discovery cove. is it worth that much?

[uktivo]

Hi all.
I'm planning our trip for May 2014. I'd like to throw a surprise into the mix for my family, including my wife who works so hard looking after us all.
I've been to discovery cove before and liked it a lot. But looking at the cost for my family to go, it's working out at just over £630 for the day...
That seems like an awful lot of money for one days entertainment.

Any thoughts anyone?
Are they any discounts to be had?

We are a family of four people, two children, 9/7, two adults. We would like to swim with the dolphins..but I think my wife may not do it so the price above is for 3 swimmers only.

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

You need to ask yourself, if i didnt spend the £630 on Discovery Cove what else would i spend it on, and would the family get more out of that?

Our family loved Discovery Cove and we've done it twice and hope to do it next year if funds permit!.It may only be a day, but the memories last a life time

 

[wayneg]

We have also done it twice and would a 3rd but on the other hand I wouldn't pay so much. We are AP holders, recently we have had rates of $169 for swim, $69 non swim.
It's probably one of the best days you can have in Florida, its a fantastic day away from the busy parks but it is expensive.

Also be prepared for the extras, photo & video packages can add on $100-$200. Thankfully its not something that interests us.

 

[scoobydooby]

I thought that the first year I paid for it but took the plunge anyway. Absolutely worth it at least once. Clearly as with all parks the weather is a bit of a gamble. But we did it in December and had a blast. I say go for it. It is the most beautiful park in Orlando. Enjoy

 

[mikkithemouse]

Hello, I've done it twice and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. I think it's worth every penny, you usually get a free entrance into seaworld/ Busch or aquatic with it. Don't forget you get all your meals and snacks included for the day too.
I say go for it! You won't regret it!

 

[Rowanonfire]

I had the same thoughts when planning our trip, but we've decided to book it. Remember that your breakfast, lunch and drinks that day are included in that price. And entrance to Seaworld and Aquatica for 14 days (And BG if you pay the extra, we opted not too) so if you're planning on doing those parks, it's more then one days entertainment for your money.

 

[uktivo]

Thanks all. Appreciate the feedback

 

[MichelinMan]

We were planning on going to Seaworld for 2 days and Aquatica anyway, so it works out decent value for us.

 

[MrRomance]

Personally, I think it is hard to find anything better in Orlando than Discovery Cove to do as a surprise. We went last year, we are going during our trip this year and we'll go again next year (we don't do the dolphin swim every time though!). I recently got tickets for £107 each through attraction tickets direct (non swim) but you also get the Seaworld, Aquatica tickets in that price for 14 days. They were also offering 14 day passes for Legoland for free when you bought DC tickets (not sure if that offer is still available). I think it's worth every cent.

 

[cove61]

We booked it two years ago, it was going to be our day for relaxing, my husband wasn't too sure at first but when we came home he thought it had been one of the best days we had. All you can eat, and my kids loved everything. We going back this year, might skip the dolphin swim but going to try sea quest instead. Added bonus is the tickets to sea world ect so while it may seem a lot it def well worth it

 

[Tony Toon]

Agree it is a brilliant day. It was certainly on our list of to dos during our trip (flying out Thursday). We tried to book non swim tickets online and eventually by phoning a couple of weeks ago believing 2 people wouldn't be a problem. Of course we were too late so lesson learned. I was disappointed as DC and SW are parks I always enjoy although I have little interest in BG. So be warned that non swim tickets disappear early so book well ahead if it is in your plans.

 

[starrysky]

We booked it two years ago, it was going to be our day for relaxing, my husband wasn't too sure at first but when we came home he thought it had been one of the best days we had. All you can eat, and my kids loved everything. We going back this year, might skip the dolphin swim but going to try sea quest instead. Added bonus is the tickets to sea world ect so while it may seem a lot it def well worth it

We were thinking of doing this as well. While I loved the dolphin swim I would be more keen to go back to do the sea venture. DH is considering it for our up coming trip. Not bothered about the access to sea world etc.

Overall it's a fantastic day and there is plenty to see and do. DH is not a big swimmer but he loved the rays and the birds. We have some fantastic photos from that day.

 

[markkelly]

We have also done it twice and would a 3rd but on the other hand I wouldn't pay so much. We are AP holders, recently we have had rates of $169 for swim, $69 non swim.
It's probably one of the best days you can have in Florida, its a fantastic day away from the busy parks but it is expensive.

Also be prepared for the extras, photo & video packages can add on $100-$200. Thankfully its not something that interests us.

What is AP holder?
Still learning the ropes here !

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

What is AP holder?
Still learning the ropes here !

AP = Annual Pass. Wayne has one for SeaWorld/Busch and you get offers sent through on email, sometimes with offers for DC and other events

 

[WiganTony]

As others have mentioned, once you take into account the "extras" you get as part of the package, the price doesn't seem quite as daunting!!

For example:

Seaworld/Aquatica 14 day admission - worth around £80pp
Meals/snacks throughout the day (incl breakfast) - if you figure theme park prices, probably around the $20pp for meals, then $2.50 per drink (or $6 per beer/wine) - worth in the region of £20pp

Which takes out around £100pp of the price straightaway. So effectively, the dolphin swim and day at DC comes in around £230 for 4 of you (at least this is how I justify it to myself, plus the memories of the experience - priceless!!). However, the above assumes you would have been visiting SW and Aquatica regardless of a visit to DC.