Discovery Cove 1st week of January

[cemeb4dk]

Is it worth scheduling now due to the randomness of florida weather this time of the year. I would hate to spend the money and us just be miserable due to it being 40 degrees outside. I know myself and my wife would tough it out but it would be hard for an 8 year old to tough it out? I was thinking of just holding out til we got closer or even down there and if the weather is good take a chance and see if it still available. thoughts on this approach or anyone that has been down there at this time.

Also is the Elite package I think its $359 worth it? It will just be the 3 of us, and wondering if its worth the $359. I know we will end up buying a package of some sorts and well we wont be there in mid august so not sure if the Cabana serves the same purpose in January than in the summer.


One last question, my 8 year old is a decent swimmer, but on the dolphin pull does she go out by herself to the deeper water and have to tread or can a parent go with or is she allowed to have a vest or something on. I would hate for her to freak as a decent swimmer but has not treaded oftenly and then have to be next to a dolphin and try to grab a hold, all by herself.
Thanks for any help you can offer this first timer.

 

[weaves18]

Although I can't answer your questions about January, I do know she won't have to tread water on the dolphin pull. My husband is not confident in the water and he was able to stand on the ledge and have the dolphin pull him. You can also all 3 go out and you would be treading with her and allow her to "ride" first. We did not have any children with us but I think I recall all kiddos had life jackets on during the entire stay or it may have just been they had different colored wet suit vests? Someone else may correct me here but we all had to wear wet suit jackets so that does offer some buoyancy.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Our first visit to DC was on January 1st, 2012. I would not hesitate to book at that time of year again.

Several of the water features are warm. VERY warm. Think bathwater comfy . The lazy river and the Freshwater Oasis, in particular, are warm enough to battle even the coldest Florida winter day.

There are heaters set up around the park when the days (or even just the mornings) are on the cool side, so you can dry off and warm up before taking in the dry activities (aviary, dining, etc.).

The wetsuits are also specially designed to help keep you warm and comfortable. We used the shorty wetsuits when we visited in January (and opted for just the vests when we did our August visit), but I have read that they also have the long wetsuits for the colder days.

DC is open all year long, and they are pros at keeping their guests happy and comfortable. I would not worry at all about booking for January......I am sure you will have a great time regardless of the temperatures!