epicureangirl
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2003
- Messages
- 340
Discovery Cove Trip Report June 9th
Although there is a shuttle from HRH to Sea World/Discovery Cove, we drove so we could get there early. I dont want to give you a play by play of the day but had some things I thought were worth mentioning.
I heard a tip that I should come a ½ hour before opening time and did. There was already a long line up by this time so I could have even come earlier. The earliest dolphin swim available by the time we checked in was 11:50 and it was absolutely pouring rain by then so it was delayed a bit. Apparently if you contact DC a couple of days in advance, you can request a specific dolphin swim time. I would say the earlier the better I found the weather to be much better and more predictable in the early morning hours.
The stingray lagoon was much better than I expected. I enjoyed it even more than the snorkeling area. My 6 year old DD liked this more too she got a kick out of the stingrays and I think she liked that it was more shallow and had a very fun time in this area.
The lazy river was tranquil and beautiful in the morning, but during the afternoon it was VERY crowded. I disagree with reviews that say there are no crowds it had more of a resort feel than a tranquil paradise.
The bird sanctuaries were wonderful. I was surprised that I enjoyed these areas so much. The birds were spectacular looking and you could have several perched on you at a time. My daughter had a chance to pet a small deer, although it seemed very shy except at feeding time.
The meal was served cafeteria style but was delicious and the portions were good. My DD and I had the fajitas and my DH had a roast beef sandwich. The selection of desserts were good and we were pleased with the quality (and quantity). I was stumped to find coffee, but if you ask the cashier he will get a cup for you perfect with the Oreo cheesecake!
During lunch a musician was singing and told some lame jokes which I could have done without. I rather enjoyed the peace and beauty of this place and found the singer to add a very resort-loungy feel to the place. Oh well. The staff really kept on top of cleaning the tables and were very friendly and efficient.
We didnt find it to be a hard sell on the dolphin photos, so had no complaints there. We only bought one photo of our daughter but was surprised that we recd a complimentary family photo that they took when we entered the park. That photo is wonderful, even better than many of our dolphin photos. A classy touch.
Was it worth the money? My husband thinks it was worth about $100/pp. I am really glad we did it and had a wonderful day with great memories. My daughter had a great time making sandcastles and we have some wonderful photos and video clips from our day there. No regrets at all. But now Ive done it I dont feel I need to do it again. Im completely satisfied. Its a beautiful place but I think my next search for paradise will be somewhere in the Caribbean.
Although there is a shuttle from HRH to Sea World/Discovery Cove, we drove so we could get there early. I dont want to give you a play by play of the day but had some things I thought were worth mentioning.
I heard a tip that I should come a ½ hour before opening time and did. There was already a long line up by this time so I could have even come earlier. The earliest dolphin swim available by the time we checked in was 11:50 and it was absolutely pouring rain by then so it was delayed a bit. Apparently if you contact DC a couple of days in advance, you can request a specific dolphin swim time. I would say the earlier the better I found the weather to be much better and more predictable in the early morning hours.
The stingray lagoon was much better than I expected. I enjoyed it even more than the snorkeling area. My 6 year old DD liked this more too she got a kick out of the stingrays and I think she liked that it was more shallow and had a very fun time in this area.
The lazy river was tranquil and beautiful in the morning, but during the afternoon it was VERY crowded. I disagree with reviews that say there are no crowds it had more of a resort feel than a tranquil paradise.
The bird sanctuaries were wonderful. I was surprised that I enjoyed these areas so much. The birds were spectacular looking and you could have several perched on you at a time. My daughter had a chance to pet a small deer, although it seemed very shy except at feeding time.
The meal was served cafeteria style but was delicious and the portions were good. My DD and I had the fajitas and my DH had a roast beef sandwich. The selection of desserts were good and we were pleased with the quality (and quantity). I was stumped to find coffee, but if you ask the cashier he will get a cup for you perfect with the Oreo cheesecake!
During lunch a musician was singing and told some lame jokes which I could have done without. I rather enjoyed the peace and beauty of this place and found the singer to add a very resort-loungy feel to the place. Oh well. The staff really kept on top of cleaning the tables and were very friendly and efficient.
We didnt find it to be a hard sell on the dolphin photos, so had no complaints there. We only bought one photo of our daughter but was surprised that we recd a complimentary family photo that they took when we entered the park. That photo is wonderful, even better than many of our dolphin photos. A classy touch.
Was it worth the money? My husband thinks it was worth about $100/pp. I am really glad we did it and had a wonderful day with great memories. My daughter had a great time making sandcastles and we have some wonderful photos and video clips from our day there. No regrets at all. But now Ive done it I dont feel I need to do it again. Im completely satisfied. Its a beautiful place but I think my next search for paradise will be somewhere in the Caribbean.
