Is Discovery Cove worth going to without Dolphin Swim

[Portugal1000]

We are going on our 10th trip in July and have never been to Discovery Cove. I always wanted to go but no interest in swimming with a dolphin. Originally one of your party had to do the dolphin swim but now they don't. So I was pricing it up and its $169 plus tax so for 3 of us the cost would be £358 (at todays rate). We were going to buy the 2 park Sea World and Aquatica ticket which is £80 on Travel Republic so this would cost us £240. Sea World and Aquatica comes free with Discovery Cove for 14 days so if we take that off the price then DC is only costing an extra £118 for all 3 of us. Plus you get breakfast, lunch, snacks drinks etc. So it sounds like a good deal just wondered if you think its worth doing. My son is 12 and loves the water. We are hoping my family will come to with my 6 year old nieces.
Thanks

 

[scoobydooby]

Discovery Cove is a fantastic day out. Beautiful grounds. Crowd control by reduced number if guests means the place never feels crowded. Food is good. Lots of chairs. Free drinks all day. My son spent hours in the Coral Reed. I would definitely spend £118 to upgrade. My only criticism would be that the bathrooms are inadequate for the end of day rush resulting in long lines for showers and hairdryers. We are going again this year. My husband is doing the dolphin swim again with the kids but I'm not bothering.

 

[Trevski220]

Yes 100 percent, I have to say I love the park but was distinctly underwhelmed by the dolphin interaction, the last 2 times I've been and all future times its been the non swim ticket I've gone for!

 

[MrRomance]

We did the Dolphin Swim package but for me, it really wasn't what made the day worthwhile. Was it cool? Yes. Did we enjoy the dolphin swim? Absolutely. Would we do it again? Probably not. We fully intend to go back to Discovery Cove because it was a fantastic day, possibly the best day of our trip, but there is so much more to it than the dolphin swim. I'd definitely recommend it even if you don't do the dolphin swim.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

I agree that you should go for it - I seriously considered it for December but couldn't really rely on the weather - for all day swimming you need a sunny day. We enjoyed the stingrays and aviary

 

[wayneg]

For me 100% worth going without the dolphin interaction as I did on our 2nd visit but for DW & DS that is the main reason they go in.
I love everything else about the park, DW doesn't but she has a fear of fish & birds so its all about the dolphin for her.
With AP we can do the Non-dophin swim for $69pp, great value.

 

[bazzanoid]

We're going to DC this year, non-swim as it's been 7 years since we last did it and they've added new since then

And based on our ticket options, it's only going to cost a £1 each!!!

If we buy the orlando flexticket with busch included it works out £1 less than DC ultimate non-swim (so SW & BG is included) and a 14-day universal pass. No brainer really!