Going Aug 1-11 to Orlando. Just noticed that my SeaWorld/Aquatica Season Pass qualifies me for $169 a day at Discovery Cove at like $169 or something. I just spent time poking around the DC website and found it to be not so informative. Is my $169 deal good for any day or certain days only? How I know whch days?
I have kids ages 5 and 7. Something they would like?
Are you in the water with the dolphin, or is it shallow water where you stand?
Can you take your own underwater cam/GoPro camera?
Is the food that is served there included with the $169 deal, and is it kid friendly stuff like basic burgers, chicken finders, mac and cheese? Breakfast food?
Do you have to be there at a certain time?
Parking free or up-charge?
Lots of walking (bring a stroller)?
It is my understanding that the passmember discount does have some blackout days. Have you tried booking via the SW passmember website? If not, you could always try calling DC and book with them directly (they will be able to tell you if there are any blackout days during the 10 days you are visiting).
You must be at least 6 years old to take part in the dolphin swim, so your 5 year old would be too young for that particular aspect. You could always book a "day resort" admission (which would be even cheaper than the $169.....probably around $99 or so) which is everything but the dolphin interaction.
You are in the water with the dolphins. Its chest deep on me (I'm about 5' 2"). For the "swim" portion of the interaction, you have your choice of holding the fin and being "dragged" (for lack of a better word) through the water in either the deep section or the shallow section. The trainer will ask all participants if they want the deep or shallow swim once they reach that part of the interaction and proceed accordingly. There are lifejackets available for those who would prefer to use a floatation device.
All food (breakfast, lunch and snacks) and beverages (alcoholic and non) are included with your admission price. They are all you care to enjoy, within the hours each meal is offered.
This thread gives you a summary of the various food items offered:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/discovery-cove-food-and-snacks.3259459/
Dolphin swims are scheduled in small groups of 8-10 (they will combine your smaller group with another to make up that 8-10 larger group) on a first to arrive, first to swim basis. So for an August trip, if you do the dolphin swim, you will want to arrive early (7:30 am-ish) in order to get a morning swim and hopefully avoid having your day disrupted by the afternoon thunderstorms that are so prevalent in the late summer.
Parking is free. Pretty much everything is included that you will need once you are there....lockers are free, parking, wetsuits, snorkels, masks, even shampoo.
You are free to use your GoPro/underwater camera except during the dolphin interaction. No cameras, no jewellry allowed.
The park is small and easy to navigate. I would not recommend a stroller.....the sandy areas would be especially difficult to manoever through anyway.
I hope that helps! Any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Or just wait until they meet the age requirement. Rules are in place for your children's safety; why would you jeopardize that? Just wait until they are old enough.
