Discovery Cove 2021 - A Review

We were fortunate to visit Discovery Cove Orlando a few weeks ago for a fam tour to learn everything we could about this amazing place.  Now we're ready to share our experiences with you.

Discovery Cove is located across the street from SeaWorld Orlando. Turning in, you quickly realize that you're leaving the "real world" and are being transported to a lush tropical oasis.  The types and quantities of the plantings here amazed us.

TIP: If you're dropping your party off before parking, you can keep to the right and make your way to the main entrance.  If everyone is walking, you can keep left and go straight to the parking lot.

After a short walk to the main entrance, you're greeted by a staff member checking bags.  You're then directed to one of two lines to wait your turn to be checked in.  When it's your time, a staff member will come over to get you and bring you back to their station where everyone will receive a lanyard and directions to breakfast.  If you have reserved an add-on option like the dolphin swim or animal trek, you'll be given your reserved time and place to meet.

Once you're finished checking in, you'll leave the main building and head down a lush wooded path filled with brooks and streams.  Take a moment right outside the main building to view the lazy river that you'll soon be enjoying.

If you reserved a cabana, make your way to the guest relations building located on the left as you enter the park.  There will be someone there to guide you to your private home away from home...at least for the next 10 hours.  Then you can head to the Laguna Grill for breakfast which is all-you-can-eat.

The waterways open at 9am and breakfast begins at 7:30am.  So arrive early and have plenty of time to get checked in, find your cabana, claim your loungers, eat breakfast, get fitted for a vest or wet suit, apply sun screen, claim your noodles, and get your goggles and snorkel and then relax. It may seem like a lot to get your day started, but there are staff members there to help.  Lockers are available for use in addition to indoor and outdoor showers.

TIP: Don't forget you can keep your snorkel afterwards...just remember to turn in your goggles.  Snorkels are souvenirs given to you by Discovery Cove.

We were there for two days and were fortunate to have a private cabana both days.  Ours was located by the Dolphin Lagoon where we could stair out and watch the dolphins swim all day.  We had a cabana host that kept our beverages and snacks stocked...and yes...free drinks and snacks all day.  It was nice not having to leave the cabana to get these items.  There are snacks stands located throughout the park for guests and we visited those snack stands as well to enjoy treats we did not have in our cabana.

Discovery Cove keeps the water at a temperature that is most comfortable for the animals...not humans.  You will get use to it, but the initial entry into the Grand Reef and Dolphin Lagoon is VERY COLD...around 76 degrees fahrenheit...even with the wet suit.  And before you jump in and get going, remember you're swimming with real fish and other animals.  Watch where you step and don't try and chase them.  You'll get called out pretty quickly.  Also with it being salt water, remember to use those goggles and don't open your mouth.  The staff will also direct you not to kick/splash water when you swim...use your arms and small feet/leg movements.  And if you've never heard screaming through a snorkel, give yourself a few minutes above the water and listen out...it's pretty funny.  It's not a concern...just people seeing a stingray for the first time swim right by them or under them or touching them.  It's ok to stick your hand out and touch them back.

Keep an eye on the time if you have an add-on event.  The time for you to show up is printed on your lanyard if you forget.

If you're looking for a relaxing swim in much warmer waters (around 85 degree fahrenheit), head over to Serenity Bay, Fresh Water Oasis, and Wind Away River.  Wind Away River is approximately 1,500 feet long and has varying depths ranging from a few feet to eight feet deep.  Grab a noodle and lay back and relax as the stream takes you around which takes about 20 minutes or so.  At one point, you'll go through a waterfall which signals your entry into Explorer's Aviary.  Be sure to look around and see all of the magnificent birds.  How do you know you're in the aviary?  Look for the huge net above you.  Then soon you'll will exit the aviary through another waterfall.

FUN FACT:  What's the purpose of the waterfalls?  They keep the birds inside.  When they shut off the waterfalls at night, they have nets they lower that does the same.

TIP:  Along the lazy river, there are different areas where you can exit and transition over to the Otter and Marmosets area and also do a walk through of the aviary.  Don't feel like you have to do the entire length.

Over at the Dolphin Lagoon, it is split up into three separate areas: Starfish, Seahorse, and Sand Dollar   These areas correspond to the three cabanas behind the lagoon which is where you'll assemble to meet the trainers and get ready for your dolphin experience.  They absolutely don't allow any foreign objects in the lagoon because dolphins are really curious and will try to take it, eat it, or play with it.  Sunglasses and hats are about the only thing they will allow.  What about cameras?  Nope.  But don't worry, there is a photographer standing by to capture all of those wonderful moments...for a price.  You don't get long to interact, so pay attention and be in the moment.

TIP: Ask a lot of questions...it makes the session last longer.

When it's your time for lunch (begins at 11am), head back over to the Laguna Grill and enjoy a selection of steak, fish, burgers, hot dogs, etc...again all you can eat.  Find a nice relaxing spot or head back to your cabana to enjoy.

TIP: Don't under estimate how tired you're going to get.  Swimming takes a lot of effort and energy.  So take breaks and enjoy those free snacks.

You can definitely see and experience everything in a day, but we recommend two.  The first day was filled with excitement, acclamation, and learning.  On our second day we were able to relax and truly enjoy what was around us....we were pros by then.

Be sure to head to the Photo Stand before leaving the park to see your pictures (if you had any taken) and purchase some or all.  There is also a decent souvenir shop near the entrance worth checking out.  That's where I got my awesome hat.

TIP:  Visit the Photo Stand early.  If you wait until it's time to leave, you'll be in a long line with everyone else.

Going with two kids, each with different interests, was challenging.  One wanted to stay in the Grand Reef and the other in Wind Away River.  Needless to say, we got a lot of steps in those two days going back and forth to each.  And yes, they're on opposite ends of the park.

TIP: Discovery Cove has a strict no refund policy.  So if you have a member of your party not able to attend because of a last minute sickness, just know you're not getting you money back.

We also did the Animal Trek.  We were not really impressed.  We only got to see and/or interact with four animals...a couple birds, an armadillo, a macaw, and a sloth.  The sloth was the best, but we could only look...not touch.  For us, it was not worth the money and the pictures taken, while good, were an additional cost.

Discovery Cove is definitely worth the money and definitely worth two back-to-back visits.  It is one of Orlando's gems that I don't think many know or think about when vacationing.  With all of the people, which really wasn't that many, you don't feel crowded because the park is laid out in a way to keep everyone spread out.  This is definitely a place to come and relax and enjoy nature.  If you're looking for more excitement, head down the road to Aquatica Water Park, because at Discovery Cove, it's all about rest and relaxation.

We would love to hear your experiences and tips.  Be sure to comment below and let us know about your amazing Discovery Cove vacation.