Discovery Cove Questions

[Mouseketeer1974]

Hi,

Ahead of our first trip to WDW next August we're thinking about adding in a trip to Discovery Cove. I'm hoping someone will have some experience to help me answer a few questions

We're thinking of doing the day package in the middle of our stay but may want to use the Sea World tickets included before our day at DC. The website suggests that if we turn up at Sea World with our confirmation letter from DC they will allow us entry. Is it as simple as that or has anyone had any problems?

In terms of ticket prices, the tickets for Aug 2012 are cheaper than for Aug 2011. Do they increase the prices the nearer we get to the time of the visit? Are we likely to get a better price booking now essentially?

On the DC website they suggest that there are promotional codes to be had but a quick google search hasn't thrown anything up. Anyone know if they are any codes around?

Finally, FloridaTix website gives the price in Sterling which seems to be less than what we would pay if we booked direct. Has anyone used FloridaTix?

Thanks in advance everyone

 

[wayneg]

Prices vary depending how well they are selling, they go up and down, usually as August is a busy month prices are higher.

Only code I know around this year is for Annual passport holders, they had an offer for any day in 2011 for $169 (£105 +tax) or non swim $69 (£43) but they changed the offer to select dates.

Check direct and all UK agents, either could be cheapest. Kenny lists most popular agents in his monthly thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2752143

 

[princess jackson]

Hi, what's the price for annual pass, and how would you get discounts for DC

 

[OrlandoMagic]

Hi,

Ahead of our first trip to WDW next August we're thinking about adding in a trip to Discovery Cove. I'm hoping someone will have some experience to help me answer a few questions

We're thinking of doing the day package in the middle of our stay but may want to use the Sea World tickets included before our day at DC. The website suggests that if we turn up at Sea World with our confirmation letter from DC they will allow us entry. Is it as simple as that or has anyone had any problems?

If you want to do Sea World first then just take your confirmation documents with you to the park. They will look up your booking reference and print out your tickets, this is very easy to do. If you do decide to go to SW after your Discovery Cove visit then just take your pass (supplied to you at DC) and they will scan that and supply your tickets).

In terms of ticket prices, the tickets for Aug 2012 are cheaper than for Aug 2011. Do they increase the prices the nearer we get to the time of the visit? Are we likely to get a better price booking now essentially?

This may be because there pricing structure can depend on when in the month you visit. For example, visiting before the 22nd August is cheaper than after that date. Prices don't tend to go up the nearer it gets. I would suggest you purchase your tickets at least 3 months before you are travelling as they only allow 1000 guests in the park each day, so popular dates can sell out quickly!

On the DC website they suggest that there are promotional codes to be had but a quick google search hasn't thrown anything up. Anyone know if they are any codes around?

Promo codes are normally given to AP holders, you would not generally find them by searching the internet.

Finally, FloridaTix website gives the price in Sterling which seems to be less than what we would pay if we booked direct. Has anyone used FloridaTix?

Depending on the exchange rate you will find buying direct can be cheaper or more expensive. Best thing to do is, when you are ready to book, check out the price direct and then compare to others. I have personally found Travel Republic to be the cheapest if you are looking to pay sterling.

Thanks in advance everyone

Hope that helps!

 

[wayneg]

Hi, what's the price for annual pass, and how would you get discounts for DC

http://commerce.4adventure.com/eStore/scripts/skins/swf/ticketsPassportBuilder.aspx

We buy 2 year passports for 2 parks( Busch & Sea world) they cost £163pp or £40 per park per year. Then gets us DC discounts, merchandise discounts(upto 20% this summer) free parking at both parks + more.

 

[princess jackson]

Wayne, are we able to purchase seaworld only annual pass.

I'm interested in the DC discount. So want to go to DC, but funds are hindering me

 

[wayneg]

Wayne, are we able to purchase seaworld only annual pass.

I'm interested in the DC discount. So want to go to DC, but funds are hindering me

The link in my last post takes you to all AP options,
1 park 1 year = $109.99 + tax (£73.21 incl tax)
1 park 2 year = $169.99 + tax (£113.16 incl tax) breaks down to £56.58/year

 

[princess jackson]

Does everyone need to purchase an annual pass, to receive discount on DC.

Or can 1 pass get discount for 4 people.

 

[wayneg]

Does everyone need to purchase an annual pass, to receive discount on DC.

Or can 1 pass get discount for 4 people.

See post #4 from when I first posted the deal, its valid for upto 6 guests.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2623168&highlight=discovery+cove

Have you checked if there are any discounts for your date?

 

[princess jackson]

Just been looking, it's not showing discounts (orange). So no point buying

 

[wayneg]

What date you looking for?

 

[princess jackson]

Anywhere from oct 8th to the 19th

 

[wayneg]

Anywhere from oct 8th to the 19th

Its showing
8th - 13th at $229
14th -19th at $259

Enter AP discount code "passmember2011"
and you can book any date in Oct for $169

Only thing is you won't get any Seaworld tickets included with AP rate, if you are wanting to goto SW then you would probably be better going 8th-13th at $229pp. $60 more but includes 14 days to either SW or Busch.

Also check UK sellers, with tax $229 = £152. You can buy from Travelrepublic for £140, maybe cheaper elsewhere.

Complicated these tickets

 

[GibboFLA]

Not trying to teach anyone to dribble egg down their chin, but the Annual Pass also includes free parking at the park of AP, and a 10% discount on food and drink.

It all adds up over a fortnight, but as Wayneg points out is it quite complicated.

I went for one three park AP, and then booked the Discovery Cove with the AP discount. Hopefully the free parking and discount will cancel out the extra paid over the regular price for two week SW, Busch, Aquatica tickets.

 

[wayneg]

Annual Pass also includes free parking at the park of AP, and a 10% discount on food and drink.

Ontop there can be seasonal offers also, last year we could get shamu bars(like the Mickey icecream bars) at 50% off. & free desserts in certain restaurants.
This summer there is 20% off merchandise, heres the detail copied from last email I got
Pass Member Exclusive Merchandise Offer
Save 20% off your entire merchandise purchase of $20 or more at SeaWorld Orlando,
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Aquatica and Adventure Island. Offers valid now - September 6, 2011.

And this
Pass Member Exclusive Dining Offer
Save 20% on dining after 5 p.m. at SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Aquatica and Adventure Island. PLUS free dessert with the purchase of any adult entrée at any restaurant after 5 p.m.
Offers valid now - September 6, 2011.

 

[crabbie1]

As we are going nov feb and august if i buy the pass now will it start from purchase date or when first activated. Hmm shall i wait till oct to buy???

 

[wayneg]

As we are going nov feb and august if i buy the pass now will it start from purchase date or when first activated. Hmm shall i wait till oct to buy???

It used to be if you paid on EZ pay(as we do) they were activated as soon as you bought, thats why we waited and bought in the SW passport office when we got there. If you paid in full you activated on 1st use, not sure if this is still correct.

 

[crabbie1]

It used to be if you paid on EZ pay(as we do) they were activated as soon as you bought, thats why we waited and bought in the SW passport office when we got there. If you paid in full you activated on 1st use, not sure if this is still correct.

Ok wayne. I may leav it till nearer september time then as that will cover our hopefull feb and august trip next year. Not going to seaworld this time. Just thought where do I get the seaworld AP from? Do I have to buy this before I can buy the DC tickets?

 

[princess jackson]

What's ezpay

 

[crabbie1]

What's ezpay

Its a secure online payment system I think. Gives the option at the bottom of thr page.I think its like an installment thing but I think that option is only availible to US citizens.Could be wrong.