I spent the morning doing something totally different! I love getting to experience new-to me destinations.  I toured Discovery Cove today and loved it!
Discovery Cove is an exclusive, all-inclusive day resort and feels like a tropical escape. Experience the all-inclusive amenities of Discovery Cove, where adventure and animal encounters come together in a beautiful tropical paradise.

 

Admission

Admission includes snorkeling with thousands of fish in The Grand Reef, swimming in the Freshwater Oasis, a

nd unlimited food, beverages, gear, and a dolphin experience (depending on the package you choose).

This park is great because:
Get All-Inclusive Perks:
Your day pass includes breakfast, lunch, endless snacks, and select beverages (including beer and wine for guests 21+). You’ll also get use of lockers, wetsuits/vests, sunscreen, and towels.
The Grand Reef:
This 2.5-acre underwater location holds over 10,000 animals and 160 species of fish, coral, and rays. It features white-sand beaches, an underwater walking tour (SeaVenture), and a safe divider that allows you to see reef sharks.
Explorer’s Aviary:
A massive 3-section aviary where you can hand-feed over 250 exotic birds, including parrots and toucans.
Freshwater Oasis:
A rainforest-like area built for encounters with otters and marmosets.
Certified Autism Center:
Discovery Cove is designated as a Certified Autism Center, offering sensory guides, quiet spaces, and specially trained staff.
Admissions Limit:
By capping daily attendance, the park ensures that guests never feel overcrowded, allowing for a relaxed, serene experience Discovery Cove is part of the Sea World/ Busch Gardens brand and is a great park to visit during your visit to Orlando!

Tips to Make Your Visit to Discovery Cove a Great One: 
1. Maximize your Discovery Cove visit by arriving around 7:00 AM. Check-in and breakfast start at 7:15 AM. Arriving early secures prime seating and your preferred times for premium animal encounters like the Dolphin Swim or SeaVenture. (You choose these times once you check in).

2. Sunscreen, towels, lockers, and snorkel gear are all provided. You can’t wear jewelry for the dolphin experience so it must all be removed. Permanent jewelry requires you to wear a long sleeve wetsuit.

 

3. Park-provided sunscreen: Discovery Cove has animal-friendly sunscreen available before entering the water. If you prefer to wear your own, you can.

 4. The pathways and sand can be tough on bare feet. Bring a pair of water shoes for the water or bring waterproof sandals to slip on and off.

 

5. Waterproof phone pouch: Bring a waterproof phone case with a lanyard for your trip. It’s perfect for capturing underwater photos in the Grand Reef and the aviary. (Note: your own phones/gopros are not allowed during the dolphin experience).

 

6. Fuel up early: A complimentary breakfast buffet runs from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM, transitioning to a full lunch buffet from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

 

7. Snack all day: Don’t hesitate to grab unlimited soft pretzels, cookies, chips, and ICEEs at the drink stations between meals. It’s all included!

 

8. Alcoholic beverages: Beer, wine, and select mixed drinks are included for adults 21+. (Upgrade to premium alcohol for a fee)

 

9. Wind-Away River: The lazy river is deep (up to 8 feet in places) and moves quickly. Grab a complimentary life vest or pool noodle to make it a bit more relaxing.

 

10. Explorer’s Aviary: Visit the aviary early in the morning when the birds are hungriest for the complimentary food bowls.

 

11. The Grand Reef: This is the best place to snorkel, so visit early in the day when the water is calmest and the fish are most active.

12. Animal Encounters: Book these early in the day so you have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the park.

 

13. Weather adjustments: Florida afternoons often bring brief thunderstorms. Try to schedule your dolphin experience as early in the day as possible to avoid cancellations due to weather.

14. Arrive Early: You’ll miss the long lines, get into the park early, and can begin to enjoy your day before the crowds arrive. This is also great for visiting in the summer when storms pop up later in the day. You’ll also get the best seat/umbrella selection

 

15. Catching a flight later: If you are planning to catch a flight later in the day, check out of your hotel and bring your luggage with you. Discovery Cove will hold your luggage for you. Bathrooms have full showers, wet clothes bags, shampoo, etc.

 

16. Stroller + Wheelchair Rentals: These are complimentary to use and include large wheels for easy mobility through the sand.

 

17. Photo packages: Check your photos during the middle of the day. Don’t wait until the end of the day when the lines can get really long.

 

18. Autism-Friendly: Discovery Cove is designated as a Certified Autism Center, offering sensory guides, quiet spaces, and specially trained staff.

19. Snorkel Souvenir: When borrowing a mask and snorkel for the day, you must return the mask but you can keep the snorkel as a souvenir.

 

20. Prescription Snorkel Masks: You can rent a prescription mask for those that have prescription glasses. These are complimentary and you only get charged if you don’t return your mask at the end of the day (Located at the Tropical Gifts shop)

 

21. Rent a Cabana: If your budget allows, consider a private cabana rental. It makes a relaxing day even better! You’ll have snacks, drinks, sunscreen and towels restocked for you throughout the day (it has a mini-fridge). Best of all, it’s a private space to relax and enjoy your day without fighting for chairs and with shade.

 

 

Ready to book your vacation to Sea World and Discovery Cove? Contact me and lets find the perfect vacation package for you!
Love and Travel Dust,
Molly