Discovery Cove/Seaworld

[WinniethePooh84]

What does everyone think of these? Is Discovery Cove worth the money, and do you spend all day there?

Also wondering what everyone thinks of Sea World and how long you spend there? Let me know. Thanks for the help.

 

[Lorix2]

Hi,

I have not visited Discovery Cove, but have been to SeaWorld.

My kids just loved it. I loved the shows and watching my kids trying to get the dolphins to eat out of their hand at the feeding pool. (I think it's $4.00 a cup for 4 small fish). It's a great park. My youngest 4.5 at the time in April loved Journey To Atlantis, a water ride with a big drop. He rode 3x with my DH. My oldest screamed her head off crying...go figure..

If you post this on the SeaWorld/Discovery Cove board, I'll bet you'll get great information over there, much more than I could give you. I would not miss it if you've never been.

Edited to add since I forgot...we only spent 1 day there and I think that's plenty. They do run a special that's buy one day, get the 2nd day free (has to be used within 7 days of 1st visit)

HTH,
Lori

 

[mommyto2girls]

I did Discvery Cove with my 2 teenage daughters in June 2001.
It was by far the best money I ever spent By all means do it. You spend the whole day there. You will feel as if you are in another world. It was the most relaxing day we have ever spent. of all our trips, cruises, and travels by far it is still our favorite.

 

[buzz2400]

I went two years ago with my son. It is worth the money if you tie in Seaworld since you get 7 days paid admission to seaworld. We spend 2 1/2 days at seaworld and one day at discovery cove. You also get a free lunch at discovery cove. When you add it up, $200 a person really is not that much. We loved it so much we are planning another trip there for 2003. And seaworld is also worth it. It really takes 2 days to see everything at seaworld.

 

[corvair]

buzz. how far in advance do I need to book. My 12DD wants to do this really bad. I am not sure. I have not read any bad reveiws about the place.. How do I book for this? thanks..amy

 

[3kidsdisney]

We were at sea world last week with our 4 yr old and twins 2 yrs old. I thought it was alot of money $50 for adult tickets but worth it because my kids really loved it. We did not have to pay for the 2 yr old. We spent most of one day there and it was great. For the adults, there is a place to get free beer which my husband and father enjoyed the most. The kids and I loves the rest. The kids loved feeding the seals and dolphins. I think it was worth the trip. Enjoy!!!

 

[Pixie_Dust]

I just wrote a review of Discovery Cove, hope it helps. In reading your question I notice my review didn't answer the last one, which was yes, we spent the whole day there Here's the link:

http://www.epinions.com/content_79417740932

I'll try and put one up for Sea World soon too.

Cheers

 

[Cyndiu]

We visited Discovery Cove in July 2001. Although expensive, it was one of the best days we've had on vacation. The kids, DS was 10 and DD was 12, absolutely loved the snorkeling, and swimming with the tropical fish and rays. The park is completely gorgeous and once inside you'll forget you're not at a real beach! The aviary is amazing too! We arrived at the park at the opening and stayed until just before closing and were never bored. (I even got to lay on a beach chair in the sand, overlooking the snorkel pool, and get a couple hours of sun while DH, DD and DS swam without me. Wahoo!)

Lunch was included in the cost of admission. While we fully expected basic fast food type fare, DH and I were pleasantly surprised with "grown-up" food! There were several choices of hot or cold lunches as well as dessert and beverages, not just soda either! The food was truly delicious and I would have expected to pay $40 to $50 dollars just for the bountiful lunch we had in the park.

Obviously, the reason you go is for the dolphin swim. I must tell you that it was one of the best times I've ever had and the family agrees. Sharing the experience with my DH, DS and DD was remarkable and I find myself a little moved remembering it. You must spring for the pictures of each of you with the dolphin as well. It is a keepsake you'll treasure.

Bottom line? If you can possibly fit it into you budget, do it.

 

[buzz2400]

I am not sure how far in advance you need to book. I booked a few months before hand. When you booked you have to pick a time to swim with the dolphins but I found out they actually go by when you actually arrive at DC. You will also have to attend a short instruction class. Just to let you know the water is cold. Once you get over that, it is wonderful. They put you in groups of approx 10 people. As one family goes out in the deeper part, the rest of the group stay in waist deep water and the dolphin goes from the waist deep water to the deep water and interacts. So each family gets a little time to interact by themselves. It is well worth the money. After we swam with the dolphin we just floated around all day. The only thing I did not like was that you cannot take pictures of your family with the dolphin. They don't allow your water cameras in the water with the dolphin (for the dolphin's safety). You are able to purchase pictures and videos from DC but they are very, very expensive.