Discovery Cove Cancellation Policy Makes it Deal Breaker

[pokee99]

Discovery Cove is expensive - very expensive. Probably the single most expensive thing I've ever considered doing (and I've done A LOT when traveling). A group of 5 of us will be going in early July and the prices are $319 per person - that's an up-front financial commitment of $1,700 (including taxes) - and 100% non-refundable if cancelled within 30 days of visit.

It's nice that they offer the ability to change your date free of charge if your plans change, or something comes up during your trip that prevents you from going (you know, a sick kid, a broken leg, a cancelled or delayed flight), but that's a rather useless concession if the only date change you can do is during the 2 weeks (or how ever long) you might be in Florida - because guess what? Your chances of getting a new booking are likely nil. Perhaps they will let you change your booking to the same date the following year and then you can try again (kind of like having a 'store credit')? Not sure how long your money is good with them...and how often you can 'change' your booking before they stop allowing it.

So, then there's the option of perhaps booking through a tour company or something and then adding cancellation insurance. My bowels cramp just thinking about this, since most cancellation insurance is really, really strict (a kid throwing up would probably not be a good enough criteria for cancellation - esp for 4 other people if it's just one person sick).

Of course, something to consider is that these types of outfits may be sympathetic to the plight of a parent or a family travelling from out of town - you know the land of flight cancellations and vomiting.

I am not sure I am willing to risk $1,700 for this...it sounds like a really great once in a lifetime event, and if I could show up the day of and pay my money - that would be a no brainer. But to book a couple of months in advance and not know if my $1,700 will get flushed down the toilet...it's just such a tough call. Sure - the risk is low - but it's there. And to not have an option to cancel and get at least a partial refund if there is an illness or travel issue, it just seems really rigid.

Anyone have ideas or information that would change my mind about this?

 

[Demonwar]

Very much agree it's expensive. I think you are being a little over adverse about the risks though.

Suspect that if you used a credit card you may have some cover on it as well, but unless you really have a unlucky family then I think it's fine. After all you have already 'risked' the money getting there on holiday in the first place.

I would look into the Annual pass discounts as well, as it should reduce the amounts a bit if you are paying for 5, that's what I'm looking into at the moment.

 

[pokee99]

Here's an interesting idea:

What about booking only the day resort package in advance (without the dolphin swim)? This would be $900 including taxes. Then book the dolphin swim closer to the date or the day of, as we arrive. Has that ever worked for anyone?

What I am thinking is that it is the day resort ticket that makes availability fill up, and the dolphin swim is just an add on to those doing the day resort - and they likely have capacity for anyone to add on the dolphin swim to the day resort? Anyone know if this would be a viable option - or do they not have the same capacity for dolphin swim as they do for the day resort only?

I know some people have also had luck with Amex and Seaworld Annual Pass discounts, as well, which would make booking 5 day resort only tickets in advance even more affordable and less risky.

Would appreciate any advice you have for me!

 

[pokee99]

Very much agree it's expensive. I think you are being a little over adverse about the risks though.

Suspect that if you used a credit card you may have some cover on it as well, but unless you really have a unlucky family then I think it's fine. After all you have already 'risked' the money getting there on holiday in the first place.

I would look into the Annual pass discounts as well, as it should reduce the amounts a bit if you are paying for 5, that's what I'm looking into at the moment.

Yes, that is true that I do have a couple of credit cards that may cover something like this - but again, I'd have to read the T&C to see what is covered, and how much is covered. I am not averse to paying a cancellation insurance premium, I am just not jazzed about what's usually covered. Again, it usually has to be a death or a cancelled/delayed plane to make it really easy to prove and submit a claim.

I'd really be curious to know if DC will make exceptions. I really should just call them and ask, if nobody here knows....

 

[Capt_BJ]

What I am thinking is that it is the day resort ticket that makes availability fill up, and the dolphin swim is just an add on to those doing the day resort - and they likely have capacity for anyone to add on the dolphin swim to the day resort? Anyone know if this would be a viable option - or do they not have the same capacity for dolphin swim as they do for the day resort only?


incorrect assumption. We booked 3 for the whole deal - day + dolphin and still a few weeks out plans changed and mom could go. I could add the 4th 4 day in the park but the dolphin spots were all gone.

 

[greenclan67]

What I am thinking is that it is the day resort ticket that makes availability fill up, and the dolphin swim is just an add on to those doing the day resort - and they likely have capacity for anyone to add on the dolphin swim to the day resort? Anyone know if this would be a viable option - or do they not have the same capacity for dolphin swim as they do for the day resort only?


incorrect assumption. We booked 3 for the whole deal - day + dolphin and still a few weeks out plans changed and mom could go. I could add the 4th 4 day in the park but the dolphin spots were all gone.

Just an FYI, if there is any dolphin spots available the day of they will offer it on the check in desk. If there are lots of the, they will offer them discounted and it will say that. If they only have a few left and you only have the resort day and want to upgrade it to a dolphin, you pay that days rate and not a cheaper rate you may have gotten earlier. I learned the hard way upgrading it for my girls the day of!