When you check into Discovery Cove, you can use your credit card for charging privlidges. Your ID badge will have a barcode that any gift shop can scan if you want to buy souvenirs and other things. Your purchases will be charged to our credit card that you put on file. It's like how the WDW onsite hotels do charging privilidges. Pictures are a bit pricey. You can get a package of photos and a DVD for around $135. If you want to do a la carte, the DVD is $60 and 5x7 photos are around $16. You do get a complementary photo when you enter the park. Photographers take your photo during the dolphin encounter and at various places around the park. You can also use cash, but I'd leave a credit card on file. It's much easier to deal with that cash. Besides, with all the swimming you'll do during the day, your money will probably get wet or fall into the water. Food, drinks, and snacks are at no charge, including beer.