Discovery Cove Worth It?

[SherylWrites]

We are off to Florida in Feb/March and our budget is VERY limited - we're extremely fortunate to be staying for free in a condo, but with the cost of flights by then it will take a big chunk out of our budget.
I am torn between taking our two kids to either Universal Studios or Seaworld. They are 10 & 12 and both enjoy rides AND nature.
Now if we do Seaworld, I am thinking of doing the Discovery Cove day (without the dolphins) as it also adds a seven day park pass for Seaworld or Busch Gardens. Is it worth it? I know they offer breakfast, lunch, beverages and snacks and that I'd have to reserve pretty soon for our day.
Is there enough at Discovery Cove to keep my children entertained and educated for the day?
Or is Universal Studios something that should not be missed? I would buy the pass that's good for a week so we could go more than once. It does have some pretty cool features and rides, etc.
I'm so TORN!!!
Which is better? Or is there something else just as good? (Not Disney as we're going there in September).
Thanks!

 

[spiceycat]

discovery cove is great - my problem allergic to the sun - and there sun screen DID NOT WORK for me.

well if you want SW - then going to DC would do both for you for 7 days.

that say love SW but it has only a couple of rides that teen like - Atlantis, Kraken.

here is their website
http://www.seaworld.com/orlando/parkinformation/default.aspx
sw map
http://www.seaworld.com/orlando/parkmaps.html

here is dc map
http://discoverycove.com/visit.aspx

discovery cove
https://www.discoverycove.com/explore.aspx

here is universal/ioa
http://www.universalorlando.com/

if your kids are boys - would go for us/ioa.

girls either one.

 

[HopperFan]

Check on the Discovery Cove Board for more feedback.

I have taken DS the last two years and we have not done the Dolphin part. We loved it, great day as he loves the snorkeling. So nice to have everything included. We have gone on discounted tickets via AAA so hard for me to compare if paying full price.

First year we did not utilize the extra park portion, last year we did SW and I was very disappointed in it.

We have done the US/IOA for the last few years and we always have a good time there. They would have fun at either park, but my kids are older...so it will depend on interest and adventure level.

 

[spincandy]

I have been lucky enough to do Discovery Cove every time I've been. It's spoiled me because now I HAVE to go. Yes, it's not cheap- I often ask for it as an Xmas present off my parents or my partner or use my work bonus for it. But it is good value for money imo.

The dolphin swim is magical and there is tons of other stuff to do: snorkelling, bird watching and feeding, a lazy river, beach and just watching other dolphin interactions. The food is mainly healthy, tasty and of good quality.

Because Universal has lots of parallels to Disney, I would pick DC and SW everytime, just for something different.

xx

 

[Trish.Glenn]

It is SOOOOOOOOO worth it!! I took my family a few years ago and we are going again next month! My daughter was 13 and loved it, we did not do the dolphin swim and still had a great time!!

I am buying non dolphin swims with the upgraded tickets, for $50.00. This gives us 14 days at Sea World Busch Gardens and Aquatica! A great deal I think with all that you get at Discovery Cove!

My family loves Sea World and with the free bus to Busch Gardens how can we go wrong!

Hope this helps!

 

[Cindy B]

I've had the wonderful luck to go twice! It's a beautiful magical place that is so different than anything else in Orlando.

Think about the free SW part as well. Here's a hint you wouldn't know: buy a SW parking pass at Discovery Cove while you are there. You would spend $15 on parking pass for the entire week instead of $10-12 per DAY.

Yes, I think SW parking should be included but we can't have everything.