What’s Included at Discovery Cove: A Complete Guide for Your Visit

Curious about what’s included at Discovery Cove in Orlando? Your ticket gives you access to a variety of exciting features and amenities. Enjoy all-inclusive dining, unique animal encounters, and relaxing environments. This guide will walk you through all that Discovery Cove has to offer.

Key Takeaways

• All-Inclusive Amenities: Enjoy a stress-free visit with everything included in your ticket, such as meals, snacks, drinks, parking, and access to amenities like lockers, towels, wetsuits, and snorkeling gear.
• Exciting Animal Encounters: Get up close with a variety of animals, including a dolphin swim, snorkeling with tropical fish, interacting with otters, and hand-feeding exotic birds in the aviary.
• Relaxation and Dining: Relax at Serenity Bay’s heated pool and sandy beaches. Enjoy unlimited food and drinks throughout the day, with options catering to various dietary needs, including vegetarian and allergy-friendly dishes.

All-Inclusive Experience

Discovery Cove stands out with its all-inclusive experience. From the moment you step into the resort, you will have access to a bunch of free amenities designed to make your day easy and fun. Some of these amenities include:

• Lockers
• Towels
• Wetsuits
• Snorkeling gear

These amenities make sure you have everything you need for a day of exploring and relaxing. Plus, Wi-Fi and concierge services are available throughout the park, adding to the comfort of your visit.

Your admission includes unlimited Discovery Cove food and beverages, ranging from freshly prepared meals to all-day snacks and drinks. The main dining option, Laguna Grill, features a buffet-style breakfast and a broad selection of lunch items, including fresh seafood and vegetarian dishes, catering to diverse dietary needs and preferences.

Whether you have dietary restrictions or specific preferences, the park offers a variety of options, including vegetarian and allergy-friendly dishes. For those over 21, a selection of beer and wine is available to complement your meals.

Your ticket also includes convenient parking. Discovery Cove offers free all-day self-parking close to the park entrance, making it easy to arrive and leave without the usual parking hassles. With all these amenities at your disposal, you can focus on enjoying your day in this tropical paradise.

Unique Animal Encounters

Getting up close with animals in fun and memorable settings is a big part of Discovery Cove. Whether you love marine life or birds, there is something exciting for everyone. One of the top highlights is the underwater walking tour where you can come face-to-face with colorful marine life in their natural habitat.

Many visitors talk about the dolphin swim experience. In a calm lagoon, you will get to:

• Meet bottlenose dolphins
• Learn from friendly zoological professionals
• Have a 30-minute encounter
• Swim with these amazing creatures
• Discover more about their behavior and care

This experience is both educational and thrilling.

But it is not just about dolphins. At the Freshwater Oasis, you can watch and interact with playful otters. In the Explorer’s Aviary, you can hand-feed exotic birds, giving you up close encounters with a variety of bird species. These experiences are designed to connect you with wildlife in ways that are both personal and awe-inspiring.

The Grand Reef

Dive into the colorful underwater world at The Grand Reef, where you can:

• Swim and snorkel with thousands of tropical fish in a setting that feels just like a tropical river
• Explore a coral reef habitat full of marine life, from colorful angelfish to smooth, velvety rays
• Enjoy a stunning tropical atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re in another world

If you’d rather stay dry, there are plenty of ways to see the marine life from the water’s edge. You can even walk across a bridge to see sharks swimming below, safely separated by a clear barrier. The Grand Reef is a fantastic place to explore and learn about the ocean’s rich diversity without leaving the park.

Freshwater Oasis

Check out the Freshwater Oasis for a unique water experience. Here, you can:

• Swim through warm water pathways
• Get close to playful Asian small-clawed otters
• See their habitat both above and below the water for a fun and engaging experience

Another cool spot in the Freshwater Oasis is Marmoset Island. Watch the lively marmosets with their puffy white cheeks as they explore the treetops and bamboo bridges. These little creatures add an extra layer of excitement to your visit.

Explorer’s Aviary

Step into the Explorer’s Aviary, a free-flight environment home to hundreds of colorful birds. Here, you can hand-feed exotic birds, allowing for some truly unforgettable moments. The best time to feed the birds is in the morning when they are most active and eager to interact with visitors.

This aviary offers:

• A visual treat with colorful tropical birds
• An auditory experience with the sounds of chirping and singing birds
• A peaceful and immersive atmosphere
• A perfect spot for bird lovers and anyone looking to connect with nature in a unique way

Relaxation Areas

Need a break? The relaxation areas at Discovery Cove offer a perfect escape. Serenity Bay is a tropical paradise with an 85-degree pool surrounded by scenic palms and a beachfront setting. It’s the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun.

If you prefer to relax on land, the sandy beaches and comfy day beds provide a serene resting experience. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, lying on the beach, or floating along the lazy river, Serenity Bay offers a peaceful escape from everyday life.

Dining Options

The dining experience at Discovery Cove Orlando is a treat. Start your day with a freshly prepared breakfast at Laguna Grill, available from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Enjoy a gourmet lunch from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with a variety of delicious options to suit every taste.

Throughout the day, you can enjoy unlimited snacks and drinks, including:

• Soft pretzels
• Chips
• Pizza
• Soft drinks

For those over 21, beer and wine are available, and there’s even a premium drink package for those looking to enhance their experience. With all these dining options, you’ll never go hungry during your visit.

Special Experiences

Discovery Cove offers several unique experiences for visitors looking for something extra special. The Animal Trek is a 30-minute guided tour where you can meet a variety of birds and small mammals, including macaws, a rescued screech owl, an anteater, armadillo, kinkajou, or sloth.

If you want a more exclusive experience, think about booking a private cabana. These cabanas can fit 6 to 8 guests and include a VIP package with:

• Personalized buoy delivery during the dolphin swim
• A digital photo package
• A dedicated VIP Cabana host
• An exclusive animal encounter

These special experiences add a touch of luxury and personalization to your visit.

Tips for Your Visit

Here are a few practical tips to help you get the most out of your Orlando Discovery Cove visit:

• Reservations are required, so be sure to book in advance.
• Arriving early will help you secure your preferred schedule for extra experiences.
• Don’t forget to use the provided sunscreen to stay safe under the Florida sun.

Reservations Required

Discovery Cove works on a reservation-only basis, making it more exclusive and enjoyable for all guests. Even kids aged 2 and under need a reservation, although they can enter for free with a paid adult.

To guarantee your spot, especially during busy times like summer and holidays, it’s best to book at least two months in advance. If your plans change, you can adjust your reservation up to 48 hours before your visit, with one free date change allowed. This flexibility helps you plan your visit with confidence.

Arrive Early

Getting to Discovery Cove early is key to enjoying a full day of fun. The park opens at 7:00 a.m., with check-in starting at 7:15 a.m. and operating hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Arriving between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. gives you plenty of time to check in and get ready for the day’s activities.

For those doing multiple extra experiences, arriving early is even more important. To make sure you get your preferred schedule, it’s best to arrive by 7:00 a.m. This way, you can enjoy all that Discovery Cove has to offer.

Sun Protection

Since most activities at Discovery Cove are outdoors, using sunscreen often is a must. The park provides free sunblock that is safe for the environment and the animals. Make sure to reapply it regularly, especially after water activities, to keep you and your family protected under the Florida sun.

Related Parks and Attractions

Add admission to related parks like SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to make your Discovery Cove experience even better. These packages offer up to 14 days of unlimited access, letting you extend your fun beyond just one day.

The Discovery Cove + 3-park package is very popular, giving you a full Orlando experience that mixes marine life encounters, thrilling water slides, and exciting theme park rides. This option is perfect for families wanting to make the most of their vacation.

Final Thoughts

Discovery Cove offers a unique, all-inclusive day resort experience that mixes fun, relaxation, and amazing animal encounters. From the Dolphin Lagoon to the Grand Reef and Freshwater Oasis, every part of the park is designed to give you a memorable experience.

Whether you’re hand-feeding exotic birds, swimming with dolphins, or just relaxing on the sandy beaches of Serenity Bay, Discovery Cove promises a day of joy and wonder. Plan your visit today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

FAQs

Do I need a reservation to visit Discovery Cove?

Yes, you need to book your visit in advance since Discovery Cove operates on a reservation-only system. Be sure to secure your spot ahead of time.

What time should I arrive at Discovery Cove?

To get the most out of your day, plan to arrive between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. This way, you can check in and get ready for all the fun activities.

Are food and drinks included in the admission price?

Yes, your admission includes unlimited food, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and select beers and wines. Enjoy your meals and refreshments throughout the day!

Can I visit other parks with my Discovery Cove ticket?

Absolutely! You can add visits to SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with your Discovery Cove ticket. Have fun exploring these other parks!

What should I bring for a day at Discovery Cove?

You just need to bring your swimsuit, a change of clothes, and any personal items you might need. Discovery Cove provides towels, wetsuits, snorkeling gear, and sunblock for you.