Our Day at Discovery Cove

[Pinkgirl]

We visited Discovery Cove on Thursday 14 August and had the Elite package booked for DDs 10th birthday. We caught a taxi around 7.45am from our hotel on International Drive and were checked in by 8.10am. We were given a 12.10 swim time. I wanted something earlier but due to having the Elite package it would be difficult to change, so we took it.

We followed the path and had our family photo taken, then continued and were greeted by staff. As we had a cabana booked, we were directed to guest relations, and from there we had our own greeter who took us to our cabana and explained everything to us (we were asked our alcoholic drink preferences so that our server could fill up our fridge after 11am). We were then taken to get our wet suit vests and snorkels and shown where the restrooms etc were. We backtracked to our cabana to leave our gear.

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Next we headed to breakfast. The restaurant was so close as we had the very first cabana next to the dolphin pool. It wasn’t crowded and we were through the line in a matter of minutes. As I have read elsewhere, breakfast is quick and efficient with the food being ready plated.

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[Pinkgirl]

The park was now open so we headed to the lazy river. We only got so far as they were waiting for the lifeguards to take up position so we took the opportunity to climb out and have a quick nosey in the aviary. Here I bumped into a fellow Diser/Dibber who the previous night I had been talking to on one of the UK Orlando closed groups on Facebook – small world! We then headed back into the water to continue around the lazy river-twice.
We had a rest back at the cabana before heading over to the Grand Reef to try out snorkelling for the very first time. DD tried her best, but I couldn’t get her to stop holding her breath. DH wasnt too keen either. I struggled to start with but once I had dipped my snorkel in the salt water to get rid of the rubber taste I did much better and was soon swimming away having a great time. Another rest at the cabana where we did catch up with our cabana person so I asked for some wine.

Time was getting on so we headed over to check in at Starfish to fill out the forms required before the dolphin experience (does anyone ever read those forms????)

We were in a group with one other family. The trainer brought over our dolphin Jenny and we were told how to touch her. She made many passes by for us to all stroke her. I was on the end and a couple of times received a bash with her tail! Next up was our swim. As our DD was still not overly confident in deep water we all opted for the shallow water swim. The assistant with the trainer walked us over to the start point and explained how to hold onto Jenny. I went first, followed by DD and then daddy. It was an amazing experience.

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After more stroking and splashing and nodding tricks the trainer called on our DD to stand in front of the group and hold out her hands as another dolphin wanted to play and bring a toy. The trainer signalled to another trainer out on a ledge, who then sent Capricorn our way with a buoy in his mouth. DD managed to get the buoy from Capricorn and was told to turn it round. She then got to read the message on it which said “Happy Birthday Paige”. She was really happy and even more so minutes later when she realised that she got to keep it!

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It was now time to leave the water, which was just as well as it looked as though it was getting ready to pour down. As we left the dolphin pool DD was also handed a tote bag containing a soft toy dolphin and a photo frame. We had planned to head back to our cabana to drop off our new goodies but were directed towards the photo booth area to check out our photos. As we had the Elite package, there was no hard sell to put up with. We had a look through the photos and chose which one we wanted as a poster, which we wanted as prints and which for key fobs.

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[Pinkgirl]

Finally we were able to head back to our cabana to drop off our stuff and grab a drink. We quickly changed our footwear and headed over to the restaurant for lunch just as it started to pour down. The queue was unbelievable!!!!! It was out the door. It seemed everyone at Discovery Cove suddenly descended on the place. It took around 20 minutes to make it through to the front of the queue.

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By the time we made it to the front, the rain had eased and there were empty tables. I did feel we wasted a lot of time over lunch.

By now it was around 3pm so we headed back for a bit chill time and to check out what our cabana girl had filled the fridge with. A glass of wine and beer for husband were in order.

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Time was now getting on so we headed back off round the lazy river. I called it a day and went to chill with my wine whilst DD and daddy head off back to the river and to find the otters.

When they returned DD and I went off on a snack hunt and found pretzels (and a glass of wine as our cabana girl had not been back to fill the fridge).

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We went for a bit wander and collected our photo package then headed back for a drink and to pack up. We met up again with our new friends and chatted for a while. All good things come to an end and it was time to leave. The new tote bag came in very handy to stow away some of the snacks and beer that were in our cabana.

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We headed back up to the entrance and put our name down for a taxi at the stand. When we were called, we were amazed at the black SUV that we were allocated. A very posh ride home after a fantastic day.

 

[JanetMom]

Great review! Love that the dolphin brought her the personalized buoy!

Sounds like you had the perfect day.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Awesome review and photos!!

I love the delight on your daughter's face when she's interacting with the dolphins. Absolutely precious .

 

[kathy884]

Your daughter is just darling and looks about the same age our son was when we took him to Discovery Cove. Sounds like a very memorable birthday and a day you'll all always remember.

 

[BohinenRhapsody]

Thanks for your review, I've booked the Elite package as a surprise for my daughters 13th birthday so it was lovely to read your experience and now I'm even more excited!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Looks like a brilliant day Your daughter's smile is just gorgeous Love that she got her own personalized buoy for her birthday

 

[bellebud]

great review - thanks for sharing - and your dd is just adorable!!

question - if you ever go back, would you rent the cabana again? it doesn't seem like you spent much time in there.

 

[cantwaitvaca09]

I love your review!

 

[Pinkgirl]

great review - thanks for sharing - and your dd is just adorable!!

question - if you ever go back, would you rent the cabana again? it doesn't seem like you spent much time in there.

Hi, no I don't think we would. We had the cabana as we wanted to surprise DD with the whole birthday experience and once you add up the cost of photos and DVD package it makes sense money wise. If we were to go back, I wouldn't feel the need for more than 2 or 3 photos.