Tell me about Discovery Cove--have you gone???

[craigs bride]

ok i would like to buy a ticket for my other half as a wedding present when we get married in 2009.........do i need to buy tickets for us all even though we wont be swimming with the dolphins ourselfs

how much are the tickets and what else is included if you dont swim with the dolphins

i know that these questions have most probably been answered already so please bear with me

many thanks Michelina

 

[darrellynn]

HELLO WE ARE TAKEING OUR GRANDDAUGHTER FOR HER 10TH BIRTHDAY ON OCT 28 2008, I HOPE SHE LOVES IT AT DISCOVERY COVE WE ARE DOING THE BIRTHDAY PKG FOR HER. I AM OLD AND FAT SO WHEN SITTING ON THE SAND I PRAY THE LITTLE KIDS DONT TRY TO ROLL THE WHALE BACK INTO THE WATER TO SAVE IT. BUT I THINK IT WILL BE FUN TO TURN 10 IN DISCOVERY COVE... THANKS MISSOURI

 

[DixieDolphin]

Ah, Discovery Cove. How I love thee!

I've been as a guest about seven times. First time was opening day in 2000. I'd been a Sea World passholder for years and the hype-inducing packets they kept sending me were driving me mad with excitement! I went by myself, but had an amazing time. It was, without doubt, the best visit I had. That was back when the dolphin swim had more deep-water interaction than it does now. Dorsal tows and such.. it was much better then, if you ask me. It still didn't compare to the far more involved experiences I'd had at other facilities (like Theater of the Sea in the Keys), but it was a lovely time! I can't recall which dolphin I swam with that time, but I still have the photo in my box-o-Sea World stuff.

Next time was in 2003, right after I'd moved back to Orlando after a three year run living on the coast. Although the swim portion had been reduced and was less satisfying, other parts of the park had been improved upon and expanded. The aviary was much better than the first run through, for instance. I was a little miffed by the whole dolphin-photo-BUY-BUY-BUY setup after the swim (I don't recall it being quite so pushy in 2000), but it was only a minor annoyance.

Later that year, I got a job working at the park as a photographer (yes, I was one of those waterlogged souls in the Ray Pool, Aviary, and by the waterfall!) Loved every minute of the job.. which was, undoubtedly, the most enjoyable job I've ever had, but unfortunately couldn't keep it long once the winter hit and hours were cut back to a point where I couldn't pay my bills.

But, I did end up with quite a few comp tickets which I used for several solo trips, a trip taking my much younger sister (11 years younger, to be precise), and one taking my longterm boyfriend before he left Florida for Seattle.

I didn't do the dolphin swim on all my trips there, as that wasn't covered by the comp tickets at the time (not sure what the policy is now)... but the most memorable time was when I swam with CJ, the Bottlenose / Common Dolphin hybrid. The little rascal tried to bite me, but he was still very endearing. And hey, after being kicked by horses, bit by dogs, and attacked by fish... it's nothing one doesn't expect when it comes to animals.

I haven't been back since 2004 and I'm itching to go again. I love the relaxed nature of the park, the amazing landscaping, the quiet laziness, and.. above all.. the incredibly high standard of customer service. If only all parks were that way!

The price has jumped considerably since the last time I went, but I also hear that now you get free food and drinks throughout the whole day. (When I last went, you had ONE shot at Laguna Grill.. and anything from the snack bars or other drinks were extra!) That sounds like a sweet deal and I was pleased to hear that bit of news!

So, when the extra cash presents itself, I'll be back again... hopefully later this year.

Just sharing my little tale. =)

 

[xmas16]

Just booked for next january, yes I did it early but it is during a holiday time MLK day and could not miss out. It is VERY EXPENSIVE , $279.00 each for my wife and 8yo daughter. If anyone can suggest any ways to save I am really listening. I'm hoping that after they do it the money thing will not be an issue.

Steve

 

[frogh8er]

I went last year with my family - age ranges 42 years to three months- and we had the most amazing day.

I was not really interested in going, but went because the others in our party really wanted to. I was so glad I did. There was enough to do so as not to be bored. The dolphin encounter left me truly in awe. The staff are so friendly and helpful and cant do enough for you. I wear glasses, and they gave me a prescription mask so i could see without them - and there is a lot to see!

The food was the biggest surprise of all. You can eat all day if you want, and the food is very superior in quality, with even lobster on the menu.

I'm already looking forward to the next time I can go. Even my 3 month old daughter loved the warm water in the resort pool, so much she fell asleep in it!

Go and love it!

 

[heatherbabydoll1]

We have booked to go for the first time on dec 19. We are truely excited about it but I still have a few questions?

Does anyone have or know the updated video and picture prices? I budget for everything on the trip and I want to make sure I have enough alot for that.

What do they serve recently for lunch? My boys are picky eaters and eat alot? Also what are some of the snacks? Is it just chips or is there pretzels ect.

I saw beer is included is there anyother adult beverages included? I don't care for beer but I like sweet things.

With the stingray lagoon can my family kneel or sit down to interact with the rays. We are bigger people and bending over sometimes can be a challenge.

Can we have a wet suit and a a vest at the same time? I like the fact that my son can wear a wet suit to keep him warm and help keep the sun off but he is not a strong swimmer and I would like him to have a vest on too. Will that be possible.

Being that we are larger people should we plan on buying extra sunscreen? We are very fair skinned and usually wear coperton sport waterproof/sweat proof 30+ and waterparks all day!

Thank you for your help!
Heather

 

[wysbcc]

Hi ya
I sent DC an email regarding the pic/dvd package prices and they responded very quickly, but I can't find the email

Anyway, I remember discussing it with the wife and we have agreed a budget of $200, that should cover the cd full of pics, the dvd and a couple of prints if I remember rightly.


With regards to the sunscreen, as far as I'm aware, you will get complimentary sunscreen and you can buy more if you need some, but you can't take your own with you in case it harms the dolphins.



We are going on the 31st August, will be able to answer the rest of your questions after then, or why don't you just give them a call? They are very friendly. I called them today to add the ultimate parking package to my reservation as apparently you can't do it at the seaworld parking booths.

 

[wysbcc]

I found the email, so here are the latest pic/dvd prices :
The photo package prices and individual prices are:

Adventure Package-:$139/ $148.04 (with tax)
(5) 6” x 8” Prints
(2) Key chains w/ choice of print
(1) Digital Photo CD

Basic Package- $59/ $62.86 (with tax)
(3) 6” x 8” Prints
(2) Key chains w/ choice of print

Additional Items With package / With Tax or A la carte /With Tax
4” x 6” and Wallets $10 $10.65 $20 $21.13
6” x 8” Print $10 $10.65 $20 $21.13
16” x 24” Poster $25 $26.63 $35 $37.28
24” x 36” Poster $35 $37.28 $45 $47.93
Interactive DVD $50 $53.25 $75 $79.88
Digital Photo CD $75 $79.88 $125 $133.13

* All prices are in USD.

 

[heatherbabydoll1]

I can't wait to hear back from you in your report! Please anything you can find out from any of my questions would be great! We have never been and can't wait to go but are wanting to know about as many details as we can get! Thank you again! I hope the surprise works out for your kids. last year we surprised my son with the Laua for his birthday and it was great he thought we where leaving the park when I made him put his hat over his face and then we had him open his eyes when they put the lai around his neck it was awsome! Good Luck!!!!
Can't wait for pics and report enjoy!!!!!
Heather

 

[cesariofamily]

The trip was awsome and worth every penny. I will post a portion of my trip below. One word of caution. Most of the water is very deep. Life vests are available. We spent the entire day swiming in deep water and I would be uncomfortable with a child that is not a strong swimmer and confident in the water. Imagine someone clinging to you most of the day. I hope you have a magical vacation.

Also here is my report,
Players,
Myself 32 and my daughter 14, my friend 30 something and her daughter 17.

Discovery Cove is owned by Sea World and has exclusive animal interaction including a swim with dolphins. The large price tag includes, breakfast, lunch, snacks, beverages, beer, snorkel equipment, lockers, sun lotion, shampoo and towels. Only 1,200 people are admitted on any given day so unlike other parks there are no crowds or long lines. We got to Discovery Cove around 8:30. It was an easy drive and easy to find. The lobby was cool and a trainer had a sloth we were allowed to pet on the back. It had a cute little face but not real active. We went to the desk and got our pictures taken and a lanyard. We were assigned our Dolphin swim time and head off for a tour. After the tour we went for our included breakfast. We had a nice meal of pastries, juice, milk and tea. Then we got our lockers, vest and snorkel gear. We were so excited and we headed over to the fish. It took us a little while to figure to the snorkeling. We never did figure out how to laugh underwater. After a bit Elizabeth wanted prescription goggles so we went and got her a pair from customer service. She tried several pairs and in the end got a strong set. She was able to see very well in the water and I was pleased that she could enjoy the experience. She was allowed to wear her glasses in with the dolphins. This was my first experience with snorkeling. It was a huge tank with rock formations and I think it was about 20 feet deep. The entire tank was connected but the rock formations kept it from feeling like one big pool. It had the feeling of small lagoons. In some sections you could look into the rocks and see sharks swimming. The time flew by as we swam and swam with the fish. It was so quiet and relaxed when your head was underwater. The tank also had huge manta rays. I think the manta rays are as big as a compact car. There were also sting rays swimming around. They look so graceful in the water like they have wings and are flying. They also had a much less deep tank where you could touch the sting rays. It was a little challenging to touch the rays they have learned to avoid the tourists. When you did get one they felt like slippery rubber. We took a break from swimming and went to lunch. We had a beautiful lunch in a lush tropical setting to the sound of a steel drum band. The Elizabeth’s had salmon and Mary Beth and I had a roasted chicken. I also had vegetables and mashed potatoes. The Elizabeth’s got a side of Macaroni and cheese that I sampled. I also took a small Caesar salad that was very yummy. Everyone had a dessert. Elizabeth had cheesecake and I had key lime pie. After lunch we went over to the aviary to let our food digest. I am afraid of birds and I was very nervous. The birds are in 3 smallish areas all connected by doors. When you enter you can pick up small cups like plastic ramekins and feed the birds from it. The first set of birds we meet were large white birds with black markings around their eyes. Two landed on Mary Beth’s arms and one on her head. He liked her head and wanted to stay. I was getting so worried about her that we got a worker but then the bird flew away. Mary Beth’s head did hurt from the bird and it felt like small cuts. We headed off to a smaller room and robin sized birds were hoping onto Elizabeth’s and Mary Beth’s cups and hands and happily ate out of the cup. I held the cameras and took pictures. We also took a spin through the lazy river. It goes through the aviary and I saw some very pretty birds up in the trees. I much prefer them up in the trees. I was surprised by the lazy river because at points it was 8 feet deep and at different points it was only 3 feet deep. Also to enter and exit the aviary section there is a strong waterfall to keep the birds in/out. We got drenched going through those areas. We decided to spend another hour snorkeling before our dolphin adventure. Since no jewelry is allowed time is hard to keep track of and we asked the lifeguard the time about 4 times. Discovery Cove should add a big clock on the beach. We went to our cabana and signed our liability waivers and watched a video. We were assigned to the D group. We were a group of four and we were joined by two groups of two. A mother and daughter from the UK and a couple from Scotland. There were a lot of people at Discovery cove with accents or speaking a foreign language. We headed down to the water and meet Gary our Dolphin’s trainer. Next we meet the star of the day Coral. Coral was 8 years old and was born at Discovery Cove. Her mother Jen was captured in the wild and brought to Discovery Cove. I asked if they did a lot of breading there and I was told the Dolphins bred themselves. As soon as we were introduced to Coral we were lined up and allowed to touch her from behind her blow hole. She felt rubbery like the sting rays but not as slick and she felt very solid. Pretty quickly after touching Coral we were each allowed to give her a kiss and a squeeze. Coral seemed to like the attention and the plentiful fish. As we kissed and hugged they took pictures in the water but a good bit away from our group very unobtrusive. They must have a powerful lens because the pictures turned out like they were standing beside us. They gave us each a turn individually then took pictures in groups. Our group of four got pictures of all four and one of each mother daughter set. They asked if we wanted more and the Elizabeth’s wanted a picture together. I never felt rushed and we were encouraged to ask questions and take more pictures. They then talked some about Dolphins. It was interesting to learn that dolphins are born with hair around their mouth that helps to alert their mothers when they want to nurse. As they grow out of nursing the hair falls out. Coral did some clever tricks, waving hello, signing in her best Dolphin voice and splashing us with her tail. Then we headed out two at time to the deep water. Elizabeths went first. Mary Beth and I went second. Mary Beth went first so that I could watch her. I was worried that it would be hard to hold on or that the Dolphin would go real fast. It was fairly easy to get a hold on the Dolphin and it was a smooth gentle ride. It was a very different experience. After each group took a turn they had all the Dolphins jump out of the water. It was very neat to see all 4 dolphins jumping together. It was the first time during our swim that I had paid much attention to the other 3 groups and their dolphins. We were reluctant to leave Coral but they had us point back to the deep water and Coral took off without even a flip of the flipper. We went back and enjoyed some more snorkeling. We decided to get out around 4:15 so we could enjoy the locker room stocked with Crabtree and Evelyn products. I particularly wanted a nice hot shower without interruption. The first locker room was packed but the second one was empty and we did indulge in a long shower. Smelling good we wandered out slowly and took more pictures. Some of the dolphins were frolicking close to shore. I asked a lifeguard if I made the hand gestures we learned if they would do tricks. He said probably not it was their time off and they know the difference between work times and play time. The dolphin did seem to be enjoying himself and gave us a cute show. As we left we stopped at the photo store and picked up our pictures, photo CD and video. The photo and video products have an additional cost. The clerk was nice and gave us two extra key chains for the girls. We also stopped at the gift shop and purchased discovery cove pins for our lanyards.

 

[cesariofamily]

Here are some photos from our recent trip.

 

[Marjol]

We went to Discovery Cove on may 6th and we both loved it. It was definately worth the money!

Here are some pics from our trip:

 

[happylittlebirdie]

Great pictures! Since I am working with Discovery Cove, I went a few weeks ago and had so much fun! I loved the dolphin swim and the aviary, the birds were so much fun, they have great personalities. During one of the dolphin swims i was watching from the beach, there was a marriage proposal! It was so special and cute. The dolphin swam up to the girl with a toy that said will you marry me - I teared up! It is a great park, I had the best experience!

 

[msminniemouse]

I was wondering what the resort pool was like? Is that just like a regular swimming pool without fish?

 

[happylittlebirdie]

The resort pool is a freshwater pool with grottos and water falls and where you enter the Tropical River. There are no fish but it is fun to wear the snorkeling gear because there is decor on the bottom of the deeper areas. It is a fun area to practice your snorkeling, relax and see a lot of the park.

 

[tay13]

Hi, My husband gave me a day at Discovery Cove with a swim with the dolphin's last May, 08. My 16 year old daughter also did the swim with me. All I can say is it was wonderful! If you do this, go ahead and buy the video. It is well worth the money in my opinion. The dolphin's were great, the only thing I wish is that our session lasted a little longer. I would also try and schedule your swim as early as possible. One other note, I am a diabetic. The day before I walked miles and miles in Disney World. I had huge blisters on the BOTTOM of one of my feet. I was in a lot of discomfort. I was asked by an employee at D.C. why I was limping. I told them and they sent me to Discovery Cove's first aid building. I told them what happened to me the day before at Disney and they were WONDERFUL!!!!! they washed my foot, put meds and a bandage on it, then gave me more bandage and meds to use later and did not charge me a penny! We are going back to Disney in March. I just wish I could afford to swim with these beautiful creatures again. But it won't happen this trip. Anyway, Discovery Cove is a first class, wonderful break from the fast paced, crowed Orlando that we are all so used to. Also, if you are staying for a week or so at Disney, if you do decide to go to Discovery Cove try and schedule your day in the middle of your Disney trip. It will be a Wonderful Break from the crowds! I'm sure your 8 year old will treasure the memory forever! Have Fun!!

 

[cshawley]

What am amazing adventure!!! Can't wait to try it myself.

 

[Sonnet621]

Hoping to make the trip to Discovery Cove this Easter and wanted to know best method of travel from WDW to DC if you don't have a car. Are their any reasonable shuttles or car service and what the cost may be?

 

[pixie08]

Going in June for our second Anniversary...I couldn't be more excited.

Can anyone recommend an underwater camera for me to buy before I go? I had bought one once before but it took bad pics (did not use it at DC) TIA!

Sonnet- I think we are using Tiffany Town car- it is around $80 rt from AKL. Also there is a public bus from the TTC (the 50 I believe someone mentioned a few post back?)

 

[maleficent_man]

We're all booked up for 11 July this summer and can't wait!