Discovery Cove

[surfsupdon]

Has anyone done the Sea World branch Discovery Cove Resort Experience??

Saw it on the Travel Channel, a special. All inclusive day with animal interactions (dolphins), many, many coves to swim/snorkel in, meals, supplies, aviaries and other marina animal goodies.

And they limit to 1000 Guests pr day.

Anybody do it, and if so, most importantly, was it worthwhile??

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Oh Yes

Discovery Cove is THE best day outside of WDW. It is expensive and should be booked well in advance (to avoid dis-appointment). The meal is a serve yourself buffet - plenty of choice (even for kids) and top quality food.
The downside (apart from the cost) is the short dolphin interaction. The day itself is do-as-you-want-when-you-want EXCEPT for the dolphon swim which is timed. On arrival you are told when your swim is and in which area to meet. There must be at least one swimmer per party. The total dolphin experience is about 30 mins - that includes the pre brief before entering the water. You cannot take your own cameras into the water "the dolphin might think its a toy and try and eat it" - but your swim is videoed and still pictures are taken. After the swim you are left alone to choose what souvenirs you want
My family will be doing it again on our next visit. Hope this helps.

 

[surfsupdon]

Despite the short Dolphin time, at least you are guaranteed it!

Fot the program at the Living Seas that we were going to do, they mention that dolphin interaction is not guaranteed b/c the dolphins may not want to interact with the guests. They say that you can do the whole tour and then when you et to the end, you might not even be able to get into the dolphin tank b/c they dont want to be bothered.

Im sure that doesnt happen often, yet its expensive and that is a large "small print" portion of the day.

 

[mandib]

I can't wait. We're doing it on May 30th. *Dreams about dolphins*

 

[crazydaveh]

I have not been to Discovery Cove yet. We're planning on that this Fall. I have done Sea World's Trainer For A Day Program. This was awesome, as I was able to go behind the scenes and interact with many of the animals.

For instance, we swam in the Shamu tank (Not with the killer whales--->for our safety) We swam with Clyde and Seamore. The Walrus is huge, but very playful!

We also swam with the dolphins after one of their shows. This is also well worth it, and you get plenty of time with many of the animals.

Just thought I would share...

 

[AndyP]

The trainer for a day program sounds excellent, hopefully I'll be experiencing Discovery Cove this July!

 

[DieHardDisney]

Originally posted by AndyP
The trainer for a day program sounds excellent, hopefully I'll be experiencing Discovery Cove this July!

Yeah I heard about this and it also sounds awesome, wish I could go

 

[AndyP]

Originally posted by DieHardDisney
Yeah I heard about this and it also sounds awesome, wish I could go

Yeah, the only downside of it is the price!

 

[EmeraldDolphin]

It is most definitely worth your time & money!!! I have done it 2x, and my daughter has done it 3x! Plan to spend the entire day... you will be so glad that you did. Also, it includes entrance to Sea World 7 days before and/or after your visit to Discovery Cove. So, last summer when we went to Discovery Cove we were able to visit Sea World 2x without paying an additional cost (well... other than parking at Sea World) Oh.. & it includes your lunch at no extra cost, and I have to say that the food was really quite good.