Discovery Cove Help!!!

[jgoodson07]

I'm visiting Discovery cove in the spring, and want to be prepared. Is there any advise you wish someone would have givin you?
I'm also wondering if I can/should bring my underwater digital camera. I know there's a photographer for the dolphin interaction, but what about the rest of the day? how about the water shoes... bring my own, buy some there, or go barefoot? I've never been to DC, and I'm so excited! I will welcome all advise and suggestions! Thanks all *Jenny*

 

[Aardvarks]

1 Water shoes, we never use them, but if you prefer a water shoe, the cheapest place I have seen them is in Walmart. We use water shoes for outside of park use like at the springs near Sandford that you can swin in.

2 Camera, yes you can use an underwater camera, but not in the dolphin encounter, this is all captured on still and DVD by the park people. Other than the dolphin, I wouldnt say that an underwater camera gives you a lot of opportunity to take either good art shots or even family shots. A decent regular camera would give you plenty of options for the other out of water exhibits like the tropical birds which are very camera friendly.

I hope that you have a great time, we did

 

[Megan07]

I went to Discovery Cove in 2007. I had a wonderful time and I'm going back in June.

Water shoes aren't a necessity. I didn't need them. If your thinking about them, I'd buy them at your local walmart or target or even dollar store before you leave-that way you don't have to pay alot for them at Discovery Cove.

I took an underwater flash camera for the snorkling. My pictures turned out pretty well. When I go again, I'll probably take an underwater camera again.

As far as tips go, they give you some sunscreen to use that is dolphin friendly. Use it. If you get there earlier, you'll get an earlier dolphin swim time which is nice. The lunch and snacks were super delicious, but I didn't really like the breakfast much but I'm really picky. They give you a locker so you can lock your stuff up. It's pretty safe. We actually struggled with ours-was a little tricky to open. The staff there is super friendly and helpful. I had to ask a good looking lifeguard to help me adjust my snorkling mask
I'd just wear your swim suit there under your clothes and make sure to bring clothes to change into afterwards.

I can't think of anything else at the moment.

 

[Violet Crayon]

As far as tips go, they give you some sunscreen to use that is dolphin friendly.

And a tip for the sunscreen is that it is reallly thick (does not apply like most sunscreen), so squeeze it onto your hand and dab a tiny bit on the finger, rub it into another part of your hand to "warm it up" and then apply to the face. Do this most preferably in front of a mirror. If it is on thick it WILL show up with the flash and detail of the photos taken.

If the photo CD appeals to you make sure to use the park photographers like crazy! It is "free" to keep adding on any photo taken and you can start before the dolphin interaction. I think a lot of guests make the mistake of sitting around before their dolphin interaction and miss out on really getting into what the aviary or ray lagoon have to offer.

Before 4:00pm make sure to locate the photographers in the ray lagoon, aviary, waterfall, underwater, and roaming. Some guests never see or visit the other areas enough to get photos and are let down at the end of the day when they pick up their photo package and see someone else had a ton of other photos.

Ask the aquarists in the ray lagoon about feeding times! There is not a 100% accurate time but if you are willing to spend 15minutes prior or after the time they give you, you can score a really great interaction. Roughly one will be around 10:30am, 12:30pm, and 3:30pm.

If there is a specific bird in the aviary you are interested in talk to the aviculturists at the carts. Sometimes they can offer alternative food to lure the bird to you, and they will also help try to call the bird down and pass it off to you. This will be more likely if there are less people, which is usually during lunch time and earlier in the morning.

Come to the park ready to have your photo taken for your ID badge, and another on the path. Guests come in tired and grumpy and ruin what could be a great keepsake!

 

[cswtmom]

Thank you Violet Crayon Although I was not the poster I loved the helpful hints you give . My ds 23 and dd 8 and I 40+ are going to Discovery Cove on April 22,2009 . We can't wait we are sooooooo exicted to be going it's only 2 months and 2 weeks, (75) days away

 

[Natasha&Matt]

How much is the photo Cd?

 

[Violet Crayon]

You are welcome cswtmom!
Your visit should be amazing.


Natasha&Matt: the photo CD is $125 individually, or part of a $139 photo package that includes five 6x8 prints of your choice, and 2 keyrings +2additional wallets and a 4x6print (of one additional image you choose).

 

[Natasha&Matt]

You are welcome cswtmom!
Your visit should be amazing.


Natasha&Matt: the photo CD is $125 individually, or part of a $139 photo package that includes five 6x8 prints of your choice, and 2 keyrings +2additional wallets and a 4x6print (of one additional image you choose).

Thanks the package sounds great any idea on the Dvd package? x

 

[Violet Crayon]

Thanks the package sounds great any idea on the Dvd package? x

It is $50 to add the DVD to a package, or $75 without a package.
Everything will be clearer after the swim because the videographers walk you to the cabana to view interaction photos and explain options.


You have to order the DVD to view it, but are not obligated to purchase, and it is often best to order right after the dolphin swim because it can take up to 45minutes to burn. Unless you are doing an engagement or premium birthday there will be no sound from the interaction in the DVD, only island theme music playing over the footage.

 

[cswtmom]

I found a thread about prices, so here are the latest pic/dvd prices :
The photo package prices and individual prices are:

Adventure Package-:$139/ $148.04 (with tax)
(5) 6” x 8” Prints
(2) Key chains w/ choice of print
(1) Digital Photo CD

Basic Package- $59/ $62.86 (with tax)
(3) 6” x 8” Prints
(2) Key chains w/ choice of print

Additional Items With package / With Tax or A la carte /With Tax
4” x 6” and Wallets $10 $10.65 $20 $21.13
6” x 8” Print $10 $10.65 $20 $21.13
16” x 24” Poster $25 $26.63 $35 $37.28
24” x 36” Poster $35 $37.28 $45 $47.93
Interactive DVD $50 $53.25 $75 $79.88
Digital Photo CD $75 $79.88 $125 $133.13

* All prices are in USD.

Hope this helps you, Have a great trip !