Universal and Discovery Cove

[Tammy296]

Hi,

Trying to find answers but so far I'm coming up with nothing. Please help.

I have a family of four and we want to come to Orlando for a different kind of experience other than Disney. We are looking into spending two days at Universal (they say we need at least that number of days) and then a day at Discovery Cove for the dolphin experience and one at SeaWorld (if money allows).
We will be in Orlando from Mar 6 - 12 so we have a few days...I know it's last minute planning!

Where can we stay that has shuttle to both, great pool area and just overall nice atmosphere?
Or are we best served spending one part of the vacation at one hotel and changing hotels half way through?

Can we do all of this without renting a car? (to save money)

What can we do about food choices?

I don't know the area outside of Disney very well as you can probably tell. I know I'll have more questions down the line but if anyone can offer helpful advice I'd be most grateful.

Thanks in advance to all who post!

Tammy

 

[sympatico]

If you go to Discovery Cove, you also get Sea World and Aquatica free (unless you have a special discount ticket for Discovery Cove). Just from being in the area over the years you probably want to stay on International Drive if you just want one hotel for the whole trip. If you stay at one of the Universal hotels for a couple days you get their perks of early entrance and express passes, then move to the SeaWorld area for the days you'll spend there. There's an I trolley that goes up and down International Drive. It's very cheap to ride.

 

[Lynne G]

Not sure I can help, but unless there's alot of traffic, the drive between Universal and SW/Discovery Cove is about 20 to 25 minutes. Since you are doing two different parks, I'd stay at Cabana Bay. That's Universal's newest budget hotel, and very nice. There is a free shuttle to Sea Word, that you have to sign up for at the hotel. Most don't mind it for the morning, but most use uber or a taxi to get back. You can get a free Sea World shuttle from Sea World to Discovery Cove. It's in the same part of the parking lot, where other shuttles/buses go.

If it was me, I'd look at renting a car. Free parking at Discovery Cove, but not Sea World. Parking fee at Cabana Bay, but not that expensive. Also, from Cabana Bay, Universal provides free busing, that's a 5 minute ride, or soon can walk, about 15 minute walk.

Oh, and your Discovery ticket also includes Sea World, so other than food and purchases, no extra cost.

I'd do the math, rental car to get from/to airport, and stay closer to Sea Word, and pay for parking at Sea World and Universal, or take taxi or uber to get around. I did stay at the Fair Field right next to Sea World, and they have free parking and a small free breakfast.