Top 5 Reasons to Visit Discovery Cove
If you’re looking for a relaxing family vacation, look no further than this tropical oasis where guests can interact with bottlenose dolphins, feed exotic birds, snorkel among the stingrays, eagle rays, colorful fish and more at this all-inclusive resort in Orlando Florida.
If you prefer to view a video of the top 5 reasons to visit Discovery Cove click here.
Food & Relaxation
One of the greatest things about Discovery Cove is that it’s all inclusive and has no lines. While others queue up at Disney World and pay $20 for parking and even more for lunch, you will be relaxing in a beach chair with a drink in your hand while your kids happily enjoy their third chocolate chip cookie and slushy.
One of the greatest things about Discovery Cove is that it’s all inclusive and has no lines.
At Discovery Cove you will not pay parking fees, and the price of admission includes breakfast, lunch, drinks, snacks, sunscreen, lockers and more. They also limit the number of guests that are allowed in the park on a daily basis, ensuring you have a lounge chair and don’t get lost in the crowd.
Breakfast at Laguna Grill and relaxation at Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida
Bird Aviary
Another thing we loved at Discovery Cove was the bird aviary. If you want to feed the birds, observe the parrots, or entice a bird to perch on your arm, this is the place to do it. Don’t forget your camera to capture some great memories.
Feeding exotic birds in the aviary at Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida
Lazy River
The lazy river at Discovery Cove is like none other. It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete and is designed to appear as natural as possible. Snag a noodle and float down this oasis enjoying the swaying palms, waterfalls, and birds as they fly by. Beware, your head will get wet as you float under the waterfalls.
Waterfalls and birds along the lazy river at Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida
Snorkeling in the Great Reef
Short of going to Bora Bora, which will cost a lot more than the price of admission at Discovery Cove, you will not find better snorkeling. The reef at Discovery Cove is perfect for kids because it gradually gets deeper and doesn’t have large waves to maneuver. In this great reef you will have tropical fish, stingrays, eagle rays, and more all within easy reach.
The reef at Discovery Cove is perfect for kids.
They even have a shark viewing area for guests to enjoy. The fish come right up next to you here, so if your kids are nervous, take it slow until they feel comfortable.
Snorkeling with stingrays, eagle rays, exotic fish, and black tip reef sharks at Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida
Add On Excursions
Discovery Cove offers several incredible add-on experiences. Slip into a dive helmet and explore the tropical fish underwater in Seaventure, feed the stingrays, swim with the sharks, enjoy an animal trek and come face to face with the otters, or get up close and personal as you swim with the dolphins. We chose the dolphin encounter, and I cannot recommend this enough.
Swimming with the dolphins at Discovery Cove
At Discovery Cove the trainers take such great care of the dolphins, so, if a dolphin doesn’t feel like doing a trick or performing that day they don’t make them. The trainers know each dolphin's personality and care so much about them. The swim itself was incredible.
The trainers know each dolphin's personality and care so much about them.
Guests can choose to participate in a deep water or shallow dolphin ride where they latch onto the fin and ride into shore. You will also get to kiss the dolphin, feed the dolphin, learn about dolphin markings, and enjoy several other dolphin tricks. If you would like to see more of our dolphin swim click here.
Swimming with the dolphins at Discovery Cove
Know Before You Go
If your child wears glasses try to get a pair of disposable contacts for the great reef snorkeling. The fish come so close that our daughter stepped on a stingray and was scared to continue her snorkeling adventure.
Breakfast and lunch are served at designated times, however the snack bar is open all day and offers, soft pretzels, fresh baked cookies, ice cream cups, slushies, alcohol, soft drinks, and more.
Breakfast is served before the other park amenities open, so be sure to arrive at 7:15 to check in and enjoy a relaxing meal before your day begins.
If you stay until closing and ask, the trainers may let you help feed the dolphins and take you over to a viewing window to get a closer look at the dolphins.
Feeding the dolphins at Discovery Cove
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