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Go Back   PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums > PassPorter's Florida Destinations Beyond Walt Disney World > Central Florida Attractions: SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Busch Gardens
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Old 07-14-2010, 09:01 PM   #1
bsblady01
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discovery cove?

we are thinking about going to discovery cove in may of 2012 do you think it is worth the money. we are a family of four.
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Old 07-15-2010, 01:25 AM   #2
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Definitely We've been lucky enough to go twice now and the last time was with family members. They loved it so much that they're planning on going back again when they next visit in April 2011. It's a lot of money, but it is an amazing day.
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Old 07-15-2010, 11:05 AM   #3
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We've been and it is a great experience. There's two options, a day there and the day there with the dolphin "swim". You do pay a bit more for the dolphin experience but it was fun. When you're there, it's almost like being on a island for the day. They have everything you need there down to the specially formulated sunscreen that isn't harmful to the sea life. Just show up with your swim stuff and a change of clothes. There's the snorkel area with tropical fish, the sting rays, the natural pool and "river" to swim and snorkel through, the aviary and the dolphins. For the dolphins you go out in groups of 8 at an assigned time and a trainer gets each group member interacting with the dolphin while standing in the water at the edge of the dolphin tank. To conclude the session you walk to the end of the area you stand in/on and get a tow ride back from the dolphin. I think it all lasted about a half hour. Their website has an interactive map and some good info. check it out. It's been a few since we've been and our DDs still talk about that day and "their" dolphin, Capricorn. They of course would love to do it again and we probably will.
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Old 07-15-2010, 02:17 PM   #4
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We swam with Capricorn too!!!!!!! Well worth the money. We had the best time of our life. Yes it was expensive but my boys can make it up in food.
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Old 07-15-2010, 07:42 PM   #5
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I was just there in May. For me, it was well worth the money spent and we spent 7 hours there. For food, we had a continental breakfast with juices and coffee; snacks which included soft pretzels, chips and fruit. Busch beer/drinks were also included and we had 2 each. Lunch had several menu items to choose from and really good desserts. I snorkled in the coral reef (which is huge and has manta rays over 6 ft long) until I was getting hypothermic. We then swam around the lazy river on noodles. And bring a couple underwater cameras!!

I think that one person in your group has to do the dolphin encounter. It was $259 per person for us in May. If you didn't want the dolphin encounter it was $159.

You can read about my visit here http://www.passporterboards.com/foru...5-16-10-a.html

I uploaded a few picts from the coral reef. (click on the small image to see a larger one)




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Old 07-18-2010, 10:30 AM   #6
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I watched the Kate Plus 8 episode when they went there and wow does it look neat! It really looked like an island. All of her kid's rode with the dolphins along with Kate. Can you believe how much that would've cost! Good thing TLC is paying for it. Discovery Cove isn't hurting with the publicity from the airing of the show either
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Old 07-19-2010, 11:10 AM   #7
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I've featured this thread on the PassPorter.com front page!

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Old 07-19-2010, 11:43 AM   #8
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We went in January 2010, we were lucky enough to get a prepurchase discount and paid 189 per person with the dolphin swim. By far it was the best day of our two week vacation and coming from a Disney freak that is saying alot. It was relaxing and still an adventure. The food and service was excellent!!! Well worth the money. We would do it again, and pay full price!!
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Old 01-09-2011, 01:25 AM   #9
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we are going to try and do it when we go next oct
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Old 01-15-2011, 06:24 PM   #10
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Its definatly worth it, its such a beatiful place and pretty good value for money.
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Old 03-12-2011, 04:44 PM   #11
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we are planning d c this year
I think it will really be worth it since we are planning to
buy the ultimate package and do busch , sea world and aquatica this trip as well
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