Do you have a sea animal lover on your hands? Is your child obssesed with dolphins, sharks and whales? Then you should certainly take him to Sea World, Discovery Cove and Aquatica in Orlando and to make a trip even more special, stay at a nearby Renaissance Sea World to get special perks, tours and front-of-the-line access.
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Renaissance Sea World, Orlando
ABOUT
Renaissance Sea World is located across Orlando’s premier sea animal park, Sea World, and within a few minutes of their waterpark, Aquatica. This hotel is very special because it allows you to get the kind of Sea World experience that normally is unavailable to other hotels’ guests. Upon check in, you’re greeted with a glass of sparkling cider or champagne to kick-off your trip. That is a really nice touch, appreciated by all guests, and makes the check-in process a little bit more pleasant and welcoming.
The lobby is magnificent and includes a huge video display, continuously playing videos of tropical fish and the ocean. An impressive roof with hundreds of skylights create and unbelievable play of lights every morning and afternoon. An indoor greenhouse with water features right in the lobby all create a feeling of being immersed in the ocean. Glass elevators ensure that you get to take in that view several times a day, as you travel to your room and back.
GROUNDS
As beautiful as the interior of the hotel is, the outside takes on its own Tuscan theme and doesn’t fail to impress. A large pool adjacent to the tropical looking full-service bar and circular cabanas stacked around the pool, create a perfect playground for adults. If you’re looking for kids’ entertainment, just walk a little further to the R-Zone Aquatic Park for all ages, or rent/buy pool toys from a nearby hut. Gorgeous gazebos and benches on the other side of the pool create the perfect atmosphere for a gathering like a wedding or a reunion, which this hotel is very popular hosting.
PERKS
If your plans include a visit to Sea World and Aquatica, make sure to go to the Navigator Desk next to the elevators, since this will be your ticket to a special experience at Sea World.
The special hotel guest perks include:
- Complimentary Quick Queue at SeaWorld (limited front-of-the-line access based on daily allotments)
- Complimentary Transportation to SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, & Universal Orlando (reservations required)
- Complimentary access to the SeaWorld Rescue Tour (reservations and admission into SeaWorld required)
- 10% off Dining at SeaWorld and Aquatica
- 10% off merchandise purchases of $50 or more at SeaWorld and Aquatica
- Early entry into SeaWorld and Aquatica on select dates (Seasonal)
ROOMS AND SUITES
Even if you’ve been spoiled with multi-room resorts, Renaissance Sea World will not disappoint. If travelling with a family, be sure to book a suite. Due to it’s reasonable prices and HUGE 1 bedroom suites, this hotel officially holds the Daily Mom’s title of “Best Suites in Orlando“. The suites are impeccably designed with beautiful, colorful, and stylish furniture, that matches the theme of Sea World perfectly without being overwhelming, Renaissance suites are some of the most comfortable suites you will stay in. One of our favorite decorative features are french style glass door separating the bedroom and the living area.The bedrooms are massive, allowing enough space that you don’t trip over your suitcases or other people as you try to get by. A small bar is a nice and appreciated feature, with a mini fridge, and a coffee machine off to the side and out of the way, not cluttering other surfaces that tend to be so needed in hotel rooms.
POOLS
The main pool, long and wide, beautifully trimmed with orange bar roof and umbrellas, is the perfect place for some adult entertainment. Drinks, bar food, whirlpools and pool toys, as well as table tennis are all within reach, creating a great environment for fun and relaxation.
If you’re a kid or a kid at heart, you will love the R Aqua Zone. Families with toddlers to grade schoolers will especially appreciate this feature. Two separate areas with slides, water play, even educational water features will ensure that your kids never want to leave the resort. For adults, Renaissance made sure to create a shaded area with lounges in between the two water zones and plenty of fresh water dispensers to ensure hydration.
Activities
If playing in the pools and at the waterpark isn’t enough, the following activities are available at the Renaissance Resort:
- Children’s play yard (swings, slide, jungle gym, children’s pool)
- Table tennis and fusball
- Volleyball
- Golf
- Evening fire pit gatherings
SPA
As impeccably designed as the resort itself, the Neu Lotus Spa features a lot of glass, mirrors and blue accents with tea lights and candles everywhere. An extensive spa menu will surely delight any guest, even the experienced one. And if you’re travelling with kids, don’t forget to give them a once in a lifetime opportunity to get a treatment, just like mommy. With a separate teenage and kid spa menus, you can order manicures/pedicures and teenage massage and facials with aromatherapy. We know your teen or tween will be ecstatic to join you on your experience at Neu Lotus Spa. Daily Mom’s Spa Menu favorite pick is the exfoliating body glow with a massage. A whole 80 minutes, the treatment begins with a gentle exfoliation with a Moroccanoil body scrub, followed by a relaxing hot shower in-suite and then a deep relational aromatherapy full body massage. Say “Aaaaahhh!”
DINING
In the best traditions of character dining, Renaissance Sea World offers Breakfast with Shamu, a morning ritual of a-la-carte or buffer breakfast with a visit from the famous whale, that stops by each table and takes pictures with the kids. We didn’t see a single guest who didn’t sport a grin on their face when Shamu emerged from the back to greet the guests. Our own children were jumping in the seat and pointing at the whale calling for his attention.
Another beautiful restaurant with a great menu sits on top of a waterfall and a pond with vegetation all around, and is the perfect place for watching sports, or getting together with friends. If you’re looking for some sushi, then the bar at the virtual aquarium is the place for you,serving sushi a few times a week. R-Kitchen is an interactive dinner that is hosted at the open kitchen at the hotel for your next group function, cooking class or demonstration. For snacking, Starbucks on-site and toppers creamery are perfect choices for kids and adults alike.
There is no question that Renaissance Sea World is the ONLY choice when visiting nearby sea parks, but it also is a great place to stay at, even if Sea World isn’t on your to do list. With its proximity to Universal and all the major attractions, it’s reasonable prices and outstanding features and decor, it is one of the top hotel picks in the area for virtually any type of traveler.
LEARN MORE
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Photo credits: The Art of Making A Baby
