The Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, located directly across from the popular marine attraction and its sister park Discovery Cove, offers guests a heated outdoor pool, spa, and five on-site eateries with SeaWorld-themed activities (think breakfast with Shamu). The hotel has announced a Family Escape! package valid through December 15, with nightly rates starting at $99, free kids meals and a few extras. But is it really a good deal for families?  We crunched the numbers to find out.

A family of four booking this package would get:

• overnight accommodations in a deluxe guest room (regularly $129/night on a September weekend)
• welcome glass of champagne or sparkling cider for parents (worth about $10)
  
• two free kids' meals daily for kids 12 and under (worth about $12/meal x 2 meals x 2 kids = $48)
• family movie night with one large pizza, soft drinks and in-room movie (about $25)
• 10% discount on spa services (discount amounts to $11 on one-hour massage or facial)

When we price-checked a September weekend stay for a family of two adults and two kids under 12, we found a nightly rate of $129 with the package. The non-package, "leisure" rate for those dates was also $129 a night.  If our hypothetical family booked the same stay without the package, the tab would total $212, which is $83 more than the package price.  Room rates at this hotel vary widely during the promo period; we found nightly rates for a deluxe room ranging from $109 on an August weeknight to $369 on a Friday in early December.  In all cases, when the Family Escape package was available, the package rate was identical to the regular room rate. 

At first glance, the package offers savings of nearly 40%. But should all the package components be factored into our assessment? The welcome drink is just a token perk. And to take advantage of the spa discount, you have to spend money to save money. After factoring out those components, what's left is a package that offers savings to the tune of about $75 a night, which is 35% off the non-package price.  

Deal or no deal?   For families with school-age kids who plan to eat at the hotel, this package is a deal because it offers real savings on food costs.   The fine print: Availability is limited and there are some blackout dates. The "kids eat free" offer is good for a maximum of four children.  Book online or call 800/834-7015 and use promo code "P50."