By: Talara Allphin, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
From the moment you turn onto Discovery Cove Way, you are transported into a tropical paradise. The array of flowers and tropical plants is breathtaking. The mood is immediately set for you to have a nice relaxing day at Discovery Cove.
In the main lobby, which resembles a tropical island hut, you will be greeted by friendly staff to help you get checked in for your activities for the day. You are given a lanyard with a small plastic card attached which acts as your pass to the park. There is no need to carry your credit card or cash around throughout the day. Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive park! That’s right, your meals (breakfast and lunch), beverages (including beer and wine for guests 21 and older), and snacks are all included in your visit. Ask your travel agent about how you can upgrade to a premium drink package for guests 21 and older.
The Grand Reef
Have you ever snorkeled in the ocean? The water of the ocean is unpredictable. You may drift far away from your group while admiring a school of fish. You may not like that you cannot stand on the ocean floor to adjust your mask and snorkel. The water may be rough from time to time. In the Grand Reef at Discovery Cove, you can snorkel with thousands of tropical fish and rays in the safety of calm, clear water. Many areas are shallow enough so you can stand if needed.
Explorer’s Aviary
After washing your hands, enter the Explorer’s Aviary where you can hand-feed hundreds of exotic birds. Staff are also on hand to answer questions you may have about a specific species of bird. The birds range in size and are eager to be fed. While you cannot feed the Macaw birds, you can get up close and watch them interact with one another.
Freshwater Oasis
Located near the Blue Bamboo Bar, you can find the Freshwater Oasis. This shallow water area is a great place to lounge in the water on one of the many in-water loungers. Take some time to wander near Marmoset Island where you can find several playful marmoset monkeys. Or perhaps you would enjoy grabbing your snorkel gear and watching Asian Clawed Otters play underwater through a glass barrier. Whatever you decide to do, the Freshwater Oasis is definitely a great place to just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Serenity Bay
Also a freshwater area, Serenity Bay is your favorite inland beach area. There are several lounge chairs on soft sand beach to sit and soak up some sun. Or perhaps you just want a place to play in the water. You can even build your own sandcastle. This 85-degree controlled bay is surrounded by palm trees, waterfalls, and caves to explore.
Wind-Away River
This freshwater river winds you through luscious tropical areas, the explorer’s aviary, alongside cascading waterfalls and through a cave. Just let the current take you away.
Dolphin Lagoon
While all the above-mentioned areas are included in your visit to Discovery Cove, make sure to ask your travel agent about swimming with dolphins! During this added on enhancement, learn about dolphins from one of the Discovery Cove’s animal care specialists. You may even swim with a celebrity! Some of Discovery Cove’s dolphins have been used in movies. Children must be at least 6 years old to participate and children 6-12 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Unlike other dolphin experiences found elsewhere, you can still watch the dolphins interact with participants if you choose to not add the dolphin experience to your day.
Day Beds
Fits up to 2 adults comfortably. This is a perfect way to sit back and relax on a covered padded lounger.
Cabana Rentals
Discovery Cove offers three levels of Cabana’s to rent for the day. Each can accommodate 6 to 8 guests comfortably. These private cabanas come with towel service, a snack basket, and a mini refrigerator stocked with complimentary Coca-Cola products and bottled water.
Upgrade your cabana to an Elite Cabana and also receive a personalized buoy delivery during your signature dolphin swim as well as a photo package.
Looking for something even more? Your travel agent can help you book a VIP cabana. These VIP cabanas include all the above-mentioned plus a dedicated VIP Cabana Host, an exclusive animal encounter, reserved seating at Laguna Grill and a guaranteed Dolphin Lagoon view.
Swim with Sharks
Learn about sharks from a Discovery Cove expert Aquarist before getting your snorkel gear for a deep-water free swim with over 20 sharks. You’ll swim alongside blacktip reef, nurse, zebra, and bonnethead sharks. Children must be at least 10 years old and children 10-13 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult.
SeaVenture
Walk along the bottom of The Grand Reef deep section donning a dive helmet. This walking tour allows you to walk amid schools of fish, massive rays and watch sharks through a 21-foot long panoramic window. The adventure takes roughly 45 minutes. Children must at least 10 years old to participate. And children 10-13 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Trainer for a Day
This behind-the-scenes experience is the ultimate exclusive package! In groups no larger than 8 people, you will get a second enhanced interaction with dolphins including a private photo session with 2 dolphins. Enjoy special meet-and-greets with tropical birds and small mammals. Get the opportunity to feed fish in The Grand Reef. Have a private guide through the Explorer’s Aviary. And experience a private session in the Otter Habitat near the Freshwater Oasis. This package must be purchased in addition to the Discovery Cove Dolphin Swim admission package.
Ray Feeding
This morning activity allows you to help the Discovery Cove team feed the various species of rays in The Grand Reef. Plan for 1 hour to 45 minutes for this experience. Children must be 6 years to participate and children 6-12 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Animal Trek
Experience a private 30-minute tour with one of Discovery Cove’s ambassadors for behind-the-scenes interactions with birds and some small mammals. Children must be 6 years old to participate and children 6-12 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Located throughout the resort, you will find pool chair lifts to help those who need additional assistance getting in and out of the water.
Add additional fun to your vacation by adding SeaWorld and Aquatica parks to your package. Get 14-consecutive days of entry to SeaWorld and Aquatica when booked together in a package.
Contact your travel agent today to add a day at Discovery Cove to your next vacation to Orlando.
