Discovery Cove with a 2 year old and other ?'s

[ccgirl]

HI Everyone,

I have read many Discovery Cove threads but can't seem to find all my answers. My DH and my DD8 will be doing the dolphin swim. I know I can stand on the shore and videotape and take pics. Perhaps even joining them in a picture at the end.

Will the SW employee take a picture with our camera? I don't want to spend the $$ on the picture package.

What is there for my DS2 to do there? He cannot swim. Is the lazy river over his head?

I believe I read they provide shovels/pails at the beach; is that correct?

It is my DD 8th birthday. I read about the dophins swimming up with a buoy that says happy birthday. Does anyone know how much this costs?

We are going the first week in December. If I wait to book until 10 days out (so I know the weather) do you think there will be availability left?

Thanks for all of your help.

 

[ccgirl]

Can anyone help me out here? THanks.

 

[wbarkhur]

I haven't ever been to discovery cove, but will be going for the first time this Nov. We are taking our two year old, and so I have researched a little about it.
There is a beach area that they can play on and from what I can tell (someone please correct me if I am wrong) it looks like it goes into the water like a natural beach, so they can play in the water there.
Also there is the bird area that they can go into to feed/watch the birds. They may even be able to help feed/pet the stingrays when you do.
The Lazy river does seem to be fairly deep in some of the pictures I have seen, so not sure if this would be a good option or not, the coral reef snorkling area seems deep also. They will have life jackets and wet suits that will fit a two year old though so you may be able to make it work.
As far as pictures go....I have heard conflicting information as to if they will allow the two year old to enter the water for the family picture with the dolphins. I know they will let you, but some people said they were aloud to take in the smaller kids while others were not. Think it probably depends on who is working there that day.
I think the birthday package prices are listed on their site, but if you have any other questions just give them a call, they have been super nice and very helpful when I have called them.
Have fun and let me know how it goes with a two year old so I can prepare. Thanks

 

[Jaime4004]

HI Everyone,

I have read many Discovery Cove threads but can't seem to find all my answers. My DH and my DD8 will be doing the dolphin swim. I know I can stand on the shore and videotape and take pics. Perhaps even joining them in a picture at the end.

Will the SW employee take a picture with our camera? I don't want to spend the $$ on the picture package.

What is there for my DS2 to do there? He cannot swim. Is the lazy river over his head?

I believe I read they provide shovels/pails at the beach; is that correct?

It is my DD 8th birthday. I read about the dophins swimming up with a buoy that says happy birthday. Does anyone know how much this costs?

We are going the first week in December. If I wait to book until 10 days out (so I know the weather) do you think there will be availability left?

Thanks for all of your help.

The first week in Dec is not a busy time, i doubt you would have a problem. Especially if you flexible with which day you can go (weather pending). I was there last month and had a great time (though left the kids with grandma!!). I did see sand toys in a pile near the lifevests for people to use. The lazy river would be way over your DS2, (and your) head at some places but I saw many parents floating with younger kids who had a lifevest and noodle. I've never given my camera to an employee but have a feeling that they wouldn't do it (or they would lose the money on those super-expensive photo packages...). And I 2nd the fact that your DS2 would probably love the stingrays and aviary! Have fun!

 

[ccgirl]

I haven't ever been to discovery cove, but will be going for the first time this Nov. We are taking our two year old, and so I have researched a little about it.
There is a beach area that they can play on and from what I can tell (someone please correct me if I am wrong) it looks like it goes into the water like a natural beach, so they can play in the water there.
Also there is the bird area that they can go into to feed/watch the birds. They may even be able to help feed/pet the stingrays when you do.
The Lazy river does seem to be fairly deep in some of the pictures I have seen, so not sure if this would be a good option or not, the coral reef snorkling area seems deep also. They will have life jackets and wet suits that will fit a two year old though so you may be able to make it work.
As far as pictures go....I have heard conflicting information as to if they will allow the two year old to enter the water for the family picture with the dolphins. I know they will let you, but some people said they were aloud to take in the smaller kids while others were not. Think it probably depends on who is working there that day.
I think the birthday package prices are listed on their site, but if you have any other questions just give them a call, they have been super nice and very helpful when I have called them.
Have fun and let me know how it goes with a two year old so I can prepare. Thanks

The first week in Dec is not a busy time, i doubt you would have a problem. Especially if you flexible with which day you can go (weather pending). I was there last month and had a great time (though left the kids with grandma!!). I did see sand toys in a pile near the lifevests for people to use. The lazy river would be way over your DS2, (and your) head at some places but I saw many parents floating with younger kids who had a lifevest and noodle. I've never given my camera to an employee but have a feeling that they wouldn't do it (or they would lose the money on those super-expensive photo packages...). And I 2nd the fact that your DS2 would probably love the stingrays and aviary! Have fun!

Awesome...thank you both SOOO much. I checked the website and the birthday package is $89. It includes the personalized buoy, a t-shirt, picture and picture frame so we might do it. Certainly a birthday to remember. She wants to be a whale trainer when she grows up So, I think this will be great for her. I think we are going to try to wait until the date gets closer and I can see the weather. We are pretty flexible with our days that week. I wonder if you have to book the AMEX discount in advance?

 

[thatgirl23]

The employee trainer will not take pictures with your camera. It really don't believe it has anything to do with them loosing money, it's just that there's limited number of people in the water... you have the your group of approx. 8, the photographer, the videographer, the trainer, and possibly another trainer/helper. Each person is too busy with their own tasks, they just won't have time. Depending on where your husband and daughter are in the lagoon, you could also go out on the rocks a little ways (lifeguard will tell you how far) to get closer/better pics if need be. And as you already know, they'll let you joing your family at the end for a picture. You can always view the professionally shot pictures and only purchase the ones you want OR simply have all the pictures put on cd/USB and then print them at home at your convience.

As for your son, if he can't swim the only parts I would said he could do would be the aviary. If they let you, and you're comfortable, you could take him into the sting ray pool to touch them but you'd have to hold him as that is at least 3 or 4 feet deep. As someone else said, the lazy river is way over even an adults head at some parts. Everything is deep water... the only exception is that the main pool (which is attached to the lazy river) has zero entry. Like the other person mentioned, it's like a natural beach so your son can play in the water and you can decided how far he can go in.

I don't remember specifically seeing pails and shovels being given out but I do remember kids with them. I don't know if they were brought from home or not though.

We just got back (yesterday!) from our trip and my mom had surprised me with a birthday package as well. It's an amazing exeperience and if your daughter loves dolphins (and whales) I'm sure she'd love it. The rest of the people in my group were shocked that they do something like that and the rest of the day people kept wishing me a happy birthday. It felt good. It's well worth the money. You get to keep the buoy but I didn't realize how big it actually is.

If you have any questions, let me know.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Just wanted to add that if you wait too long, the ticket prices MAY go up. When I bought our tickets (for next Fri., Aug. 20th) in July, the price was $229 (before discount). It then started to steadily climb and maxed out at $319 about a week ago before selling out completely. I realize that August is busy season whereas the time you are looking at is not. Just wanted you to be aware that the prices do fluctuate at times. (I think they also may lower them if they are not selling so keep your eye out for that as well. )

 

[ccgirl]

The employee trainer will not take pictures with your camera. It really don't believe it has anything to do with them loosing money, it's just that there's limited number of people in the water... you have the your group of approx. 8, the photographer, the videographer, the trainer, and possibly another trainer/helper. Each person is too busy with their own tasks, they just won't have time. Depending on where your husband and daughter are in the lagoon, you could also go out on the rocks a little ways (lifeguard will tell you how far) to get closer/better pics if need be. And as you already know, they'll let you joing your family at the end for a picture. You can always view the professionally shot pictures and only purchase the ones you want OR simply have all the pictures put on cd/USB and then print them at home at your convience.

As for your son, if he can't swim the only parts I would said he could do would be the aviary. If they let you, and you're comfortable, you could take him into the sting ray pool to touch them but you'd have to hold him as that is at least 3 or 4 feet deep. As someone else said, the lazy river is way over even an adults head at some parts. Everything is deep water... the only exception is that the main pool (which is attached to the lazy river) has zero entry. Like the other person mentioned, it's like a natural beach so your son can play in the water and you can decided how far he can go in.

I don't remember specifically seeing pails and shovels being given out but I do remember kids with them. I don't know if they were brought from home or not though.

We just got back (yesterday!) from our trip and my mom had surprised me with a birthday package as well. It's an amazing exeperience and if your daughter loves dolphins (and whales) I'm sure she'd love it. The rest of the people in my group were shocked that they do something like that and the rest of the day people kept wishing me a happy birthday. It felt good. It's well worth the money. You get to keep the buoy but I didn't realize how big it actually is.

If you have any questions, let me know.

Just wanted to add that if you wait too long, the ticket prices MAY go up. When I bought our tickets (for next Fri., Aug. 20th) in July, the price was $229 (before discount). It then started to steadily climb and maxed out at $319 about a week ago before selling out completely. I realize that August is busy season whereas the time you are looking at is not. Just wanted you to be aware that the prices do fluctuate at times. (I think they also may lower them if they are not selling so keep your eye out for that as well. )

Thank you both so much. Really great information and tips. I was watching Kate Plus 8 and she took the girls there this past May for their 6th birthday. Thanks again.