Thinking of leaving the Disney nest and head to

[Jedana]

Busch Gardens/Seaworld and their respective water parks.
DH is pumped about going, DD and DS are yeah and no (depending on the day) and I want to cry. But it's not about me, so....

Does anyone have any ideas on what would be the best way to do this?
We are looking at 4-5 days (1 day SW, 2 BG and 1 at a water park, then maybe 1 at DC) at the end of June/beginning of July.

A. buy the SW stay and dine free pass (can add Aquatica and BG with free dine as well). Also, have to add in gas and parking. (about 1400 for 5 days plus gas and parking and I think I have to pay for meals on two days--so another $150-200) Would have to drive to Tampa for 2 days for BG, so add in 4 hours drive time there and back over 2 days.

B. buy the SW stay/free dine pass w/hotel for a few days, then go to Tampa and get the buy 2 nights get 1 free deal w/BG (comes with ticket). Maybe add Aquatica, since we can get a discount online. (about 1450 for 5 days plus parking and food at BG) Would split the stays, 2-1/2 days in Orlando, 2-1/2 days in Tampa.

C. Do DC, with the 3 ticket add on for $50 (would be $349, per person ) and then a hotel, and food? DD really would love to do this and we are talking about going up for her 18th birthday in July. (about 1400 just for tickets, plus food and hotel--so we're talking about 2400 total) This would be her only present this year, since it sooo much.

d. Buy one season pass for the parks--a platinum--and then purchase the tickets w/discount. Buy hotel separately, food OOP. (300 for one pass, not sure what it would be for everything else)

e. Buy season passes for 2 parks (SW/BG) for DH/DS/me (not DD because she is going off to college, and won't have an opportunity to head there for quite a while--so just regular tickets for her), add Aquatica w/discount tickets. Buy hotel separately, food OOP. (season passes 480, DD 130, Aquatica 160, plus hotel/food-total about 1800)

:

Hotel has to have 2 queen beds, because DH is a tall guy and can't fit on a double. So I have to look at hotels with that in mind.

We have to put the dog in a kennel for the entire stay (and I wasn't very happy with her stay at the Disney kennel, so I will look for a new one), plus the gas to drive down and back home--so add about $250 to the totals.

It seems so much easier to just go Disney. But they want to try something new.
Anyone have any ideas? Which way would be the best to go?

 

[2tink4u]

Well I can help. The Platinum pass option is all sold out. There were no more discounted tickets for passholders until August last time I checked. Feel free to call. I think the the DC plus 50 bucks for BG, SW and Aquatica option is good and good for 14 days too. Rent a villa for less and save money that way.

 

[KBF]

Usually, there are some summer deals Seaworld releases closer to summer. But I'm sure you will love Seaworld, its a great relaxing experience. I've heard nothing but good things about Discovery cove. And I know you will enjoy Aquatica and Busch Gardens. Sometimes breaking from the old is hard, but trying something new that will offer great memories is worth it. Hope you enjoy your visit.

 

[MermaidMom]

Not sure which option is best but I think you will have lots of fun!

We just did our first non-Disney trip. We only had 4 days but really enjoyed our 1 day at SeaWorld and 1 day at Aquatica. It's a great water park and comperable to Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach - wish I could take my favorites from all 3 and make my own. I can't decide which I like best.

I'd also second the idea of renting a villa. We do this whenever we visit the area. I thought Kissimmee might be a long haul to SW & Universal but it was probably less than 20 minutes, not much more than a drive to MK from the Formosa Gardens neighborhoods. VRBO.com is great.

 

[Jedana]

Thanks for the help!

We've decided--DC for DD's bday, then 1 day at SW. Move hotels to Tampa, and do BG for 2 days. Then if money allows (which I won't know until the end of May), we can do the water parks or another day at SW or BG.

We'll wait and do Universal another time.

Unless I can hit the lottery, then we can do a week in Tampa, a week at WDW, a week for Universal/SW/DC, a week in VA for BG there, a week in Sandusky OH, a week in...well, you get the idea.

 

[KBF]

Thanks for the help!

We've decided--DC for DD's bday, then 1 day at SW. Move hotels to Tampa, and do BG for 2 days. Then if money allows (which I won't know until the end of May), we can do the water parks or another day at SW or BG.

We'll wait and do Universal another time.

Unless I can hit the lottery, then we can do a week in Tampa, a week at WDW, a week for Universal/SW/DC, a week in VA for BG there, a week in Sandusky OH, a week in...well, you get the idea.

Cool! Hope you have a great trip!

 

[SandrA9810]

I was able to book a great hotel with hotwire. It wound up being at a Holiday Inn Express, and got a 1 bedroom suite (kitchen and all). It was only like $40 a night.

Anywhere along I-Drive on the south end or Palm Pkwy is a good choice, even the Downtown Disney hotels are a good choice. It takes about 10-15 minutes from there to get to Sea World. I always take Palm Parkway up to Central Florida Pkwy. Universal Blvd is also a good choice if you're on the north side of Sea World, this road runs almost parallel to I-Drive, but without the hassle or stop lights.

There's deals out there for hotels if you look. And since you are driving down, there's plenty of dining options just outside the park. Truthfully I find the food a bit more mediocre than Disney's food. There's a few good things, like the BBQ, but I couldn't live off of it 4-5 days. Of course having Pepsi is a big plus. Just buy yourself a refillable cup at the beginning of your trip and it can be used at any of the parks you go to. This will save a TON on drinks. I like to buy the cup with a frozen drink on the first fill up, it's cheaper than getting a frozen drink on a refill.