Swimming with the Dolphins at Discovery Cove! 

By:  Emily Holt, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent

Discovery Cove truly is a hidden gem just minutes away from the theme parks. The other parks are great if you’re looking for adrenaline rushes, and heart-pounding thrills. They offer so much variety for all ages. There is enough to keep you busy from sun-up, to well after sundown. Discovery Cove offers you an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the parks. It also limits the number of guests admitted each day to ensure that you and your family’s experience will be more enjoyable. It is an all-inclusive day resort. With that in mind, you will want to make sure you ask your travel agent to reserve your family’s space. Breakfast, lunch, drinks, snacks, and several necessities such as towels and snorkeling gear are included in the cost. As you enter the park, you feel as if you have arrived on a remote Caribbean Island. You are surrounded by tropical plants, trees, flowers, and animals. You can snorkel with tropical fish through part of the park. The aviary is also over part of the snorkeling area. There are other areas with sharks, marmosets and my personal favorite otters! If you just want a beach day, you can rent a cabana or daybed and relax. 

HOWEVER if you want a truly unique experience for you and your family, look no further! You can participate in the park’s Signature Dolphin Swim Experience! It is an amazing way to learn about these amazing creatures up close! A trainer takes you and up to 8 other guests into the shallow water to get acquainted with your group's new aquatic friend! 

Our dolphin’s name was Dot! She was born at SeaWorld, and is 17 years old! The instructor and Dot taught us how to interpret bottlenose dolphin behavior and communication abilities through several demonstrations. They are such amazing creatures! After we became more acquainted with Dot and dolphins in general, we were each given a bit of time with her! This was when we got to interact with and get to see their individual personality! They have photographers capturing your one-on-one experience. What a fabulous experience! I have loved and been enchanted by dolphins ever since I can remember. 

We used to visit Sea World every year when there was one in Aurora Ohio. (Dating myself! LOL.) 

A couple items to keep in mind: 

• RESERVATIONS REQUIRED (your travel agent will be happy to schedule it for you!) -Must be 6 years old to participate
• Children 6-12 must be accompanied by an adult
• You will be provided with a vest or wetsuit that must be worn. Water shoes are also provided. -Phones/Cameras will not be allowed
• The photo package is highly recommended (your agent can add this onto your package for you as well!)
• You will be asked to remove ALL jewelry and accessories (hats, glasses, etc.,) to avoid harming the animals.
• Your normal swimsuit can be worn under the wetsuit. (board shorts not recommended) -Animal-safe Sunscreen is provided in all of the restrooms.
• EVEN PARKING IS INCLUDED!!

Please reach out to Marvelous Mouse Travels  to be connected to a travel agent to help you plan your next vacation.