Families Enjoy Easy Theme-Park Access at DoubleTree Orlando at SeaWorld
If you haven’t been to this property in a few years, you’re in for some surprises, as a lot has changed—starting with the name. The former DoubleTree Resort Orlando—International Drive solidified its partnership with a neighboring theme park by renaming itself a couple of years ago the (equally wordy) DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld (10100 International Drive, 407-352-1100, DoubleTreeOrlandoIDrive.com) in Orlando, Florida.
A new name is hardly the biggest change, though. A major renovation left rooms noticeably larger and sleeker than before, and there’s was a new restaurant as well.
The partnership with SeaWorld is significant, too, because hotel guests can now take advantage of early park entry on select days and can participate for free in SeaWorld’s Quick Queue program, which allows guest to skip lines at popular attractions.
I stayed at the DoubleTree at SeaWorld in the fall a little while ago and got to experience the new setting myself. My first impression upon entering the lobby was that of space—the lobby covers a lot of square feet and soars several stories. Leaving the main building, the expansive feeling continued as I crossed the palm-shaded pool area, which is just a small part of the 28 acres of grounds included in the property.
Arriving at my room in the 17-story residential tower, I was struck by still more space—my room was surprisingly generous. And looking out the window showed me all the space I could ever need—I could see for miles over dead-flat Central Florida, and my view included the loops and drops of SeaWorld’s signature Kraken rollercoaster.
When I arrived at the hotel, I was a solo woman traveler, and the hotel passed both of my women-traveling-alone tests: No one made any assumptions about my (non-existent) husband, and I received no unwanted attention anywhere on the property.
A day into my stay, my spouse was able to join me, and now my status shifted from “solo traveler” to the trickier “identifiably lesbian traveler.” I’m pleased to say that that went well, too. When I asked for an extra key for my wife, no one blinked. And with good reason: The hotel is an official partner of Gay Days Orlando, and the staff are well practiced at welcoming guests of all stripes.
The bottom line: If you’re in Florida to enjoy all the city of Orlando has to offer, you might consider the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown instead. But the DoubleTree at SeaWorld is good for solo travelers and couples. It’s also great for travelers who want to enjoy the area’s major theme parks, but either doesn’t want to spring for on-site hotels or who might want a little break from 24-hour Disney dazzle.
THE FLUFF
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld (10100 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821. 407-352-1100. doubletreeorlandoidrive.com.
RATING: 4
TYPE OF LODGING: Chain Hotel, Theme Park Hotel
CHECK OUT: $$ = $100 – $249
(lowest price for a single night in a standard room during peak-season)
SWEET DREAMS: Dream of falling; wake and realize you’re just still giddy from the Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
WORTH THE SLEEP?: zzz = Like being at home
(z = Not worth the overnight; zz = Had a good time, but I’ve slept better; zzz = Like being at home; zzzz = This was divine!)
(Photo: Courtesy of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld)
VIBE: Slightly more-staid and refined than you might expect from a hotel near theme parks…until you get to the pool. There, it’s kid central.
SCENE: Those on a busman’s holiday take advantage of free Wi-Fi in the cathedral-like lobby or at MAX’s Deli, which feels like a mini-Starbucks. Anyone unencumbered by small children enjoys a glass of wine at the Sonoma Lobby Bar or dine at Laguna restaurant. Kids frolic in the pool—that is, when they’re not at the nearby theme parks.
LOCATION: The hotel is slightly removed from the center of town, but it is adjacent to SeaWorld and just minutes from Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. A free shuttle can get you to all three.
ROOM: Surprisingly large. Furniture was nice, solid wood and the bedding was soft with a generous selection of pillows. One complaint: Wi-Fi was slow.
BATHROOM: Most rooms have facilities divided into two parts: A bath/toilet room and a separate sink and counter area. The setup means lots of space for your toiletries and makes it easy for two people to go through morning rituals at once. Crabtree and Evelyn bath products are provided.
AMENITIES: For grownups, there’s a fitness center, a spa, business services, and three swimming pools. For kids, there are two splash pools, mini-golf, and babysitting referrals. The free shuttle to theme parks can save you a bundle on parking. Plus, there are the famous DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies.
Book your next family adventure to Orlando with Girls That Roam Travel. Contact Heather Cassell at Girls That Roam Travel at 415-517-7239 or at .
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