
Plus, we were lucky enough to be beside the dolphin pool and got to see them off-duty playing in the water, jumping up and tossing a ball around – all without any trainers or humans in the pool. We had our own private space, hidden from view, which had sun loungers, a hammock, our own fully-stocked fridge and lockable cupboard. I made a friend in the aviary special occasionĪs it was Simon’s birthday and we were visiting as a group, we rented one of the private cabanas as a special treat ($199 / £140 per group). A chemical-free (animal friendly) high factor sun cream is supplied and there are dispensers around the park for top ups. Everything has been considered here – so much so, that you don’t even have to worry about wearing sunscreen. This means you can lock all your valuables and credit cards away at the beginning of the day and explore the park and the water at ease which was a welcome bonus. We loved the snorkelling! On dry landĪnother big surprise of the day is that all food and drink is included in your admission price, including beer, wine, breakfast, lunch and all-day snacks. For the best photos, grab your waterproof camera and be in the water for feeding time where you will be surrounded by hundreds of fish and cheeky stingray eager for a treat. We all absolutely loved this and it was probably my favourite part of the park. Vests and snorkels are provided and qualified staff are in the pool for safety and to answer any questions. You’re allowed stay in the Grand Reef for as little or as long as you want and visit the pool at anytime during the visit. Don’t worry, the animals aren’t at all dangerous and any barbs have been removed. I’ve stroked a stingray at an aquarium but never had one swim between my legs, grazing my toes! I was thrilled. For anyone who has never dived in the sea before, children or less-abled bodied guests, it’s a fantastic thing to do. The highlight was a deep salt-water swimming bay, the Grand Reef, filled with tropical fish and huge stingray that you can feed, stroke or snorkel side-by-side with. There are two big beaches, a lazy river, a huge aviary featuring tropical birds and monkeys, an education centre and an otter pool. Those who do not want to add a dolphin experience can pay a standard entry into the park which includes a host of other activities. Of course, the opportunity to play in the water with the gorgeous dolphins is the big appeal of Discovery Cove but I was surprised at how many other things the park had to offer.

We loved being in the water with Maui! So much to do If you can, get a member of your party to stand on the beach and capture a few snaps as a back up. Photo packages are on the pricey side at $100 (£75) for four 8×6 pictures and $150 (£100) for a video of the experience.
Discovery cove orlando professional#
A professional photographer is on hand to capture all the moments including getting a big kiss from our dolphin Maui but don’t let your group get carried away.

It’s a totally unique experience and we just loved every second. Then, individually you can swim out to the deeper water and hitch a ride back in on the fin of your dolphin. I had surprised Simon for his birthday and at 34-years-old he was as excited as the seven-year-old in our group (maybe more).Įveryone gets a chance to stroke the dolphins, feed them a fish and ask questions throughout the 30-minute interaction. Then it’s time to dive in and meet your new dolphin pal. A dolphin trainer gives you a quick talk about the conservation and rescue efforts of the animals as well as a safety talk. Organised into small groups of 7-8, you are given a designated time and meeting place. And if you’ve never been up close to one of these amazing animals you will love the dolphin experience here. Those who have heard of Discovery Cove know the park as the place to swim with dolphins. I was there with my boyfriend Simon and a group of our friends and we were all blown away by the surprise beauty of the park which was totally different to anywhere we’d ever been before. Turning the corner, a white sandy beach lined with sun-loungers and a bay of bright blue water bursts into view. After you arrive you are led through an idyllic tree-lined path passing tropical birds, waterfalls and thatched beach huts. MAKING A SPLASHĭiscovery Cove, the sister park of neighbouring Sea World, is a hidden tropical paradise nestled in the heart of themepark land. In my opinion it’s one of the best things you can do on holiday in Orlando, whether you’re travelling with friends, family or just as a couple. There are the obvious choices, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World, but not everyone considers the lesser-known Discovery Cove.

With so many big attractions to choose from it’s easy to get stressed about what to do and where to go. Planning a trip to Orlando can be overwhelming.
