We recently took the time to explore Discovery Cove in Orlando. Friends had been, and their description intrigued us, but we weren’t sure it would be something that we’d want to pay to do. We were in Orlando anyway, and thought we’d take a drive by to check it out. This is what we saw at Discovery Cove.
The folks that run this Orlando attraction call it an “all-inclusive oasis”. Well it certainly is that.
No charge parking at Discovery Cove
It’s quite a large parking area, and as noted, there’s no charge to use it. The walk out of the parking lot up to the front entrance (shown above), once you have left the asphalt, is very pleasant. Nevertheless, it was good to enter the cool lobby inside the building as it was a fair hot day in Orlando.
As you walk out the doors to the park, seen at the far side in the photo above, this is what greets you!
Discovery Cove includes much in the ticket price.
Depending on the level of ticket that is purchased, different specialty features are available. All tickets include the following:
- free parking
- all you can eat breakfast for a couple of hours in the a.m.
- a variety of luncheon meals are included mid-day
- lots of snacks and beverages as desired (including beer and wine) all day
- dressing rooms with lockers to store your street stuff
- towels are provided
- wetsuits are provided
- snorkel gear is provided
Snorkel with the tropical fish.
The folks that choose to swim with the fishes in Discovery Cove, will find underwater reef-like habitats teeming with colorful tropical fish and warm, crystal waters.
Discovery Cove is for bird lovers.
Discovery Cove has aviaries with full access to guests. Meet the birds, have them land on your arms and hands, feed them, spend as much time as you wish with the feathered creatures.
Any Lazy River lovers out there?
You may have wondered about the included wetsuits. If so, this, plus included flotation devices, is what they are for:
What you don’t see in the video are the lifeguards posted strategically along the entire length of the river.
Jump in, swim a bit, drift a bit, then get out and relax on the white sand of the in-park beaches.
Here’s some more of the river:
I hope you noted the lifeguard under the parasol. Lifeguards are located throughout all water features and watch every swimmer carefully and in so doing ensure water safety for all.
Don’t forget the Dolphins, the Sharks and the Sting Rays at Discovery Cove.
There’s a dolphin in one of the 3 pods of 9 dolphins that we were told is approaching 40 years of age. You can go “nose to nose” with one if you wish. There’s also a shark swim, but even if a guest doesn’t buy the ticket with the close encounters included, we are told that from the shore all guests can see these creatures in the various pools within Discovery Cove.
Are there family members with challenges?
Families with members that are challenged will find Discovery Cove has accessibility features including wheelchairs and service animal accommodations. Those that are on the autism spectrum are accommodated as Discovery Cove is a certified autism center. There is a park accessiblity program as well.
All in all, we thought this Orlando, Florida attraction was pretty neat. If you’ve enjoyed this Florida attraction, why not comment and let all know your experience. Thank you.
Here’s where you get official information about Discovery Cove. Cheers!
