discovery cove orlando

[happymommy]

To the OP: I have to agree - Discovery Cove is so much fun and provides so much for the whole day! We went a few years ago over spring break (just me and my two children). We had platinum passes (super Grover passes for Sesame Place, what a bargain) so they did the swim ($169) and I did the non swim ($69). We didn't get the Sea World passes with that, since we had them, duh. Got there at 8 or so, right before they opened, and the kids LOVED the swim and interaction. Did so much all day, ate so much good food (son and I loved the salmon), snacked, I had a few beers too, and we left at 5 or so (we were literally the last ones out the door).

Gina - I loved your last trip report! We went for 2 weeks last August - I think 2 weeks in August is the best!

Let's keep this thread on topic. I am glad to be reminded how fun DC was - want to take my DH someday!

 

[Haygar2]

And getting back on track.........only 231 days until we are at DC for visit #3!! With the dolphin swim and a cabana!

We will be there approx the same time. My kids are very very very excited about this. So am I. I can't wait to swim with the dolphins.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We will be there approx the same time. My kids are very very very excited about this. So am I. I can't wait to swim with the dolphins.

Woohoo! You will LOVE it!

Join us over on the Discovery Cove roll call thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3214125

Post your visit date and I'll add you to the list on page 1 .

 

[jaykorf001]

Woohoo! You will LOVE it! Join us over on the Discovery Cove roll call thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3214125 Post your visit date and I'll add you to the list on page 1 .

I would soooo love to do Discovery Cover when we go in March. My son loves dolphins so much (so do his dad and I). However, he was very nervous about a dockside dolphin experience in the Keys last summer as a 4 year old. So I guess Mommy has to wait!

And Gina, thanks for all the pointers you've given me. I appreciate it.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I would soooo love to do Discovery Cover when we go in March. My son loves dolphins so much (so do his dad and I). However, he was very nervous about a dockside dolphin experience in the Keys last summer as a 4 year old. So I guess Mommy has to wait!

And Gina, thanks for all the pointers you've given me. I appreciate it.

Your little fellow is too young for the dolphin swim at DC at this point (you have to be six years old to participate). Did you know you can do a visit to DC without the dolphin swim? Its called a Day Resort admission (which is virtually everything in the park but the dolphin interaction).......its about $80-$100 pp less than the dolphin swim package, but still includes 14 days admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica.

We have done the day resort visit before and LOVED IT....the Aviary, the Grand Reef (snorkelling), the Wind Away River, the Freshwater Oasis (with the Asian otters and marmosets), the gorgeous sand beach, the unlimited food....there is tons to do even without the dolphin swim (and you can still watch the dolphins from the shore).

Just thought I'd toss that out there!

 

[jaykorf001]

Your little fellow is too young for the dolphin swim at DC at this point (you have to be six years old to participate). Did you know you can do a visit to DC without the dolphin swim? Its called a Day Resort admission (which is virtually everything in the park but the dolphin interaction).......its about $80-$100 pp less than the dolphin swim package, but still includes 14 days admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica. We have done the day resort visit before and LOVED IT....the Aviary, the Grand Reef (snorkelling), the Wind Away River, the Freshwater Oasis (with the Asian otters and marmosets), the gorgeous sand beach, the unlimited food....there is tons to do even without the dolphin swim (and you can still watch the dolphins from the shore). Just thought I'd toss that out there!

The ticketing for Seaworld/Aquatica is confusing me. I think it was you that mentioned one could get combo tickets. It'd be nice to get combo tickets that provide the flexibility to go to either park for 14 days (and maybe free dining I've been seeing people talk about??)

When I picked him up from PreK yesterday he was talking about going to Seaworld to see the orcas so I told him we are going in March. I just had to!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

The ticketing for Seaworld/Aquatica is confusing me. I think it was you that mentioned one could get combo tickets. It'd be nice to get combo tickets that provide the flexibility to go to either park for 14 days (and maybe free dining I've been seeing people talk about??)

When I picked him up from PreK yesterday he was talking about going to Seaworld to see the orcas so I told him we are going in March. I just had to!

Your Discovery Cove admission automatically provides 14 days complimentary admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica . The only exception to this is if you purchase your DC tickets with an annual passholder discount (those passes do not include the SW & Aquatica admission).

Go to the DC website, look up your date, see what admission costs (you will want the "day resort" package, as your little guy is too young for the dolphin swim). The price for your DC day will also include the 14 days admission to SW & AQ (you can also add Busch Gardens 14 day admission for an additional $22 pp ... you get that option when you put the items in your cart and check out). Its an awesome deal.

Don't rule out a visit to Aquatica, either, if your little guy likes dolphins. That park features the Commerson dolphins, and they are so fun to watch!

 

[jaykorf001]

Gina, my helper!! Or any other expert .....

Checked out the Discovery Cove website. We might be onto an idea -- your suggestion to do the day pass and then have Sea World and Aquatica for 14 days. This provides flexibility for Sea World and Aquatica. I have a few concerns/questions:

1) Biggest Concern -- what if the weather is horrible the day of the discovery cove reservation? any flexibility to change the ressie? I know they only allow so many guests per day.
2) What kind of food and alcohol are we talking about? if I'm on a beach there does somebody wait on me?? Margarita por favor!! Premium liquors? Hotdogs?? I have no concept.
3) Any of the beaches there suitable for my son to do beach stuff like build a castle or something?

The day pass is $200 a person for each of us for the time we will be there. I assume that's tacking on about another $300 total for the three of us vs if we just purchased Sea World/Aquatica combo. It does, however, provide flexibility to come back to Sea World or Aquatica if we don't want to try and force everything into one day. That's a plus. Am I missing something here?

Other things to consider? Difficult decision.

 

[Ametista]

Gina, my helper!! Or any other expert .....

Checked out the Discovery Cove website. We might be onto an idea -- your suggestion to do the day pass and then have Sea World and Aquatica for 14 days. This provides flexibility for Sea World and Aquatica. I have a few concerns/questions:

1) Biggest Concern -- what if the weather is horrible the day of the discovery cove reservation? any flexibility to change the ressie? I know they only allow so many guests per day.
2) What kind of food and alcohol are we talking about? if I'm on a beach there does somebody wait on me?? Margarita por favor!! Premium liquors? Hotdogs?? I have no concept.
3) Any of the beaches there suitable for my son to do beach stuff like build a castle or something?

The day pass is $200 a person for each of us for the time we will be there. I assume that's tacking on about another $300 total for the three of us vs if we just purchased Sea World/Aquatica combo. It does, however, provide flexibility to come back to Sea World or Aquatica if we don't want to try and force everything into one day. That's a plus. Am I missing something here?

Other things to consider? Difficult decision.

I can't remember the time frame, but if it looks like horrible weather you can call them and they will try to reschedule you. Call their customer service to find out the exact policy but they realize that weather happens.

As far as alcohol, you have to walk up to the drink huts and order it. There are a few frozen mixed drinks and beer and wine. Not premium liquors, as in you can't order a specific brand of whiskey. Believe me, you won't want to drink anything too strong anyway. Even a glass of wine or two combined with the sun and I was feeling really sleepy.

Food: there is a walk-through buffet where you get whatever you want. There are a ton of vegetarian and meat options, both breakfast and lunch. The lunch bar is open til 3 I think. If you time your eating wisely you can fit in 3 meals but I never manage it. Lots of desserts too. I have never heard of anybody walking away hungry or thirsty. Plus there are snacks in packages at the drink huts (potato chips, pretzels, etc.)

Beaches: there are a ton of sandy beaches but I don't know if castle building toys are allowed in. I don't remember ever seeing them. I think with all there is to do your son won't need to build sand castles anyway. Make sure and bring a waterproof camera. They have employees/lifeguards stationed throughout who will take your picture with your camera.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Gina, my helper!! Or any other expert .....

Checked out the Discovery Cove website. We might be onto an idea -- your suggestion to do the day pass and then have Sea World and Aquatica for 14 days. This provides flexibility for Sea World and Aquatica. I have a few concerns/questions:

1) Biggest Concern -- what if the weather is horrible the day of the discovery cove reservation? any flexibility to change the ressie? I know they only allow so many guests per day.
2) What kind of food and alcohol are we talking about? if I'm on a beach there does somebody wait on me?? Margarita por favor!! Premium liquors? Hotdogs?? I have no concept.
3) Any of the beaches there suitable for my son to do beach stuff like build a castle or something?

The day pass is $200 a person for each of us for the time we will be there. I assume that's tacking on about another $300 total for the three of us vs if we just purchased Sea World/Aquatica combo. It does, however, provide flexibility to come back to Sea World or Aquatica if we don't want to try and force everything into one day. That's a plus. Am I missing something here?

Other things to consider? Difficult decision.

We always book our DC day at least a few days before the end of our vacation, so if Mother Nature craps on us, we can rebook for later in the week. They allow one complimentary date change (based on availability) per reservation, so there would be no charge for the date switcheroo (just the difference in pricing, if there was one).

Both meals (breakfast and lunch) are buffet style and served at the onsite restaurant. Snacks are available throughout the park at small huts. Breakfast was scrambled eggs, bacon, homefries, sausages, croissants, yogurt, fruits, cereal, etc. Lunch included a much greater selection of items including hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, chicken tenders, French fries, a Hawaiian rice/chicken dish, jambalaya, wraps, fresh sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, fruit cups, chocolate cake, carrot cake, cookies....and the list went on. A nice cross section of choices for both kids and adults alike.

Snacks....I remember there were hot pretzels, ice cream bars, frozen lemonade slushies, popsicles, chips, trail mix, peanuts, etc. I am sure there was more, too!

Unless you have a cabana, you'll have to get your own food, drinks and snacks. If you have a cabana rental, then you have a dedicated staffer who ensures your drinks are brought to your cabana and your snack basket is always full of exactly what you want to eat.

I can't comment on alcohol as we haven't so much as had a drop in two visits. May have to change that this August!

The beaches are beautiful and sandy. I would think there would be no problem making sandcastles . You might just have to bring your own shovel and pail, or buy one at the gift shop, as I don't think they have them available otherwise for guest use.

You can get a length of stay parking pass which covers 14 days of parking at SW and Aquatica for $30 by calling DC. You have to actually call and ask for it...its not available for purchase on the website. Parking is about $15 per day at both parks, so this can be a significant savings if you have a car and plan on visiting the other two parks more than once.

Any other questions, feel free to shout!

 

[PrincessP]

We are planning our Sept 2014 Orlando vacation around Discovery Cove. We have a dolphin loving 8 yr old who will be thrilled. We are coming Labor Day weekend and staying through Sept 5th.

Questions
1) with SeaWorld passes bring included, we want to take advantage of front of the line access. Which hotel does everyone recommend?
2). We are thinking of doing DC on Labor Day. I know capacity is limited, but will it be more crowded that day than later in the week? Will it matter if it is more crowded? I.e., will it feel crowded?
3)Where is the Sea world message board mentioned earlier on this thread?
4) does aquatica offer front if the line access as well?
5)do you recommend renting a cabana for the day at DC?

Thank you

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We are planning our Sept 2014 Orlando vacation around Discovery Cove. We have a dolphin loving 8 yr old who will be thrilled. We are coming Labor Day weekend and staying through Sept 5th.

Questions
1) with SeaWorld passes bring included, we want to take advantage of front of the line access. Which hotel does everyone recommend?
2). We are thinking of doing DC on Labor Day. I know capacity is limited, but will it be more crowded that day than later in the week? Will it matter if it is more crowded? I.e., will it feel crowded?
3)Where is the Sea world message board mentioned earlier on this thread?
4) does aquatica offer front if the line access as well?
5)do you recommend renting a cabana for the day at DC?

Thank you

Let's see if I can help with some of the questions...

1. Hotels....we stayed at the Residence Inn SeaWorld for our December 2012 trip, and enjoyed it there (you can check out the link in my signature for lots of photos). We liked that a buffet breakfast, internet, and parking were all free. We liked having a fully separate bedroom, and a kitchen in our suite. We liked the large courtyard and the sport court. We disliked that it was pet-friendly. But there are several options to pick from (7 in total, I think) just depending on what your family's needs are.

2. I would definitely pick DC for a day that's bound to be busy elsewhere. With limited admission numbers, it never feels busy (even on a holiday). We were there on New Years Day 2012 and it was marvellous. I would assume Labour Day will be just as crowd-free (but much hotter than NYD!!).

3. The SeaWorld forum can be found here: http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=32

4. Front of the line passes are not available at Aquatica (but its still an awesome waterpark!!)

5. A cabana is not necessary to have a great day at DC. That said, we LOVE having a cabana when we visit during the hot times of the year, and have one secured for our August 2014 visit. There are lots of loungers and places to relax, even without a cabana.....and some find they wouldn't even have had time to be in one with all the things there are to do. So you will find lots of different viewpoints on this particular question.

C'mon over to the SW & DC board...we are a friendly bunch and I'm sure the various threads will give you tons of helpful information.

 

[PrincessP]

Thanks so much, Gina. I may post more questions soon. I will also check out the sea world board.

 

[PrincessP]

Wrong emoticon. Meant . Not

Thanks again!