HGVC Orlando at Sea World International Center

This is a very nice resort convenient to all of the theme parks, but especially to Sea World and Aquatica, which is right across the street (Central Florida Pkwy). We walked to Sea World, but drove to Aquatica (still walkable, but a little far for kids). Tip: We bought combination Sea World and Aquatica tickets for around $95 per person that allow you to come and go at both parks for 14 days from time of first use (we only used 4 days).

Sunday check in was busy, but efficient. We were in and out in about 15 minutes. Check out was via phone, so was even faster.

The units were very well laid out. We stayed in a 2 bedroom in the Sandy's building. It was clean upon arrival and tidied up mid week. One of my kids used a sofabed and it was surprisingly comfortable. The resort supplied so much soap, dishwasher detergent, dish soap, shampoo, and conditioner in the unit that we barely needed to touch our own. They also had a generous starter supply of coffee. The Jacuzzi in the master bedroom was huge. Our only need for maintenance was to have a kettle with peeling paint inside replaced, which they had done by the time we returned that day. One of our kids threw up in bed one night and we stripped the bed and offered to clean the sheets, but they said no problem and sent someone who remade the bed for us.

I think the buildings are all concrete because my cell phone wouldn't work in the unit at all and only got a weak signal on the balcony. The benefit of this, however, was no discernable noise from other units. There wasn't much of a view from our second floor balcony (there were two balconies in our unit, one off each bedroom), but the plus side of a lower floor was that we didn't have to wait for the slow elevator and could take the stairs. I'd prefer a lower floor for that reason.

Free wired and wireless internet access was available in the unit and it seemed pretty fast to me.

The grounds were well maintained and there was a jogging path around the lake that I used a couple of mornings. The fitness center had very nice equipment (treadmills with built-in TVs), although the one weight machine created a bottleneck that left people waiting. They could use another. I used dumbbells, which are also available, rather than wait for the weight machine. They could probably use another treadmill as well (all three were in use at two points during my 7 AM visit).

The resort seemed to have a good activities schedule, but we were so busy off the resort that we weren't around to take advantage of the activities. They had movies in their theatre, ice cream by the pool, etc.

We were RCI exchangers, but we were not solicited for a timeshare presentation at all, not even by phone message. The only reference to vacation ownership we saw was a booklet on our coffee table.

The resort has three very nice pools, with the waterfall pool being our kids' favourite. While nice, the pools were also the source of our only significant concern about the resort. The water at all three was milky. We wore swimming masks and still couldn't make out a person clearly from 6 feet away underwater. Granted, the pools had a continuously high bather load in the hot July Orlando weather, but other hotel and theme park pools we swam in this month (including nearby Aquatica) managed to have clear water. This issue prevents me from rating the resort higher, as pools are very important to families and kids. I am sure they could easily fix this.

The staff we met were all very friendly. In summary, this is a great resort and we'd be happy to return.

Just returned from a late August week we got on an RCI exchange. I was very impressed with this resort and the staff. Had a 2 bd 2 bath unit in Sandy's (Bldg 5) and had a great view of the Seaworld fireworks every single night. Pools were great and they had movie night at the pool twice a week. Restaurant on site was good, service excellent. Would love to come back!!

Spent a week July 27-Aug. 3. Everything about this place was perfect. Three minor suggestions-- 1) slow elevators, 2) we were on the end of the building & all the A/C units for each floor were beside the balconies, 3) mattress bed sheet too small & pulled away.

We stayed in Building 4: the Pembroke Building. It was located across the parking lot from the main building. We had a one bedroom which was very clean and there was lots of room. We were on the second floor. We walked up the one flight rather than wait for the elevator.

Staff were very friendly. The kids took advantage of the camps and activities. They went to the Sea World Camp from 9:15 am to 2:00 pm and had fun. They did a behind the scenes tour. We also spent lots of time at the fountain and waterfall pool. The covered playground was great.

The location is great especially when going to Sea World and the new water park Aquatica. We could watch the Sea World Fireworks from the resort. Only 10 minutes to Universal and 15 minutes to Disney.

Also close to Bahama Breeze on I-Drive. A few minutes to the Premium Outlets (good luck parking!)

We had a great time at this resort. We stayed in the South Hampton house and we were not too far from one of the pools (the lesser crowded one) which was nice. We had a two bedroom which was really furnished nicely, clean and had a big screen tv and two screened in porches and two bathrooms. It slept 8. Plenty of room. All in all I would definitely stay here again, it is centrally located and beautiful!

Stayed here October 2006. Had a 2b/2b and had a marvelous time. The condo was beautiful and the pool area fantastic. Traveling with 2 teenage girls and had space to spread out. Adjacent to the Orlando trolley for I-drive. Front desk very friendly and helpful. Daily programming for adults and youth.

Just back from HGVC Seaworld and had a fabulous time. We have stayed at many Condos in Orlando and this was amazing. The staff were great right down to printing our boarding passes for the airline. Our room was great we had a 2 bedroom lock out. We had a mid week cleaning that was done without even asking. We stayed at HGVC - International in June and was not anywhere as pleased as we were with this one. I would highly recommend it anyone who wants a great vacation in a central location. Fabulous week!!!

Just returned from a week in building 7. This 2 br unit had a master with King, sleeper sofa, and guest room with queen and sleeper sofa. The guest room was not a lock-off in our unit, but did have a microwave and fridge, and balcony of its own. Decor and upkeep nice. Pools located at main building between buildings 1 & 2, or behind building 8. The smaller one at building 8 is much quieter, does not have pool activities so it may not suit families with children who want to jump and splash but it does have a 1ft kiddie pool, and a hot tub if you are looking for a place for infants or adults that is quieter.

You can call the desk for a HGVC golf cart shuttle to take you to the main building, but don't bother, it takes 15-20 min for them to show up.

The complimentary shuttle to SeaWorld only runs at pre-scheduled times...3 in the morning to the park and 3 in the evening from the park (which needs a reservation ticket). This was inconvenient and we ended up taking a $8 taxi instead. We thought we would go back and forth throughout the day but it didn't work out that way. It is close enought to walk, we did at night (last shuttle 8:45p but park closes at 10:00) but not during 98degree heat during the day.

There is only 1 elevator per building which makes it slow and really difficult at check in/out. Ask for the top floor, 6, as then you always get to load on your stuff when it arrives.

We did not receive our mid-week cleaning and had to call, then they only traded towels until a supervisor called to ask what had been done.

Internet slow but available for free which was very nice. Plenty of dishes, it was great to have the w/d too. Although we didn't use many of the activities, we did do some, it is nice to have an activities program on site.

Just visited and loved this resort. The location is great as it is so close to everything, we even walked to Seaworld & Discovery Cove! Our kids loved the pools & the on-site Pizza Hut! You can pop right on to the interstate & be at Universal or WDW in less than 10 minutes. Close to the multitude of restaurants on I-drive too. Very comfortable accomodations and the staff & service were exceptional. A+++

Stayed at HGVC at Sea World in November 2005 for the first time. I was delighted with the staff there. We were greeted with smiles and made to feel very welcome! The 1 bedroom unit was nicely decorated and comfortable with a large screen tv, screened in private balcony, washer/dryer and large jacuzzi. They supply additional supplies if requested. We had a small problem with our door entry system and they sent someone right out even though it was almost midnight. They did not have the part needed so he went to another location and got one and installed it right away. Very pleasant and helpful staff. Small convenience store on site. The pools are wonderful. the only complaint was that the elevators can be a bit slow. Visit and you will not be disappointed with this resort.

OK--The 2nd bedroom was moldy and kinda yucky! The room really needed to be updated. The staff was never smiling--I'll try to go somewhere else next year! The pools need more excitement! BORING!! Not too much fun for my 4 kids!

We found this resory very lovely. We were able to check in early. We rented thru RCI for 3 days - had a two bedroom unit - that was actually two units with the lock out option. Each unit had their own bath and screened in porch. The adult pool was very comfortable. The only complaint we had was the tile by the main unit door had shifted and the door was scraping and very difficult to open. Would recommend this resort to any one.

This resort was top notch. I traded into it on my very first trade. I had a 2 bdr unit that slept 8. My 2 small kids basically had a suite of their own that included their own bath, refrigerator, microwave, pull-out sofa bed and balcony although it was attached to the main suite which me and my wife shared. The main suite included a full kitchen with every appliance you can name, a washer/dryer, a huge spa tub, a 60 Sony TV, another balcony overlooking the golf course, etc... The pools are great also. Good location...directly across from Sea World where we had platinum season passes.

It's a shame that you can only traded there 1/4 years.

This was our third visit to this resort. We had previously owned here, and exchanged the property as part of an upgrade to another resort for more points.

The unit itself is "tired." It is due for upgrade this coming year. However, the stero that used to be in the unit was missing and we enjoy having music during our meals. There were also no storage containers for left overs. These we were told are no longer furnished when we called the front desk. There are a limited number of pots and pans in the unit. Ours was a two bedroom unit. In additon, wall paper is peeling in several spots and there were silver-fish in the unit and mildew on the a/c vents. I realize that there have been several major storms in the area, but if I still owned there, I would wonder what they were doing with my maintance fees.

The location itself is very good. It is right accross from sea-world and located between universal and disney parks. We did purchase tickets at the resort for our activites, although we did have a problem with our tickets to Arabian Nights. The cons. forgot to call and make our reservations. It's good we checked the day of! Also, on several occasions, we called the cons. and noone returned our messages. Other than that, the staff was helpful. Shuttle service is free to universal and sea-world. There is a $10.00 per person fee to disney.

The amenities of the resort are very good, although the hot tub at the pool in our area was anything but hot. There are two pools and five hot tubs in the resort, although 4 of the hot tubs are located at the main pool, which is located between the first two sections of units. The other is located by the 8th of the 10 units. Also, there was a lack of adult activites. They no longer offer casion night or wine and cheese tasting. However, there are numerous activities for the kids, although all have a fee. The health club is good and there is a laundry facility in each one bedroom and above. None in studio's.

The resort description is accurate in the ads we've seen.

Resturants of all types and prices are in the area. But you definetly need to drive or rent a car for your stay.

As we had recently purchased to upgrade to Hilton's "Elite" program, we were not approached about a sales tour. However, currently this property is not being marketed on the primary market. Their other property in the area is. The only way to purchase here is either secondary or when a unit is "flipped" in a trade for an upgrade.

We had asked prior to arrival for a top floor unit. There was none available when we arrived, and although we were told they would look for one for us, none was ever offered.

I would recommend this resort tot ehose who have children and want to see the sites. For those who like to sleep late, well....

Beautiful resort! We loved it. The pool is awesome, and it is in a very convenient location.

Great resort and amenities. There is a Kids Club that was a real hit with our grandkids, ages 5 and 7. HGVC has activities for all ages, including teen and kids night out. Teen night out they spend an evening at one of the local attractions. My grandkids went to Kids Night Out on a Friday night (giving Mom and Dad a free evening). They had crafts, movies, pizza, popcorn and a great time! My grandson keeps asking when we are going to go back to the “hotel with the pizza”. They are located just down the street from Sea World and Discovery Cove where you can swim with the dolphins. It is also close to Universal and Disney.

When you are tired from running at all of the local attractions and need some “veg” time, they have great pools – some heated, basketball, tennis, movie theater, and lots of other things to do. They have daily crafts for the kids, ice cream socials by the pool, just a great time for all.

We have stayed here quite often, in all sizes of apartments – 1, 2, and 3 bedroom. All are spacious with an in-room Jacuzzi tub. The only complaint I used to have is the parking. Now they have added more parking as they built more units and this last time we stayed we never had a problem finding a place to park.

A great place to visit!

Just returned from a fabulous week at the HGVC (July 2004). The 2 bedroom unit was large and spacious. The staff very helpful and the overall facility terrific.

The concierge staff was friendly and helpful in booking tee times for golf, dinner reservations. The pools were great and we enjoyed the smaller pool near building 7 for a little quiet away from the main pools. The activity centre was filled with activities and the kids enjoyed the movie nights the most. We were able to drive to Disney within 10 minutes. We would return agian!!!

We stayed here in April 2004 for the 1st time and had a great time!!!

The one (1) bedroom units are large and comfortable w/great amenities. Great for families of four (4).

Great pools and play area for children. Our three-year old loved it!

The property is centrally located across from Sea World and close to all the theme parks.

We highly recommend this property!

Our first exchange and we enjoyed it so much that we are going to buy here. Everything about the resort is 5 star. Too bad I couldn't bring some of that warm weather back to Canada with me.

excellent choice 1 block from i 4 -pools great - need better mattresses my back hurts otherwise prime spot

This resort is top notch. We just returned from a cross country trip where we stayed in many different resorts and we must say, there's no place like Hilton. Wow! What a great job the designers did when they put this place together, and the location of this resort is perfect. The staff always treated us like royalty. So often when we get home from vacation we feel like we need a vacation. But not this time, this time we just wanted to go back to HGVC at Sea World. Thank you.

This is a wonderful resort for families: spacious well equipped units, heated pools and whirlpools (for January visitors) children's play area, pool side restaurant, beautiful landscaping, great loacation next to Seaworld and Discovery Cove and true Hilton quality.

Have to agree with all the other reviews here - this property is top-notch. Location is excellent -- nice not to be right on top of the "main" strip but more than close enough. Stayed in a 3 bedroom (2bd with 1 bd lock- off). Cannot think of anything to criticize.

Beautiful property! From the lobby to the pool area to the unit itself.... Hilton at its best!

I've stayed here every Christmas for the past 6 years. Can't imagine spending the holiday elsewhere.

Staff is very courteous and helpful! The units are quite large and very comfortable. All fully- equipped. Pool bar and restaurant a plus.

Centrally located -- across from Sea World and within a few miles from Disney and Universal.

Highly recommend this property!

This resort was Beautiful!! The units were large and very spacious. We would stay at this resort again!

This was our first resort exchange and we are completely sold on the timeshare experience! We could not have afforded to stay in such luxurious accommodations! The resort was beautiful, room spacious and very clean, and it very conveniently located. We WILL be going back!!

One of the nicest places in Orlando. The location is ideal, the rooms all beautiful. Hope to retun some day soon.

Stayed in 2 BR last April--fantastic resort; spacious rooms, great fixtures (top quality). Great pool area.

This resort was gorgeous!

The accomodations were very spacious and well kept.

Ideally located for enjoying all Orlando has to offer.

stayed in a studio - this resort (at the time) really needed more parking spaces - otherwise it was great

Excellent Location and beautiful resort - walking distance to seaworld

very beautiful resort the amenties are excellent especially the swimming pool is huge

Several sized (1-2-3 bed) Apartments available. Full programs, around corner from SeaWorld. This is top Hilton quality. IN mids of Marriotts Internatioanl Golf course (discounts). Well kept, beautiful exteriors & enteri