Discovery Cove Discovery Cove is hands down our favorite spot in Orlando, and honestly it’s not as well “known” as the bigger parks but it blows them out of the water.
You literally feel as if you’re on a tropical island when you enter Discover Cove and you have a full ALL INCLUSIVE day at the park from 9-5 and I suggest arriving early to take full advantage.
We always book during a SALE. Black Friday seems to be best pricing, AND try to avoid going on a weekend, we always pick an oddball day to limit crowds. This is one of the reasons we homeschool 😂 to travel in weeks when it won’t be crowded with all the humans on spring break. We usually do a Tuesday or Thursday when booking.
Dolphin Swim is optional; we’ve been 4 times and only did the dolphins one time, because there’s so much else to do while there. But when you do the dolphin swim; get a photo package. 📸
Your entire day is all inclusive meaning:
All drinks (beer + wine)
All snacks
All meals
are included.
They have snack stations with drinks and all the snacks your kids could ever want; it’s just grab and go. My kids hit the slushees hard 😂
You basically only need your swim suits.
Discovery Cove provides:
Sunscreen
Wetsuits and Life Jackets
Snorkeling gear
Showers and changing areas
And I’ll have a part two because you can spend a little more on tickets and get TWO WEEKS FREE at Sea World and Aquatica (#1 rated water park in Orlando) which is what we always do and we park hop all week! It’s a killer deal! I’ll explain more in a separate post.
honestly I’m likely missing a lot of info; if you have questions let me know below.
... Read moreYou know, after my last post about Discovery Cove, I realized there's so much more I wanted to share, especially for those of you dreaming of that magical dolphin swim in Orlando! ✨ What truly makes Discovery Cove stand out for our family isn't just the incredible animal encounters, but the feeling of being pampered on a luxurious, tropical island getaway.
Let's dive deeper into the dolphin swim itself. When you sign up for this, it's not just a quick photo op – it's a genuine interaction! You get a heartwarming introduction to these intelligent creatures, learning about their behaviors and conservation. Then, you spend quality time in the water, getting to pet them, interact with trainers, and yes, even experience that iconic dorsal fin tow! It’s truly an emotional and unforgettable moment, and trust me, it’s worth springing for that photo package. They capture moments you simply can’t with your own phone, especially when you're busy making memories with your family and the dolphins. Just seeing the joy on my kids' faces as they swam alongside them was priceless.
And the all-inclusive aspect? It's a game-changer. Forget about carrying wallets or constantly budgeting for every snack and drink. From the moment you arrive, everything is handled. The food at places like Laguna Grill (yes, the menu board in my pics is real!) is far from typical theme park fare. Think fresh salads, grilled meats, and even delicious desserts – not just burgers and fries, although they have those too! My kids loved hitting the snack stations for endless slushees, and for the adults, having beer and wine included adds to the relaxed, vacation vibe. It truly feels like a resort day.
Beyond the dolphins, there’s so much to explore. The Grand Reef offers incredible snorkeling with thousands of tropical fish and rays – it's like swimming in a giant aquarium! And don't miss the Freshwater Oasis where you can encounter playful otters and marmosets. One of my favorite things is just floating along the Wind-Away River, which takes you through different habitats, including an aviary where exotic birds might even land on your shoulder. If you need a break, the comfort of those cabanas, as you can see in some of my photos, offers a perfect private retreat for relaxation.
A quick tip on booking: while Black Friday sales are amazing, keep an eye out for flash sales throughout the year, especially during off-peak seasons. Booking mid-week, like a Tuesday or Thursday, seriously cuts down on crowds, making the experience even more serene. And definitely consider the upgrade for the two weeks free at SeaWorld and Aquatica! It turns your Discovery Cove day into an entire Orlando park-hopping adventure, giving you unbeatable value. We always take advantage of it to explore Aquatica, which truly is one of Orlando’s best water parks.
I hope this gives you an even better peek into why Discovery Cove is our absolute favorite. It's more than just a park; it's an experience that creates lasting family memories.
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