Air conditioning at discovery cove???

[kimberlyWDW]

Hi! I just have a quick question for those of you who have been to Discovery Cove. Is there anywhere to get out of the sun and into air conditioning at Discovery Cove. We have to travel May/June this year. We are from Maine, so were not super used to heat. I was wondering how much shade there is and if there is anywhere to get a break from the heat in air conditioning during the day. I'm trying to decide if DC is for us. I burn easy and my daughter can't handle super long periods in the heat. We're great if we can take a bit of a break, but can not handle hours at a time in the sun. Thanks!!!

 

[Violet Crayon]

The only places I can think of, with air conditioning, are reception (which is far from the attractions) and the main gift shop, which is pretty small and has no seating. And probably the queue to get food, and that is also a small area with no seating. Everything else is outside with a few shaded areas: the aviary, the caves of the resort pool, and the umbrellas at the tables and a few chairs on the beach. I think wearing sunscreen and staying in the cooler reef is the best way to keep from getting too exhausted. Some of the areas run fans, mostly for the employees who are stationed in those locations.

 

[Violet Crayon]

And I remember that I have seen many who are worried about the sun wear baseball caps or bucket hats during their dolphin swim since it is 30 uninterrupted minutes of direct Florida sun. Most of the trainers and photo teams who are in the water also wear bucket style hats for sun protection. It might not be the best for photo opportunities but it is smart. And finding long-sleeve rashguards with built in SPF protection is also nice. Yes, long sleeves in 90degree weather, ha, but the sleeves stay wet and cool on the skin.

 

[totof60]

I think the best choice is to rent a cabana

 

[SmallWorld71]

FWIW - We went in August and did not find it too hot. But, we spent most of our time in the water. It was actually the only day of our vacation where the heat didn't bother us at all. We are a family of fair skinned people - DH and the kids are all pale with freckles - and nobody got a burn. They all wore rashguard shirts which helped us have more of the special sunblock that they give you for our faces and they were also more comfortable that way. (I did not have on a shirt and got some nasty chafing from the vest under one of my arms.) There was a fair amount of shade to be had in the aviary and the lazy river area - it wasn't like sitting out in the sun. The eating area was also shady. I will add that we never just sat around - we were in the water for most of the day. If lounging is something that you are interested in, I would also suggest a cabana.

 

[JLR]

I agree with Small World. I'm from North Dakota and have been to DC twice, once in April and once in June. I did not find the heat to be a problem, and in June, I chose the vest instead of the wetsuit and later wished I had gone with the wetsuit like I did in April. The water in the dolphin area and in the coral reef is very very cold and you will spend a lot of time in it. When you get out the warmth feels good! I agree with wearing a hat and really slathering on the sunscreen they give you. Please don't worry - you are going to have an awesome time!