Dolphins Discovery Cove Orlando

We visited Discovery Cove at Sea World Orlando recently and were not sure what to expect. One thing I must say is that Discovery Cove is very expensive with the basic ticket running over $100 and the chance to swim with dolphins around another hundred dollars plus. Thus, this could easily set you back $500 to $1,000 + for a family of four. Check with the Discovery Cove web site as prices are subject to change based on availability.

The park does include breakfast (very plain continental style) and lunch which was more like school cafeteria food. The good news is the fact that there is free beer and soda.

Discovery Cove typically allows a maximum attendance up to a thousand +/- people only and is relatively a smaller less chaotic park and comes across as being more relaxed.

We did not take the “Dolphin Swim Experience” option due to the price, but did observe many people enjoying the experience. The Dolphin experience is much orchestrated en masse in groups

Vacation Rentals Near Discovery Cove

of about 10 people with what looked to be about 5 groups at time in the Dolphin aquarium.

We did venture into the manta ray / fish swimming pool “Tropical Reef” which was a lot fun. This aquarium can be very deep in places and the park provides you with full goggles and snorkel. This was a truly stunning pool / aquarium.

Lazy River Discovery Cove

Next we moved onto the lazy river “Wind-Away River”. The lazy River is very long and not so lazy as some swimming is definitely required. The lazy river is a great experience and the entire route is well staffed and maintained. The lazy river is up to eight feet deep in places and is a little more adventurous than typical water parks in the area. The river also runs up to the aviary which has some fascinating tropical birds to feed and view.

After the lazy river we went to the more regular pool “Serenity Bay” which is very shallow and allows for young children to enjoy the park.

There is also a petting pool where you can pet the Mantra Ray in a shallow environment. This was also fun, but for more bang for the buck the swimming pool “Tropical Reef” environment was better. The park offers a lot of beach type environment along with plenty of chaise loungers.

Discovery Cove

For a hundred dollars per person, the park is so-so value for money. If you want to pay another $100 +/- per person plus to swim with dolphins you had better enjoy dolphins.

Swim with Manta Rays at Discovery Cove Orlando

If looking to rent a vacation home close to Discovery Cove at Sea World, your best location is probably Vista Cay or the The Isle of Cay Commons both offering two and three bedroom fully equipped condominiums. Given the choice go with Vista Cay Orlando as the extensively equipped community clubhouse is a quick walk from most of the units. To learn more about the type and location of Orlando vacation home rentals in the area check our reviews located on the left hand side of the page.