Are you ready for the ultimate trip to Discovery Cove at SeaWorld Orlando?
As you may already know, Discovery Cove at SeaWorld Orlando is an all-inclusive day resort.
It offers a beach-front oasis and unforgettable one-of-a-kind animal encounters.
Whether you are looking for a romantic all-inclusive day away in a secluded oasis, a solo tropical paradise escape, or incredible animal encounters Discovery Cove has it all.
From a tropical river, pristine beaches, dolphin lagoon, unlimited food and beverages to private cabanas, let’s go through all the reasons you’re going to love Discovery Cove at SeaWorld with my full guide and review!
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Guide to Discovery Cove at SeaWorld Orlando at a Glance:
- Before discounts a Day Resort Package starts at $224 and includes unlimited food and beverages and one on one dolphin encounter
- Discovery Cove Vacation Packages for a family of four start at $89 a night and Florida residents at $79 a night
- Hand-feed tropical birds and snorkel amongst thousands of beautiful tropical fish in The Grand Reef
- Relax in the 85-degree sparkling waters in Serenity Bay and cool off under a cascading waterfall
- Upgrade into a private cabana and escape into your personal secluded oasis
Keep reading to get a full guide on how to conquer Discovery Cove at SeaWorld Orlando like a pro!
What is Discovery Cove at SeaWorld Orlando?
Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort that has you escaping into a one-of-a-kind oasis that feels like the tropics.
It is a luxurious experience of snorkeling in crystal clear waters amongst thousands of colorful tropical fish.
I love that it is a place where you can float your worries away in the warm waters of the lazy river.
Swimming with playful dolphins encounters with beautiful exotic birds, and lounging out on the white sandy beach, there is so much to love about Discovery Cove Orlando.
Freshly made meals and sipping on cool cocktails, there is no other place that compares to this phenomenal tropical paradise.
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How Does Discovery Cove at SeaWorld Orlando Work?
Whether you are interested in just a luxurious full day away in the tropical oasis or an overnight hotel package that includes your park admission, they’ve got it.
Discovery Cove allows you to build your vacation package so you can tailor it exactly as your dreams desire.
Beginning with Discovery Cove Vacation Packages for a family of four, starting at $89 a night and Florida residents at $79 a night.
Or you can also just book an all-inclusive day at Discovery Cove for a paradise escape.
They take all the hassle and worries away providing unlimited food and beverages. It is an unforgettable immersive experience all in the setting of a tropical oasis resort here in The City Beautiful.
Recommended: REVIEW of Sharks Underwater Grill at SeaWorld Orlando: Photos, Food, Fun, and More!
What’s the Cost of Discovery Cove?
Let’s talk pricing!
Well, the good news is that Discovery Cove offers various Day Resort Packages so guests can choose the one that is perfect for your Florida vacation.
Before discounts a Day Resort Package starts at $224 which includes:
- Breakfast, lunch, unlimited snacks, as well as non-alcoholic beverages and select beer and wine to choose from
- Access to The Grand Reef where you can snorkel with fish and rays
- Entrance into the Explorer’s Aviary where you can hand-feed exotic birds
- Time at Flamingo Point where you can watch the Caribbean flamingos
- Sightings of monkeys and otters at Freshwater Oasis
- Lounging on the gorgeous white sandy beaches
- Relaxing in the tranquil waters of Serenity Bay and Wind-Away River
- Complimentary parking, access to lockers and loungers, sunscreen, wetsuits, snorkel gear, and towel service
The Day Resort Package with 2 parks gives you additional unlimited admission for 14 days to SeaWorld and Aquatica starting at $284.
While the Day Resort Package and 3 parks includes not only unlimited entrance for 14 days to SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens but free parking too.
Children under the age of 2 years are complimentary alongside a full adult admission, however, be sure to include this into your reservation.
Save up to 42% on SeaWorld Orlando Resort Tickets!
Where to Buy Tickets for Discovery Cove at SeaWorld Orlando?
Let’s dive into the best sites for you to purchase Discovery Cove tickets!
Discovery Coves often runs special deals saving 20% with limited-time offers often and discounts for Florida residents and military discounts.
Florida residents can see discounts of up to 40% at times along with free open bar and deals on signature experiences.
Check out the links below for the best discount Discovery Cove tickets available:
Don’t forget to check back often, as these sites are constantly being updated with new deals and discounts.
We were able to go because Discovery Cove had a special discount going on so sign up to receive emails from us on any deals that they may have.
Things to Do at Discovery Cove at SeaWorld Orlando
There is no shortage of unique and one-of-a-kind things to do for all ages that are included with your admission to Discovery Cove at SeaWorld Orlando.
It is the ultimate place to go for immersive experiences and a tropical escape of adventures.
Swim With the Dolphins
The signature Dolphin Swim Experience takes place in the crystal clear waters of the Dolphin Lagoon.
This one-on-one encounter has you interacting with bottlenose dolphins, learning all about these incredible creatures, and getting the once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim and spend time with them.
Explore Flamingo Point
This vibrantly colorful experience takes you within Flamingo Point and is an instant hit among guests of all ages.
Set against the backdrop of an exotic landscape you get the rare opportunity to see the Caribbean flamingoes up close in their stunning beauty.
Hand Feed Tropical Birds
One of my favorite things to do is to feed the birds!
Here you can take a break from the gorgeous waters and head on over to the Explorer’s Aviary where you can hand-feed hundreds of tropical birds.
An incredibly lush and natural habit created for these colorful birds has them singing and soaring all around you for a truly immersive experience and is the perfect thing to do for bird lovers.
Snorkel in The Grand Reef
Thousands of beautiful tropical fish swim throughout the waters and coral reefs of The Grand Reef that you can dive into and explore.
The best part of all aside from it being included in your visit the wetsuit, towel, masks, and souvenir snorkel are also all included in your admission to Discovery Cove in Orlando.
Unwind and Relax in the Crystal Clear Waters
From 85-degree sparkling waters in Serenity Bay, a cascading waterfall, to the tropical Wind Away River to float along with your family, Discovery Cove has got it all.
Save up to 42% on SeaWorld Orlando Resort Tickets!
Special Experiences and Upgrades
Did you know you can upgrade your Discovery Cove experience and add on more unforgettable experiences to your day?
Discovery Cove Special Experiences and Upgrades to choose from are:
- SeaVenture: An undersea walking tour along The Grand Reef floor encountering sea life and exploring the underwater world with a dive helmet
- Animal Trek: A 30-minute behind-the-scenes tour meeting exotic birds and animals like a sloth, kinkajou, and anteater
- Ultimate Animal Experience: Half-day exploration of special meet and greets, enhanced dolphin encounters, exclusive snorkeling, and more
- Flamingo Mingle: A one-of-a-kind up-close experience with the Caribbean flamingos of Discovery Cove
- Ultimate VIP Experience: Exclusive experiences, valet parking, upgraded luxurious dining, and a dedicated VIP Ambassador for the full VIP treatment
- Shark Snorkel
- Shark Interaction
- Ray Feeding
- Premium Drink Package
- Cabanas
- Day Beds
- Photo Packages
Discovery Cove is shelling out the luxuries at this all-inclusive day resort with premium special experiences and upgrades allowing you to personalize your Florida vacation.
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All-inclusive Food and Drinks (Our Favorite!)
Is there anything more hassle-free and luxurious than not having to worry about preparing or buying meals?
It is one of the best things about Discovery Cove, it is the ultimate stress-free getaway!
Unlimited snacks have you indulging whenever the craving hits and takes the stress away from planning a family day adventure.
The aromas of freshly brewed coffee and an epic breakfast is available from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Laguna Grill.
Then opens up again from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for freshly prepared lunch choices to keep you fueled up for the day.
The food was amazing and it was nice to be greeted with fresh breakfast when we arrived on our visit.
And you already know that spending so much time in the water can make you extremely hungry which is why I devoured my lunch and went back for seconds!
We finished our day sitting by in the quiet lagoon with a margarita but please don’t forget to try one of the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies!!! They were a 10 out of 10.
Can you feel the excitement coming from this page as I talk about our experience at this Orlando water park?
Private Cabanas
Discovery Cove offers private cabanas so you can nestle yourself into your own private retreat.
Groups of up to 8 can unwind in the luxury of the private cabanas, relaxing in the shade for an incredible experience with plenty of secluded space.
Each private cabana comes with towel service, a snack basket to nibble on, and a mini fridge to help quench your thirst with bottled water and Coca-Cola products. Prices start at $299.
They also offer an Elite Private Cabana option starting at $599. This includes a personalized buoy brought to you during your signature dolphin swim and a digital photo package on top of the other package.
If you want to vacation like a star, then you may want to look at the VIP Cabana Package that begins at $899.
The additional luxurious amenities include:
- Dedicated VIP Cabana host
- Premier animal encounters
- Reserved seating at Laguna Grill
- Guaranteed view of Dolphin Lagoon
Day beds are also available starting at $99, which is a great option for those planning to spend most of the time in the warm waters. They are limited so I recommend reserving them ahead of time.
5 Easy Tips to Remember for Your Visit to Discovery Cove at SeaWorld Orlando
To make the most out of your visit to Discovery Cove keep these tips handy to help plan your day in advance.
1. Download the App
The Discover Cove App is one-stop shopping where you can do pretty much everything you need to do to plan your trip to Discovery Cove at SeaWorld Orlando.
Everything you will need to know to guide you through your day is all within their app from pool and shop locations to barcodes for redemption and in-park experiences.
But it doesn’t stop there, you will want to have the app during your visit to Discovery Cove too.
Find the nearest restrooms, locate your favorite attraction, and interactive maps to your dining options, all at your fingertips.
2. Book Your Daybed ASAP
If you aren’t looking for a private cabana then you will want to book your daybed well in advance.
Nestled within the tropical landscape and a shaded escape from the Florida heat, the daybeds give you that beach resort feel.
With less than 40 available daily they go fast, you can reserve your daybed here for your upcoming trip to Discovery Cove.
3. Arrive Early
Although the waterways open at 9 a.m. you will want to arrive early between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
This is all day extraordinary escape remember, so you don’t want to miss out on a single minute!
Plus, the animal experiences do have a set time to check in for a seamless experience. The Ray Feeding Experience is one example that requires you to arrive and check in no later than 7:00 am.
The Flamingo Mingle is another one that you need to arrive by 7:00 am to complete proper scheduling. Be sure to review your reservations and review your Discovery Cove app information before you visit.
4. Use the Sunscreen Provided
Discovery Cove provides guests with an animal-safe sunscreen included in your admission price.
Be sure to lather up with this specially formulated sunscreen. Not only to protect yourself from the sun but it is also safe for all their animal habitats and the wonderful creatures you will be interacting with.
You can find it within the restrooms throughout Discovery Cove.
5. Book Early
You don’t want to wait too long before booking your reservation at Discovery Cove or you may not be able to secure your preferred date.
Unlike many of the other theme parks, Discovery Cove runs on a limited daily guest capacity in order to maintain an intimate setting for guests.
Something we appreciated on our visit and something you’ll appreciate as well.
By doing so guests of Discovery Cove can retreat into the paradise setting, unwind relax and enjoy personal animal experiences they won’t find anywhere else. It’s one of the main reasons this theme park in Orlando is so special!
Watch the Full Guide to SeaWorld Orlando here on YouTube!
What to Know Before You Go to Discovery Cove
Before I end this guide to Discovery Cove at SeaWorld Orlando, let me answer a few of the most commonly asked questions.
How Much is Parking at Discovery Cove Orlando?
Great news, there are no additional fees for parking at Discovery Cove. Self-parking is complimentary all day!
If you purchase the Ultimate Package then your parking at SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is also included.
Do I Need to Make a Reservation to Visit Discovery Cove at SeaWorld Orlando?
Short answer yes! That is if you don’t want to be disappointed especially during the summer and around any of the holidays.
If you do plan to spend the day at Discovery Cove over the holidays or during peak season, then I recommend booking at least 2 months in advance to secure your reservation.
Remember, Discovery Cove has limited daily entrance so you can have the most immersive, stress-free experience.
What Should I Bring for My Day at Discovery Cove?
Although Discovery Cove does provide many of the amenities for your all-inclusive day at the resort like a snorkel and mask and beach chairs, you do still need to bring along some items.
Here are a few things to pack for your day at Discovery Cove:
- Waterproof camera
- Photo ID
- Credit card for souvenirs
- A bathing suit and a set of dry clothes
- Waterproof protectors or swim diapers for children
- Book and Magazines
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My Final Thoughts and Review of Discovery Cove at SeaWorld Orlando
Discovery Cove is the extraordinary escape for once-in-a-lifetime experiences right here in the heart of Orlando.
There’s truly nothing missing at Discovery Cove at SeaWorld Orlando for the ultimate paradise adventure.
Trust me, when you’re there you’ll forget that you’re in the middle of the city. Instead you’ll truly feel like you escaped to a Caribbean Island.
It’s truly unreal and one of our favorite places to visit in Florida!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.