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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 11-25-2008, 04:49 PM   #1
alysjack
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Discovery Cove

We are planning a trip in April to Florida. We would like to go to Discovery Cove. I went online and they don't have the prices for April/2009 yet but from what I see it looks like $289/pp. Does anyone know if there are discount tickets anywhere for Discovery Cove? I do have the Entertainment booklet not sure if that is an option. That is a bit expensive but we are not doing the WDW parks this vacation this may be our only park for the week. Also, is it worth the price? Anyone been there???? Thanks!
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Old 11-25-2008, 06:54 PM   #2
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It's a wonderful day, and one we still talk about often (and we went 4 years ago). If you can afford it, it's definately worth it. We were able to get a discount code through an Orlando radio station back then. I found out about the discount on the Discovery Cove Website, and then did some research on the radio stations.
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Old 11-26-2008, 01:32 AM   #3
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We've been twice now and it is definitely worth the money.
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Old 11-26-2008, 10:45 AM   #4
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I took my youngest Daughter years ago. It was so worth it. She is 19 now and still looks back on it as wonderful. The photos are great. Have fun.

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Old 11-26-2008, 03:33 PM   #5
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Discovery Cove is absolutely worth the money. Discovery Cove is a part of Busch Entertainment Group which was aquired by InBev when they bought out Anheuser-Busch. Rumors are strong that they are going to sell that group whether it be as a whole or as individaul parks remains to be seen. With that in mind, the park will still be there but what the price structure will be etc. is uncertain. I'd still keep it on your to do list. Our kids still talk about Discovery Cove and the dolphn they met.
Currently, it's limited to roughly 800 or 900 guests, mostly advance resos. You just need to show up with your swim suit and towel. They provide the sunscreen (they prefer theirs as it's formulated by Panama Jack to be friendly to the sea life), wet suits, the snorkel equipment, lockers, shower facilities, bags to take your wet stuff home in, lunch. You feel as though you're on an island for the day. There seemed to be plenty of lounges to set your stuff at but just took ours with us. The dolphin encounter starts off with a short video presentation about safety to the animals in the wild etc. You then head to the dolphin area in groups of 8 for your encounter. Everyone takes turns interacting with the dolphin and getting it to do tricks for ice or fish. You stand on a "shelf" in the dolphin's area for this. At the end you walk to the end and get a tow ride with the dolphin back to the shallow area. No camers allowed though. For your camera's safety (they don't retreve dropped ones), for your enjoyment (they want you to focus on the experience vs. taking pictures) and for the animals' safety. They do have photographers taking pictures and videos which you have the option to purchase. Pricey but worth it. I recommend doing the disc with as many pictures as you want. Then they're yours to download at home and do whatever you want with vs. buying the 5x7's etc. I know some folks don't think it's worth the money but we definitely felt we got our money's worth!
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Old 11-26-2008, 11:06 PM   #6
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I loved Discovery cove! Get there early to make the most of the fee. I also recommend the Dolphin swim!
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Old 11-28-2008, 12:10 PM   #7
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Haven't been but from reading the website the price also includes your lunch and a 7 day pass to either busch gardens or seaworld. Sounds like a good deal to me!
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Old 11-28-2008, 08:09 PM   #8
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AAA gives a small discount in Discovery Cove tickets.

Here's my video of Discovery Cove:

YouTube - Discovery Cove
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Old 11-29-2008, 02:05 AM   #9
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We loved it. We ate a continental BF, fabulous lunch and many snacks. Everything is included, even towels. I spent an additional $200 on pix and videos, but they are amazing. The photographers are all over the park; we have quite a few pix from the string-ray tank. We hope to go on our next trip. I would recommend it.
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Old 11-30-2008, 04:26 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by minushka72 View Post
Haven't been but from reading the website the price also includes your lunch and a 7 day pass to either busch gardens or seaworld. Sounds like a good deal to me!
WHen I went, the lunch was quite good, actually! Like sit-down restauraunt quality at WDW.
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Old 12-11-2008, 08:00 PM   #11
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I do some work with Discovery Cove - the park is limited to 1000 guests, so make sure you make reservations to visit early! Also, a ticket to DC is all-inclusive - all you can eat or drink (including alcoholic beverages), including breakfast, all the snacksnack bars, and a full lunch. You also get admission to either Busch Gardens or Sea World, usable within fourteen days of your visit. It's one of the most unique experiences in Orlando you can find - definitely check it out, if you can.
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