You’ve probably heard of SeaWorld in Orlando. Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort that is owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. If you’re planning a trip to SeaWorld, consider adding a day at Discovery Cove to your itinerary.
Who knew you could go to a relaxing resort so beautiful and tropical and accommodating? Your family will absolutely love this experience.
If your children love aquatic life and animals then this is the perfect experience for them!
The biggest attraction at Discovery Cove is the chance to interact with and ride a dolphin! Just be careful not to get the water in your eyes because it is saltwater of course! It’s important to note that children must be 6 years old to participate. Kids 6 and up can also snorkel with fish and rays.
There are many opportunities to interact with animals! There is an aviary where your children can experience a colorful, tropical bird perched up on their arm. There’s also the opportunity to meet a sloth at the Conservation Kiosk alongside other animals.
There are any number of beaches and rivers to swim in and relax by the shore. If you have children 10 years or older you can bring them to swim with sharks if you’re feeling daring!
There are swim floatation vests available for your children available for use throughout the park.
Discovery Cove is also a Certified Autism Center, meaning they offer specialized services to guests with autism and other special needs.
And yes, Discovery-Cove is an all-inclusive resort! That means there is unlimited food and drinks (beer and wine for ages 21+), wetsuits and snorkel gear provided, animal-safe sunscreen and towels provided, and access to the white sand beaches, tropical lagoons, winding rivers, and waterfalls. There are different packages where everything is included and only select things are included so when navigating the packages, select what is best for you!
In order to maintain a healthy environment for the animals, showering is required prior to entering any of their living space. Private and outdoor shower facilities are provided.
Shower facilities stocked with soap, shampoo, conditioner and blow dryers are also complementary.
There is free on-site parking as well.
Photo ID for each party member 18 years and older.
Clothing: Family appropriate bathing suit and a set of dry clothes.
Children in diapers are required to use waterproof protectors or Swim Diapers (can be provided if needed).
Completed Waivers: Waivers are needed for any minors (under 18 years of age) in your party not visiting with their parent or natural guardian. Waivers can be accessed here.
-jewelry (wedding bands are acceptable)
-outside food and drink
-floatation devices, scuba gear, flippers, sand toys, pool noodles, etc.
Discovery Cove is open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily. Plan to arrive between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
Check-in times for many of the animal encounters can be as early as 7:00 a.m. so be prepared to arrive as early as possible so as to not miss the opportunity to do so.
Reservations are required since there is limited availability.
If you’re planning a trip to Discovery Cove and looking for a fun packed itinerary in Orlando, but need help with it all, book an appointment with me and I can help stop the overwhelm and plan the vacation of your dreams!
Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists. After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation too.
She specializes in Disney, Caribbean, Europe and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old daughter, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.
If you are ready to have the family vacation you’ve been dreaming of, without spending time researching, planning, and making it happen, schedule a call today. I’m here to help busy working Moms plan, organize and book the perfect family vacation. With me, all you have to worry about is enjoying your well-earned time away with your family. If you are ready to stop trying to do everything on your own and see how I can help you schedule a complimentary trip planning session now.
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