Hotel choice for family with no Orlando experience

Question

Hi!

We are booking a 4 day stay this April with 3 adults and 2 kids age 2, 5 years. We don’t plan to do Magic Kingdom or Universal this year. Ideally we do Legoland, SeaWorld, maybe Discovery Cove or one of the water parks. But also fine with a lazy hotel day as part of the agenda given my kids ages. I am looking for a hotel with pools and water park included but also input on what area to stay. Also trying to use Marriott Bonvoy pts but don’t mind paying cash for a hotel off brand if that’s the best option. With my kids ages, and loose agenda, which hotel do you think is best out of this list:

Renaissance Sea World

Walt Disney Dolphin

Sheraton Vistana Villages

Westgate

Wyndham Bonnet Creek

Thank you in advance!!! Open to other tips too if you got em.

Answer

For a family with young kids, loose agenda, and interest in Legoland, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, and water park time, the key factors in choosing a hotel are: proximity to your intended parks, on-site pools/water features, kid-friendly amenities, and overall convenience for a more relaxed trip.

Here’s a breakdown of your listed options:

Renaissance SeaWorld: Excellent location if SeaWorld and Discovery Cove are priorities, as it’s within walking distance. The hotel has a pool but no major water park features. Great for convenience, but less “lazy day” water fun.
Walt Disney Dolphin: Part of the Disney area but outside the theme parks. Offers pools and some water play areas but is better suited if you plan to visit Disney or nearby resorts. May be farther from Legoland and SeaWorld.
Sheraton Vistana Villages: Family-friendly, large resort with multiple pools, splash areas, and a more “vacation club” feel. Good for lazy hotel days and kids’ water fun. Located in International Drive area, roughly equidistant to Legoland and SeaWorld, though a drive is required for all parks.
Westgate: Several locations in Orlando offer resort-style pools and kid-friendly amenities. Some properties have water park features. Location varies, so choose one close to I-Drive for park access.
Wyndham Bonnet Creek: High-end resort with extensive pools, lazy rivers, and kid-friendly amenities. Convenient for Disney area attractions; a short drive to I-Drive parks. Excellent for relaxation and “lazy day” fun.

Tips and recommendations:

For this trip, since you are not doing Disney parks, proximity to I-Drive/SeaWorld area is most practical. Renaissance SeaWorld is ideal if you prioritize SeaWorld/Discovery Cove convenience.
If your goal includes lazy hotel days with water fun, Sheraton Vistana Villages or Wyndham Bonnet Creek provide more extensive pool/water amenities that your 2- and 5-year-old kids will enjoy.
Legoland is roughly 45-50 minutes away from Orlando; any hotel will require a drive. Factor this into your daily planning.
Using Marriott Bonvoy points: Renaissance SeaWorld or Sheraton Vistana Villages can be redeemed for points. Wyndham and Westgate may require cash.

Suggested approach: Choose Renaissance SeaWorld if your focus is convenience to SeaWorld/Discovery Cove and shorter drive times. Choose Sheraton Vistana Villages or Wyndham Bonnet Creek if your goal is more on-site relaxation, water play, and overall kid-friendly resort experience, accepting that all park visits will require driving. For a mix, Sheraton Vistana Villages balances both water amenities and reasonable park access.