DISCOVERY COVE, ORLANDO FL

HEY STRANGERS! We recently took a trip to Discovery Cove Orlando and boy did we have an amazing day! We know many are scared off by Discovery Cove’s pricing, understandably! So here’s our breakdown of everything we did and our thoughts on whether you should book Discovery Cove for your next Orlando trip!

Introduction

Discovery Cove Orlando is a theme park/water park located in Orlando, Florida. The park is owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and unlike traditional theme parks, Discovery Cove offers a more intimate and immersive experience, focusing on interactions with marine life in a tropical oasis setting. There are no rides or slides at Discovery Cove.

What’s at Discovery Cove?

Discovery Cove is home to a host of animal encounters, experiences, pools, lagoons and rivers.

1. Dolphin Lagoon: One of the main attractions is the opportunity for guests to interact with dolphins in a controlled environment. Visitors can swim with dolphins, touch them, and even receive a dorsal fin tow. *This is an up charge experience.
2. Grand Reef: A large artificial reef where guests can snorkel among various marine species, including rays and tropical fish.
3. Explorer’s Aviary: A free-flight aviary where guests can walk through lush landscapes and interact with a variety of exotic birds.
4. Freshwater Oasis: An area featuring water-filled trails where guests can encounter otters and marmosets while wading through the water.
5. Serenity Bay: A pristine beach area with white sand, where visitors can relax and enjoy the tropical surroundings.
6. Wind-Away River: A lazy river that winds through the park, offering a relaxing float with underwater views of various aquatic life.
7. All-Inclusive Experience: Admission to Discovery Cove includes all meals, snacks, beverages (including alcoholic drinks for guests 21 and older), snorkel gear, wet suits, towels, and parking.

Since Discovery Cove offers a limited number of reservations per day to ensure a more personalized experience, it’s advisable to book tickets in advance. It provides a unique and tranquil environment for visitors to connect with marine life in ways not often found in traditional theme parks.

Dolphin Lagoon

The Dolphin Lagoon at Discovery Cove Orlando is a central attraction that offers guests a unique opportunity to interact with bottlenose dolphins in a controlled and educational environment. Here are some key details about the Dolphin Lagoon experience:

1. Dolphin Interaction: The highlight of the Dolphin Lagoon is the chance for guests to interact with the dolphins up close. Participants are typically guided through a series of activities, which may include touching, playing, and even swimming with the dolphins. The experience is designed to be both educational and entertaining.
2. Trained Dolphins: The dolphins at Discovery Cove are highly trained and accustomed to human interaction. They are under the care of experienced animal trainers who prioritize the well-being and welfare of the dolphins.
3. Educational Component: Before the interaction, guests usually receive a brief educational session about dolphins, their behavior, and the conservation efforts in place to protect these marine mammals. This helps enhance the overall experience by providing context and understanding.
4. Dolphin Behaviors: During the interaction, guests may have the opportunity to witness various natural behaviors of the dolphins. This can include vocalizations, jumps, flips, and other playful activities. The trainers often share insights into the dolphins’ behaviors and characteristics.
5. Professional Photographs: Professional photographers are often present to capture the memorable moments between guests and dolphins. Visitors have the option to purchase these photos as souvenirs of their unique experience. *When we visited and enjoyed a Dolphin Swim in 2017, you could not take your own photos or have anyone else take photos from the beach.
6. Safety Measures: Safety is a top priority, and there are strict guidelines in place to ensure the well-being of both guests and dolphins. Trained staff closely supervise the interactions to ensure that everyone follows the rules and guidelines.

It’s important to note that when booking tickets to Discovery Cove that the Dolphin Lagoon experience can be purchased with admission, but advance reservations are required due to the limited number of participants allowed each day. Additionally, participants may need to meet certain age and health requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Discovery Cove Ticket Options

When booking a visit to Discovery Cove, you will find Dolphin tickets and Resort tickets. The difference between the two:

A Dolphin ticket includes your all day admission to Discovery Cove, access to all pools, bars, attractions, restaurants and beaches. It also includes a Dolphin Swim session at a pre-arrange time.

A Resort ticket gives you all day access to everything listed with the Dolphin Swim, without a Dolphin session. This means that you can enjoy most everything else Discovery Cove has to offer.

Discovery Cove also offers upgraded experiences such as private cabanas, day beds as well as a large selection of animal encounters, including SeaVenture, an underwater walking adventure on the floor of The Grand Reef.

All experiences at Discovery Cove have limited availability so be sure to book with plenty of advanced notice!

Is Discovery Cove All Inclusive?

YES! The “All-Inclusive” aspect of Discovery Cove Orlando refers to the fact that the admission fee covers a comprehensive range of amenities and services, providing guests with a hassle-free and immersive experience. Here’s an overview of what is typically included in the all-inclusive package at Discovery Cove:

1. Admission to the Park: The all-inclusive package covers the general admission to Discovery Cove, granting guests access to all the attractions and experiences within the park. *Dolphins included for fee.
2. Dolphin Interaction: *If added when booking* The Dolphin package includes the opportunity to interact with dolphins in the Dolphin Lagoon. This may involve swimming, touching, and playing with the dolphins under the guidance of experienced trainers.
3. Snorkeling Equipment: Guests receive complimentary use of snorkeling equipment for exploring the Grand Reef, where they can swim alongside various marine life such as rays and tropical fish.
4. Wet Suits and Vest Rental: Wet suits and vests are provided to guests, allowing them to comfortably enjoy the water attractions, including the Grand Reef and Wind-Away River.
5. Meals and Beverages: All meals, snacks, and beverages are included in the admission fee. This often includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day. Alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine are also available for guests aged 21 and older. *An upgraded cocktail package is also available for a fee.
6. Lockers and Towels: Guests have access to complimentary lockers to store their belongings safely. Towels are also provided for use during the visit.
7. Parking: The cost of parking is included, making it convenient for guests to access the park without any additional fees.
8. Aviary Experience: Guests can explore the Explorer’s Aviary, interacting with a variety of exotic birds in a free-flight environment. *Watch our vlog linked above to see how much fun you can have in there!
9. Freshwater Oasis and Wind-Away River: Access to the Freshwater Oasis, where guests can encounter otters and marmosets, as well as the Wind-Away River, a lazy river winding through the park.
10. Serenity Bay: Enjoy the relaxing beach area with white sand, providing a serene environment to unwind.

It’s important to note that while the all-inclusive package covers a wide range of offerings, some optional add-ons or special experiences may be available for an additional cost. Additionally, reservations are usually required, and the park limits the number of visitors each day to maintain a more intimate and enjoyable experience for guests.

Is Discovery Cove Worth The Money?

In our personal opinion, 100%! Discovery Cove is definitely worth the price of admission!

Obviously it isn’t cheap and prices only increase in Orlando. When we booked our New Years Day 2024 visit, we waited for Black Friday to get a deal on the ticket prices. Per person, with the Black Friday promo code and Resort Only tickets, we paid £129 per person.

Having been previously when we were both younger, Georgia and I knew that we would get good value for money but thanks to our indulging in the complimentary wine, food and fully taking advantage of the long opening hours, we had an absolutely incredible time!

We enjoyed our visit so much that we even considered booking a second day! Discovery Cove has such a relaxing atmosphere and creates an enjoyable experience. We have said that we probably won’t visit Orlando without booking a day at Discovery Cove going forward!

If that doesn’t reassure you that you’re going to have a good time, I don’t know what will!

If you have any questions or want to chat about Discovery Cove, feel free to DM us or email me at Jake.wanderful@gmail.com PLUS if you do decide to book, please consider using Attraction Tickets Direct and click on the “Been referred by a friend?” link at the checkout and simply enter Jake Jurin. https://attractiontickets.mention-me.com/m/ol/vj4tn-jake-jurin

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