When I visited Discovery Cove in August from the UK, we bought a ticket package that included 2 weeks of admission to seaworld, busch gardens, aquatica and one visit to Discovery Cove: the package only cost $280 per person for 2 weeks
I just booked this deal in the US too which is awesome bc I was already planning on booking tickets for seaworld, busch gardens, and acquitca. If you subtract those ticket prices it made discovery cove $8 after.
@@smokableflowers exactly, its such a great deal! Its basically like having a season pass for 2 weeks. We would go to SeaWorld in the morning, go to aquatica mid afternoon and do some shopping and then head back to SeaWorld in the evening for night rides and the fireworks. Youre able to be so flexible which makes the holiday much more enjoyable!
This place is so different from any of the other parks. Limited guests, very helpful "Ambassadors", no rush and a great place to experience sea life in an area where the grandchildren can learn, touch and respect the ocean life. Pricey? Sure. What does it cost to keep the park, animals and employees going? I hear that the dolphins and sharks are fed with food that People can eat. They might get better than we've had in some places. We loved the eat anytime, getting drinks anytime (we don't drink alcohol, but it's available), and on cool days (it was on the chilly side) there is coffee and hot chocolate. By the end of the day it's a terrific experience.
been there twice. veterans get a discount. my family of 4 love it! it beautiful and my 12 and 10 yo say its a must now when we visit from s. texas. it is pricey but food and drinks included makes it better value. thanks for the video we are ready to go back in july 23.
It was a little pricey but the cabana was worth it especially if its hot, it was nice to just hang out there away from everyone and you could eat your food there if you wanted those birds were ruthless! And getting up close to the flamingos while they were showering was pretty cool. Great vid keep it up!
I agree. This isn't like a regular theme or waterpark where they add something new every now and then, and you automatically want to go back there when a chance presents itself. This for some looks like one of those places where you want to do it because of how interesting it looks and then when you do, you're glad you did it for sure but then you realize it's basically one and done and then you either don't go back again or you wait a while (most likely in years) and then go back just for the nostalgia. I feel that way about ski hills sometimes. They're fun to go to but you're not in a hurry to get back right away because you know it's the same hill with the same runs and nothing new around the corner. Then after it's been a decade or two since last visiting, you decide "what the heck, let's go".
I went there as a child in 2011 and man, what a relaxing place! Those shallow beaches where you can dive untill the sharks' tank is very cool. Imagine me as a 9yo seeing a stingray swimming under me haha
I've never been to Discovery Cove, despite living in Florida. But based on your description, it seems more like those private islands owned by Cruise Ship chains, such as Royal Caribbean's Perfect day at Cococay.
I will say the park was designed to cater to a lower capacity for it the "feel" more exclusive. Not a 50k-90k capacity park. Hence why they charge more. I do agree, it's more like a very few and far between visit unless different animal exhibits are introduced. The place IS Sea World quality in terms of appearance like Busch Gardens. Another "bird story" I have is when I had to shoo one away @ Disney MGM. It was a bookstore/coffee shop. I told them to leave while I had lunch. LOL! They left and never came back.
I’ve been here 3 times and feel different about a few comments. You can get a price of around $220 that would include this park plus 2 or even 3 other parks. We go here and then sea world and Aquatica the water park. It’s a great price this even includes food and drinks for Discovery Cove. For us it’s the best ticket in town and wonderful for kids so much for them to do and experience in a controlled safe environment. You will have warnings on the lazy river that the water depth is changing each time so you’re not surprised when you go from 8 feet to 4 feet. The resort is beautiful and clean and it’s never overcrowded. They will reach a cap and not overcrowd the resort. There are plenty of places for you to relax And having the lockers is great you do not need to really carry anything with you as he said, there’s sunscreen throughout the park and plenty of food and drinks. The food is good. It is not gourmet food by all means, but the food is very good and they have several locations to get snacks as well as pizza and plenty of places for kids to grab and go. We do upgrade our drink package since we aren’t beer drinkers. We get there when it opens and we do spend the day it’s well worth it and a must do for sure. Where can you go for around 220 per persons for 3 parks !!
My sister was engaged here, in the dolphin pool, with the help of a dolphin bringing a buoy with the question. Given everything that they include, and how they limit attendance at the park, and all the up close animal encounters, which those animals cost money to keep, I think $200 is a very fair price for the experience.
Thank you for this review! I have always wondered about this place. It looks like something I would definitely enjoy doing once. It looks beautiful, & I didn't know that the food & beer was included. I would probably just do the base ticket with the platinum discount, as I've been able to do a couple full dolphin programs at other facilities. The highlight was a "foot push", where 2 dolphins push your feet, and your whole body from the knees up is out of the water, skimming across the water. Those were more extensive programs than what this one sounds like.
My family really likes Discovery Cove. We have only gone twice. It is soooo different from every other attraction. It is reservation only so the park is never overrun. Your advice about booking experiences b4 the rainstorms is spot on. I must recommend SeaVenture. The upcharge is worth it. We also did a photo package & at the end they give you a disc with all the underwater photos plus some stock images.
Excellent review. The cost is what has prevented me from going. I'm glad you mentioned that the dolphin "swim" was so brief. That kind of kills it for me, as compared to just visiting SWO and doing the up charge dolphin encounter or doing a dolphin shore excursion on a cruise. Since you visited Discovery Cove I'm curious, have you ever visited Gatorland? I personally love the place and it's a bit of a different sort of attraction for Orlando. Sometimes people call it a theme park but like in this case I'm not quite sure if that term really applies. But I'd be curious to hear your thoughts.
I did the one a SWSD as a kid. It’s more of a novelty thinking back on it. Like you said, you get about 10 seconds actually interacting with the dolphins the rest of the time it’s just the idea u are sharing a pool with dolphins. I rememebr it being extremely expensive for my parents to get us to do it. Kind of a rip off all in all
I went to discovery code a lot of years ago. I didn't know how to swim then I am not much better swimmer now. I got some nice hotel deals also at the time. When i went it was just the dolphin swim and the bird park and some swimming pools. I was. by myself. I really enjoyed it. I think i got a free ticket to SeaWorld also. The SeaWorld shuttle took me from my hotel to discovery cove. They are across the street from other. I would go back even tho it is expensive to do the sea adventure and swim with the dolphins again.
When i went a long time ago after your swim woth the dolphins they set you up at a computer station and you can pick and purchase the pictures you want. I have my picture of kissing a dolphin so i don't think i need any more pictures when i go back.
Discovery Cove seems very cool but you can get all of this and more in Cancun, Mexico for a lower price. It's interesting to see a resort like this in the US, though.
When I visited Discovery Cove in August from the UK, we bought a ticket package that included 2 weeks of admission to seaworld, busch gardens, aquatica and one visit to Discovery Cove: the package only cost $280 per person for 2 weeks
That's a pretty good deal. Seems like they threw in the parks cheap.
@@CanobieCoaster yeah it came with free parking at the parks as well :D
I just booked this deal in the US too which is awesome bc I was already planning on booking tickets for seaworld, busch gardens, and acquitca. If you subtract those ticket prices it made discovery cove $8 after.
@@smokableflowers exactly, its such a great deal! Its basically like having a season pass for 2 weeks. We would go to SeaWorld in the morning, go to aquatica mid afternoon and do some shopping and then head back to SeaWorld in the evening for night rides and the fireworks. Youre able to be so flexible which makes the holiday much more enjoyable!
This place is so different from any of the other parks. Limited guests, very helpful "Ambassadors", no rush and a great place to experience sea life in an area where the grandchildren can learn, touch and respect the ocean life. Pricey? Sure. What does it cost to keep the park, animals and employees going? I hear that the dolphins and sharks are fed with food that People can eat. They might get better than we've had in some places. We loved the eat anytime, getting drinks anytime (we don't drink alcohol, but it's available), and on cool days (it was on the chilly side) there is coffee and hot chocolate. By the end of the day it's a terrific experience.
It's a fun park that offers a much different experience than the others in Orlando. It feels like a tropical resort.
been there twice. veterans get a discount. my family of 4 love it! it beautiful and my 12 and 10 yo say its a must now when we visit from s. texas. it is pricey but food and drinks included makes it better value. thanks for the video we are ready to go back in july 23.
Nice!
It was a little pricey but the cabana was worth it especially if its hot, it was nice to just hang out there away from everyone and you could eat your food there if you wanted those birds were ruthless! And getting up close to the flamingos while they were showering was pretty cool. Great vid keep it up!
That's one way to avoid those pesky birds.
I agree. This isn't like a regular theme or waterpark where they add something new every now and then, and you automatically want to go back there when a chance presents itself. This for some looks like one of those places where you want to do it because of how interesting it looks and then when you do, you're glad you did it for sure but then you realize it's basically one and done and then you either don't go back again or you wait a while (most likely in years) and then go back just for the nostalgia. I feel that way about ski hills sometimes. They're fun to go to but you're not in a hurry to get back right away because you know it's the same hill with the same runs and nothing new around the corner. Then after it's been a decade or two since last visiting, you decide "what the heck, let's go".
That's a fair way to put it. The dolphin swim is on the bucket lists of many.
I went there as a child in 2011 and man, what a relaxing place! Those shallow beaches where you can dive untill the sharks' tank is very cool. Imagine me as a 9yo seeing a stingray swimming under me haha
Definitely relaxing.
I've never been to Discovery Cove, despite living in Florida. But based on your description, it seems more like those private islands owned by Cruise Ship chains, such as Royal Caribbean's Perfect day at Cococay.
Pretty much!
Great informational video! We are excited to go in a couple weeks! May I ask what kind of underwater camera you are using?
Most of the footage was with a waterproof Go Pro 10 Black.
Great review. I’ve always wondered what Discovery Cove was like. While I love sea animals, that experience is just much too pricey for me.
That's fair.
I will say the park was designed to cater to a lower capacity for it the "feel" more exclusive. Not a 50k-90k capacity park. Hence why they charge more. I do agree, it's more like a very few and far between visit unless different animal exhibits are introduced. The place IS Sea World quality in terms of appearance like Busch Gardens. Another "bird story" I have is when I had to shoo one away @ Disney MGM. It was a bookstore/coffee shop. I told them to leave while I had lunch. LOL! They left and never came back.
I agree it has a much different feel than the other parks and the price point keeps the crowds down.
I’ve been here 3 times and feel different about a few comments. You can get a price of around $220 that would include this park plus 2 or even 3 other parks. We go here and then sea world and Aquatica the water park. It’s a great price this even includes food and drinks for Discovery Cove. For us it’s the best ticket in town and wonderful for kids so much for them to do and experience in a controlled safe environment. You will have warnings on the lazy river that the water depth is changing each time so you’re not surprised when you go from 8 feet to 4 feet. The resort is beautiful and clean and it’s never overcrowded. They will reach a cap and not overcrowd the resort. There are plenty of places for you to relax And having the lockers is great you do not need to really carry anything with you as he said, there’s sunscreen throughout the park and plenty of food and drinks. The food is good. It is not gourmet food by all means, but the food is very good and they have several locations to get snacks as well as pizza and plenty of places for kids to grab and go. We do upgrade our drink package since we aren’t beer drinkers. We get there when it opens and we do spend the day it’s well worth it and a must do for sure. Where can you go for around 220 per persons for 3 parks !!
That's fair about the combo ticket. I always have a SeaWorld Platinum Pass, so I'm always looking for the single Discovery Cove ticket.
I was there in 2006 with my family. Parents still regularly tell the story of me kissing the dolphin^^
Wow!
My sister was engaged here, in the dolphin pool, with the help of a dolphin bringing a buoy with the question. Given everything that they include, and how they limit attendance at the park, and all the up close animal encounters, which those animals cost money to keep, I think $200 is a very fair price for the experience.
Glad you like the value!
Did you use go pro or iPhone? To take pics and videos underwater
GoPro
Thank you for this review! I have always wondered about this place. It looks like something I would definitely enjoy doing once. It looks beautiful, & I didn't know that the food & beer was included.
I would probably just do the base ticket with the platinum discount, as I've been able to do a couple full dolphin programs at other facilities. The highlight was a "foot push", where 2 dolphins push your feet, and your whole body from the knees up is out of the water, skimming across the water. Those were more extensive programs than what this one sounds like.
The push sounds way better than what I paid for here.
My family really likes Discovery Cove. We have only gone twice. It is soooo different from every other attraction. It is reservation only so the park is never overrun. Your advice about booking experiences b4 the rainstorms is spot on. I must recommend SeaVenture. The upcharge is worth it. We also did a photo package & at the end they give you a disc with all the underwater photos plus some stock images.
Sounds cool!
Very cool to see something like this at Sea World, I'm not much of a relaxing guy but wow this is pretty.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent review. The cost is what has prevented me from going. I'm glad you mentioned that the dolphin "swim" was so brief. That kind of kills it for me, as compared to just visiting SWO and doing the up charge dolphin encounter or doing a dolphin shore excursion on a cruise.
Since you visited Discovery Cove I'm curious, have you ever visited Gatorland? I personally love the place and it's a bit of a different sort of attraction for Orlando. Sometimes people call it a theme park but like in this case I'm not quite sure if that term really applies. But I'd be curious to hear your thoughts.
I have not been to Gatorland.
I did the one a SWSD as a kid. It’s more of a novelty thinking back on it. Like you said, you get about 10 seconds actually interacting with the dolphins the rest of the time it’s just the idea u are sharing a pool with dolphins. I rememebr it being extremely expensive for my parents to get us to do it. Kind of a rip off all in all
The dolphin experiences are pricey anywhere.
I absolutely love birds and sea creatures, so this is my dream. I don’t think I’ll go for a while since it’s so expensive
The price kept us from going for a while too.
Sounds like it's a better deal just going to a real tropical island.
It's good if you're already in Orlando.
I went to discovery code a lot of years ago. I didn't know how to swim then
I am not much better swimmer now. I got some nice hotel deals also at the time. When i went it was just the dolphin swim and the bird park and some swimming pools. I was. by myself. I really enjoyed it. I think i got a free ticket to SeaWorld also. The SeaWorld shuttle took me from my hotel to discovery cove. They are across the street from other. I would go back even tho it is expensive to do the sea adventure and swim with the dolphins again.
They have plenty of lifejackets available.
Currently there is a deal for this, bgt, swo, and aquatica for about $130
That's a good deal.
When i went a long time ago after your swim woth the dolphins they set you up at a computer station and you can pick and purchase the pictures you want. I have my picture of kissing a dolphin so i don't think i need any more pictures when i go back.
Nice!
My mom actually works here
Nice!
those... do not look like mantas.
They're cownose rays and eagle rays but that's neither here nor there. We could all see what he was talking about so no big deal.
They are not. Cownose rays and eagle rays.
Sorry if I confused my rays.
Discovery Cove seems very cool but you can get all of this and more in Cancun, Mexico for a lower price. It's interesting to see a resort like this in the US, though.
Not surprised you can get this type of experience elsewhere. It's unique for Orlando though.
Will money from this place go to SeaWorld?
It can. SeaWorld owns them.