Park Spotlight: Discovery Cove
Photo Credit: DiscoveryCove.com
Located in Orlando, Florida, Discovery Cove is one of seven parks lead by SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. This park is a unique reservations-only, all-inclusive, resort-like experience that holds up to 1300 guests. Bring the whole family or even plan your wedding/vow renewals with packages available for everyone. A beautiful scenery to say “I DO”.
The highlight of Discovery Cove is Dolphin Lagoon. Take the opportunity to come face to face with a bottle nosed dolphin for 30 minutes. In the shallows, receive hugs and kisses from these loving animals all before going a little deeper for a dorsal fin tow ride. Children must be 6 years of age to swim with the dolphins and must be accompanied by a paying adult. Sea Venture, The Grand Reef’s (the interaction spot) unbelievable, underwater walk adventure takes you below the tides to view sharks through a panoramic window, swim with schools of fish and rays, touch sea creatures of all sorts, all during a 45 minutes experience of a life time. Must be 10 years of age to attend. Care to swim with sharks? Discovery Cove has an exciting add-on available as well! Enjoy a shark talk, training session before swimming alongside multiple shark species in their wildly beautiful habitat. Another wonderful add-on to your package would be to wake early and help the aquarists feed the Cownose and Southern Stingrays along with tons of tropical fish. Want a little music to your day? Head on over to Explorer’s Aviary where you can enjoy the tunes from many different birds like toucans and parrots as they fly above you in this extravagant, hidden area. Don’t be surprised when they cruise down to feed out of your hand the delicious fruit awaiting them. Explore, relax and play in the all-natural Freshwater Oasis. Float or wade through these wet trails while swimming with otters and exploring their surroundings. Sun bath or play at one of the hot spots at Discovery cove. The tropical swim area, Serenity Bay is an 85 degree, fresh water pool to splish splash around in or lay out under the hot sun for some relaxation. Wind-Away River lets you ride along with the currents in crystal clear waters along beaches, through an underwater cave, quietly through a rain forest and under the jaw dropping waterfalls. There’s tons to do with the family at this welcoming park.
Photo Credit: DiscoveryCove.com
Getting married or renewing your vows is easy to do at Discovery Cove. Before the park opens, you and your guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the exotic surroundings in this tropical arena. Surround them with lagoons, waterfalls, beaches, coral reefs and greenery that is beautiful and perfect to witness love. After the ceremony, the bride and groom receive a private cabana to celebrate under. You and your guests have the pleasure to enjoy all that Discovery Cove has to offer including swimming with the Dolphins. A complimentary breakfast and lunch is given along with unlimited snacks and drinks throughout the day. What a perfect way to say “I DO”.
Photo Credit: DiscoveryCove.com
Photo Credit: DiscoveryCove.com
When it is time to eat, Laguna Grill has all there is to offer with a menu fit for everyone. From assorted pastries in the morning to Sweet Hawaiian Chicken at lunch, you won’t go hungry. Try the Tropical Cake as a dessert after you and the kiddos enjoy a delicious meal. There is a kid’s menu available too for the little tikes. Snacks are available throughout the day and adult beverages are as well (must be 21 years of age with valid ID). The Island Sunrise-Mango Rum Frozen Daiquiri is one to remember! Additional Gluten Free, Vegan or Dairy Free items are available by request for those who are little more sensitive.
Photo Credit: DiscoveryCove.com
A few things to remember when planning your trip, don’t forget your sunscreen, bathing suites and towels. The park will accommodate those with disabilities who are able to maneuver themselves with limited assistance. They offer special outdoor wheelchairs with larger tires to get through onto the beach. Cameras are welcomed except at Dolphin Lagoon but don’t worry, they have aquarists who will stand on the beach to make sure moments are captured on film and are available for sale afterwards. Free rental equipment is available and a souvenir snorkel. Florida is known for its beautiful weather so always check the best times to attend and the temperatures for your day of visit.
Photo Credit: DiscoveryCove.com
Photo Credit: DiscoveryCove.com
Photo Credit: DiscoveryCove.com
Photo Credit: DiscoveryCove.com
Photo Credit: DiscoveryCove.com
Photo Credit: DiscoveryCove.com
With a Discovery Cove Day Resort Package, unlimited admission to SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld’s Waterpark Orlando is available for an additional charge. Group events are available upon request for gatherings of any kind. With so much action in this general area, the family/group will enjoy every minute of every day. Let’s make some memories!
Lindsay Kunz
