Got DC Brochure today--OMG, the $$??!

[miatamel]

Hello! I'm a Disney cruise line DISser but that wonderful boat has about priced me out. After a cruise each the past two years, I'm thinking it will be a while, if ever, that we get to return. So I started looking at other options--preferrably Disney and came across Discovery Cove. Ordered a brochure and it came in today. Looked great, until I read the price! Oh my lord! $259/each for ONE DAY? That's a $1,000+ day! How in the world do families do this without it blowing the whole vacation budget?
Seriously--is it worth saving up for a year to spend in one day? (At that rate, I could be on the boat!) Is there an "off season?" Are discounts available? I would just love to hear what anyone has to say about the whole Discovery Cove thing since I'm a newbie here, defecting from the cruisel line...
thanks

 

[dreamscometrue47]

My family of 4 went to DC around 5 years ago. My husband was a bit "disneyed out" and would only go to WDW if he could swim with the dolphins one day at DC. Back then it was $199/person. My husband, daughter and son thought it was worth every single penny, and not just to swim with the dolphins, which was fantastic. They loved the snorkeling pools and the birds in the aviary were a great hit. As for me, it was worth the money to do this once in a lifetime, even though I am a big chicken when it comes to snorkeling and hanging onto that dolphin!

If swimming with a dolphin is on your list of things to do, DC is the best place to do it, in my opinion. Very, very relaxing.....

 

[dreamscometrue47]

Can't believe I forgot to say that you also get admission to Sea World for 7 days...So if you are planning on going to Sea World, figure in that ticket price into the price of your DC tickets. We ended up going to Sea World 2 different days.....

 

[SharonLowe]

You can do the non-dolphin swim option for a lot less - believe me, either option is worth every penny. Yes, you do get 7 day admission to Sea World plus it is all-inclusive so your meals, snacks, and beverages are included (food is quite good too). They limit the number of people too so it never feels crowded. Just an incredible, relaxing day - so un-Disney your DH may never go back to Disney again.

Don't forget the early booking bonus - save 10 percent.

 

[ScarletFire]

How in the world do families do this without it blowing the whole vacation budget?

There are people in this country that have so much money that they don't even have to worry about prices.