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January 2024 by Kathryn J.
I came with a small group in January. We were looking for a warmer getaway to escape the snowy Northeast, and Discovery Cove seemed like a great activity. We looked for tickets for months and got day passes with dolphin swim for $149 each. We had to look for months for the deal, but it was worth it!The day we went it was 40 degrees in the morning and got up to 57 degrees max. It really didn't affect our day negatively at all. We did run in between the pools so we wouldn't freeze, and some of the mammals stayed inside because they were cold. But that was it! The water was warm, the provided wetsuits kept us warm, and the weather kept the number of people in the park low. We started with check in, which was very smooth, before breakfast. It's a continental breakfast with no surprises, but it has a good variety and the food was good for what I expected. We went immediately after to change. They provide free lockers with keys you can tuck into your swimsuit or bathing suit. The bathrooms have showers, toilet stalls, and changing stalls. They're huge and clean and have towels and bags for wet bathing suits. The staff help you get wetsuits in the right sizes. We went to the aviary first thing. The birds are incredible- they pick beautiful, colorful and unique species, and several birds are friendly or at least not afraid of people. You can feed them as much as you or they would like, and there are always attendants there to answer your questions. I loved feeding the birds and even got a couple doves to sit on my arm. After the aviary we headed to the dolphin swim. For our group it was a nice bonus, not the highlight, and we had a great time. First you head to your assigned cabana where the staff check you in and you watch a video talking about the upcoming experience. The dolphin trainers come to pick you up and take you to the lagoon. The trainers keep you really structured in the water. You stay in lines and they ask you to stay still, move only when they ask, and follow their directions pretty closely. I think your experience could depend on your trainer, but we had an excellent time. The trainer clearly loves the dolphins and answered all of our questions. The dolphin was great, but the session has an emphasis on taking photos that they charge a lot for. I would just be prepared for the cost and go into the session knowing if you want photos or not. After the dolphin swim we went to the lazy river. The water is warm, the noodles are very buoyant, and you go through the aviary! There's another pool inside the lazy river where you can swim around a marmoset exhibit and swim next to otters- a very cool experience!The highlight for us was the large reef and, specifically, the rays. The rays were amazing! To get in you start in a shallow area and the rays are everywhere! If you're still and calm they'll swim right up to you, bump into your legs and back, and let you touch them. There are staff members in the water to answer all of your questions. Swimming in the deeper parts of the reef is incredible too. You can see hundreds of colorful fish that splash around you. With wetsuits on, it's easy to float and bob in the water and just watch all of the action. Lunch was really excellent with a wide variety of menu items and great quality food. The desserts were a highlight! But we were really focused on getting back in the water and barely spent time eating! At the end of the day it was easy to shower and change into clean clothes. As animal and water lovers, this was the highlight of our trip. However, we also got tickets for a great price. I don't think I would spend $400 to go and I wouldn't want to go with more crowds.
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December 2023 by Brittany P.
Our day at Discovery Cove Orlando was nothing short of magical. The intimate setting and lush landscapes created a tranquil escape. Snorkeling in the Grand Reef felt like entering a vibrant underwater world, surrounded by tropical fish and rays. The all-inclusive amenities, including food and beverages, was my favorite part, convenient, relaxing, and good food just makes everything better. We loved feeding the birds in the aviary, getting to see which ones like cantaloupe and which wanted watermelon. :) The lazy river winding through the park added a relaxing touch that felt like we were in the rainforest. The dolphin encounter was a highlight, since we had not done anything like that before, but it was not quite as hands-on as we had expected, and we will probably skip it next time. Despite the premium price, the animal encounters and resort atmosphere make Discovery Cove an unforgettable and worthwhile experience. We can't wait to return!
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December 2023 by Brittani W.
It was a magical stay with countless fish, 57 sting rays and swimming next to sharks was unique. The employees really make the experience glamorous and educational. I'm grateful every food item is included and it makes it feel like a resort and comfortable. We really enjoyed meeting Rose and wish the photo package was more affordable.
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December 2023 by Dallin B.
super great place to go. They provide everything for a day to remember. Any time of the year.
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December 2023 by Heidi W.
Great experience for all ages! Pricing can vary, they run sales throughout the year. I opted for just the resort tickets. I personally didn't want to swim with the dolphins, which is extra. Parking was plentiful and included with the tickets. We arrived around 8:45 am and there was no wait to get checked in. Upon entering, I felt like I was walking into a resort in Hawaii. The reception building is beautiful and smells so good. The employees are all so nice. Breakfast was basic, but good. There's hot food such as eggs and bacon, and lots of cold options such as yogurt, fruit and cereal. I really enjoyed lunch. The coconut crusted salmon was flavorful! I liked the chicken as well. Domestic beer and wine is included in the price! You can upgrade to the premium package that includes liquor and it's a pretty good deal for the price. I love that the park attendance is capped. I felt like I was at a resort. There were plenty of beach chairs available. They have plenty of different wet suits: long sleeve, short sleeve or vests. The restrooms were clean with plenty of towels and even showers. I'd suggest getting a locker as soon as you can. There were only a few left by the main restrooms by the time we got there. I enjoyed floating around the lazy river. I loved feeding the birds in the aviary. They land right on your arms and shoulders! The snorkeling was excellent! The huge rays are so friendly! Be sure to swim to the back of the reef to see the giant grouper and sharks (separated by glass). I had a really great day. I didn't feel like I missed out by not swimming with the dolphins. I still got to see them. I would definitely purchase tickets in the future to do this again.
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November 2023 by Sandra Warner
This was our second trip, the first being in 2017. This is still a 5 star attraction. From the moment you check in to the moment you leave, you feel as if you are a highly regarded celebrity in a private resort. Food is all you can eat and is outstanding from the western eggs we had in the am to the variety of lunch items we tried such as burgers and fries, pepper steak and vegan wraps. Totally worth getting a private cabana especially if you need a catnap or have a sleepy child. Plenty of towels and sunscreen and water!
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November 2023 by Kristin D
This place is pricey, but honestly one of the most enjoyable things we’ve ever done on a family vacation, we felt like we were in paradise. It’s all inclusive, so we came right away in the morning for breakfast and also had lunch here, the kids had fun getting free slushies and ice cream, and the adults enjoyed kicking back in the lagoon with cocktails!We didn’t do anything extra this time like swim with dolphins, but we snorkeled with stingrays and really loved just floating down the lazy river, it was so relaxing!
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October 2023 by Michael Burmeister
Plan to spend the entire day here. Don't sell yourself short. This is a great place for kids and any age with wonder in their heart. It feels much bigger than it actually is. It's very well laid out and never felt crowded. Swimming with the dolphins is managed in small groups, just follow instructions. The lazy river is heated and a great place to warm up. It's also a big repeat hit. Make sure to stop on one of your circuits and visit the aviary. Save the Grand Reef for the warmer part of the day. Be ready to be amazed. During the cooler part of the year, you're going to want a wetsuit, sizes available for all ages, even babies. Food: the food is good, buffet style, eat as much as you want. If you go home hungry either it's your fault or you were too distracted by everything going on and having too much fun. Parking is ample. Staff is very helpful.Recommendations:1. Buy your tickets online beforehand, look for discounts on the website.2. Be there a little before they open. Make the most of the day.3. Either find seats for your group and claim them early or plan to move around a lot through the day. Both work. We did the later and had no problems.4. A wet wetsuit takes time to peel off or put back on. Plan appropriately and ahead for the bathroom.5. If you get a picture package tied to a special event/animal encounter (e.g., swimming with the dolphins), choose your pictures early in the morning or near the end to minimize the time and get back out there.6. Food service ends about 4:30. Get your last food before then.7. If you're going to use your phone as a camera, bring, get, or buy there a water-proof case.
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October 2023 by Jaspal Singh
October 2023 5*Visited the place to attend corporate dinner party in the evening. We were located near to Dolphin area. It was late evening and Dolphins were resting. There are many water bodies which have different species.Learnt a lot about Dolphins- about their life, group dynamics and how they behave? The area is nice with good food and music. Can not tell about morning setting.
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October 2023 by Jennifer M.
The most amazing experience at a park. We couldn't get our kids out of the water. The memories made will last for ages. The best part was that it was accessible for my father so he too could enjoy his grandchildren. They lived snorkeling the most.
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October 2023 by Brandon H.
Discovery Cove is a must to do trip for anyone with a small one. I have had the privilege of experiencing this magical place as a child, as an adult and as a guardian. Each time more special than the last. The meals made here for guest are incredible from salmon, steaks, hamburgers, salads, hot dogs, etc! Numerous options all you can eat part of the visit! Swimming with the sting rays is an experience like no other. I knew I was amazed as a kid, so watching a child light up in amazement and adventure is worth all the money in the world. Plus you get the hands on experience with aviary's room, so many beautiful birds! They even land on you! (And poop lol) I would recommend this place to anyone wanting a good time. For 200$ as an adult, it includes all you can drink with liquor to. For the standard package, you can still drink beers unlimited included!So has a blast and visit Discovery Dove! An experience that you'll never forget!
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October 2023 by Helen Hughes
Beautiful place full of gorgeous plants and trees with Sandy beaches, birds and tropical fish and lagoons, (you can swim with the dolphins for an additional charge) included in your day is wet suits, snorkel and mask, towels, locker to store your personal items and use of the changing rooms and showers, with shower gel, shampoo and conditioner all available. There is also animal friendly sunscreen for you to use during the day.All food and drinks are included too. The food is excellent with a good choice available.There is a wide choice of hot and cold drinks, if want more than regular wine and beer you can upgrade to a premium package.There are options to book a Cabana, best to do this in advance via the website, it’s your own private space with sun beds, shade and drinks in hand.We really enjoyed swimming with the Dolphins and snorkelling and seeing the tropical fish.There are prams which are suitable for the beach with large wheels available from guest services. There are plenty of life jackets available for anyone wanting one. Numerous lifeguards are around the lagoons closely monitoring the water.Facilities for disabled are quite good, they have got wheelchairs with big wheels which look like balls which can be pushed easily on the sand. These are free of charge and you can ring or email in advance to reserve one and they will keep one for you, they have about 10. They will keep your wheelchair safe while you are using theirs.There is a disabled toilet and changing facility unfortunately this was out of order when we visited.They do have a separate large toilet cubicle in both the women’s and men’s bathrooms. They also have a disabled shower cubicle with a seat, however everyone uses this.
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October 2023 by S J
Incredible family holiday destination. It's expensive. All inclusive. Snorkel in a safe environment. Swim with the fishes. Dolphin encounter, Ray feeding, Underwater experience et all is extra. They provide snorkel gear (Goggles & snorkel is complimentary take home) including wet suit (return after use) of all sizes, towels. Free food, all you want to eat. Drinks. Plan to spend all day. They have early breakfast. Take your best camera (make sure it's waterproof). You can feed exotic birds, some of them will sit on your head or hand. Large pools. Lazy river, you can tube ride, some places it's deep, over 8 feet. There are deep areas in the swim with fish pools, so be careful and watch where you are. They have lifeguards all over the place. Watch for weather, as if it is rainy, it can be cold and frustrating. They have cabanas of varying prices you can rent. Food is nothing great but it is sufficient and ok. overall you and your family or whomever you visit this place with will have great memorable fun. If money is no object, then you can notch it up a bit. Highly recommended for families with kids.
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October 2023 by Leah F.
My family & I took a trip & visited Discovery cove for my little boys Birthday. I was a bit nervous as it's $$$$ I didn't know if we were going to find it worth the high price tag. Let me just say it was 100% worth it & honestly the highlight of our trip! We ended up doing another day. The reason for only 4 stars is because I feel there's just a few things they could tweak to make it better. The food is all inclusive as well as some alcoholic beverages which we don't drink so wish they offered an option for savings if you don't partake in the liquor.The snack options could have been a little more variety & the pretzels are delicious but need cheese please! The pizza was actually really delicious and is available at the snack bar. They do close pretty early 5 pm wish it was till 7 and part of the lazy river was closed off due to staffing shortages as well as the animal encounters we only saw the same owl bird not what was advertised. We did the swim with the dolphins experience and it was so fun getting to see my childrens faces light up as they are big marine animal fans. But the true highlight was the snorkeling in the reef with all the fish, guitar fish, giant spotted eagle rays, puffer fish, eels, sharks etc. We are big Sea wold fans and this is def next level. The attn to detail such as limited capacity, down to sunscreen, showers, life vest est was all excellent. The gift shoppe affordable. The only really bad thing was the photographer for the dolphins didn't capture any really great photos and that is extremely overpriced packages start at $300 or a single photo is $45 which I personally find to be a little offensive. When you are spending this type of money and pay for an upgraded experience you should at least get a single photo for free. But that's my biggest gripe. The aviary was also really cool. If you have any doubts about coming don't. Im extremely picky and we will absolutely have to make a trip back to Orlando specifically for this again.
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October 2023 by Ricky Gwinn
Very awesome!! Everyone is so friendly, informative and helpful. The snorkels and goggles were a little cheap and kept getting water in them but you can take your own. I suggest using a vest rather than the wet suit. Cooler and easier for bathroom breaks. First aid station gave me free Tylenol for a slight headache that I was starting to get. We bought tickets in advance but only refunds are if bad weather and they close that day. Otherwise, no refunds or changing dates. We were there early as opening along with a lot of others doing same. That took about 30 minutes. But rest of the day when passing through I did not see any lines.
