Discovery Cove newbie here ;)

[LovinPooh]

So we are planning to go next February. We are a family of 4 planning on using income tax to go. Do they take deposits to hold a spot like Disney, and when do they have to be paid in full? And the photos, does that work like Disneys photopass? And can you spend a whole day there if we do the dolphin package?

 

[JLR]

I had to pay when I booked my package - but February is a slow time (It is apparently pretty chilly) so you shouldn't have trouble if you wait to book. I don't think they fill up that time of year. Maybe some of the actual experts know better, but as I was watching prices this spring it seemed that Jan and Feb dates remained available until the day before.

 

[kathy884]

You shouldn't have any problem waiting till you have your refund in hand to book. We were there a popular spring break week this past March, and I called about availability and could have gotten in any day that week. Hint: Book a day early in your trip. If the weather is bad the day that you are supposed to go, they will let you reschedule for a different day. When you are spending that much money, you really want to have a decent day -- It's not a great park for a cold / rainy day

 

[Poohbeck]

We booked a year ago for our big trip next week! I was nervous that they would sell out of the date we wanted (our 15th Anniversary), but, I just checked their website and they still have reservations available. Oh Well. At least it's paid for. I will hope for nice weather.

We put down a deposit on the Credit card when we booked and then I mailed them checks in order to pay off the balance. I did have a little issue with the checks being applied properly, but, I'm all set now. I had to have the ressie paid off 1 month prior to the visit.

Have fun.

As for the photo package, there is another thread on here detailing it out a little bit more. I asked the same quesiton...is it like a Photopass, but, have not gotten a response.

 

[LovinPooh]

thanks
How about food, if you can spend the whole day there, is there places to eat?

 

[Poohbeck]

thanks
How about food, if you can spend the whole day there, is there places to eat?

All of your food is included in the price for the day. Also included is parking, a locker, sunscreen, etc...

 

[scootch]

They only let 1,000 people in a day and everything you could need(except pictures) is included in the price.... snorkle gear, dolphin swim, food(breakfast, lunch and snacks), drinks(pop/beer). The photo's are stunning and high quality and since for most of us it is a once in a lifetime opportunity, I feel they were well worth the money. I bought the ultimate package and even bought a second poster so both girls could have one for their rooms. You will have a great, unforgettable day!

 

[MercoBear]

Whether you have a dolphin swim or not you can still stay at DC all day.

The photos are not quite like photopass. They have photographers there taking pictures but you have to look at the pictures while you're still in the park, and buy them before you leave.

 

[PT4Life]

The last time our family went to DC, we arrived at 7:45am and were given the first dolphin swim time of 9:00. For us, it was nice to have that first dolphin swim time as then the rest of the day is really relaxing and go at your own pace (rather than constantly checking for the time). The pictures are really nice, but you have to view them and make your purchase that day. I suggest buying the disc that will have all of your pictures on it, as then you own the rights to them and can print as many as you want at your own leisure.