Discovery Cove About This Page:

[thequeen]

Has anyone been to Discovery Cove? The new park at SeaWorld ORlando where you can swim with the dolphins? Any feedback??

[chezp]

We went to Discovery Cove in December 2000 on one of the coldest days of our vacations. I think temperatures only just got into the 50's! It was fine when we were in the water, but out of it, it was freezing! [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

We enjoyed our day there, but we wouldn't do it again. There was a lot we felt they didn't tell us. For starters, the main part of the swim with the dolphins (which is only half an hour in total) is in deep water and you need to be confident about treading water, which I wasn't. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] I know why they do it, as the dolphin brings you back to land, but they don't explain it beforehand and if you're not that confident in the water, you'll miss out on the main part of the dolphin experience.

Also, they didn't tell us that you couldn't wear any jewellery or glasses to go out with the dolphins, as it could scratch them. Luckily I had my contact lenses in, but if I hadn't, I wouldn't have been able to see the dolphin, even though I was face to face with it - yes I'm that short sighted! [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

We loved the pool with the sting rays, that was great fun, but we did think it was expensive for what you got. We thought our recent experience with the manatees at Crystal River was much better value.

Sorry if this sounds negative, but that was our experience of Discovery Cove. [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Cheryl

[MissB]

Hi!

My DH and I went to Discovery Cove in December 2001 and we just loved every minute! I'm a water and animal nut and this was the best day I'd ever had at a theme park!

I read Cheryl's review and I wonder if they hadn't loosened up a bit by a year later--I wore my glasses and a ring I can't remove into the dolphin swim. My DH is not as comfortable about being in the water as I am and they offered to just let us have all of our interaction in the shallow area if we wanted.

Our dolphin swim time was also 1/2 hour which we shared with another family. Each part of the family got the opportunity to be in the deep water as well as the shallows. Our dolphin, Lester, did different behaviors in either place. The time was short but very intense and satisfying.

The area where you snorkle with tropical fish was beautiful and very well-populated with different species. It has a "coral" floor in places so a person who doesn't float or swim well would need to stay to the sandy areas. It was COLD water in December, though, and that shortened our time in it.

The main play area pool has the cave and waterfalls and stuff. It was heated and huge and just a lot of fun! The lazy river leads out of this pool and goes under a waterfall into the aviary. I had a little trouble with the waterfall because the water wasn't pulling me along as fast as I thought--but there was someone right there to help. Inside the bird area, we got to feed many different birds (and learn about the different things they ate). They have many, many species. A beautiful, colorful fruit dove even landed on my head before transferring to my arm where it sat for a long time. A tiny member of the deer family (a muntjac) came out of the bushes and licked the salt water off my husband's legs for about 10 minutes. It was so cute!

We really loved the ray pool--we arrived just in time to help the keepers feed the 92 rays their supper. The rays are velvety and gentle, not at all as sinister as they appear.

Lunch (included) was very good and there was not too much hard sell to spend more than the entrance fee except to buy photos. I'm sure they make all their profits selling photos and videos to the visitors--but we wanted what we bought and they are still treasured souvenirs.

All in all, a day of adventure and relaxation. I will definitely go back!

MissB [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[chezp]

Originally posted by MissB:
I read Cheryl's review and I wonder if they hadn't loosened up a bit by a year later--I wore my glasses and a ring I can't remove into the dolphin swim. My DH is not as comfortable about being in the water as I am and they offered to just let us have all of our interaction in the shallow area if we wanted.

<font size="2" face="Comic Sans MS, Arial">I'm pleased to read that. We asked if we could have all of our interaction in the shallow area and the answer wasn't exactly helpful. It was along the lines of "if you have to, but you'll miss out, it's your decision". The staff just weren't helpful at all. The answer was the same over my ring, so I had to tug and pull to get my engagement and wedding rings off. We felt their rules were too strict and it's good to hear they've lightened up on things since. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Cheryl

[Suzy Q'Disney]

My Daughter and I went to DC. We had a great time and lots of good memories. The suits they give you to wear help you float, you do not neet to tread water. I am so sorry that no one told you that. I am a large lady and mine worked in the deep water. The staff should have told you.

We had a lovely and relaxing time.

Susan

[PoohNTigger]

Feel free to check my post out my post under PassPorter Universe: General Trip planning and Discussion in the Globetrotting: General Travel Planning.
PoohNTigger [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]