Discovery Cove Questions

[Iloveholidays]

Hi everyone ,

I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on how to make the most of your day at Discovery Cove, and can anyone give me a review on the elite package upload some pics maybe??
Thanks for your help

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Hi everyone ,

I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on how to make the most of your day at Discovery Cove, and can anyone give me a review on the elite package upload some pics maybe??
Thanks for your help

Some tips off the top of my head for making the most of your day.....

- Arrive early (before 8 am) and plan to stay all day. You will be amazed at how fast the day goes, and you will want to squeeze every last awesome moment out of it!!!

- If you want to take advantage of the included alcoholic beverages, take a taxi so you don't need to worry about driving.

- If you are doing the dolphin swim, budget for a photo package purchase. The pictures are awesome and you WILL want them....trust me.

- If you are getting one of the photo packages that includes the CD of all pictures taken during your day, be sure to seek out the other photographers located throughout the park (in the aviary, in the Freshwater Oasis, in the lazy river, etc.). Make the most of your package!

- Don't plan for a large meal or hectic activity after your DC day ends. You will be FULL from the unlimited food and snacks, and you will be TIRED from all the sun and water. Its a good night for pizza delivery and an in-room movie.

- Bring a waterproof camera, if you have one. Take photos of the fish and rays while snorkelling in the Grand Reef.

- Be kind to your feet, and bring water shoes.

As far as the Elite package goes, it has 3 components:

1. The cabana rental.
2. The "Discovery" photo package (the one that includes both the CD of all photos and the DVD of your dolphin swim).
3. The extras....a personalized bouy delivered delivered by a dolphin during your swim, a photo frame or plush toy, and a DC backpack.

If you are already planning on renting a cabana and getting the largest photo package, then its cheaper to do the Elite package.

The cabana rental = $175.
The Discovery photo package = $219
Total for two items separately = $394

Total for Elite package = $359

Your savings = $35, plus then you would still get the "extras" (bouy, frame or toy, and backpack) for free.

We love having a cabana with the personal attendant, but I will stress that its not a necessity for a fabulous day. We enjoy having a place to kick back and relax for an hour or so during the mid-day hours during our hot summer visits. We love having our own fridge, our locker in the cabana vs. in the general locker area, and a place to have as a "home base". We love having our photo package pre-paid too (and the elite package is the only way to do so). We love having someone taking care of us all day long, refilling our beverages and our snack basket, and checking in from time to time to see if there's anything we need. Its an indulgence but its one we very much enjoy .

I will upload some pics from our last visit in August 2012 in the next post .

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Cabana rental:



2012 package inclusions (note some have changed since then....specifically, no more waterproof camera or t-shirt):



Locker and fridge in the cabana:



More of the cabana:



View of the Grand Reef from our cabana:

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

For those not getting a private cabana, here is the sort of seating that is located throughout the park. Still lovely :

 

[Iloveholidays]

Thank you soo much for your help, it is very much appreciated. Do you know if the delivery of the buoy is kept a secret for the one receiving it?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Thank you soo much for your help, it is very much appreciated. Do you know if the delivery of the buoy is kept a secret for the one receiving it?

Yes.

Though the one in the picture above was left in our cabana as we didn't have a dolphin swim that trip.

But when adding the elite package to your reservation, they ask you who in your party that you want to the bouy delivered to during the swim portion of your day, and what you would like the bouy to say. So, surprise away .

 

[Iloveholidays]

Aww fantastic

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Aww fantastic �� if you get pictures taken with the buoy would you also be able to included other family members or just the person receiving it? Do you also have some tips on making the most at sea world ? Sorry for all the questions I just thought if I get enough tips together, it will make our holiday even more special.

The dolphin swim photographers were GREAT at making sure we got all the different photo combinations that we wanted. I am very sure that they will get multiple different pics of your dolphin buoy....from the delivery by the dolphin, to family pics with the buoy included. And if they don't offer, don't be shy in asking .

As far as SW tips go, I will definitely respond later on with my list of tips for that park . In the meantime, you may get more responses by posting questions for that park in a new thread, as many folks have not been to DC so may overlook your SW questions in a DC titled thread . We have lots of great posters on this forum that will have loads of ideas/tips/suggestions/recommendations for your SW visit!

 

[Iloveholidays]

Thank you for all your time and help

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Thank you for all your time and help

You are most welcome!

Be sure to pop over to our Roll Call thread:

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

Post your visit date and I will add you to our list on page 1.

 

[momandkids]

We did DC 2 years ago with dolphin swim and the (forget the name) underwater walk. Must go early as you want the dolphin swim in AM before any thunderstorms (often thunderstorms in afternoon depending when you go). First thing we did was the aviary. We were the first ones in there and the birds just loved us as they wanted the nectar. Got many awesome pictures with very exotic birds. At times my kids (ages 7 and 9) had 5-6 birds sitting on them. They just loved that. We went back to the aviary later on that day and the birds were full so they kept their distance from everyone. So glad we did that first!

Snorkeling with the stingrays was so much fun. Their stingers are removed so they will not hurt you.

The day goes by so fast. We were not in our chairs at all. Between the aviary, dolphin swim, underwater diver walk, swimming with stingrays, breakfast, lunch, snacks and other swimming excursion, we did not have much time to sit.

I was not going buy the pictures, but so glad I did as we would not have had pictures with the dolphins if we didn't.

Have a great time!

 

[foxxxy83]

We did the Elite Package too... back in 2008, I nearly died as a result from a hotel room not being clean on our first family hol (my son was only 22 mths at the time) and I've been left with neuro probs, my son's dad left while I was in hospital and we had to move house to a specially adapted one and my son developed Autism through trauma so for my 30th birthday, I took my son on a 2 wk hol to Florida last yr and we did EVERYTHING VIP style... I got them to put a message on the buoy saying "I'm so proud of you Dylan" (hence I felt the need to share the background on what happened previously) so it looked like the dolphin was proud of him... I have NEVER had a problem with him. He never complains so I wanted just how special he really is. The photographers were great and got pics of him on his own with the dolphin but also some FAB pics of the two of us with the dolphin and the buoy so you can see the message on it. That buoy now has pride of place on his shelf in his bedroom and he's NEVER forgotten that day! I won't go into details about the rest of the package as other people have mentioned loads about it but it was only Oct when we went so if you do have any questions you feel I may be able to help with, please feel free to PM me. If you want a "once in a lifetime" trip to DC, I'd say "go for it!" I realise it is expensive and there are other great ways to spend that extra money in Florida but it truly is worth every penny. Hope you have a FAB time!

 

[DarkLady]

We did the Elite Package too... back in 2008, I nearly died as a result from a hotel room not being clean on our first family hol (my son was only 22 mths at the time) and I've been left with neuro probs, my son's dad left while I was in hospital and we had to move house to a specially adapted one and my son developed Autism through trauma so for my 30th birthday, I took my son on a 2 wk hol to Florida last yr and we did EVERYTHING VIP style... I got them to put a message on the buoy saying "I'm so proud of you Dylan" (hence I felt the need to share the background on what happened previously) so it looked like the dolphin was proud of him... I have NEVER had a problem with him. He never complains so I wanted just how special he really is. The photographers were great and got pics of him on his own with the dolphin but also some FAB pics of the two of us with the dolphin and the buoy so you can see the message on it. That buoy now has pride of place on his shelf in his bedroom and he's NEVER forgotten that day! I won't go into details about the rest of the package as other people have mentioned loads about it but it was only Oct when we went so if you do have any questions you feel I may be able to help with, please feel free to PM me. If you want a "once in a lifetime" trip to DC, I'd say "go for it!" I realise it is expensive and there are other great ways to spend that extra money in Florida but it truly is worth every penny. Hope you have a FAB time!

What happened to you is terrible! I'm so sorry you had to go through that! That's scary What is an adapted house? Is that like for wheelchair access or something? Forgive my ignorance. Glad that you made it for the sake of your son I take it he likes animals then?

DH looked at the Elite Package but said it was very expensive. Although I can see it being worth it for something special. Admittedly I never even looked into it at the time but he mentioned it again over dinner last night so I thought I should probably educate myself if I want a say in the matter

How do you arrange for them to have something printed on the bouy?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

How do you arrange for them to have something printed on the bouy?

When you call to book the Elite package, they will ask you what you would like printed on the buoy. The text is written on with a waterproof marker. You can have them write almost anything (as long as its not too long)...so the options are endless.

 

[VacaPlanner0425]

Quick question on the Cabana (I am sold on getting one), but can you eat your main meals there? Or do you stay in the main area to eat? I was thinking I found a post about being able to eat at the Cabana (not just the snacks they stock).

Can't wait for our day in August!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Quick question on the Cabana (I am sold on getting one), but can you eat your main meals there? Or do you stay in the main area to eat? I was thinking I found a post about being able to eat at the Cabana (not just the snacks they stock).

Can't wait for our day in August!

You can take whatever food you like (from the restaurants or snack stands) and eat in the cabana . Your cabana attendant will also stock a basket for you with your favourite packaged snacks, and it stays right in your cabana with you. He or she will keep it replenished throughout the day, along with whatever beverages you enjoy (including alcohol).

 

[VacaPlanner0425]

Elite Package booked! I am now counting down to August!

One thing they mentioned is that it sounds like we get the early dolphin swim, which is nice since that is what everyone seems to say is best (especially in August since the afternoon could be rainy!).

 

[jack presley]

I booked my day at Discovery Cove with an agent over here in Ireland so I haven't seen the tickets yet. is it just one per group or does everyone get an individual one. I presume there's a date on them (unlike standard Universal Flex tickets etc.). Just wondering what to expect.

 

[disneyjenna]

Arrive as early as you can. Dolphin times are assigned based on the order you check in. It's best to get the first time slot, that way you can enjoy the dolphin swim and then you are free to do whatever you want whenever you want the rest of the day. You won't a set schedule for anything else. Also, from my experience the dolphins are more playful first thing in the morning since it's their first interaction of the day. The dolphin we had kept swimming away to play with one of the other dolphins so our 30 min dolphin swim lasted almost an hour. They guarantee that you get to experience everything with the dolphins that included no matter how long it takes the dolphins to cooperate. Have a great time, it's such an amazing place!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I booked my day at Discovery Cove with an agent over here in Ireland so I haven't seen the tickets yet. is it just one per group or does everyone get an individual one. I presume there's a date on them (unlike standard Universal Flex tickets etc.). Just wondering what to expect.

I don't know how purchases from ticket resellers work, but when I made our reservation directly with DC, here is what happened:

I received an email "Order Confirmation" that included a link to our eTickets.

When I click on the eTicket link, the first page is our "Discovery Cove Reservation". It lists our admission type (in our case, Day Resort with Dolphin Swim) our reservation date, the number of people under our reservation, our method of payment, and our confirmation number. This is all we need for our DC day.

The pages that follow are our eTickets for SW & Aquatica. Each of those have a specific individual's name on them (one for each person under our DC reservation). Our DC reservation date is listed on the top of each SW/AQ voucher, but the "legal terms" indicate that this ticket will expire 14 days from the date of first use. These tickets have a scannable bar code, and the tickets must be brought to the gate at SW or Aquatica if used before our DC day (if you visit DC first, then you can use your DC ID card to get in to the other parks).