Thinkig about crossing over to the "dark side", where to stay?? :)

[ldhr2005]

With Disney's prices continually going up, and their discounts being less and less I was looking at other options. We were planning on doing SW regardless this trip, and started looking at their packages. Just curious if anyone has any opinions on where to stay...

A little info- Family of 4 ( kids, 6 & 3), will have a car and always use it as opposed to Disney transportation. Generally our hotel room is just a home base, we are a family that spends most of the day in the parks. Thanks!

 

[Lynne G]

I'd stay at a SW neighbor hotel. Most of them are very close, easy to drive to SW from, have a free quick que perk, early entry, and other benefits. Check SW's website. Many times, SW Vacations' hotel and ticket packages are very good prices. Right now, some are using the kids stay and play free promo, and are very happy with the price.

Check each place, some have free parking, some do not. Some have free breakfast, some do not.

Have a great time. We really enjoy SW.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We had a great experience at the Residence Inn SeaWorld. It provides a good bang for your buck, with spacious rooms (full one and two bedroom suites plus some studios, each with a kitchen), a hot breakfast buffet, internet and parking all included for free, plus all the great perks of staying onsite at an official SW hotel (free Quick Queue at SeaWorld, early entry to SW and Aquatica on select dates, free transportation to the parks, etc.).

They have a large lagoon-style pool, a big hot tub, and a great courtyard with a sport court/basketball area.

Staff were super friendly as well .

If you click on the link in my signature, it will take you to my trip report which has lots of pictures of the common areas, pool, hot tub, and rooms.

 

[rowan555]

I'm seriously considering switching to Residence Inn from Springhill just b/c it looks like Springhill doesn't have a hot tub. I'm thinking my sore muscles will need it after the long park days...

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I'm seriously considering switching to Residence Inn from Springhill just b/c it looks like Springhill doesn't have a hot tub. I'm thinking my sore muscles will need it after the long park days...

Hi Rowan,

This link says the Springhill has a "whirlpool":

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hote.../mcoss-springhill-suites-orlando-at-seaworld/

and this one calls it a "heated jacuzzi":

http://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/SpringHill_Suites_Orlando_at_Seaworld.htm

Either way, I think the Springhill does, indeed, have what you are seeking .

Of course, that said, I love the Residence Inn. So I think that would be a good choice for you as well! (and it has a big ol' hot tub outside...and its nice and hot, too! Not very bubbly, tho ).

 

[vacation_junkie]

With Disney's prices continually going up, and their discounts being less and less I was looking at other options. We were planning on doing SW regardless this trip, and started looking at their packages. Just curious if anyone has any opinions on where to stay...

A little info- Family of 4 ( kids, 6 & 3), will have a car and always use it as opposed to Disney transportation. Generally our hotel room is just a home base, we are a family that spends most of the day in the parks. Thanks!

We are thinking of doing the same..nothing new to bring us back to Disney.

We are thinking of doing a couple nights at Hard rock to take advantage of the Perks at Universal and then we are moving over to Springhill Suites to take advantage of the Perks at Sea World.

We've been tossed up between Springhill and Residence Inn.
Spring hill is newer and more modern. I google earthed it and it looks easier to walk from Springhill to both Aquatica and Sea World.

Residence has an actual bedroom and living area while SH is all one big room.

The pool at Springhill is shared with Fairfield Suites.

Both have pro's and con's. Residence has a great AAA rate while Springhill's AAA rate is more expensive then their regular rates.

I have a room reserved at both places. I'll watch Trip Advisor's reviews for the next few ones and then cancel the one room closer to the time!

 

[rowan555]

We booked 5 nights at Springhill via Sea World's excellent vacation package promo - $542 for 5 nights' stay (free breakfast, parking, wifi), length of stay Sea World and Aquatica tickets and free shuttle, and 2 days of free dining. I still can't believe how cheap it is! Residence Inn was about the same price for our late August stay.

 

[vacation_junkie]

We booked 5 nights at Springhill via Sea World's excellent vacation package promo - $542 for 5 nights' stay (free breakfast, parking, wifi), length of stay Sea World and Aquatica tickets and free shuttle, and 2 days of free dining. I still can't believe how cheap it is! Residence Inn was about the same price for our late August stay.

Were going in January. I'm impatiently waiting for the Jan promo's to be released.

 

[Lynne G]

We are thinking of doing the same..nothing new to bring us back to Disney.

We are thinking of doing a couple nights at Hard rock to take advantage of the Perks at Universal and then we are moving over to Springhill Suites to take advantage of the Perks at Sea World.

We've been tossed up between Springhill and Residence Inn.
Spring hill is newer and more modern. I google earthed it and it looks easier to walk from Springhill to both Aquatica and Sea World.

Residence has an actual bedroom and living area while SH is all one big room.

The pool at Springhill is shared with Fairfield Suites.

Both have pro's and con's. Residence has a great AAA rate while Springhill's AAA rate is more expensive then their regular rates.

I have a room reserved at both places. I'll watch Trip Advisor's reviews for the next few ones and then cancel the one room closer to the time!

I stayed at the Fairfield, which is right next to the Spring Hill. For one, the hotels share the very small pool area, and had a shallow pool too. My DD11 says the pool area is good for young kids. She was not impressed. Kiddy in design.

Also, while there was sidewalks, I would not let my kids walk to any of the parks. The I Drive and Parkway were very busy around the parks. I drove to Aquatica, SW, and DC, even though it was a 5 or so minute drive. I did see people walking to the food places across the Parkway though.

Have a nice vacation!

 

[PatMcDuck]

I booked Residence Inn for the end of September, a one bedroom suite, for $99/N. (AAA rates) I need the 2 rooms, not one room with a partition. Then we will go down to WDW for 4 nights afterwards.