How far out should I buy DC tickets/cabana?

daughtryfan114

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May 14, 2012
Messages
129
How far in advance do you suggest buying tickets and reserving a cabana? I would hate to book now and in 3 months a sale occurs. We would be looking at the second week of June. Two of us want to do the trainer for a day, and the other 3 just the day package. We also want to get the elite cabana package.

Thanks!
 
I would suggest booking sooner rather than later. You can cancel a month out and still get a full refund so if discounts come out, just cancel and rebook. I've seen the prices go up as it gets closer. Plus with wanting to do the cabana package, you want to make sure you get it before they're booked up.

Just a few things to keep in mind... I've done the TFAD program a couple times before and those of you who are doing that will not get much time in the cabana. Also, you may not be in the same swim group so all of you wouldn't be present for the buoy delivery.
 
My daughter is 13 so I'm hoping to be with her all day. I guess I will go ahead and reserve everything today.

Thatgirl23, how did you like TFAD? Any tips or suggestions you may have?
 

Undercover tourist lists the resort packages without the dolphin swim for $169 on website but when I select a date and add to my cart the price goes up to over 220 per person. Does Discovery Cove do tiered pricing?
 
UC was more expensive than booking directly on DC website for my date. Its my understanding the rate depends on the date your going. UC has tax included in their price where DC does not.
 
Discovery Cove's prices generally increase as availability decreases. The more tickets for that date that are sold, the more expensive the remaining tickets get. Every once in a while DC will offer a sale for slower times of the year, but I doubt that June will be one of those times as the southern schools are out for the summer and crowd levels naturally increase.

If you can book now, you should be locking in the best possible price from here on out. And those cabanas can, and do, quite frequently sell out (especially during the hotter months) so be sure to book that ASAP, too.

A PP's suggestion was a good one. *IF* they offer a sale in the future, you can always cancel your existing reservation and rebook at the lower cost.
 
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Sorry I didn't get to reply sooner but I'm glad Gina agreed about the price increasing as well as the possible sell-out of the cabanas. Now that you booked, you can relax and start getting excited for the day! :)

I absolutely love the TFAD program! I've done it 3 times now. The extra dolphin swims alone are worth the cost, in my opinion, but there's so much more. The first time we did it, they gave you the disposable water-proof cameras (which was included in the cost). These last two times though they have moved to a different, much more convenient method. They give you a water-proof digital camera with a wrist strap to use for the entire day and then you get to keep the memory card. :) You'll get to go behind the scenes and meet some animals (they vary depending on who wants to come out). You'll also get to feed the birds and the otters. You go backstage to see/pet the sharks and see back areas like the scale, fish house, birthing tank, etc. All the trainers we've had have been amazing... all very friendly and informative and would answer any questions that anyone had. You really are with them from 8am in the morning through about 3:30pm, even eating breakfast and lunch together at reserved tables. The rest of the day after that you're on your own and can do whatever you'd like.

The last time we did the program there was one girl who was doing it while the rest of her family did the regular dolphin package. They were able to have their swim time right before ours so they could then watch her do her swim. They also let the family come down for group pictures. It's something to keep in mind for when you check in, if you want to try to do something similar with your party.

There's a link in my signature to my first TFAD review. I did not do one for the other two times but I'll be more than happy to answer any questions. Just message me and I can go into more detail and/or answer any questions. :)
 
I read somewhere on Disboards just a cabana is $199. I am not sure what they include if not booking a package.

We figured since we are doing the buoy delivery for my daughters birthday which is $199 alone and the photo package is $229 spending $399 for the elite package was worth it plus there are a few more extras. She and I are doing TFAD so we will not be in it much but the other people coming with us are just doing the day package so they will get use from it.

Heres info on the Elite package:
Elite Package $399
This ultimate pampering experience also includes your photo and video memories so you can take home and share.
  • A buoy with personalized message delivered by a dolphin*
  • Discovery Cove Signature Tote Bag
  • Deluxe photo frame and plush toy
  • A private cabana
    • Host / Hostess
    • Comfortable seating for up to 6 guests
    • Private and stocked refrigerator
    • Private locker
    • Snack, beverage and towel service
    • Cabana locations vary and cannot be Guaranteed
  • Discovery Photo Package (valued at $229 including an assortment of photo prints, digital photo CD, Dolphin Interaction DVD, poster, photo frame and a photo album)
*If the Dolphin Day Resort Package is purchased. Package items will be placed in Guest cabana prior to Arrival if no Dolphin Interaction is purchased.
 














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