Welcome back!
Did I get your attention? Well, I hope so, as that was the point....
I don't really mean it...well, mostly....
If you're planning to go to Sea World in Orlando and maybe only a day or two at the Disney parks, you may consider staying at the "Sea World" Renaissance. While not owned by Sea World, the Renaissance partners with Sea World and is located just a hop, skip, and a jump from the entrance to Sea World.
We've stayed there many times, but most recently for a conference (IZEAFest) hosted by Sea World. The resort provided a great location, close to the conference with fantastic accommodations.
The Renaissance offers both a self-parking option and valet. Self-parking is $12/day and they just add it to your bill, if you're driving. No need to hang onto a ticket or even a need to use your room key to get in and out of the parking lot. Valet is just $4 more at $16/day, but don't forget to add in the tips when picking up and dropping off your car.
There are two bars and one restaurant in the atrium area, as well as a Starbucks coffee (mmmm, Starbucks...).
Sea World themes permeate the resort from a huge mural of Shamu in the atrium to a squirting Shamu in your tub. The main bar in the center of the atrium has a huge aquarium to continue the "sea" theme.
The rooms facing the atrium have beautiful balconies, giving those rooms a much larger feel and option to open the doors and let in the sounds of the lobby. The other real nice thing I found about those rooms is that you can pick up the free wi-fi in the lobby right in your room -- eliminating the need to spend $15/day on wi-fi access.
Although I had a free breakfast included with my stay at the restaurant, I did not try the food, so I will have to get back to you on that.
Rates are a bit high -- comparable to a Deluxe resort at Disney, obviously, varying with the season and holidays.




