Discovery Cove: All-Inclusive Tropical Day Resort
Discovery Cove, located in Orlando, Florida, is an all-inclusive tropical day resort where guests can experience unique animal encounters, enjoy pristine beaches, and relax in a lush, tropical setting. Owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Discovery Cove is known for offering intimate, interactive experiences with marine life, particularly dolphins. It provides a tranquil and immersive experience, vastly different from traditional theme parks, making it a top choice for families, animal lovers, and those seeking a more relaxed, nature-focused adventure.
Since opening in 2000, Discovery Cove has become a popular destination for visitors looking to connect with marine life in a serene environment, with highlights including dolphin swims, snorkeling in a reef filled with tropical fish, and encountering exotic birds and other wildlife.
Attractions and Experiences
1. Dolphin Swim Experience: The signature experience at Discovery Cove is the Dolphin Swim. Guests have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with bottlenose dolphins in a peaceful lagoon. During the experience, guests can touch, swim with, and even be towed through the water by a dolphin. The program also includes a short educational session, where trainers explain the behavior, anatomy, and conservation of these incredible creatures. This experience is available to guests aged six and older, and it’s one of the park’s most memorable highlights.
2. The Grand Reef: The Grand Reef offers guests the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with thousands of colorful tropical fish, rays, and other marine life. The reef’s design allows for both shallow and deep areas, making it accessible for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. Guests can swim alongside graceful rays or peer into deeper sections of the reef where larger marine creatures, like sharks and eels, can be viewed safely from behind glass panels.
3. SeaVenture: For an even closer look at the marine life in the Grand Reef, guests can participate in SeaVenture, an underwater walking tour that doesn’t require any scuba experience. Equipped with diving helmets, participants can walk along the sea floor and get an up-close view of tropical fish, rays, and other aquatic life. This unique experience offers the feeling of exploring an underwater world without the need for diving certification.
4. Explorer’s Aviary: Discovery Cove also offers a land-based adventure with the Explorer’s Aviary, where guests can interact with hundreds of exotic birds. The open-air aviary allows visitors to hand-feed tropical birds, such as parrots, toucans, and other species from around the world. Walking through the lush, jungle-like environment while birds fly freely overhead offers a unique and tranquil experience.
5. Freshwater Oasis: In the Freshwater Oasis, guests can relax in warm, shallow waters surrounded by lush vegetation and swim alongside playful otters and curious marmosets. The Oasis offers a more relaxed experience, where visitors can float along gentle currents, explore hidden grottos, and watch the animals in their natural habitats. It’s a great place for guests who want to unwind and enjoy close encounters with wildlife.
6. Serenity Bay and Wind-Away River: For those looking to simply relax, Serenity Bay is a large, lagoon-style pool with sandy beaches and warm water. Guests can lounge in beach chairs, enjoy the sun, or take a refreshing swim in the pool’s clear waters. Adjacent to Serenity Bay is the Wind-Away River, a lazy river that winds through waterfalls, lush tropical landscapes, and grottos. This slow-moving river is perfect for a peaceful, leisurely float.
Dining and All-Inclusive Benefits
Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive park, meaning that once guests enter, everything is provided at no additional cost. This includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, beverages (including alcoholic drinks for guests over 21), and parking. The all-inclusive experience makes Discovery Cove stand out, offering a more relaxed day without the need to worry about extra costs.
- Laguna Grill: The park’s main dining area, offering a variety of options for breakfast and lunch, from burgers and salads to fish and tropical desserts. Meals are included with admission, and the food is designed to cater to a range of tastes and dietary preferences.
- Snack Stations: Throughout the park, snack stands offer unlimited drinks, snacks, and treats, including chips, fruit, smoothies, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages like beer and tropical cocktails.
Conservation and Animal Care
Discovery Cove, like its sister park SeaWorld, places a strong emphasis on conservation and education. Guests are encouraged to learn about marine life and the importance of conservation efforts to protect the oceans and the animals that live in them. Discovery Cove’s animal care staff are involved in rescue and rehabilitation efforts, ensuring the park maintains a commitment to animal welfare and environmental stewardship.
Health and Safety
Discovery Cove ensures a safe and clean environment for both guests and animals. The park limits the number of daily admissions to provide a more personal experience, avoid overcrowding, and maintain a tranquil atmosphere. Guests are provided with sanitized wetsuits, snorkel gear, and towels to use throughout the day, and strict hygiene and safety protocols are in place to protect the animals and visitors alike.
Vicinity of Discovery Cove
Special Packages and Upgrades
1. Trainer for a Day: For guests looking to dive deeper into the animal care experience, Discovery Cove offers the Trainer for a Day package. Participants work alongside animal trainers to learn about the daily routines of caring for dolphins, birds, and other animals. The package includes special behind-the-scenes access, extended dolphin interactions, and a deeper understanding of how the park’s animals are trained and cared for.
2. Celebration Packages: Discovery Cove offers a variety of celebration packages for guests looking to commemorate special occasions, such as birthdays, honeymoons, or anniversaries. These packages include personalized services, such as private cabanas, photo packages, and VIP experiences.
Additional Details
- Location: Discovery Cove is located at 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, Florida, near SeaWorld Orlando. It’s easily accessible from other major Orlando attractions and provides free parking for guests.
- Reservations: Due to the limited capacity, reservations are required for entry to Discovery Cove. Guests are encouraged to book well in advance, especially for the Dolphin Swim and SeaVenture experiences.
- Ticket Options: Admission to Discovery Cove is all-inclusive, covering meals, drinks, snorkeling gear, towels, and lockers. Special packages can also include admission to SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica (SeaWorld’s water park), and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
- Accessibility: The park offers accommodations for guests with disabilities, including accessible pathways, wheelchairs, and assistance with the animal encounters.
For more information visit: https://discoverycove.com/orlando/
