Discovery Cove Orlando: Should It Be On Your Bucket List?

When I think about some of the best days of my life, Discovery Cove Orlando is right at the top. I had my son Brody (10), husband, and my parents. It truly is one of the most wonderful times we’ve had. Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort where you can swim with dolphins, snorkel with beautiful fish, feed tropical birds, or just relax in paradise setting. And since this park only takes a limited number of people a day, you feel like you have the park to yourself!

What Can You Expect At Discovery Cove?

Discovery Cove Orlando offers a few different packages. The most popular being: The Signature Dolphin Swim Package which starts at $179.00. The Day Resort Package starts at $139.00 and includes the same amenities, minus the dolphin swim. The packages include plenty of amenities. Your day starts early, so a buffet-style breakfast is provided. You will also have unlimited food and drinks throughout the day. Lunch consists of burgers, BBQ, fish, chicken and salad. They also have vegetarian options and a kids menu as well.

Other amenities included with your package:

• Lockers for unlimited use throughout the day
• Showers and changing facilities
• Towels
• Animal-safe sunscreen
• Snorkling gear
• Wet suits and vests
• Also you will find plenty of lounge chairs and hammocks throughout the resort

But if you really want to make your day special…book a private cabana! Prices start at $299.00. Cabanas give you and your family your own private space, tucked within the lush landscaping and overlooking waterways. A private cabana includes a cabana host/hostess, comfortable seating for up to six guests, a private and stocked refrigerator, private locker, snacks, beverages, and towel service. Once you’re settled you’ll be ready to explore! Make sure to grab your wet suits and get ready to snorkel in The Grand Reef. This reef is full of beautiful tropical fish, rays, and even sharks! Don’t worry the sharks are behind glass, even though my husband was convinced that they weren’t lol. This is a wonderful experience that most people will never have the opportunity to see….unless you are an accomplished diver.

But after all that snorkeling, you’ll want to relax. One of my favorite spots is the Wind-Away River. Grab your water shoes and off you go to a picture perfect experience! You float along in perfect temperature water that takes you through a a rain forest, by cascading waterfalls, and through an underwater cave. As you wind along the river you will come upon the Explorer’s Aviary. You can exit the river here and come up close and personal with hundreds of birds! It feels like you’re in an exotic location with these colorful birds flying above you! You can even hand-feed many of them!

This really is one of the most beautiful parks in Orlando. It can be a bit of a splurge, but the experience and the memories will last a life-time!

Click here to see any Discovery Cove discounts or to book your day!

But the most extraordinary part of the day was our dolphin encounter! My Mom, son, husband and I participated in the Dolphin swim. My Dad chose to sit this experience out, but he was able to watch us from the beach (as well as from our cabana which was right by the lagoon).

It’s a 30-minute experience that starts with meeting a dolphin in one of the swimming areas. Here a trainer will teach you a fews things about these amazing animals. While the trainer is talking, the dolphins are entertaining the group with tricks, flips, and fin-waving. After that, each group member will get a chance to feed the dolphin, have a quick interaction, and have their pictures taken with them.

After this intimate experience is an unforgettable swim with dolphins. With a little bit of courage you swim into deeper water and wait for your new friend to come! When she comes by you grab a hold of her dorsal fin and go on the best ride in Orlando! Don’t worry, if you’re not the best swimmer you can stay in the shallow water. What a truly awesome experience!!

Discovery Cove Orlando offers other add-ons to make your day extra special. From feeding the rays, swimming with sharks, to being trainer for the day. There is something for the whole family! Check their website, they run specials from time to time. And if you’re a Florida resident you get discounts throughout the year! Again, this day tops my list of wonderful memories. It is one of the most beautiful things you can experience in Florida and I highly recommend it! Put this on your bucket list!

Looking for more fun things to do in Orlando? Click here to see about our visit to iFly Orlando!

Thanks for reading!

Xo Autumn