Discovery Cove Experiences?

[mtmbyck]

It gets great reviews on tripadvisor. Very pricey but includes Aquatica and Sea World for 14 days and all inclusive day of food and beverage. Is it worth $259 each? Does each family get a cabana? Do you get a rain date for inclement weather? Reservations must be made weeks in advance! I'd love to hear your experiences.

 

[endy]

Check over on the SeaWorld/Discovery board fors lots of good info.

 

[MedicGoofy]

It gets great reviews on tripadvisor. Very pricey but includes Aquatica and Sea World for 14 days and all inclusive day of food and beverage. Is it worth $259 each? Does each family get a cabana? Do you get a rain date for inclement weather? Reservations must be made weeks in advance! I'd love to hear your experiences.

Hi there

My mom and I have done this for the last 3 trips down to Florida. The first 2, we did the dolphin encounter, the last one, we did the day at Discovery, without dolphin swim.

In our minds, it is completely worth it. We really enjoy the day there. And make a full day of it by getting there when it opens and leaving when it closes.

You don't necessarily have to make reservations weeks in advance, it just depends on the time you are going. If you are going during a high demand time for them, then yes, you need to make reservations, sometimes months in advance. BUT, when we went, we only made a reservation a week and a half prior. It really does depend on when you go.

No, not every family gets a cabana. You have to pay extra for those. And they are not cheap. But they do come with some great perks. I would guess depending on how big your family is, would make it worth it. For my mom and me, not worth it.

You do get to change your date once without penalty. So, I guess if the weather wasn't looking good, then you could change the date. I don't know what would happen if the DAY you went, it was raining. They can still do much of their stuff in the rain, snorkelling, dolphin swim, so Im thinking they are still open. In the case of thunder/lightening, I would assume a rain date. BUT, you would have to call to confirm.

To me, it's a beautiful place. Quiet. A wonderful haven to relax for a day. You are fed all day long, with snacks and drinks included. When you think of the fact that you are getting a park ticket to Sea World AND Aquatica, for use for 14 days......plus Discovery Cove, to me the $259 isn't so bad. I know it sounds like so much but break it down.....$75 if you want to do Sea World for a day, and $45 if you want to do Aquatica for day...makes Discovery Cove $139. Not bad. Considering you get 2 full meals, drinks, snacks, dolphin swim, and a park that is capped off at so many people.

Ultimately it will be what you think is worth it. I loved it!! And will be going back again. I love the day. Good luck deciding

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

It gets great reviews on tripadvisor. Very pricey but includes Aquatica and Sea World for 14 days and all inclusive day of food and beverage. Is it worth $259 each? Does each family get a cabana? Do you get a rain date for inclement weather? Reservations must be made weeks in advance! I'd love to hear your experiences.

Hi there

My mom and I have done this for the last 3 trips down to Florida. The first 2, we did the dolphin encounter, the last one, we did the day at Discovery, without dolphin swim.

In our minds, it is completely worth it. We really enjoy the day there. And make a full day of it by getting there when it opens and leaving when it closes.

You don't necessarily have to make reservations weeks in advance, it just depends on the time you are going. If you are going during a high demand time for them, then yes, you need to make reservations, sometimes months in advance. BUT, when we went, we only made a reservation a week and a half prior. It really does depend on when you go.

No, not every family gets a cabana. You have to pay extra for those. And they are not cheap. But they do come with some great perks. I would guess depending on how big your family is, would make it worth it. For my mom and me, not worth it.

You do get to change your date once without penalty. So, I guess if the weather wasn't looking good, then you could change the date. I don't know what would happen if the DAY you went, it was raining. They can still do much of their stuff in the rain, snorkelling, dolphin swim, so Im thinking they are still open. In the case of thunder/lightening, I would assume a rain date. BUT, you would have to call to confirm.

To me, it's a beautiful place. Quiet. A wonderful haven to relax for a day. You are fed all day long, with snacks and drinks included. When you think of the fact that you are getting a park ticket to Sea World AND Aquatica, for use for 14 days......plus Discovery Cove, to me the $259 isn't so bad. I know it sounds like so much but break it down.....$75 if you want to do Sea World for a day, and $45 if you want to do Aquatica for day...makes Discovery Cove $139. Not bad. Considering you get 2 full meals, drinks, snacks, dolphin swim, and a park that is capped off at so many people.

Ultimately it will be what you think is worth it. I loved it!! And will be going back again. I love the day. Good luck deciding

I will concur with everything MedicGoofy said .

We have done DC twice this year......the first time on January 1st, the second time on August 29th. The first visit, we did the dolphin swim and had no cabana. The second visit, we did not have the dolphin swim but added the premium package cabana.

Our first visit, we paid $199 pp. The second visit, we paid $69 pp (using the Aquatica passmember discount) plus $229 for the cabana, which included a photo frame, a 6 x 8 photo, a personalized buoy, a backpack, a DC t-shirt, a disposable underwater camera, and a 25% discount on the ultimate photo package. We had our own cabana attendant with delivery of snacks, drinks, towels, etc. to our cabana upon request. It also allowed us to book the cabana more than 3 weeks out (cabana-only rentals are released if still available 3 weeks prior to your visit date).

It really is an amazing experience. The best day of each of our trips.

DC offers one complimentary date change prior to your visit, assuming they have availability for the new date at the time you make your request. We had picture-perfect weather for both visits, so Mother Nature was good to us .

The price may seem prohibitive, but everything you need is included. Parking, sunscreen, breakfast, lunch, snacks, all alcoholic and non-alcholic beverages, a 6 x 8 family photo per family.....its all in admission rate. Food choices are excellent, and the park is maintained to the highest standards. Its awesome. Truly everything you would hope it is.

I would not hesitate to recommend that you go.

 

[mtmbyck]

Gina"..hoping for a trip report soon?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Gina"..hoping for a trip report soon?

Yes, ma'am!

We just got back Sunday night, so I will probably need this work week to get re-organized, but I hope to get it started by Saturday or Sunday.

 

[mtmbyck]

Yeah! Can't wait. Love your reports and pictures. I tried taking as many pictures as you but couldn't do it! Kudos for living your vacation behind a lens. Makes for great memories I am sure.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Yeah! Can't wait. Love your reports and pictures. I tried taking as many pictures as you but couldn't do it! Kudos for living your vacation behind a lens. Makes for great memories I am sure.

I admit it....its a sickness .

Only got about 600 shots on this trip......too busy having fun!

Plus, I love to scrapbook when we come home, so I need lots of pics to make 'em all pretty . That's my story and I'm sticking to it!