Discovery Cove or Aquatica??

[clairelly]

Hi

We experienced the dolphin swim at Discovery Cove 3 years ago and loved it. We were thinking about returning this year but doing the non-dolphin swim. However, looking at some of the videos and pictures of Aquatica, which we will be visiting, I'm now wondering whether we should just do Aquatica.

What does everyone think?

Thanks.

Claire x

 

[kellymonaghan]

Interesting question.

Both parks are terrific, but I think the choice boils down to how active you want to be. Active = Aquatica. If you just want to chill and relax, DC is far less crowded, plus it has the Aviary where birds eat out of your hand!

 

[DixieDolphin]

I love both parks, and although I'm slightly biased from my time working at DC, I really prefer to go to Discovery Cove.

Everytime I visit Aquatica, it makes me yearn to hit DC again. The landscaping, the theming.. it all has little whiffs of the DC experience, but without the animal interaction.. the personalized service... the excellent food... the relaxed pace... the free towels...

Aquatica is awesome, though! If you haven't done it, I recommend hitting it at least once (or twice.. or three times.. or over and over again..) But it kinda strikes me as the "budget" Discovery Cove.. if that makes any sense.

If you're interested in the animal interaction, go to DC. If you want that Tropical Resort Paradise feeling, go to DC. If you love not being jostled by crowds and fighting for a good lounge chair, go to DC.

If you want awesome slide rides, though... it's Aquatica all the way! If you want to see an exceedingly rare-to-captivity dolphin, go check out the Commersons dolphin exhibit at Aquatica!

It all depends on your focus... if you're less 'animal' oriented, Aquatica is perfect! As the focus is basically entirely on their awesome rides. But animal-focused folks will prefer Discovery Cove, without a doubt.

Anyway.. did that all make sense? It all sounds right in my head, but it IS getting late.

 

[fan of the TTA]

Interesting question.

Both parks are terrific, but I think the choice boils down to how active you want to be. Active = Aquatica. If you just want to chill and relax, DC is far less crowded, plus it has the Aviary where birds eat out of your hand!

i agree with kelly, dc is far more relaxing.

depends what you want