A PERFECT DAY IN PARADISE
If you find yourself walking down narrow lanes lined with beautifully designed green vegetation with a complimentary cocktail in your hand. Lying on a white, sandy beach while watching how dolphins jump joyfully out and back in to the clear water. Swimming in complete unity with the most colorful fish only occasionally interrupted by the presence of a large stingray or feeding vivid birds that are sitting on your shoulder - chances are you were lucky enough to land in paradise. A tropical paradise called Discovery Cove.
It´s a place hard not to love, a place hard to forget and it will most certainly not be a place you only see once in your life. The urgent desire to return will arrive just when you step out of this paradise. A paradise that with it´s beauty will capture all your senses and will completely enchant you. To an extend that will make you even forget that you are in the heart of a major city in Florida. With all the action and thrills of Orlando it´s hard to imagine a place where time just drifts away and you can truly relax. Where what you see and touch and experience will stay locked in your heart forever. I am still under that spell and I would go back in a heartbeat.
WHAT IS DISCOVERY COVE?
An All-Inclusive Waterpark that belongs to the Sea World Family. Designed in a way allowing every visitor to experience a relaxing and purely magical day. There is a maximum of 1.300 guests per day to make sure that no area will get over crowded (so reservation and booking in advance are required). Right at the entrance you are greeted by very friendly staff who show you around. It´s true the entrance fees are pricy, especially for someone who like me mostly travels on a budget, but it´s so worth it. The prices currently range between $170-$270. Did your heart just stop beating? Do you suddenly feel dizzy, out of breath and are seriously considering robbing the next bank? Stay with me. I promise it will get better as soon as you realize you actually get what you pay for.
WHAT DOES ALL-INCLUSIVE MEAN?
When they say All-Inclusive they truly mean it! You don´t have to spend a single penny once you are inside. Of course they provide unlimited access to the parks four main attractions (more on that under "WHAT CAN YOU DO?"). You will get complimentary use of snorkel gear (at the end of the day you can take your snorkel with you as a souvenir), wetsuits, towels, lockers, sunscreen (a special animal friendly one), showers (first class facilities, including shampoo, conditioner and body wash), changing rooms, and all day self parking. If you are not coming with your own car there is also a complimentary shuttle service from Sea World to Discovery Cove. That doesn´t blow your mind? Wait, the best is yet to come. A freshly prepared breakfast (pastries, fresh fruits, cooked breakfast, cereals, fresh juice, coffee and tea between 07:30-10:00) and a wide variety of lunch options (several meets, sides, desserts) are also already included.
Furthermore you can enjoy complimentary snacks (chips, warm soft pretzels, ice cream, cookies, fresh fruits) and unlimited beverages (alcoholic and non alcoholic) during the WHOLE DAY. Yes!! The drinks are free:) You can choose between two sorts of iced cocktails, wine and beer. Drink as much as you like. Well if that´s not a big plus then I don't know;)
But what really makes up for the expensive fees is the fact that you also get unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica for 14 consecutive days.
You want to find out more about the two other Sea World Parks?
CHECK OUT: "FUN IN THE SUN - THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ORLANDOS THEME PARKS"
For $25 you can choose the Ultimate Package which also includes free admission to Bush Gardens and free parking at all three parks.
When you consider what you would normally pay to see each of this parks individually you have to admit that the $170-$270 are quite a bargain.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
EXPLORER´S AVIARY
A bird sactuary where melodic calls fill the air and you can watch as hundreds of brightly colorful birds soar above and around you surrounded by vivid tropical blooms. You will find a huge variety of exotic feathered friends that will not just glide in to meet you but even nibble fruit from your hand and sit down on your shoulder.
SPECIAL TIP: Visit first thing in the morning when the birds are hungriest. I even did it before breakfast. Animals first;) Make sure to ask for Captain Jack. This bird was hand raised and loves to curl up in a warm hand or on a shoulder to take a quick nap. Great photo opportunity!
WIND-AWAY RIVER
A heated lazy river that winds past sandy beaches, through a dense rain forest, beneath the rocky terrain of cascading waterfalls, and through an underwater cave. Be carried along with the water and observe lovely plants, trees and the aviary from down here. At the end of the lazy river you can reward yourself for the strenuous idleness with a cold beer/ cocktail at the water bar.
SPECIAL TIP: Take your snorkeling gear with you. There may be some underwater treasures to discover;)
Freshwater oasis
While you wander, wade and float through the water-filled trails you will have a face-to-face encounter with playful otters and curious marmosets.
SPECIAL TIP: Be patient with the monkeys. Sometimes they try to hide on there little island but usually they come out at some point.
THE GRAND REEF
My absolute highlight! This experience is pure marine interaction. In the cold water of this giant fish tank you can play hide and seek with brightly colored fish. The majestic coral reef is also inhabited by some very large, some even up to 5 foot wide, but harmless stingrays. To be able to touch and glide with this gentle giants through the water was a truly remarkable experience. With this variety of sealife it is no wonder if you end up spending hours snorkeling here without even noticing it.
SPECIAL TIP: Spend as much time here as you can. The Grand Reef is truly amazing. Make sure to swim to the end of the reef. You might meet a sea creature you certainly didn't expect here. Try to be in the Stingray Shallows at feeding time and you’ll have the chance to feed the graceful rays.
HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR DAY
Here are three options that will make your day at Discovery Cove even more special. This options are not included in the normal entrance fee but can be added to your reservation.
DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER
Discovery Cove´s probably most famous attraction: the dolphin interaction. Feeling the slippery skin of this fascinating, friendly animals while they gently pull you through the water is an unforgettable, unique experience. You just can´t stop smiling. But before you are able to enter the dolphins lagoon a trainer will explain all the rules and provide you with some useful informations about this majestic creatures. They are happy to answer any additional questions. After that you have the chance of a one-on-one dolphin encounter with a small group of guests. The encounter usually takes around 30 minutes. There are photo- and videographers to ensure all moments are captured. Of course you can purchase those precious, printed memories and of course the pictures are "costly" - to put it nicely. If you plan on doing the dolphin encounter you should really consider buying a few pictures, maybe even a video. After all you will most likely not swim with a dolphin every day and you are not allowed to take your own camera with you.
SPECIAL TIP: If you will have any other opportunity of swimming with dolphins in the near future I would rather do it then. I know that most people are amazed by the dolphin encounter and I have to say that the experience of being so close to a dolphin itself was pretty amazing but unfortunately in this case it also felt very touristic. Even if it is a small group, everyone stands in line waiting for his time to kiss the dolphin, his time to take a picture with the dolphin, his time to swim with the dolphin. You don't actually get a chance of being in the moment, truly feeling what an amazing experiencing you are just facing. I personally wouldn`t book the dolphin encounter again.
SPECIAL TIP: If you decide to do the dolphin encounter try to get an early time slot for your dolphin swim. There is nothing worse than being there in time only to get informed that the dolphin swim will be held an hour later because of delays. You will also be prepared for unexpected thunderstorms in the afternoon, after all Florida is famous for it´s fast weather changes and since dolphin encounter will not take place in bad weather an early time slot will help you to be prepared.
SEAVENTURE
You always dreamed of taking a walk on the ocean floor? Well, this activity comes very close to that. While wearing a dive helmet you take an underwater walking tour through the Grand Reef and have one-on-one encounters with unique animals, schools of fish and velvety rays. You will even be able to touch unique sea life found along the way. The walking tour is approximately 20 minutes long and is carried out in groups of up to nine participants.
GET A CABANA
Be all luxury and get your own cabana. Tucked in the lush landscape it will not just provide a protective shadow but is also equipped with everything you can ask for. Complete with table and chairs, chaise lounges and a private, filled little fridge. A special place for up to 6 guests to relax and enjoy.
7 ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Book your preferred date in advance. Since they only allow a maximum of 1300 people a reservation is necessary.
- Get to the park early & hungry. Even if the actual park only opens at 09:00 you can get in and have breakfast from
07:15. Definitely use that opportunity. You want to make the most of your day. Plus arriving early will be helpful if you
are trying to get an early dolphin swim time since the times are assigned on a first-come first-serve basis.
- Bring an underwater camera. You will have plenty of opportunities to take great shots and you will be disappointed if
you can't because you don't have the necessary devices.
- Don’t lose the photo ID they give you! The photo ID you receive at the entrance is your ticket needed at the
buffet and to go “swimming with the dolphins.” It will also be your ticket if you want to go to SeaWorld and Aquatica. So
don’t lose it!
- If you wear any kind of prescription glasses or contacts, you can check out prescription snorkel masks from the
Guest Services desk free of charge! You do not need to know your exact prescription, as the staff will have you try on
various sets of goggles.
- If you swim with the dolphins and you consider buying a photographic memory inform yourself beforehand about
the different packages and prices and if possible already decide in advance what you want to buy. So you can be sure
that you do not let yourself be carried away in the magic of the moment ending up buying more than necessary.
- Enjoy every second of this magical day!