Discovery Cove thoughts

[scubamouse]

We had an amazing time there when we went two weeks ago but I thought I'd pass on a few observations of things I wish I had known

We had ADRs at California Grill otherwise we would have closed the park. There is so much more to do than just the dolphin experience.

Along those lines, I would say that if you don't think you will spend hours on end snorkeling and wading with the rays, I think you might feel like it was way too expensive. I kept thinking my parents wouldn't get everything out of it.

The vests that they give you can really really chafe under your arms. We all had that issue and switched to wetsuits. They chafe less if you have a snug fit but I was sore from the vest for a few days afterwards as were our kids. I'd recommend starting with a wetsuit.

While we didn't have to wait for things, it wasn't as empty as I expected. I think I was thinking I'd have the place to myself and that wasn't the case. I think that's just an expectations thing. This was really evident at the lazy river which seemed almost crowded.

You don't actually snorkel with sharks. They are in a separate tank and there is a glass viewing area. This was a disappointment for my kids and just wanted to pass along a heads up. The snorkeling was incredible and by my username you can probably guess I have high expectations There were 5 or 6 HUGE spotted eagle rays and I was closer to them than I ever have been in the ocean. My kids will be spoiled.

The only place we ever ran into lines was trying to get drinks or snacks. They were never long but again I was thinking there'd be none.

If you want to feed the birds in the aviary, it's probably best to do that in the morning. We went around noon and they weren't that hungry.

Ask about feeding the rays. We got to do this and I loved it! They are big and one 'bit' my daughter a bit because she held onto the food too tightly. Pay close attention to the instructions and you'll do fine and have them slurping out of your hands!

I'd say we spent 7.5 hours there - 1 hour combined eating breakfast and lunch 1 hour with the dolphin interaction and paperwork and the 2 hours each snorkeling and wading with the rays and the rest in the aviary, lazy river, getting organized.

 

[kathy884]

Another tip -- If you are planning on doing Discovery Cove, I highly recommend booking it for an early day in your vacation. That way, in case you have a rainy / yucky day, you can go later in the week when the weather is better.

We made the mistake of booking Discovery Cove on the last day of our spring break one time, and wouldn't you know for the first five days of our vacation our weather was wonderful, but our Discovery Cove day was cold, rainy, miserable. When we arrived, they rebooked anyone they could for a later day, but we were stuck (unable to rebook because of flying home the next day). Believe me, it's really not the place to be in bad weather.

 

[wbarkhur]

We had an amazing time there when we went two weeks ago but I thought I'd pass on a few observations of things I wish I had known

We had ADRs at California Grill otherwise we would have closed the park. There is so much more to do than just the dolphin experience.

Just wondered what time your ADR was. We have a 7:00 CM ressie the day we do Discovery Cove. Just trying to figure out how to work it all. Thanks

 

[greenclan67]

Another tip -- If you are planning on doing Discovery Cove, I highly recommend booking it for an early day in your vacation. That way, in case you have a rainy / yucky day, you can go later in the week when the weather is better.

We made the mistake of booking Discovery Cove on the last day of our spring break one time, and wouldn't you know for the first five days of our vacation our weather was wonderful, but our Discovery Cove day was cold, rainy, miserable. When we arrived, they rebooked anyone they could for a later day, but we were stuck (unable to rebook because of flying home the next day). Believe me, it's really not the place to be in bad weather.

I totally agree with that! We had the same problem last March! We had booked it towards the end of our trip, because we had been there the year before, and we wanted this relaxing day before we came home! Anyhow, it was raining, cold and not just raining, pouring! So they would have rescheduled us, but we only had one day that we could use it before we went home and it was the next day, and again, raining, cold and miserable! Who wants to spend a $$$$$$$$ day freezing! So.........guess where we are going this year! Discovery Cove, well Florida! We have been to Fl, 4 years in a row, and were going to do something different this year, but they held our ressie for a year, so we are going back in March to use it and staying 11 days!! Got another trip to Fl out of it!

 

[scubamouse]

Another tip -- If you are planning on doing Discovery Cove, I highly recommend booking it for an early day in your vacation. That way, in case you have a rainy / yucky day, you can go later in the week when the weather is better.

We made the mistake of booking Discovery Cove on the last day of our spring break one time, and wouldn't you know for the first five days of our vacation our weather was wonderful, but our Discovery Cove day was cold, rainy, miserable. When we arrived, they rebooked anyone they could for a later day, but we were stuck (unable to rebook because of flying home the next day). Believe me, it's really not the place to be in bad weather.

I had read this on here before I left and we did it 3 days into a 10 day trip for this very reason. Very good advice

Just wondered what time your ADR was. We have a 7:00 CM ressie the day we do Discovery Cove. Just trying to figure out how to work it all. Thanks

5:45 at CG so we were worried about how busy it gets. We got to Contemporary at 5:55. We left DC around 4:15-4:30 and we were banshees getting cleaned up for dinner. If the ressie hadn't been for CG we might have cancelled.

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

If you are going, take a look at my trip report in my siggy. We were there last Sunday, Sept. 12th.

 

[bfamily5]

with the all day dining at DC, would you recommend NOT booking a TS on that day? TIA! p.s going to google the canon underwater camera!

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

my DH and daughters still wanted to eat dinner that night so i'd say you still need to go somewhere for dinner.

isn't the canon waterproof camera amazing?

with the all day dining at DC, would you recommend NOT booking a TS on that day? TIA! p.s going to google the canon underwater camera!

 

[SmallWorld71]

The vests that they give you can really really chafe under your arms. We all had that issue and switched to wetsuits. They chafe less if you have a snug fit but I was sore from the vest for a few days afterwards as were our kids. I'd recommend starting with a wetsuit.

If you want to feed the birds in the aviary, it's probably best to do that in the morning. We went around noon and they weren't that hungry.

Glad you had a good time. We went last month for the first time and were there from 8 to 5:30. We LOVED it!

As far as the vests chafing, I strongly recommend wearing a swimshirt/ rashguard shirt which will take care of the problem. My whole family, except me, had a swimshirt and they didn't have any problems at all. I, on the other hand, had a nasty rash on the underside of my left arm. The shirts are easier than changing into the wetsuits in that summer heat.

We went to the aviary around 3 and they seemed to be eating again.

Lastly, if any of you men out there have facial hair, shave before you go! DH didn't and couldn't get a seal on his mask. He ended up wearing a life jacket while snorkeling so that he could have his hands free to keep emptying his mask.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Another tip -- If you are planning on doing Discovery Cove, I highly recommend booking it for an early day in your vacation. That way, in case you have a rainy / yucky day, you can go later in the week when the weather is better.

We made the mistake of booking Discovery Cove on the last day of our spring break one time, and wouldn't you know for the first five days of our vacation our weather was wonderful, but our Discovery Cove day was cold, rainy, miserable. When we arrived, they rebooked anyone they could for a later day, but we were stuck (unable to rebook because of flying home the next day). Believe me, it's really not the place to be in bad weather.

Absolutely! I booked early in our trip, but it was only because I got a cheaper rate. When we ended up with some stormy days later in the trip, I realized how lucky we were.

Also, if you are going in the hot weather, I recommend you get there early so that you get an early dolphin swim time to hopefully avoid the almost daily afternoon thunderstorms.

 

[scubamouse]

As far as the vests chafing, I strongly recommend wearing a swimshirt/ rashguard shirt which will take care of the problem. My whole family, except me, had a swimshirt and they didn't have any problems at all. I, on the other hand, had a nasty rash on the underside of my left arm. The shirts are easier than changing into the wetsuits in that summer heat.

True. I have a rashguard but figured the vest would cover my shoulders and it did so I took it off. Damage was done by the time I put my rashguard back on Same with DD

Lastly, if any of you men out there have facial hair, shave before you go! DH didn't and couldn't get a seal on his mask. He ended up wearing a life jacket while snorkeling so that he could have his hands free to keep emptying his mask.

Very true, another good tip!

 

[mmmears]

If you want to feed the birds, go to the aviary first thing in the morning. I have photos of my DD and my DH literally covered in birds (on their shoulders, arms, heads... ). We went later in the day and it was NOT the same experience at all.