Can anyone tell me about Discovery Cove ?

[MrsJobba1]

Hi,

Dh & I are sitting here with the 2007-2008 vacation planner from DVC and thinking about our 2008 holiday.

All we have heard about Discovery Cove is that you swim with the dolphins. We would really like some more info on it. Has anyone every been? What experiences did you have? Do you stop there for a day?

Any info would be appreciated
Thanks

 

[CustardTart]

We had a wonderfully relaxing day there a couple of years ago. Take a look at the website for more info: http://www.discoverycove.com

We swam/interacted with a dolphin, snorkelled with incredible fish and lazed around on a beach. Had quite a good lunch too, if I remember correctly. Numbers are limited to 1000 per day which makes it feel very uncrowded. Intend to go again in 2008...

 

[Char17]

Hi, we went there in 2005 and it was one of the best parts of our trip! We first spent some time on the beach and then did the tropical river swim which was very relaxing! We then had time to swim in the coral reef which was amazing.I'm not a particularly strong swimmer and was a little worried however once I got in it was absolutely fine!

You are given a time slot to go and swim with the dolphins and I think it is done in groups of 5/6. You are given a short talk and then taken to the pool/swimming area. I won't tell you exactly what you do with the dolphins as half the fun is not knowing, however it is a great experience and you really get to interact with them.

The lunch was also really good and we had plenty to choose from. After lunch we still had time to swim some more and relax on the beach. Overall we had a wonderful day and I cannot recommend it enough! Everything you need is provided, and the snorkels can be taken home as a souvenir! Hope this will help you decide!

 

[Claire L]

Here is my trip report from 2004 and also for info we did Trainer For A Day in 2005, the report is here.

Claire

 

[jtlover]

We had a fantastic day and I recommed a morning time with the dolphins and recommend buying the dvd. Go for a morning time as you can then enjoy the lunch afterwards, rather than being full swimming!

 

[Ware Bears]

It was the highlight of our holiday. I would also recommend a morning swim ~ then you're not clock-watching all day.

 

[Anjiebaby]

We loved Discovery Cove. It was DH's birthday present from us and it was a suprise we told him on his birthday and went to Discovery Cove the next day. He and DS6.5 swam with the dolphins and loved it. DS still talks about what an incredible experience it was. DD 2.5 and I stayed on land and watched. After the swim was done we were allowed to come in the water for a family photo with the dolphin it was great as DD and I got to pet the dolphin too. They had a late morning swim time and it was nice, not too rushed as we had to get outfitted in wetsuits and with goggles and snorkel gear to use in the other areas. They even had prescription goggles which my DH loved as he usually just sees everything blurry when snorkeling.
After the dolphin swim we had a great lunch which we ate sitting on loungers on the beach. It was beach bbq kind of food and we all enjoyed it. I really liked the fact that continental breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks were included all day. We didn't need to carry money at all. Snacks are chips and fruit. Drinks are bottled water pop, juice, beer, and alcohol coolers.
Our day was like going to a tropical island in the middle of our busy rush rush disney trip. We loved it and stayed from morning till close. We snorkeled the coral reef and walked in the manta ray pool (this freaked both the kids out). There was a large pool type area it is all from man made rock but it looks so natural and was salt water. There is a cave you can swim through and a lazy rive that you can swim and go through a bird sanctuary area and under waterfalls. There were lifejackets and noodles to use if you just want to float.
As a family we had a fantastic time that we will remember always.

Three hints - before closing pick up some bottled water from the snack bar, just before closing everything shuts down and you can't find a bottle of water anywhere.
The showers are incredibly busy right at the end we should have gone in earlier but were having too good a time.
Pick up your pictures in the afternoon, we waited till after closing and everyone was doing it at the same time.

It is expensive but we felt well worth it.

 

[arieliwish]

We did this in 2004, DD did the dolphin swim. Due to hurricane frances our original date was altered to our last day so we got an early swim time then had a really nice early lunch and a lazy day swimming and sunbathing. We left around 4pm and headed straight to the airport.

I'm very short sighted and wear glasses/lenses all the time. If you know your prescription ask in the shop for a prescription swimming mask and they let you use one for free with just a swipe of your credit card for security - ideal for me, although I did have to walk around with it on most of the time! LOL!!

It was a fantastic day, well worth the cost.

Lynn

 

[JohnnySharp2]

If you go to DC get there early, the earlier you are there the better time slot you get.
Also, and not trying to be too negative, our day was ruined by the adverse weather in March 2005, delayed 2 hours by a thunderstorm and the water was freezing.
Personally I wouldn't visit during the early months of the year, April onwards will be fine though I am sure.

 

[MrsJobba1]

Thanks for all the info, I think its a must for 2008!

A couple more questions...

Are you given the wetsuits when you arrive, do you wear them all the time or just during the dolphin swim?

Where exactly is DC- Is it near to Seaworld?

Is there a taxi rank outside?

Thanks

 

[JohnnySharp2]

We wore the wetsuits just during the Dolphin swim, there is a Taxi rank outside yes, DC is very close to Sea World.

 

[Camac]

I wore my wetsuit all day - but then I am a freezer! That is another reason to get there early - you get the best choice of wet suit ie: one that fits properly/a fully body suit, not just a shorty!

Obviously, it depends on the time of year you visit. We were there Christmas Day 2003 (and will be again this year!) and although it was a sunny day, it was also a little chilly out of the sunshine. I fully intend to wear the wetsuit all day again this year.

Camac

 

[MrsJobba1]

Thanks for all your replies.

Do you book with discovery cove direct and how far out?

 

[scottishwee35]

Hi

Better book it early as I booked 8 months advance then my mother in law changed her mind and find out that it sold out!!

Advise you that if you want to go to Discovery Cove, better book it early and I find that Discovery Cove was beautiful and we all enjoyed it as everything was great. But expensive!! I think it was worthing.

If we go back to Florida, we definetly book it again!

Scottishwee35

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Thanks for all your replies.

Do you book with discovery cove direct and how far out?

Book as soon as possible. We booked through Attraction Tickets Direct.

 

[MrsJobba1]

Just to add another question -

What is the weather like in December? Would it be ok to visit DC or will it be chilly? We have always visited FL in the summer hols but would love to see it @ xmas time?

Thanks for your help

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Just to add another question -

What is the weather like in December? Would it be ok to visit DC or will it be chilly? We have always visited FL in the summer hols but would love to see it @ xmas time?

Thanks for your help

Can vary , but generally in the 60s or low 70s.

Discovery Cove the water is always on the cool side, whether it is warm enough to spend a full day there I am not sure.

 

[Shane]

Discovery Cove was awesome.

We did the Trainer for a day and still thinking about it on a dialy basis! We were extremely lucky as the trainer for a day is a maxium of around 30 people aday, and we were the only ones! (Family, just the three of us) so we had extra time at everything!

Regarding wearing the wetsuits, you only have to wear them during the dolphin swim and swimming with fish/rays (I think?) because the water is different. Although I wore my all day last time (I burn easy).

Have a great time

 

[florida sun]

Just to add another question -

What is the weather like in December? Would it be ok to visit DC or will it be chilly? We have always visited FL in the summer hols but would love to see it @ xmas time?

Thanks for your help

Hi Helen

Vicki and I booked Discovery Cove for Boxing day, it was about 3 years ago, and it was wonderful. The weather was blue skys and sunny and about the mid 70's. We spent the whole day there,leaving at about 4.30pm in the afternoon, and our Dolphin swim was about 9am. The water is cold where the Dolphins and Tropical Fish swim, but we found the other swimming areas to be quite pleasant. Its hit or miss with the weather around December time I agree, however I think when you book these things so far in advance, its hit or miss with whatever month you book, I guess we were very lucky with the weather that year

You will love it Im sure