Discovery Cove

[hinodis]

We are thinking of going to Discovery cove during our Disney trip. Is it worth all that money? Is it worth giving up a day at a disney park?

 

[Baghdad Bob]

It's alot of $$$, we are taking our 4 kids in June. The way I look at it, it's a chance of a life time

 

[Charleyann]

Hands down, it is truly worth giving up a day at Disney! It is worth every penny. We went Nov 2/ 06. The place is pure paradise. The money is unlimited as are the drinks. Food is delicious. The coral reef is beautiful and so peaceful. There is a cave underwater and if you look in the window, you'll see sharks! They can't get out nor you in, but they swim by the window!

The waterfalls, the caves you swim through and the lazy river is so relaxing and landscaping tropical and breath taking! The water is so warm. We swam all day except when we ate and walk over for our dolphin swim.

Charleyann

 

[chalee94]

in case you didn't see the section on discovery cove, click here...

 

[buzz2400]

We went a few years back and we tied it in with Seaworld (because you had free admission to Seaworld). My son still talks about how he swam with the dolphin. It is something that you will never forget. It is a little costly but if you never swam with a dolphin and want to, I would do it. It is a very controlled environment. The only thing I did not like is that you only had about 30 minutes with the dolphin and you had to share it with a group of about 8 people.

 

[shoegirl1020]

If you look at mousesavers.com under "other attractions" (I think) there is a listing of discounts available. I'm pretty sure that if you join southwest's reward program for free you get 20% off up to 4 tickets. Plus, when you buy a discovery cove admission you get free admission to sea world

 

[FLParadisevilla]

Most definately the best money spent!!! I say go for it you wont be disappointed!

 

[wdwluver]

We love, love, loved it. It is especially nice that it is guaranteed to never be crowded. I say it was the best money every spent. Very different from any Disney park. If you can afford it, you should definitely do it. I have to keep telling my kids that it was a once in a lifetime experience, so quit asking for more.

 

[Cindy B]

I loved it so much I am going back.

DH and I went back in 2001. We are going back with the kids in August.

It was worth every penny and then some.

 

[mikeesuee]

it was AWESOME!!! we LOVED it,like the nike ads "just do it"

 

[Twinsmomma]

My family and I are planning our next vacation. We are thinking of going to Discovery Cove but one problem....I cannot swim! Will I enjoy any of the park? I mean how can you enjoy the snorkel and such without being able to swim? I don't want to miss out and I am totally fine with a life jacket, LOL. Any suggestions...besides learn how to swim?

 

[Cindy B]

My family and I are planning our next vacation. We are thinking of going to Discovery Cove but one problem....I cannot swim! Will I enjoy any of the park? I mean how can you enjoy the snorkel and such without being able to swim? I don't want to miss out and I am totally fine with a life jacket, LOL. Any suggestions...besides learn how to swim?

I'm not a great swimmer. You are required to wear a buoyant vest the entire time you are in the water. Even if you aren't a great swimmer you can still participate.

 

[Twinsmomma]

Oh really? WOW! That is awesome. Makes me feel better. My sons (will be 6) want to go SO bad.

I also have daughter that will be 2. Are there vests that will fit her there so that she can enjoy with us?

 

[dthogue]

We have not been yet, but are going in December. You might want to check out the Seaworld/Discovery Cove board for lots of valuable information regarding both parks.

Tammy

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

We went about 2 years ago ad are headed back in November. It is a fabulous wy toi spend the day. Well worth the $

 

[curlyjbs]

Holy Cow its ALOT of money!!! $279/person I can't justify spending that much ($1500.00) on one day, even if it includes food/drink. That's enough for a whole other vacation LOL!!!

Sigh. Oh well. DC just isn't for us. Plenty of other things to enjoy!!!

~Connie

 

[aaronandterri]

is a great day out, they have vests or suits even for little ones, i had my 18m onth old and he was fine, he sat in our lap round the river, kids loved it, dd wasntold enough to swim with dolphins so were going back in may ! and taking my parents, now my dad loves birds and will just go nuts over the aivery, its the thing im most looking forward to on our trip.

i know its $$$ but thats a memory maker X

 

[Cindy B]

Holy Cow its ALOT of money!!! $279/person I can't justify spending that much ($1500.00) on one day, even if it includes food/drink. That's enough for a whole other vacation LOL!!!

Sigh. Oh well. DC just isn't for us. Plenty of other things to enjoy!!!

~Connie

It is so worth it.

Ok, first off free parking (saves you $10 right there) divide that by 4= $2.50
Free picture as you walk in =$20 (was $20 five years ago, )/4 =$5.00
Free lunch (nice lunch)worth about $10 per person= $10.00
Free snacks (new perk) aobut $5 per person $ 5.00
Free locker $10.00

Free Admission for a week at either SW or Busch Gardens
using approx. $50 per day/gate fee-may be higher
You can even price out an annual pass of sorts for a cheaper
estimate full gate price $ 350.00
or season pass approx rate $200.00

I have heard that adult beverages are included now--they weren't at the time I went 5 years ago. If adult bevs are included-factor that cost in as well.


Now I went on a cruise recently and there was a dolphin swim option. The swim option pricing was over $250 (in Mexico) and it did not include full lunch, snacks and even the other things at discovery cove such as the beach, bird aviary and such. For an extray 20-30 it is so much better for Discovery Cove and get the free Sea World. Of course the Sea World /Busch Gardens perk is what is what makes the value higher


I am frugal by nature--extremely. To be blunt honest, my one day at Discovery Cove this August will be more than than my mortgage--but it is worth it because of the Sea World admission. We will be going at least four times-- so the gate price/annual pass price will offset the Discovery Cove price.

 

[snowbunny]

Ok, first off free parking (saves you $10 right there) divide that by 4= $2.50

We're going July 9

If you put down the deposit online, you can select an option where they'll bill the balance a few months later. That spreads out the pain some. Also there is an evening event at DC that is less expensive than the day option.

Question about the parking -- we're going next door to Sea World to "dine with Shamu" after our day at DC...can I leave the car there and take shuttle to SW and back? Where do you get the shuttle, or is it walkable?

 

[Cindy B]

We're going July 9

If you put down the deposit online, you can select an option where they'll bill the balance a few months later. That spreads out the pain some. Also there is an evening event at DC that is less expensive than the day option.

Question about the parking -- we're going next door to Sea World to "dine with Shamu" after our day at DC...can I leave the car there and take shuttle to SW and back? Where do you get the shuttle, or is it walkable?

My last visit was 5 years ago, so I'm not really sure about a shuttle. I remember seeing a small little van type thing near the main building. I don't know the stops or drop off points though.

It is a fairly sizable lot at DC, and then cross the street, and walk through Sea Worlds lot.

Why wouldn't you take your car to Sea world since that is where you will end your day?