Discovery Cove

[curlyjbs]

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.

OK first off: It's not FREE (parking, picture, snacks locker etc). You are paying $279/person for that stuff.

Second: The free week in SW/BG? Doesn't do anything for me. I consider those 1 day parks, besides my dad is a retired AB employee so we get comp tickets. (not DC though )

Third: Adult beverages???? Doesn't do anything for me either. I don't mix the alcohol and the rollercoasters LOL. I'll save the drinkin for sitting by the pool!

Fourth: Cruise excursions are always way overpriced. We did the Royal Dolphin swim in Cozumel for under $150/person - RCCL wanted $250

So again, for MY family of 5 I just can't justify paying over $1500 for ONE DAY. I am sure some think it's soooo worth it. I don't. JMHO. No disrespect meant to anyone.

For those of you going: Have a wonderful time! Enjoy!

~Connie

 

[Cindy B]

OK first off: It's not FREE (parking, picture, snacks locker etc). You are paying $279/person for that stuff.



~Connie

As compared to the other excursions (cruise prices) the parking, locker, food, etc... was not included so it went into my FREE column. I was even looking at the non cruise pricing-- an independent excursion both at Grand Cayaman and Mexico. Those independents seemed to nickel and dime me with an extra cost for this and that, etc.

I'm sorry you feel that SeaWorld is a one day park--I can spend a week there easily. You can't get a retiree benefit for DC? I find that suprising.

 

[snowbunny]

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

Well...I guess that would be more convenient, but what's the parking charge at SW?

 

[Cindy B]

Well...I guess that would be more convenient, but what's the parking charge at SW?

I don't really know.

I know the attendants leave after a certain amount of time. The parking attendants used to leave after 6 pm--but that may have changed.

 

[hinodis]

Thanks everyone for your input. I think it will be worth the money. I have even decided to fly my DS down from college fro the weekend to go with us. I can't imagine going there without him. So, add his flight to my bill. You forgot when figuring out the expense to SUBTRACT the cost of going to a Disney park that day. If I wasn't at DC I would be spending that money at disney. With the cost of admission and food DC is looking pretty good to me I can't wait to go...it was on the travel channel last night. Did anyone know they have 25 people that clean the coral reefs every niight so algea dosn't grow and make it slippery?? Theres where some of that money goes.

 

[4Seasons]

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 can't swim either but you get a floatation vest if you need it (I definately did, LOL). I could just float around that lazy river all day!!!

 

[jdm]

There are no roller coasters at Discovery Cove, so I wasn't getting the mixing of adult beverages with roller coasters. I drank my adult beverages lollygagging under a swaying palm watching the dolphins at my glorious day at DC. Are the drinks really included now?

We've gone twice. I thought I would choke the first time I saw how much it was, and I completely tossed out the idea. Then I started researching and coming around. I completely agree with everything Cindy B said. At any other park, you have to figure in the costs of food, pics, parking etc. It really adds up. The Seaworld perk is great and I too, could easily spend 2 or 3 leisurely days there. Love it. This year we may try Busch Gardens.

The first time we went to DC was in 2001. We took our kids and to save money they swam with the dolphins and we did not. They enjoyed it but surprisingly enough, they requested that if we ever went again- they would love more time with the rays and they LOVED that bird avairy. So, the second time about 3 years ago we went as a family and no one did the dolphin swim. I absolutely love this park and find it worth every cent. It's especially good if you are doing Disney or Universal--- as it is a complete relaxation day from the concrete jungles. Paradise.

We are going this Fall with DGD- her first time. Has anyone been in October? We've always gone in Feb and have gotten lucky to have warm temps. I noticed that the price has gone up quite a bit in the last 4 years, but if foos foos and snacks are included now, then that's part of it I'm sure.

Jenn