Well, I finally booked our stay...

[janets]

my friend's mother came through with her timeshare and agreed to exchange it out for us. Luckily, there appeared a 2 bdrm unit at HGVC at Seaworld for our week. I've read a number of reports and reviews and basically I think that it's a really nice place so we're going for it. The cost was where I wanted to be so I took it.

So the airfare, resort and car are all booked. Won't worry about tickets until we get closer to departure (11/5).

If any of you have been or will be at HGVC at Seaworld, would you mind either posting or if you'd like, PMing me about your experience. I think my only concern is the fact that most of the 2 bdrm units are actually a 1 bdrm and a lockout studio. Apparently the dedicated 2 bdrms are used as part of a 3 bdrm unit by hooking the studio in. When I called to inquire, I was told that the units were assigned at checkin and that when I arrived I should ask for what I wanted and if there were a dedicated unit available that was not going to be used as part of a 3 bdrm, we might be able to get it. Has this been anyone else's experience? My older son (7.5 at travel) is not the problem...it's the little one (3.25 at travel). He's currently in a crib and we're not sure when he'll switch to a bed so I'd like him somewhat closer to me rather than in a separate "unit."

Thanks in advance for any info and advice.

 

[Local_Girl]

janets,

We stayed at HGVC at Seaworld in Nov. '02. We had a 2 bdrm lockout, and I understand your concern, but let me describe what I remember about the unit. DH and I slept in the master and put the kids in the other room. There is a double door between the units so it can be locked from either side...we just kept both open all the time when we were awake, and pulled one mostly closed (but kept unlocked) at bedtime. We kept the studio units' outer door locked the entire time, with the interior locks as well, and only used the 1-bdrm's outer door to enter/exit the unit. I'm sorry I don't remember how high the interior locks are on the doors...not sure if you are concerned that your youngest might try to exit the studio unit on his own. Ours were old enough (ages 6 and 9 at the time) that we laid down the law about NOT using the outer door in "their room". Except for that outer door, it really felt just like another bedroom with a bath. There was a small kitchenette with a fridge, micro, and maybe a little sink...I don't remember a cooktop or regular oven, however (we only used the full kitchen on the other side).

If you have any other questions I'll do my best to answer...

 

[janets]

I'm not too concerned about them trying to get out, since that's just not the kind of thing they would do. I was more concerned with the distance from the second bedroom to the master. I suppose I could just bring my old baby monitor and hook it up if I am too worried about it.

Can you tell me about the resort and the unit itself? Did you find it clean and well appointed? What about the resort in general? Were there things to enjoy as a family and for the kids? I guess I think of a Hilton as having a certain level of comfort and hope that this one does as well.

Any additional information you can share would be appreciated. If you like, just send me a PM.