Discovery Cove help and advice.

[gemmamouse]

Really excited have just booked Discovery cove for myself and husband for november this year. just wondered what your opinions are about this day,what should we not miss while we are there and is it really as good as people make out.

 

[btab]

Hi there

We went to Discovery Cove (Wife and two daughters 11 & 13) in October 2007 and have just booked to go again this October.

My opinion is that it is worth every penny, from the dolphin interaction to the way the staff treat you. I thought it would just be the dolphin interaction that would be the highlight, but the whole day is fantastic. My advice would be not to just sit and chill, but to go snorkeling with all the fish and rays.

The day goes so quickly just make sure that you take it all in and enjoy it all !!

Have fun.....

btab

 

[wayneg]

Been twice. 1st time we all did Dolphin swim, 2nd time I didn't just DW & DS. It was OK but I much preferred the Fish Lagoon and Aviary. There is not that much there to really miss anything, the Fish, Aviary, Rays, Dolphins and Lazy River. You have lots of time to do it all but with eating, drinking and a bit of relaxing there is enough to do from opeing til closing IF the weather is good for you in November, it can be cooling down a bit then.
Personally I find the photography very poor but no doubt some are better than others. Didn't buy any 1st time(just got a free one that wasn't great), took my own 2nd time.

 

[Karenpowley]

Fantastic!!!

You'll love every second - Get there early (think it opens at 8am) for the cold buffet breakfast - just sets the scene for the day ahead.

You should fit everything in, as prevously said just go ahead and get in all the pools and swim/snorkal its all amazing, and will defo be one of your best if not THE best day of your holiday... Ive got to book mine for next July/Aug too - cant wait!!!
Kx

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I like Discovery Cove but doubt we would go again.
Although that's kind of a misleading comment I suppose, it's just our day was ruined by the cold and wet weather we had out there in March 2005.

It's an absolute must to get there early especially if you want an early swim, it is also important to take advantage of the food/drinks available as obviously they are included in the price.

I wish there was just a little bit more there but that's purely based on Joshua's needs and probably not a fair reflection on the average family.
Kind of 'not that keen' on some of the aspects of the Dolphin swim, but again that's just a personal opinion.

 

[kevin harrison]

We loved it. An absolute highlight of my holiday, it's hard to believe that it is so close to I drive and the hustle and Bustle of Orlando.

We arrived first thing and stayed until close. An expensive day, but my Employer Boots paid for our day there.

 

[MandyJ72]

Totally agree with everything above - been twice now - first time my Mum, DD & Niece did the swim (DS too young) and last time me, DH, DS & DD all swam and my mum & dad watched.

Dad had my DH digital SLR camera all set up for him so he just snapped away - didn't have clue what he was doing but some amazing pics - funny tho as camera is a semi-professional one all the photographers were moving out of Dads way to let him get a better shot which was funny!!

Not doing it next year, purely on a financial basis as we would love to - we tend to do it towards the end of the holiday as it's an amazing relaxing day - DD doesn't do the tropical lagoon for the snorkelling as first time she ever went in a fish swam past her and brushed against her leg and it's spooked her and no matter what we do she just won't go back in (tried everything - even roped in lifeguards to help coax her in but no joys) but the snorkelling in the other bit is fine (nice and warm as well!!).

Think if it as a spa day in the middle of Theme Park madness and you are pretty much there!!

 

[gemmamouse]

oh wow really excited now cant wait to go, thanks for all your replys.
what do you think of the photographers and videos you can by there, has anyone bought these are they worth the money. thanks

 

[MandyJ72]

We've got the DVDs just because of what they are - would find it impossible not to buy that. Got our freeby picture and a couple of other ones that were really nice but out own ones were just as good if not better.

DVDs can be a bit hit or miss - ours are fine but guy at DHs work has one and it was so windy that day you can hardly hear anything except the wind!

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

We did this,this time,me and DD 8 and DP and DD3 didnt swim with the dolphins but did everything else.
We loved it,would do it again when DD is old enough.
I would also do it without the dolphin encounter,the food was gorgeus especially the carrot cake.
Also the free chips/etc was nice you just went to a bar and picked them up.

DD loved the beach area and liked to build sandcastles,the biggest hit was Coral reef..we got the life jackets for dd8 and she loved snorkelling through and went 3 times round.DP enjoyed this too,We bought an underwater camera (so theres a tip cost alot more in DC so you could purchase one from Walmart before hand)

It was a lovely day out,sadly DD3 managed to get stung in the lazy river but the first aid was there promptely,watched her for signs of problems then left they made her smile in the end which was a hard job.

P,s another tip if you have a word with your trainer the one's on the none dolphin swim may be able to get into the water with you for a photo with the dolphin (I only asked as someone else managed to get a pic of the none swimmers) so it's worth a try,we ended up with a lovely pic of all 4 of us.

 

[nibbo]

We did it on Christmas Day last year and was the best Christmas we've ever had. We bought the DVD and photo package, which although expensive is a great reminder of the day. You get all the photos on a disc as well so you can edit them when you get home and reprint them as you like. We bought a nice frame for one of the photos in the gift shop there which wasn't very expensive either.
You get the chance to see the video and the photos before you buy and have a choice of packages.

Nick

 

[Zeebs]

We haven't been, but we have shouted (along with the rest of the family) the inlaws to a trip. One of the tips I have read is that if you like the birds go to the avery first because first thing in the morning they are hungry and are all over you but later in the day not so much. Whether this is true or not who knows but that was a tip I read.

Grandpa owns a parrot so they will be going there first..

Kirsten

 

[willibobs]

We did it for the first time this year in July. I didn't do the swim as I wanted to take photos of our group who did do the swim. Really could not fault the day at all. Was in there for 8am and they booked our swim in etc then let us loose in the park.

Loads to eat. Loads to drink. Loads of sun and fun.

Two negatives. #1 the sunscreen they give you is impossible to spread. #2 Beer only allowed after 11am!!! what kind of place is it? lmao

 

[wayneg]

Beer only allowed after 11am!!! what kind of place is it? lmao

Who can drink before 11am?

I once did, Corfu, on a boat/BBQ trip from 7am drank ouzo all day until 2am next morning. I wished I hadn't the next day.

 

[Hbabe78]

im in florida right now ( and confined to the hotel with a sick child)

i was there on friday

i did love they day an i would go again....how ever

the dolphin swim isnt really a dolphin swim its a dolphin photo shoot, you are in groups of maby 10 or more and every one gets photos took one by one kissing dolphin and posing dolphin then family units get posing dolphins dolphins do a few tricks like noises through blow holes.

the dolphin swims by you a few times so you can pat it
then you go out and get pulled back a very short distance so you can get your photo taken again thnt he dolphin says goodbye

to get your monies worth do everything eles snorkling in the fish pool and with the sting rays, i never got to go on the tropical river as my dd got a fright in deep water and i diddnt want to push her

make full use of all the free drinks and ice cream, the lunch/dinner was very good, but take your own sun cream, theres is a night mare factor 30 and is like baby bum cream very thick and very white.

so yes i loved it but was a bit dissapointed with the dolphin part

IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v289/heathermac78/Picture024.jpg[/IMG]

 

[kevin harrison]

take your own sun cream, theres is a night mare factor 30 and is like baby bum cream very thick and very white.

That's a no-no. You should not use your own sun cream - some can upset dolphins. When you book, you get info about this - that is the reason you have to use the supplied suncream.

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

That's a no-no. You should not use your own sun cream - some can upset dolphins. When you book, you get info about this - that is the reason you have to use the supplied suncream.

Yes your correct they provide you a sun block which is safe for the animals especially for swimming with the dolphins,so taking and applying your own is a big no no! everything you need is there,even hair dryers,suncream,body wash,etc

 

[wayneg]

the dolphin swim isnt really a dolphin swim its a dolphin photo shoot,

take your own sun cream, theres is a night mare factor 30 and is like baby bum cream very thick and very white.

Exactly how I feel about the dolphins, I loved everything else about the park but 2nd visit I opted out of the dolphins. I am not against animals in captivity but after seeing them swimming alongside our ships when cruising prefer to see them there than in a pool.

Its on their website you are not allowed to use your own Suncream.
"Discovery Cove will also provide guests with a sample of specially formulated sunscreen that is safe for use in the animal habitats. This is the only kind of sunscreen that may be used"

 

[bazzanoid]

We took a fair few photos when we were there, feel free to take a look:

http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/bazzanoid/Florida 2006/Discovery Cove/

 

[Hbabe78]

That's a no-no. You should not use your own sun cream - some can upset dolphins. When you book, you get info about this - that is the reason you have to use the supplied suncream.

actually although i had read this i had taken my own to use on the way home...the information given in the place was " our suncream in here should you choose to use it"

you arent given enough for the whole day maby yes if you have the wet suit on, but after the sample you are given you are expected to buy it.