Discovery Cove advice needed

[mainewmn]

We are thinking on laying down the big bucks ($229 per person for one day) and paying for the four of us to visit Discovery Cove in October. Can anyone tell me if its as good as the brochure makes it sound? Any advice?

Thanks!

 

[Crissy7682]

I love Discovery Cove!!! We went in 2001 and did the dolphin swim and got engaged there, we are going back june 2004 for our HM but not doing the dolphin swim to save money.

If you go to the universal studios boards there is a thread for sea world/discovery cove.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

I felt it was definitely worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I wouldn't spend that much to go again, however. Plus they offered a week's free admission to Sea World, which is a great park, so plan to have time to go there a lot and it will help you to get your money's worth.

Cheers

 

[cleo]

While it is definitely a special event, it's worth the admission. Truly a beautiful park, Discovery Cove is an incredible day spent doing something you may not have the opportunity to do anywhere else. The park itself is gorgeous, the interaction with the dolphins, rays, fish, birds, are all amazing experiences. Be ready to spend just a bit more on the pictures and/or video, as you will want to remember every moment.

 

[jdm]

We've gone twice and really enjoyed it. The kids did the dolphin experience the first time and we didn't. The second time, none of us did. The kids enjoyed the swim but honestly, it felt more like a photo shoot. It eats up a lot of your time, selecting the pictures. They were glad to have done it once, but opted not to the second time. They wanted more time to snorkle!! The bird aviery was also a huge favorite. It is a beautiful park, and the admission was worth it for the kids to swim with the dolphines (once) but I'm glad we didn't pay for dh and me to do it also.

Jenn

 

[buzz2400]

I feel it is worth it if you tie in Seaworld since they give you free admission. It was a terrific day when we went and my son wants to go again. You really are only in the water with the dolphin for about 20-30 minutes and you are in a group of approx. eight people. It is a memory you will not forget. We did stay the whole day floating around in the water. They also give you one meal.

 

[mainewmn]

Thanks to everyone that answered my question. My DS is SOOO excited that we are going to do it for sure. I love dolphins and I love the idea of interacting with them, it’s the swimming part that has me a little concerned. I’m defiantly not a first class swimmer and to be honest a little intimidated by the water, but I guess I will need to get over my fears within the next 10 months.

 

[jdm]

Don't have any fears of the water there. You are mandated to wear a life vest (or you can opt for a full wet suit) the entire time you are in any of the water including the snorkeling or the lazy river. You simply cannot sink. I'm not sure it is all that deep. The "swim" is where you hold onto the fin for about 10 to 20 seconds and the dolphin pulls you along. It's just a flash at the end, at least it was for us.

You'll be fine, so don't worry! Enjoy!!

Jenn

 

[dj2]

while it was expensive (after buying their video of our dolphin swim and a few photos, it was almost the same price as our 6 day WDW hopper passes), my husband and i agree that it was the BEST day of our 2 week vacation last june.

we're glad we did the dolphin swim, but would just do the rest of the park next time.

it's like swimming in a well stocked fish tank! the water is so clear. the fish are so beautiful, and plentiful. the vest you wear holds you up in the water to make snorkeling even easier. and the masks are great! no leaks. it took a moment or two to figure out how to breathe, and DD7 never quite got it, but the rest of us did.

the rays do not have their stingers anymore, so don't worry about getting stung.

and it helps "justify" the cost to have the 7 days of seaworld (can use before, after, or a combo).

if you can afford it---GO