Discovery Cove, Orlando

...always wanted to and at Discovery Cove she got her wish and we all had a fantastic time in a wonderful place. A visit is a unique experience and is one that I will remember for a very long time indeed so come with me to see why Discovery Cove is like nothing you will have experienced before.

What is it?.....

Would tropical paradise be too strong a description? Maybe a little but it isn’t far off. Discovery cove is a ...
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The whole Discovery Cove experience is not a theme park experience as such, it is unique really. There are only 1000 people admitted on any one day and there is little walking to do so it is a relaxing day, a break if you are visiting several of the parks. It is not crowded and you are able to do any of the activities when you like, as many times as you like (apart from the swimming with dolphins experience) take it easy, chill and if ... more

Hands up if you have ever dreamed of swimming with dolphins, bet you have.
My eldest has always wanted to and at Discovery Cove she got her wish and we all had a fantastic time in a wonderful place. A visit is a unique experience and is one that I will remember for a very long time indeed so come with me to see why Discovery Cove is like nothing you will have experienced before.

What is it?.....

Would tropical paradise be too strong a description? Maybe a little but it isn’t far off. Discovery cove is a small attraction by Florida standards but what it lacks in size it certainly makes up for in quality. Here you can swim with dolphins or snorkel with tropical fish or just laze around in superb surroundings, taking a dip in the water if you feel like it. Relax on sun loungers on wide white sand beaches that surround all the pools, watching the dolphins or just enjoying the sun.

What makes it different from other theme parks?.....

The whole Discovery Cove experience is not a theme park experience as such, it is unique really. There are only 1000 people admitted on any one day and there is little walking to do so it is a relaxing day, a break if you are visiting several of the parks. It is not crowded and you are able to do any of the activities when you like, as many times as you like (apart from the swimming with dolphins experience) take it easy, chill and if you fancy lying in the sun for a while (children permitting) then there is nothing to stop you doing just that.

Arriving……

The easiest way to get to Discovery Cove is from Interstate 4 either exit 72 if you are coming from Orlando or exit 71 if you are coming from Tampa. Seaworld is signposted at both exits and Discovery Cove is opposite.
If you are coming from further in town get on International Drive and follow that and you will see Discovery cove on your left just before you get to Seaworld.

Parking……

Uniquely for Florida parks’ parking at discovery cove is free. The car parks are not enormous like the others so there is no guided parking but there is ample parking and the spaces are large enough to park easily.

Admission………

Admission is by booking only so there are no massive queues waiting for tickets.
A day at Discovery cove is not cheap but we thought it was worth every penny.

Swim with dolphins package:-
Adult $279
Child $259

Non swim with dolphins package:-
Adult $179
Child $159

It is an expensive day out but then it is a once in a lifetime experience and for me it was worth every penny.

The admission procedure is complicated but doesn’t take as long as it sounds. Firstly you will need to present your tickets and/or entry voucher along with your passport for international visitors.
Once they have been checked then you have your picture taken. This picture is then digitally printed onto a plastic ID card that you are required to wear on a lanyard throughout your visit. This ID also states whether you are on a swim or non swim package and also whether you are over 21 thus being able to drink alcohol. Also you have the option of having your credit card added to the barcode for any purchases you want to make during the day. Together with your ID you are provided with a map that also is attached to the lanyard.

What you get for your money…..

This is an expensive day out, there is no denying it but you do get a lot for your money. The day is all inclusive, breakfast, lunch and all snacks and drinks are included. Also you get free hire of all the equipment including towels and lockers.
Plus of course you get all the facilities you came to enjoy.

Docpov Tip:-
It is worth getting your credit card put on your ID card as you may well want to go to the shops, maybe to buy an underwater camera or something and it is a lot easier to present your ID rather have to worry about your purse or wallet that you can leave safely locked in your locker if you use the service.

One last thing is dealt with here. If you have come for a swim with dolphins package you are given a time when you will have your experience. This is done on a first come first served basis so the earlier you arrive the more choice of time slot you will have.

Next steps……

After check in is complete you are shown through the wonderful lush tropical foliage to a little bridge where there is a photographer waiting to take a complimentary photograph of your party. Once done the photographer passes you on to another member of staff who tells you all you need to know about your day, where to get changed and where equipment is to be found along with how and where to get your food and where to find everything. Also there he will tell you of the safety rules and show you where first aid is available and where to find safety equipment such as life vests for youngsters or non swimmers.

Talk over and the day is yours to spend as you wish…..

We decided to get some breakfast before getting changed. Continental breakfast is available from the Laguna grill including things like pastries and croissant fruit etc along with tea, coffee and soft drinks and juice.

After breakfast it was time to get kitted out…..

You are supplied with wetsuit, snorkel and mask for the duration of your visit and also as many towels as you wish. The snorkel is yours to keep at the end of the day although you have to return the mask. You also get a string bag (that the mask and snorkel come in) that you can put things like sun cream or camera’s etc in to keep your belongings together.
The wetsuits are available as a full shortie suit (knee length) or a vest. The man you hands out the suits seems to have a great eye for size as all our suits were a perfect fit first time.
Clothes and valuables in the lockers and we were ready for the Discovery Cove experience.

Docpov Tip 2:- A good idea is to wear rubber swimming shoes, either bring them with you or they are available to buy in the Discovery Cove shops. You will be walking on sand throughout most of your visit and it does get very hot as the day warms up and these shoes, apart from saving your ordinary shoes from getting full of sand are light and comfortable. They are also good for stopping scratched or stubbed toes as you swim in the pools as the coral is very hard and the bottom of the pools are laid with stones so are slightly uncomfortable on bare feet.

The discovery Cove experience……..

There are several pools to explore, none are far apart so there is not much walking involved.

Ray Lagoon
This is a small pool with rays gliding around your feet, a great experience especially for youngsters as they maybe get their first experience of being in the water with fish close up. These peaceful creatures are fascinating as you watch then glide by your feet. There is a rule in this pool that you have to keep your feet on the ground for the safety of the rays.

Coral Reef
This is an experience I will remember for a very long time. It really is fantastic.
You are swimming in a very large pool with rock islands rising from of the beautiful, crystal clear blue water. The water in this pool is 75 degrees so although it feels cool when you first get in it doesn’t take long to get used to it.
The reef has a gentle slope at the edges as drops off into deeper water as you go further out.
Donning mask and snorkel you look down into a magical world, it is a truly awesome sight to see thousands of fish swimming through and around the reef below and around you and on occasion coming face to face with you. Rays glide along the bottom and brightly coloured coral fish dart between the reefs. The whole pool is teeming with life and wherever you look there is something new to see and it is a forever changing vista as the living art swims from one part to another.
There are deep parts, especially in the middle between the islands. Seeing the sea-life below you in that gorge is something I will never forget. I stayed in there for ages never tiring of what I was seeing; it really is that great an experience. It is hard to describe the peacefulness of it. Yes there are other people in the pool but when you have your face in the water and sound is blocked out it is like it is only you and the fish.
Shark Habitat.
Situated in the coral pool it was something I didn’t know was there when we first went into the pool, situated in the bottom of a shipwreck at the edge of one of the islands it is viewed under the water below the island. Imagine my surprise as I floated round the corner to come literally face to face with a very large barracuda. It made me jump for a second I can tell you but I needn’t have worried as closer inspection told me that the barracudas and the sharks are safely behind glass in a massive tank within the reef

Resort Pool.
Across the beach you can get straight into the main resort pool, no fish in here but the water is warmer, 85 degrees and is great to play in or just relax in the shallows also this pool is fresh water whereas the coral pool is salt.
There are grotto’s to explore and even a waterfall to play around in.

Tropical River.
You start your exploration of the river from the resort pool. Wander or swim along with the slow current as the river wends its way around the park. It is lovely to slowly make your way around what is a surprisingly long river. Parts of it take you though rock gorges and you even meander through the aviary area (more on that in a minute)
Snorkel though the deeper parts to see sunken cannon or Greek vases or just float along and relax.

Aviary.
Not all of Discovery Coves delights are waterborne. The aviary is a huge free flight area where you can meet 30 species of tropical birds close up. It is a tropical paradise that you can wander through. Lush vegetation and bridges over rivers make this a very peaceful place to relax. As mentioned the river flows through the aviary so you can also see the birds and plants from the water.

A word on safety….

Weak or non swimmers should be aware that in places they will be out of their depth in both the coral pool and the river. Young non-swimmers are encouraged to wear a life-vest for their own safety and adults should be aware that their children could be out of their depth.
There are lifeguards throughout the park keeping their eye on proceedings and there is a first aid station should you have a mishap.

Docpov Tip 3:-
I am by no means an experienced snorkeler but a couple of things that I have picked up are to rinse your mask before you get in the water, this will help to keep it clear so you can see the fish clearly. Also if you get a little water in your mask, if you lift it a little and breath through your nose under water for a second you will clear it out.

The Dolphin Experience.
The moment my daughter had been waiting for!!
This is only available if you have purchased a swim with dolphins package before you arrive.
It is a once in a lifetime experience, with hindsight I wish I had booked me in to do it too but it was great to just to watch.
You are in the huge pool with the dolphins for around half an hour, a bit longer if the dolphins are misbehaving. My daughters group had a young exuberant dolphin called Dexter who kept going off to play with the other groups so they had a little longer.

How it works….
A short video is shown to you to get you in the mood and to tell you how to respect the animals you are about to meet, then it is off to the lagoon.
You are in a group of around eight people and have a trainer with you along with a photographer to record your experience.
There are a few groups at a time spread around the edges of the lagoon and the trainers take you though interaction with the dolphins. You will have the chance to touch and even kiss the dolphins but the best bit is when they take you for a ride across the pool. You hold on to their dorsal fin and they power you across the lagoon. It is an incredible sight and my daughter said it was the best experience she has ever had.
Also during your dolphin experience you are told all about dolphins and how conservation and even the law is helping to look after these wonderful animals.
Did you know that it is illegal to go within 150 meters of a wild dolphin in the waters around Florida?
It is an unforgettable experience and at the end myself and the rest of the family were invited to enter the water to have our picture taken with Dexter. I thought that was a lovely touch and something I don’t think any of us will forget.

Eating and Drinking…..
As I said at the start this day is all inclusive so all your food drinks and snacks are included in the price.
I have already mentioned breakfast and you are treated to a lovely lunch as well. This is served in the Laguna Grill, buffet style with a wide range of food available from burgers to jumbelia or curry. The puddings were lovely too especially the Key Lime pie. Seating is predominantly outside under large umbrella’s which is lovely to relax over a leisurely meal.
There are snack bars as well that keep you topped up with snacks such as crisps, biscuits or pretzels.
Drinks are available at all food outlets, either soft or alcoholic from the fully stocked bar.
A word on the drinks, there are no straws or lids on the drinks to protect the wildlife so watch the little ones don’t spill too much.

Docpov Tip 4:-
Drink lots and drink regularly throughout the day as it is hot and you will need to avoid dehydration.

Shopping……
There are two shops, both selling a wide range of apparel, jewellery and other gifts. This is where having your credit card on your ID comes in.

Photography…..
You are welcome to take your own pictures or video but they do make you aware that the well being of your photography equipment is your own responsibility so they won’t be responsible if you drop your very expensive video camera in the water.
The park photographers take your picture when you arrive and in the dolphin experience as well as odd locations around the park. These pictures are available to buy at the end of the day. They are in an assortment of packages, expensive but it is a once in a lifetime experience and the photography is excellent.
The one we chose comprised the complimentary picture along with six good sized prints all mounted, two key chains and a CD record of all the pictures we chose plus other pictures of the dolphins and the park generally plus a video. This cost $135 but it is memories of a unique day.

Docpov Tip 5:-
When you are selecting the pictures you want from the PC choose as many as you can, we didn’t choose all the ones featuring our family but we could have done and they would have been on the CD for the same price, oh well live and learn I guess.

A word on conservation…..

You will have a fantastic day at Discovery Cove but you will also be learning about and appreciating up close the wonders of the undersea world.
The Anheuser Busch family that own discovery Cove as well as Sea World and Busch Gardens are deeply involved with conservation and discovery Cove contributes to the conservation fund so just by visiting you are going a small way to protecting the wildlife you have come to see.

Final Tip:-
Remember the sun cream, you are wearing a wetsuit but parts of you will still be exposed to the sun and the heat can be fierce plus you may not want to keep your wetsuit on all day.

Twilight Discovery……
As well as the all day package there is an afternoon/evening package available. This all inclusive package costs $259 from 3.00pm until 9.00pm from the end of May to the end of August. There are only 150 spaces so you will feel you have even more space to relax and enjoy. The package includes dinner and dancing at the Laguna Grill.
That sounds like a very romantic occasion to me.

There are other personalised experiences such as being a trainer for a day or a special occasion celebration that can be arranged with Discovery Cove that would make for unforgettable experiences, of course they are all very limited in numbers so booking well in advance must be essential

To sum up.
Discovery Cove is a fantastic, relaxing tropical paradise with a peaceful atmosphere that I am sure you would enjoy as much as we did. The dolphin experience is something special and the whole experience is something you will never forget.

© Docpov April 2007 

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