Time to move on to SW......

[Krisshay13]

Hi All!!!
The past 6 years, I have visited Disney or Universal the days up to Thanksgiving....of course, for Christmas events.
Started w/Disney, moved on to Universal w/Orlando Informer hotel discounts.
I think the 1st time, we stayed at Hard Rock for a whopping $185/night....NICE, right? I think last year, Royal Pacific was maybe close to $400/night. But, we like the Express Passes. Well, this year, the best I can find is $700+/night. Just can't do it. So, time to try SeaWorld!! I'm excited to try somewhere new....but, just starting to research.

Just some info: It will be my husband & me, w/2 or 3 grandkids (17, 13 & 9). Probably try for a hotel suite that sleeps 6. At this point, probably looking at SW 2-3 days & DC 1 day. We'll try to fly in Friday night (SW flights not out yet) & fly home Wed. We will want Quick Que.....& will think about the dining plan.

To get started.....I'm wondering about the hotels. I see some have free shuttle but you have to set up the time??? Which I'm fine with. But, are any hotels close enough to walk? I normally don't do Hotel Bundles but, these look pretty good. Is it a good idea to do the Packages?

OMG, I love going to new places but, hate not "knowing" the ins & outs. I know I'll have questions.......so, TIA for anyone that can help.

Christie

 

[BarlowFamily]

Our friends stayed at Renassance Orlando at Sea World and walked to the park. There's a Hilton Grand Vacation Club that looks like an easy walk. Not convenient for Aquatica or Discovery Cove though. We stayed at Marriott's Harbor Lake which is great for families. Our 9 year old loves it, the teens may be hit or miss depends on the crowd there at the time. It was a quick drive to all the SW parks. That DC combo ticket is amazing! If you do end up with a car, upgrade one ticket to the 3 park ticket so you can get free parking.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I rent a car for SW vacations. With the DC ticket upgrade to Busch Gardens, the parking is free at all the parks and it is quite easy to come and go. You can go between the different parks same day. You can grab dinner offsite easily. Many of the hotels in the area don't have parking fees. It's just easier than Ubering half the time and relying on shuttles the rest of the time. To be fair, we also drive to Busch Gardens so that alone would eat up any savings with Uber vs renting.

You have Aquatica too, which has a very fun rapid "lazy" river. Since the admission is free on your DC / SW ticket, it's worth a half day in nice weather.

Do you have actual dates yet? They usually release their Black Friday deals in mid-Nov. Those generally include quick queue, all day dining, and various animal tours. I would definitely wait on buying the all day dining until then, if you can - I don't think there's an incentive to buy it sooner, and you can likely get it at BOGO or buy one get one half off.

I also STRONGLY recommend doing Dine with Orcas. They normally have that on sale for Black Friday also, but even without a good discount I just think the experience is worthwhile. It's a great way to spend time near the orcas, see them doing something other than the shows, and the price of the meal isn't crazy high compared to their normal quick service meals (and includes the drink / dessert for the price). The trainers are available to answer questions too. That's a good meal to do on a day that you don't have all day dine.

If your crew likes zoos and/or cool roller coasters, I'd also recommend doing a day at Busch Gardens. The drive isn't too bad (it's not great either) but as a zoo and in terms of coasters, it really is fantastic. You can even fly one leg from Tampa so you only have to drive one direction, though that also means switching hotels.

 

[Krisshay13]

Thanks for the quick response BarlowFamily & Capslock!!!

We "normally" don't rent....we fly in & uber to our hotel but, depend on Disney & Universal transportation. Part of that is being "on vacation" & not driving...LOL. I just need to wrap my head around SW's set up.

My plan is to fly in Friday Nov 21st (but that will depend on Southwest flights, if the nonstop is after school). They all live near me & the airport is only 30 min away. We love there is a nonstop flight to Orlando!!!
So, hopefully, we will fly in Friday evening & hit the parks Sat, Sun, Mon & Tues...fly home Wed.

I don't think we would squeeze in Busch Gardens this year....time is too tight to change up too much.
Now that you mention the water park......maybe we'll do 1 DC, 1 Aq & 2 SW.

For the Black Friday deals.....didn't realize they start before Black Friday....LOL

I guess I need to really review the packages & start with that. Decide on the hotel & if the package is good. I'm really excited about trying a new park. We love Disney & Universal but, it's time to venture out.

 

[Nayan]

Be aware that there is a surcharge of 9% on all food and drinks...

https://yourmileagemayvary.com/2025/02/26/seaworld-orlando-quietly-raises-its-surcharge-to-9/

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I'm with you on the driving - at Universal, where you pay to park and the hotel buses are so regular, we don't rent a car. There are also a lot more dining options readily available at CityWalk / at the Universal hotels compared to what's easily accessible from some of the SW hotels.

I've never done a package - granted I get the DC ticket well in advance so it generally would wipe out package savings. Make sure to check Undercover Tourist to compare their DC ticket prices to the direct price. I was able to save a worthwhile chunk that way, and that was with only 1-2 tickets.

There really is a lot to do as SW, I think you'll really enjoy having several days to explore it & have time to get to everything.

When you get the DC ticket, you can add SW to the ticket - that gives you access to SW (and Aquatica, it's included with the SW upgrade) for any 14 days around your DC day. Upgrading one ticket further to include BG provides the free parking. So if you were of a mind to, you could go to SW on Fri evening or Wed morning at no charge. One trip we actually went to SW briefly after our DC day, SW was open late so we had a nap before heading over for an hour or 2. We're adults and of the "I can rest when I get home" mindset.

 

[LaDonna]

We did like four or five days at sea world once, but we drove down and rented this condo https://www.vrbo.com/905615ha?chkin...852dd220ce659&expediaPropertyId=19993398which I highly recommend. It was right down the road. I didn’t take us any time to drive there. It’s basically right by publix that you don’t even have to get out on the road to get there

 

[BarlowFamily]

Be aware that there is a surcharge of 9% on all food and drinks...

https://yourmileagemayvary.com/2025/02/26/seaworld-orlando-quietly-raises-its-surcharge-to-9/

I loathe this surcharge. Just raise your prices! It's even added to online purchases. What's it for?? My frustration is with SW parks not you @Nayan

OP you've got lots of great feedback. @CAPSLOCK is my hero with the black friday deals and has pretty much convinced my to dine with Shamu which I'd never thought I'd want to do.

I think you'll find the shuttle times a little less convienent than WDW or Universal shuttles. Uber/Lyft is an option. I'd really choose to have a car though. It will all work out.

I think you're on the right track since you know your dates, to wait for flights and take a look at packages. If you or your husband have any kind of base access (or know someone who does) the military DC combo ticket is an even better deal on base. And unlike WDW salute tickets, you don't need the military member (active/retired) there to use the tickets. Personal experience with that.

 

[J-Dog]

Not much help, but have stayed at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, which is a fairly nice hotel with a spectacular lobby, and is literally only the walking distance of across the SeaWorld parking lot. We also walked to DC - if you have decent mobility it's only about a 20-25 minute walk.

 

[Krisshay13]

We did like four or five days at sea world once, but we drove down and rented this condo https://www.vrbo.com/905615ha?chkin=2025-09-19&chkout=2025-09-23&d1=2025-09-19&d2=2025-09-23&startDate=2025-09-19&endDate=2025-09-23&x_pwa=1&rfrr=HSR&pwa_ts=1742838844036&referrerUrl=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudnJiby5jb20vSG90ZWwtU2VhcmNo&useRewards=false&adults=2®ionId=553248635083900614&destination=Orange County, Florida, United States of America&destType=MARKET&selected=19993398&latLong=28.542111,-81.37903&privacyTrackingState=CAN_TRACK&searchId=b703555c-4f4a-4740-8f73-dba1b5fa7be7&sort=RECOMMENDED&top_dp=160&top_cur=USD&userIntent=&selectedRoomType=19993398&selectedRatePlan=0000dc2e0594162e46c79ec852dd220ce659&expediaPropertyId=19993398which I highly recommend. It was right down the road. I didn’t take us any time to drive there. It’s basically right by publix that you don’t even have to get out on the road to get there

thanks....I really always stay on property for convenience. This might be a good plan. Having 2 bathrooms would be priceless!!

 

[Krisshay13]

Be aware that there is a surcharge of 9% on all food and drinks...

https://yourmileagemayvary.com/2025/02/26/seaworld-orlando-quietly-raises-its-surcharge-to-9/

I saw that in some of the threads I read. That is crazy.
honestly, I thought it was 5%......seeing it at 9% is just stupid. Like most have said, just up the prices.

 

[Krisshay13]

I'm with you on the driving - at Universal, where you pay to park and the hotel buses are so regular, we don't rent a car. There are also a lot more dining options readily available at CityWalk / at the Universal hotels compared to what's easily accessible from some of the SW hotels.

I've never done a package - granted I get the DC ticket well in advance so it generally would wipe out package savings. Make sure to check Undercover Tourist to compare their DC ticket prices to the direct price. I was able to save a worthwhile chunk that way, and that was with only 1-2 tickets.

There really is a lot to do as SW, I think you'll really enjoy having several days to explore it & have time to get to everything.

When you get the DC ticket, you can add SW to the ticket - that gives you access to SW (and Aquatica, it's included with the SW upgrade) for any 14 days around your DC day. Upgrading one ticket further to include BG provides the free parking. So if you were of a mind to, you could go to SW on Fri evening or Wed morning at no charge. One trip we actually went to SW briefly after our DC day, SW was open late so we had a nap before heading over for an hour or 2. We're adults and of the "I can rest when I get home" mindset.

I am so much like you on the "we can rest at home". I say the same thing about the kids swimming...LOL They have a pool & can swim at home. If I'm paying this much, we will be in the parks as much as possible.

Thanks for all the info....I definitely have some reading to do

 

[Krisshay13]

Not much help, but have stayed at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, which is a fairly nice hotel with a spectacular lobby, and is literally only the walking distance of across the SeaWorld parking lot. We also walked to DC - if you have decent mobility it's only about a 20-25 minute walk.

I do have some knee issues now but, still find a way to walk around the parks so, walking does not scare us away!!!
I'll ck into Renaissance with it being that close!!!

 

[Krisshay13]

I loathe this surcharge. Just raise your prices! It's even added to online purchases. What's it for?? My frustration is with SW parks not you @Nayan

OP you've got lots of great feedback. @CAPSLOCK is my hero with the black friday deals and has pretty much convinced my to dine with Shamu which I'd never thought I'd want to do.

I think you'll find the shuttle times a little less convienent than WDW or Universal shuttles. Uber/Lyft is an option. I'd really choose to have a car though. It will all work out.

I think you're on the right track since you know your dates, to wait for flights and take a look at packages. If you or your husband have any kind of base access (or know someone who does) the military DC combo ticket is an even better deal on base. And unlike WDW salute tickets, you don't need the military member (active/retired) there to use the tickets. Personal experience with that.

yes, I'm worried about the shuttle times. I'm a rope dropper & want to be 1st in line..LOL.

also, I agree with what you said about Capslock......I know this name from the other boards (I think both Disney & Universal). Good advice!! And yes, I plan on dining with Shamu. Let me know how it is if you go before I do

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

We stay at Hilton Grand Vacations and walk to SeaWorld. Their suites for 6 have a full kitchen, in-room laundry, and 2 bathrooms. Also, there is a playground that my 9 year old still enjoys, a big pool (but no slide), and free movie rental (though limited titles). The biggest negative for us is no airport shuttle, but if you Uber, that's not an issue. We use timeshare points, so I am not sure what the cost is compared to other area hotels, but the rooms are quite nice.

 

[drenalin'junkie]

If you can do a drive over to BG it's worth it. Food is lamer at BG unless there's a festival. We always get BBQ.
BG rides are the best in FL.
Sharks Underwater Grill food>Dine with Orcas> festival kiosks> TS > QS
Coaster riders will want to hit Manta, Pipeline, Mako, Ice Breaker, Kraken in that order usually.. the penquin ride is anticlimactic after the first time.
Get there before opening.
Donuts at Coaster coffee company are on par with Parlour and far beyond normal park fare.
Put water in your backpack and maybe snacks.
Sunscreen and lip balm are necessities.
We do airbnb at SW, RP at UO and move around at WDW.

 

[Krisshay13]

We stay at Hilton Grand Vacations and walk to SeaWorld. Their suites for 6 have a full kitchen, in-room laundry, and 2 bathrooms. Also, there is a playground that my 9 year old still enjoys, a big pool (but no slide), and free movie rental (though limited titles). The biggest negative for us is no airport shuttle, but if you Uber, that's not an issue. We use timeshare points, so I am not sure what the cost is compared to other area hotels, but the rooms are quite nice.

thanks...I'll ck them out. I saw it but didn't research yet.

 

[Krisshay13]

If you can do a drive over to BG it's worth it. Food is lamer at BG unless there's a festival. We always get BBQ.
BG rides are the best in FL.
Sharks Underwater Grill food>Dine with Orcas> festival kiosks> TS > QS
Coaster riders will want to hit Manta, Pipeline, Mako, Ice Breaker, Kraken in that order usually.. the penquin ride is anticlimactic after the first time.
Get there before opening.
Donuts at Coaster coffee company are on par with Parlour and far beyond normal park fare.
Put water in your backpack and maybe snacks.
Sunscreen and lip balm are necessities.
We do airbnb at SW, RP at UO and move around at WDW.

I'm still thinking about BG. If not this year, maybe next. I would probably fly into Tampa......then out of Orlando.
The issue we have is the number of days we'll have. just not enough days the grands are out of school....& be back for Thanksgiving..... Darn school LOL

 

[steve_rob]

We stay at Hilton Grand Vacations and walk to SeaWorld. Their suites for 6 have a full kitchen, in-room laundry, and 2 bathrooms. Also, there is a playground that my 9 year old still enjoys, a big pool (but no slide), and free movie rental (though limited titles). The biggest negative for us is no airport shuttle, but if you Uber, that's not an issue. We use timeshare points, so I am not sure what the cost is compared to other area hotels, but the rooms are quite nice.

I can back up that the HGV at SeaWorld is a good place to stay if you want a full apartment with all the facilities - have stayed there on multiple occasions having purchased a room with cash or HHonors points rather than through a timeshare. Price is quite reasonable and sometimes you can get lucky with a upgrade offer (e.g. one bedroom suite for price of studio; two bedrooms for price of one bed, etc.)

 

[Krisshay13]

I can back up that the HGV at SeaWorld is a good place to stay if you want a full apartment with all the facilities - have stayed there on multiple occasions having purchased a room with cash or HHonors points rather than through a timeshare. Price is quite reasonable and sometimes you can get lucky with a upgrade offer (e.g. one bedroom suite for price of studio; two bedrooms for price of one bed, etc.)

thanks.....I need to see how many hilton points I have.