://www.marriottse.com/offers/safo/]Sun and Fun Orlando Coupon[/URL]
There are dates listed on the coupon, my dates weren't included,but I e-mailed Marriot and they said if the website takes it then that specific resort has decided to extend the offer.I also am bringing a copy of that e-mail with me. I don't expect to have any problems as this has happened with Marriot coupons before and they always honor what their website allows at reservation time.
One last thing, I have observed companies doing some great things for boy/girl scouts. Perhaps some phone calls would result in some "magic."
Good luck and I wish you all a great time!