So Many Reasons to Love Orlando’s Discovery Cove

If I was visiting Orlando and had just one day to experience something unforgettable,  I would choose Discovery Cove in a heartbeat.  Discovery Cove has been my favorite Orlando attraction since I first visited there in 2006. I’ll never forget the feeling of hopeful anticipation as I drove through the gates and began my memorable day. Ever since,  it’s been my number one pick of Orlando attractions and here’s why…

Tropical Reef courtesy of Discovery Cove

First and foremost, I love how everything is included in one admissions price. Sure, that fee is pretty pricey (from $199 per person) but once you glide through check-in, you won’t touch your wallet again… unless you want to blow your cash on souvenirs and photos.

This all-inclusive experience has you covered for all your gear including your mask, snorkel (which you get to keep), swim vest, towel, locker and sunscreen.Your meals are included too – and I’m not just talking burgers and fries. The continental breakfast overflows with fresh fruit, the snack bar services your munchies with yummy treats like ice cream bars and cappuccinos, and the lunch menu looks like something you’d see at a five-star restaurant with items like pasta primavera and cedar plank salmon. Eat and drink as much as you wish… and that includes Anheuser-Busch products for those guests over 21 years of age.

Another cool perk is that your Discovery Cove admission also provides you with  admission to your choice of SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, or Aquatica during your vacation….. which means you get two awesome days for the price of one! For $80 extra, you can get an unlimited pass to all three parks for 14 days.

As soon as you check in, you’ll head to the locker room where you’ll store your personal items in a secure locker and then get outfitted with all your gear. Once you’re all suited up, you’ll spend your day meandering between the Cove’s various aquatic spots, sunning on the beach, eating, or napping in a hammock strung between two towering palms.

Ray lagoon courtesy of Discovery Cove

Since the trainers usually feed the rays in the morning, I suggest starting off at Stingray Shallows  where dozens of tranquil (and harmless) rays will float over your toes. Then grab a chaise in the sand at Serenity Bay and sink your body into the eighty-degree water at the beach’s edge. Float down the currents of  Wind-away River making a stop at Explorer’s Aviary where friendly parakeets will nibble seeds out of your hand. Dive into the Tropical Reef, home to hundreds of colorful fish before heading to Dolphin Cove for the park’s most mesmerizing feature… the one-on-one dolphin encounter. After a quick information session, you’ll head into the waters with your new dolphin pals who can’t wait to nuzzle up against you and take you on a quick ride through the cove.

And my last favorite thing about this park… they only let a thousand people in per day which means you won’t get that crowded, sardine-like feeling you get at all the other parks.

Helpful Tips

Discovery Cove is open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily. Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. Get there as soon as you can so you can soak up every last second of this incredible day.

This park books up quickly in the summer so make sure to make your reservation a month in advance. If you’re going on a last minute whim, call the day before to see if there have been any cancellations.

Dolphin Encounter courtesy of Discovery Cove

Consider booking a cabana (this is extra). The park also has special packages for birthdays and engagements. Check out their VIP packages HERE.

Try to plan your visit for the fall for two reasons: (1) the rates are much cheaper, and (2) there is much less chance of an afternoon thunderstorm which will sadly cut your short.

Try not to get lured into hundreds of dollars worth of photos and videos of your dolphin experience… a member of your party can usually get some pretty good shots from the beach.