In all honesty, is Discovery cove worth the money.

[peewakio]

Me and the Mrs have had a little windfall (very little windfall) and we were considering taking the kids to Discovery Cove when we're in Orlando in October to let them swim with the Dolphins. Whatever we decide to do with the extra cash, it will be used to enhance our October hols.
So, do you think swimming with Dolphins for the day is a good way of spending the money or does anybody recommend an alternative other than giving it to you.

 

[safcdl16]

Well, our daughter still talks about it being one of her happiest days over two years afterwards.

It is an expensive day out but one I've never regretted. The place is idylic, food wonderful and it's just the most chilled you'll ever be in a Park environment.

Make the most of your day and get there as soon as it opens and stay all day.

Here's Mike's Discovery Cove Report which persuaded me to spend money I was hanging onto for all I was worth and me ownDrivel account of the day- though mine's a bit long and not just DC.

Dave

 

[Goofyish]

I think it is very difficult to put a 'monetary' value on an experience like Discovery Cove. It really depends on the individual and how much they get out of the experience of swimming with dolphins.

 

[Olaf]

I agree with Dave. Discovery Cove is a wonderful way to spend your windfall. My DH wasn't too sure about, as I'd done all the research and made the arrangements. He was a convert at the end of the day though.

We ran into a British family on the way out and they said it was the highlight of their vacation. They were leaving the next day and the kids were a little poopy faced.

 

[signtalker]

YES

I would definately say go for it,although the dolphin swim is short its still a magical experience.

Also being able to feed the birds,and snorkel with the fish etc is well worth it.

Its a fantastic day,and were doing it again in our next trip to WDW in May of 2005.

jules

 

[Jacqui.s]

Whether DC is worth the money is a very personal decision, particulary for a family group. Lets face it the admission charge is far from cheap and it is very unlikely you will be able to walk out of there without purchasing picutres of your dolphin encounter (even I bought one and I hate photos of myself).

I found the following review/account of a day in DC very useful in my decision to visit the park.

http://www.epinions.com/content_30756736644

After reading this, I knew exactly what to expect during the day and was in no way dissapointed. I hope it helps your decision making process.

 

[vernon]

With the weeks worth of SW tickets you really can use the options offered by DC to make a lot of entertainment within your holiday. If money is an issue and you'd like to include DC, I would suggest one day at DC and 4 half days at SW (coupled with pool time or shopping) to make the most of what's available. for 5 days entertainment it really isn't such a "hit" and IMHO DC is a VERY special day out. Obviously it depends on your ( and your kids) interests but I dont think I've found anyone who's dissappointed with a day at DC.

 

[Leech esq]

We booked the dolphin experiance for my daughter and myself. She wasn't a good swimmer, but, she suffers from Epilepsy, and we thought the "being around Dolphins" experiance would do her good. The experiance didn't feel as relaxing as I thought it would, but, she did enjoy it,even if it was a little too comercial, as far as photos go. We all thoroughly enjoyed the park though. Since returning from Holiday, she hasn't had a seizure, but we did change the medication around the same time.

 

[Muppet]

I would have to agree with everyone else and say it was fantastic and worth the money. It was so fantastic we are doing it again this year also.

Everytime I look at the photos all the memories come flooding back.

 

[AlisonB]

kids were a little poopy faced

This made me LOL!!

Do you mean they looked tired Olaf?

 

[gingernick]

We are going at Easter so it was great to read the epinion (fantastic report) thanks Jacqui.S for that. If you are thinking of going read it, in fact if you are going read it, it'll give you an idea of what to expect.

 

[peewakio]

Thanks for all of the reports and advice, unfortunately we needn't have bothered' The Cruelty Officer booked it while I was at work. So 14th October it is then.
Cant wait now.

 

[kazzie]

It's all booked then? Great news you won't regret it.

I found it an unforgetable day and would always reccomend it.

I have been twice in October and even though the numbers are capped at DC,in October it won't be close to capacity so even more peaceful.

the way I look at it is, you'd expect to pay maybe £30 just to get in there for the day,then the really nice 3-course meal is included,let's say £10 at least for that,then a swin with dolphins £30?,then 7 days entry into Sea World is worth £40 for just one day visit.Total aroound £110,I don't know what the current price is for DC but that way makes more sense of the cost.