Discovery Cove About This Page:

[A & J's Dad]

The subject of swimming with dolphins came up a few weeks ago and I was thinking about taking DW on a long weekend to Discovery Cove in Orlando. If any of you have done the "All-Inclusive" package I'd appreciate the feedback.

Thanks
Craig

[Perky2sol]

Hi Craig,

We have not personally done the all-inclusive, but my husband's chiropractor has, and he highly recommends it. He said its so much nicer than even the water parks because of the fewer people. Hope this helps.

Gail

[HiddenMickey]

I have nieghbors that have done this twice. They say it is their favorite thing to do in the Orlando area and constantly tell us we need to try it. -HiddenMickey

[patty c.]

I want to try it as well, although it is so expensive, I don't think all 5 us can go at once. I thought we might try letting 2 fanmily members do it each time we go to Orlando. It sounds just incredible.

[Travelin' Mom]

It is expensive, but worth every penny! Best thing in Orlando. It is the most relaxing day we had the whole two week vacation. We saved up for it and had it all paid in advance, plus you've got Sea World tickets in the deal. It's a wonderful experience that we called a once in a lifetime event, but I'd seriously consider doing it again! Go for it!

[PaulF]

Try this:

http://www.discoverycove.com/adventure.asp

That should get you the info you need. It's expensivebut we're talking about giving it a try next December.

[Marv]

Where do you buy this package? I'd like more info about it.

[Marv]

Paul - Thanks for the website. I just looked at it. It looks really cool. My DS loves animals and this would be a fun bday present.

Anyone - I have some questions:
If an adult doesn't care to do the experience, can you pay for a child but still be present?

The wes site talked about an area for snorkeling. What if the 10 year old has never snorkeled? Is the experience still worth it?

How far away from WDW is this? Can you go by taxi or would that be too expensive?

[Marv]

Evie,
Great information. Thanks. That really clears things up. I think I need to start saving because it sounds like a wonderful exerience.

[Evie5253]

Hi Folks!!
We did Discovery Cove just this past November, and it truely was an experience of a lifetime. I can answer some of your questions.
Everyone pays to get into the park (about 100.00 for the day) and then you pay about an extra $100.00 to do the Dolphin Swim. I did not chose to do the swim (mostly because of cost) but my DD, 17y/o and DS 15y/o did, and when I asked them if it was honestly worth the extra money, they said it was absolutely worth every penny. I was allowed to stay with them throughout the whole thing, and take pictures, from the beach. They also take pictures which you can buy (which of course we HAD to, but they're really great pictures!)
Everyone get masks and snorkels and your choice of wet suits (full or short) or a vest. The vest is thin, like a wet suit, but does keep your chest a little warm, and keeps you afloat a little. You can still dive deep if you want to, but it takes a little work. Everyone wears something. You can also ask for flippers. Your 10 y/o would love snorkling along the lazy river (no tubes here!)and in the pools (don't avoid the one that is ice-water, it's what the whole place is all about). It only takes a few minutes to get the hang of snorkeling.
I bought our tickets online through AAA, if you belong to them. It was a little bit of a discount. Then you call DC and make your reservation for the day. It also includes a wonderful mid-day meal and a 7 day ticket to SeaWorld.
It's only about a 10-15 minute drive from WDW so I wouldn't think it would be too expensive.
My 19y/o DD was not with us on the last trip, so I am seriously thinking about doing DC again with her!
If you have any more questions you can email me. I'd be glad to help!
Evie

[Steph W]

You may also want to check out International Divers Inc We did a swim with the Manatees tour with them in January (after Gator Tours switched their schedule without telling us until I called to confirm my res the day before we were leaving.) They are absolutely wonderful and they offer a 2 day trip to Key Largo with accomodations, meals, and transportation from Orlando included. Oh....and did I mention that you get to swim with Dolphins there as well?? It's definitely on my list for my next trip down there!

[PoohNTigger]

My boyfriend and I did the “All-Exclusive” package this past July and had an absolute blast. I HIGHLY recommend it. It is expensive even once you get in there but still worth every penny. I mean the admission is $200 a person (with dolphin swin…I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] especially for dolphin fans like myself) then there are the souvenirs that you have to have (if your like me) and the pictures that they take while your swimming with the dolphins. (Then you get different frames like a backlight frame, or snowglobe and many more.) Oh yes and a video too. It can get expensive if you go for all that like we did.

We spent the whole day there. There is plenty to do. The only thing is it can get expensive after you get in there. I mean you have to have souvenirs (if your like me) and there are pictures and a video that take while you swim with the dolphins. [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img] We got suckered into it all and spent at least an extra $100 before we left there. But like I said it’s worth every penny and the pictures are great reminders of the great time. If anyone has any question feel free to send me a private message. Let us all know if you decide to do it or not. It really is worth it.

PoohNTigger [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[MissB]

I visited Discovery Cove in December 2001 and I cannot wait to go back! It was more than worth every penny! It is a first class experience the whole day for a water and animal lover like me.

Of course the dolphin swim is the highlight--it's only 1/2 hour but the time is very intensive and you do a lot in that time. Then there's the snorkeling pool--cold water but what beautiful fish! Lots of species! You can just wade in up to your knees and see plenty if you like. The ray pool--gentle velvety creatures. We got to help feed them and I will never forget the sensation of them gliding past my body and over my hand to suck the fish into their downward facing mouth. The aviary--again, many species and you get to feed them. Some are very tame. There's even a tiny deer--a Reeves muntjac--which spent a long time licking salt water off my husband's legs. So cute! Wish I'd had my camera. The regular swimming area is as much fun as any water parks. Oh, and lunch has lots of selections and they're good, too!

Now, it's not a thrill park. It's low key. You can play in the sand, watch others with their dolphins, and just sun if you like. For my money, it was as close to heaven on earth as I'll ever be! [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]

--MissB [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]