Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove
5
7:15 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
7:15 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
7:15 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
7:15 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
7:15 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Discovery Cove is a one-of-a kind experience where you can interact with bottlenose dolphins, feed tropical birds, play inches from a family of otters and even walk on the Grand Reef floor-all in one day. Between adventures, recharge with unlimited island fare and refreshments. With this all-inclusive experience your family can unwind, explore, learn, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Does not meet animal welfare
guidelines
Tripadvisor does not provide bookings for this experience because it does not meet our animal welfare guidelines.
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See what travelers are saying
- Morgan O2 contributionsGreat for a day away from the parksBeen visiting since 2002, most things had got worse over the years, food, no free photo, shorter dolphin swims. We now just book the day resort with Seaworld, aquatica & Busch gardens included. Food choices have improved dramatically both breakfast and lunch having a lot more choice and looking more appealing too. It’s still, by far, the most chilled and relaxing day of our holiday.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 15, 2023
- Sandy G2 contributionsAmazingI am a grandmother (73 years old) that did not care to be involved with any water activities. One reason I cannot swim among others. My daughter purchased the ticket for me to visit Discovery Cove. I was not looking forward to this visit at all. Well let me tell you it was beyond awesome. To watch my grandkids, play, swim, very helpful staff, food being fantastic and the ambience excellent. We plan on visiting again, I loved it so much. Can't swim but tried snorkeling what an experience that was. For those in doubt don't be, it's a great vacation destination.Visited May 2023Written May 16, 2023
- Liam7 contributionsBest day EVER!The Swim with the dolphins was amazing, also swimming around the reef was magical, when we arrived we were greeted by Barbara, she took time to give us the inside track on what to do and where to go, she checked in with our family several times during the day. This wonderful woman made all the difference, and she spoke in such high regard about the way discover y cove have treated her as an employee, she was a joy to be around, a real asset to the park. Sending big hugs to our new friend x.Visited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten May 17, 2023
- Debbie D2 contributionsIt was a wonderful DayAs you walk in you are surrounded by the beauty of this place. We arrived around 7:45 the line went quickly and staff was very friendly. We had a wonderful breakfast when we got there and 9:00 we went right to the birds to feed them knowing they would be hungry it was amazing as they land on your head we had a lot of fun there. 9:20 we went and watched the flamingo walk. From there we went and got our vest and Anna is so friendly which she was running around all day with a smile. 10:00 was time for swimming with the dolphins we loved it but it goes very quickly and not real much interaction with the one we had. Not sure how I feel about this, although the pictures were great, pricey but great. Maybe for our protection they do not let you interact as much as we would of liked. We snorkeled, very cool, and had a soft pretzel and warm chocolate chip cookies, which are amazing. We then went on the lazy river which is AMAZING. Then around 1:45 we went and had lunch. The 4 of us where very happy with our meal. I had the coconut salmon with pineapple sauce which was very very good. This place is very well laid out and seemed that there was more space than people. I would suggest water shoes or sandals as the sand gets hot. We all enjoyed ourselves and could not believe how fast time goes. Although it is very expensive we are glad we went. And the day we went the price dropped a lot. Which is the game they play. Otters we watched them interact and where fed which was cool as you sit in the water and watch them through the glass. We had a wonderful time and as mentioned the staff was very friendly and helpful and just a fun day. You will be taking a lot of pictures.Visited May 2023Traveled with friendsWritten May 18, 2023
- JonathanBirkTravelsHutto, Texas40 contributionsAll inclusive resort with plenty to do and eat.All inclusive resort with plenty to do with the kids. It is a part of SeaWorld and mostly all of the activities are included in your price. There are some experiences you have to pay extra for, but with that is include there is plenty to do. We had a very relaxing and fun day. My daughter had a blast swimming and playing in the sand. Highly recommended and will visit again in the future.Visited March 2023Written May 23, 2023
- peteahearneHerne Bay, United Kingdom24 contributionsAmazing swimming with stingrays, puffer fish and moreEverything supplied and included in entry fee. Food, drink, towels, locker, animal friendly sun cream, shower gel, shampoo, snorkel & mask. Just bring a waterproof phone/cameraVisited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 31, 2023
- Meld22Runcorn, United Kingdom36 contributionsAmazing dayThis waa an amazing place the best day ever. It was an unforgettable experience. The dolphin swim was fantastic blew me away i was so overwhelmed. Food was so nice, alot of choice. It is like being on a caribbean island. The grand reef was amazing swimming amongst the rays and fish. The lazy river was really good. This was a day i will never forget. We all enjoyed ourselves so much. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Its so magical and a relaxing day. Would highly recommendVisited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 1, 2023
- okietraveler2008Tulsa, Oklahoma451 contributionsDo it!Family of 4 with 9 and 14 yo boys. Everyone had a great time. It is fun but relaxing. We paid the extra and did the dolphin experience and our report time was 910. So, we did it and then had the rest of the day to enjoy the rest of the park. Food is included (it was ok). Better than having to do the typical theme park search for what everyone wanted. Snacks and drinks also included and no long lines for them. We arrived early for breakfast and to get our gear and stayed until closing.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 7, 2023
- Brandy R3 contributionsMust tryThis was the absolute best experience at any of the theme parks! I could’ve snorkeled with the fish and rays the entire day. Breathtakingly beautiful. The food was great, the drink choices are awesome and unlimited snacks and drinks for the littles.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 24, 2023
- jenden72Albuquerque, New Mexico12 contributionsThe dolphin experience is the best part!I had wanted to go to Dolphin Cove ever since our kiddos were little...they now have kids of their own, it took us a while to get there! It was just as fun, if not more than I thought it would be. I wish we would have been able to afford it years ago. I learned a lot, and appreciated the all inclusive cost experience! There were lots of choices on the buffet, and plenty of snack locations around the park. When we wanted to relax, there was a nice warm lazy river to float in, or more than enough empty beach loungers to relax in. One bit of advice, get there 30-45 minutes before opening to be one of the first groups scheduled for the animal encounters. Florida tends to have afternoon thunderstorms, even in the winter, and your animal encounter may get canceled due to weather. Mornings are usually safe, and the water for the dolphin experience did not seem to cool for then. Even if you have to save a long time to go, I highly recommend it, especially while your children still live at home!Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 26, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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pcfialho
Lisbon, Portugal978 contributions
Sep 2019
I was hoping to spend a great all inclusive day at Discovery Cove, while snorkeling with rays and tropical fish.
Had no desire for the Dolphin encounter as I swam with dolphins (in nature) while at Mozambique and had a Dolphin encounter in Cuba.
Lets start with the food: nothing to write home about, crowded restaurant areas lacking in healthy options, it was essentially bad junk food with long lines, even the desserts were bad (and I love sugar).
Drinks: they are available at a few spots, but not worth the "all inclusive" price tag.
You don´t get to sit on a chair sipping a cocktail... you might not even get a chair - they were all occupied when we went in September (yes...all...), and you have to get on a line to get a drink.
Snorkeling with fish: extremely crowded, I felt like I was in a cheap and overbooked beach destination.
My kid loved the bird feeding, but you can do that for a tenth of the price somewhere else.
There we other pool areas and the otters, but nothing distinctive really.
I understand the calling, I absolutely love snorkeling and am a diver myself, but what you experience here is not comparable in any way.
My impression of the place was thumbs down all the way and kind of cheap, whilst I loved Seaworld and Gatorland.
Even with steep discounted tickets as a Seaworld passholder, I would have had a much better (and more relaxed) experience having spend that time at another park or even at a resort pool.
Had no desire for the Dolphin encounter as I swam with dolphins (in nature) while at Mozambique and had a Dolphin encounter in Cuba.
Lets start with the food: nothing to write home about, crowded restaurant areas lacking in healthy options, it was essentially bad junk food with long lines, even the desserts were bad (and I love sugar).
Drinks: they are available at a few spots, but not worth the "all inclusive" price tag.
You don´t get to sit on a chair sipping a cocktail... you might not even get a chair - they were all occupied when we went in September (yes...all...), and you have to get on a line to get a drink.
Snorkeling with fish: extremely crowded, I felt like I was in a cheap and overbooked beach destination.
My kid loved the bird feeding, but you can do that for a tenth of the price somewhere else.
There we other pool areas and the otters, but nothing distinctive really.
I understand the calling, I absolutely love snorkeling and am a diver myself, but what you experience here is not comparable in any way.
My impression of the place was thumbs down all the way and kind of cheap, whilst I loved Seaworld and Gatorland.
Even with steep discounted tickets as a Seaworld passholder, I would have had a much better (and more relaxed) experience having spend that time at another park or even at a resort pool.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bellaboopers
10 contributions
Feb 2021
Discovery Cove is a nice concept for multiple animal experiences in a tropical setting. Exploring the reef and snorkeling with the fish and rays is engaging and the lazy river relaxing. The dolphin encounter was the highlight, touching and swimming alongside the dolphin, but also felt a bit scripted and anticlimactic. The otters were hiding and not seen throughout the day. The adorable marmosets sit at the feeding station in their trees on an island which is across a small moat from the lazy river. The aviary has a large variety of birds in three somewhat small habitats.
You need to buy an expensive photo package if you want photos of the dolphin experience because your group goes as one and cameras are not allowed. If you are on a budget, know you will spend at the least $180 for photos (8 photos with a frame and book) in addition to the admission. (all inclusive except mandatory photos. Lol.) A cheaper photo option includes 4 photos for $110 but is not adequate for a group.
The breakfast was below adequate with powdered eggs, bacon, fruit, parfaits, and breads, and the pulled pork with fries and chocolate cake lunch I had was average. I expected more for the price of admission.
Currently masks are mandatory in bathrooms, public areas of the restaurant, aviary (provided by an attendant outside), and locker area. Masks are not permitted in the water for animal safety. Have a plan for where to keep your mask when swimming. With only 2 people, my daughter and I spent too much of our morning visiting the locker to get and put away masks. It's better to save a chair in the middle of the park and leave a towel and mask there for easy access. I felt safe in the park.
The staff is exceedingly friendly especially in the dining and park entry area. The animal trainers were less open, a bit distant, and focused on procedure which surprised me. Then again visitors were asked 20-30 times to clear a path so rays could come in for feeding. Those guests continuously ignored the requests and returned to the area. So the quality of the guests may affect the quality of the experience.
Overall, we had a good time. I recommend this experience to those who can easily afford the admission and want animal experiences without leaving the USA. I prefer experiences in more natural settings and would travel to Belize or a Caribbean Island before visiting Discovery Cove again.
You need to buy an expensive photo package if you want photos of the dolphin experience because your group goes as one and cameras are not allowed. If you are on a budget, know you will spend at the least $180 for photos (8 photos with a frame and book) in addition to the admission. (all inclusive except mandatory photos. Lol.) A cheaper photo option includes 4 photos for $110 but is not adequate for a group.
The breakfast was below adequate with powdered eggs, bacon, fruit, parfaits, and breads, and the pulled pork with fries and chocolate cake lunch I had was average. I expected more for the price of admission.
Currently masks are mandatory in bathrooms, public areas of the restaurant, aviary (provided by an attendant outside), and locker area. Masks are not permitted in the water for animal safety. Have a plan for where to keep your mask when swimming. With only 2 people, my daughter and I spent too much of our morning visiting the locker to get and put away masks. It's better to save a chair in the middle of the park and leave a towel and mask there for easy access. I felt safe in the park.
The staff is exceedingly friendly especially in the dining and park entry area. The animal trainers were less open, a bit distant, and focused on procedure which surprised me. Then again visitors were asked 20-30 times to clear a path so rays could come in for feeding. Those guests continuously ignored the requests and returned to the area. So the quality of the guests may affect the quality of the experience.
Overall, we had a good time. I recommend this experience to those who can easily afford the admission and want animal experiences without leaving the USA. I prefer experiences in more natural settings and would travel to Belize or a Caribbean Island before visiting Discovery Cove again.
Written February 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan C
1 contribution
Mar 2020
I have been waiting on a refund for my cancelled trip since 4/15/20. I have paid for and had to cancel a second trip on the same date. Discovery Cove owes me over $4000 in refunds and I have heard nothing from them in 56 days. I have tried to call and have spent more than 4 hours on hold and still haven't spoken to anyone. The only live person I can get on the phone is a poor security guard at the corporate office. He claims people are working in the customer service area. If so it must be one employee. The wait times have estimated between 25 and 2961 minutes. :-o. I have been waiting 50 minutes on the 25 minute estimate. If you are thinking about making reservations I would advise you not to. If your trip has to be cancelled it is hell to try and get your money back. This is the only them park in Orlando that won't move your reservations. They claim to offer a refund and want to charge you again to rebook. Please beware. I will be posting this at every review site I can find. I can't believe that after 4 messages and 2 emails they are so nice as to not respond with any response. Thanks for the excellent customer service. ;-(
Written June 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nakia Mclean
Mililani, HI22 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
Visited Discovery Cove during COVID so I’ll start with COVID procedures .
They give each guest a free masks along with hand sanitizer. Masks cannot be worn in the water except during the dolphin swim .
Due to COVID you cannot actually swim with the dolphins . You are in the water interacting with them , touching them , you get to do hand signals for them show you a few tricks, take some pretty awesome pictures , and ask the trainers as many questions as you’d like to .
Masks must be worn in the restaurant area . That’s pretty much the only area they are required.
The day is awesome . Breakfast, lunch, all day snacks, lockers , and parking are all included .
Breakfast consists of French toast sticks , eggs, and sausage . As well as cereal , muffins , danishes , fruit and yogurt .
For lunch some of the choices are spicy salmon , steak, chicken , hamburgers with fries veggies or rice , a variety of salad sides and dessert includes chocolate cake , cheesecake , and carrot cake .
The best tip I’ve read is do the aviary first . The birds are hungry and will flock to you like crazy it’s super fun .
The water is warm about 70 degrees in all areas except for the snorkeling area and the dolphin lagoon .
They provide animal friendly sunblock and snorkeling goggles .
If you purchase the 3 park pass it’s cost $25 to park at the other parks but if you get your pass from Discovery Cove you can pay one flat rate of $25 and park at any of the Seaworld parks for the entire 14 days for that one rate .
It didn’t feel crowded at all . My entire family loved it. My kids are 18, 16, and 2 and they all equally enjoyed the day .
They give each guest a free masks along with hand sanitizer. Masks cannot be worn in the water except during the dolphin swim .
Due to COVID you cannot actually swim with the dolphins . You are in the water interacting with them , touching them , you get to do hand signals for them show you a few tricks, take some pretty awesome pictures , and ask the trainers as many questions as you’d like to .
Masks must be worn in the restaurant area . That’s pretty much the only area they are required.
The day is awesome . Breakfast, lunch, all day snacks, lockers , and parking are all included .
Breakfast consists of French toast sticks , eggs, and sausage . As well as cereal , muffins , danishes , fruit and yogurt .
For lunch some of the choices are spicy salmon , steak, chicken , hamburgers with fries veggies or rice , a variety of salad sides and dessert includes chocolate cake , cheesecake , and carrot cake .
The best tip I’ve read is do the aviary first . The birds are hungry and will flock to you like crazy it’s super fun .
The water is warm about 70 degrees in all areas except for the snorkeling area and the dolphin lagoon .
They provide animal friendly sunblock and snorkeling goggles .
If you purchase the 3 park pass it’s cost $25 to park at the other parks but if you get your pass from Discovery Cove you can pay one flat rate of $25 and park at any of the Seaworld parks for the entire 14 days for that one rate .
It didn’t feel crowded at all . My entire family loved it. My kids are 18, 16, and 2 and they all equally enjoyed the day .
Written October 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah K
4 contributions
Mar 2020
I have been going to Discovery Cove over Spring Break for several years now and I have loved the park and all it has to offer.
However, I am writing this review because I purchased tickets in Nov. 2019 for March 18th, 2020. They shut down the parks the Monday before and we were told over the phone and through an e-mail that we would be reimbursed for the full amount of the tickets.
We waited a respectful time for the refund until we started calling their staff to see what the processing time was.
We started calling in May of 2020 and now it is February 2021. 11 MONTHS later and still no refund!
Every time we call we get the run around. Here are some of the responses we got: processing times may take longer, a refund will be processed within 14 days after calling, "escalation" e-mails are sent to management for resolution to the problem, "We do not understand why it has taken so long", and the list goes on.
We also had a unique case where we purchased the tickets with a credit card that no longer exists because the account was closed. We had to request an alternate refund payment.
Managers have confirmed with us that a payment will be sent to us in the mail. Can you guess? NO payment.
I am reading about many people not getting their refunds from Discovery Cove and it is very alarming. Don't state that a refund is coming and then hope we forget when it doesn't. If this is still happening, please don't let this go.
However, I am writing this review because I purchased tickets in Nov. 2019 for March 18th, 2020. They shut down the parks the Monday before and we were told over the phone and through an e-mail that we would be reimbursed for the full amount of the tickets.
We waited a respectful time for the refund until we started calling their staff to see what the processing time was.
We started calling in May of 2020 and now it is February 2021. 11 MONTHS later and still no refund!
Every time we call we get the run around. Here are some of the responses we got: processing times may take longer, a refund will be processed within 14 days after calling, "escalation" e-mails are sent to management for resolution to the problem, "We do not understand why it has taken so long", and the list goes on.
We also had a unique case where we purchased the tickets with a credit card that no longer exists because the account was closed. We had to request an alternate refund payment.
Managers have confirmed with us that a payment will be sent to us in the mail. Can you guess? NO payment.
I am reading about many people not getting their refunds from Discovery Cove and it is very alarming. Don't state that a refund is coming and then hope we forget when it doesn't. If this is still happening, please don't let this go.
Written February 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah- I am truly sorry for this delay and there is no excuse. We have no backlog on refunds currently and I want to make sure yours is addressed immediately. I am going to message you privately through TripAdvisor to get your reservation details. Please check your in box and I promise this will be taken care of without further delay. I am very apologetic for the inconvenience and look forward to discussing this with you soon.
Written February 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Serena C
Kitchener, Canada137 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
Was definately excited to take the family here , have never been and couldn’t wait to do the dolphin swim with the boys . The park is gorgeous, so beautiful and tropical very well done for sure ! The swim River was awesome absolutely amazing couldn’t get enough of it . The snorkeling with sting rays and fish was nice but could be better but wow some of the rays were huge an enjoyable experience . The food and drinks were pretty good and the snack bar well the kids loved those Especially the cookies and pretzels and the slushies. Nice to just go and grab when ever you want . Must say for the price you pay to add the dolphin encounter or swim I was extremely not happy . I wouldn’t recommend it here you pay less in mexico and a hell of a lot more time with the dolphins way better experience and the pictures taken down there were just incredible . This place was a let down for that tbh. I expected it to be my family of 4 to find out your actually in groups of 10 and by the time you watch the video and get in the water your lucky to have had 3 mins each with the dolphins at all Because the whole group has to have time with them . I really think for the cost we should’ve had our family of 4 encounter alone that’s what I expected it I never would’ve bothered . I also bought the picture package and paying over $200 us (I’m canadian so cost me way more than that) I was expecting a ton of pictures of all of us and well taken ones . Well the photographer took like 40 pictures all together of my family that’s it and about half of them weren’t even very good . My son not looking or my hubby kissing the dolphin and had his hands cover it but he immediately removed his hands but she never retook another pic . It’s like she just took pics and didn’t care if we were looking or to capture a good shot and once we were done they didn’t even realize we bought the picture package and had to go find it . So not happy with that much money being spent and the confusion of it . Disorganized for sure ! So yes I would go here again without the dolphin swim and I would recommend it for sure but yet again it you want an amazing dolphin experience and your money’s worth it’s not here definately go somewhere else for that .
Written May 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anita
5 contributions
Jan 2020
My sister and I really enjoyed our time at Discovery Cove. Such a beautiful place with heated pristine water, lovely foliage and birds to look at; even the food was good, with lots of options. My sister did the dolphin swim and while the swim itself was very short she still enjoyed being in the water with the dolphins, seeing them do tricks. The one downside is that they make it difficult to get a good photograph and the photos they take are VERY expensive! But that is a minor issue in an otherwise lovely day. The day was cool for Florida but sunny and we were not cold like I thought we would be.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melody C
Oswego, NY7 contributions
May 2020 • Family
On May 10 we were emailed that our trip for the twentieth was cancelled due to Covid. I called immediately after receiving the email and told I would be issued a refund in full. I emailed several weeks later and got a generic response that my refund was in the queue. It is now August 17th, over 100 days since a refund was promised and Discovery Cove has no longer responded to emails, social media posts, or the BBB complaint I filed over a week ago. Our airfare was refunded immediately and we had a cruise booked for August with Norwegian who refunded within 30 days, for reference. This is unacceptable and feels borderline illegal at this point. We would have loved to take our four year old here after the pandemic ends as our four year old loves stingrays and otters. As the pandemic is still ongoing, take caution to protect your hard-earned money! Only book with companies with fair and honest business practices regarding refunds.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark L
Finchampstead, UK86 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Really impressed with many aspects of Discovery Cove. The park is divided into three main areas - the lazy river area with several wildlife attractions including otters and marmosets, the dolphin bay which is the largest part of the park but you only get to enter if you have purchased a dolphin experience and then the grand reef which offers snorkelling in clear sea water with a wide range of tropical fish and rays.
Breakfast and lunch as well as drinks and snacks are included - the food was pretty good but very long queues at lunchtime.
For us the highlight was the grand reef you would honestly find it difficult to find such a fantastic array of tropical fish anywhere. Sure you get great snorkelling and diving in many places but there was so much to see in a relatively small area. The rays were incredible with some really large ones including a spotted Eagle ray, just stunning. Slight frustration were the number of people snorkelling and its inevitable that people are going to barge into you.
The park supposedly keeps a strict limit on the number of people they let in to ensure it doesn’t get to crowded, in my opinion they let fat to many people in and it did feel very crowded. Another frustration was that each area had a shortage of available sun beds a number of times it was difficult to find available sun beds. Most of the sun beds just have stuff left on them but aren’t actually being used, really think that the park needs to do a better job of managing this.
The staff that we came across were nice and the whole place was very clean and well kept.
Would give this five stars apart from its overcrowded and lack of available sun beds.
Overall would recommend for a day out but try and make sure it’s a warm one😀
Breakfast and lunch as well as drinks and snacks are included - the food was pretty good but very long queues at lunchtime.
For us the highlight was the grand reef you would honestly find it difficult to find such a fantastic array of tropical fish anywhere. Sure you get great snorkelling and diving in many places but there was so much to see in a relatively small area. The rays were incredible with some really large ones including a spotted Eagle ray, just stunning. Slight frustration were the number of people snorkelling and its inevitable that people are going to barge into you.
The park supposedly keeps a strict limit on the number of people they let in to ensure it doesn’t get to crowded, in my opinion they let fat to many people in and it did feel very crowded. Another frustration was that each area had a shortage of available sun beds a number of times it was difficult to find available sun beds. Most of the sun beds just have stuff left on them but aren’t actually being used, really think that the park needs to do a better job of managing this.
The staff that we came across were nice and the whole place was very clean and well kept.
Would give this five stars apart from its overcrowded and lack of available sun beds.
Overall would recommend for a day out but try and make sure it’s a warm one😀
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bridget
Tampa, FL53 contributions
Apr 2020 • Couples
Let me first start off by saying I LOVE discovery cove and the park itself is fantastic and a great experience; however, the customer service phone representatives and supervisors are HORRIBLE and the reason for this one star review!
We had tickets to come to the park in April, but obviously couldn’t go because the park was closed due to Covid. I called in March and spoke to someone on the phone to discuss my options for refund. The person I spoke to said it was too early to provide a refund but I could get one if I called back after my reservation date. She also mentioned we can reschedule our tickets for a later date before end of the year and get a free upgrade. I told her I would likely need a refund but I would check with my travel companion (my mother) to see if we could possibly reschedule for a later date. Flash forward to me calling after my reservation date for a refund, and I am put on hold by the representative for twenty minutes to inquire about my refund. When she returns, she says she cannot issue a refund but I can pick another date before end of the year. I remind her that I had already been told by a previous representative that I would be entitled to a refund once my reservation date arrived. I ask to speak to a supervisor and I am put on hold for another twenty minutes (40 minutes of call time total). A very unfriendly, supervisor gets on the phone and finally agrees to submit a claim to the refund department but tells me it’s going to be a very long time before my refund gets placed back on my card, and has no guesstimate of when that will be- fine, I’m ok with that. Due to the misleading conversations I had already had via phone with other representatives, I asked her if she could kindly provide me an email confirming that I will in fact be entitled to my refund once the refund department gets around to it. She tells me she will not do that! She tells me I should trust her because she is a supervisor and I can always “call back” and wait on hold for a lifetime and she will be sure she leaves it in the notes section of my reservation for who i speak to next. Forgive me if I’m not very trusting after this experience, and I am appalled that she would not provide her confirmation of refund in writing.
I am just disgusted with the customer service discovery cove is provided during a GLOBAL pandemic! For that reason, I would likely not be purchasing advance tickets with them ever again. Buyers beware!
We had tickets to come to the park in April, but obviously couldn’t go because the park was closed due to Covid. I called in March and spoke to someone on the phone to discuss my options for refund. The person I spoke to said it was too early to provide a refund but I could get one if I called back after my reservation date. She also mentioned we can reschedule our tickets for a later date before end of the year and get a free upgrade. I told her I would likely need a refund but I would check with my travel companion (my mother) to see if we could possibly reschedule for a later date. Flash forward to me calling after my reservation date for a refund, and I am put on hold by the representative for twenty minutes to inquire about my refund. When she returns, she says she cannot issue a refund but I can pick another date before end of the year. I remind her that I had already been told by a previous representative that I would be entitled to a refund once my reservation date arrived. I ask to speak to a supervisor and I am put on hold for another twenty minutes (40 minutes of call time total). A very unfriendly, supervisor gets on the phone and finally agrees to submit a claim to the refund department but tells me it’s going to be a very long time before my refund gets placed back on my card, and has no guesstimate of when that will be- fine, I’m ok with that. Due to the misleading conversations I had already had via phone with other representatives, I asked her if she could kindly provide me an email confirming that I will in fact be entitled to my refund once the refund department gets around to it. She tells me she will not do that! She tells me I should trust her because she is a supervisor and I can always “call back” and wait on hold for a lifetime and she will be sure she leaves it in the notes section of my reservation for who i speak to next. Forgive me if I’m not very trusting after this experience, and I am appalled that she would not provide her confirmation of refund in writing.
I am just disgusted with the customer service discovery cove is provided during a GLOBAL pandemic! For that reason, I would likely not be purchasing advance tickets with them ever again. Buyers beware!
Written July 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good Day Bridget-
I do apologize for the delays and communication issues you have recently experienced with our reservation center. Refund requests for reservations from months in the past are typically not honored as we amended our cancellation policy to 7 days prior to visit during park closure as opposed to our normal 30 days. I have reviewed your reservation and can see the supervisor you spoke with did make an exception and has processed your refund request. We do hope to see you again in the near future and we do appreciate your past patronage.
Best Regards,
Written July 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Do everyone in your family have to have a ticket to entire Discovery Cove? I purchased a ticket to swim with a dolphin and I just need to know if my husband and two children can still attend and watch
fiona k
South Wales, UK82 contributions
Apologies I just saw this. All family have to have a park ticket yes. But not everyone has to dolphin swim. My sister sat out and my other sister and I did swim. It starts and ends at beach and my sister ( non participating) was able to video/ watch us from beach. So I hope this answers your question?
Marie Beretta
London, UK3 contributions
Hi, My partner and I have just booked the dolphin swim package at Discovery Cove and we are looking at purchasing the Island Photo Package. We would like to know if we need to book two photo packages for both of us, or whether just purchasing one photo package between the both of us is fine?
Also, is there an option to just buy individual photos on the day rather than a package? and if so, how much roughly does an individual photo cost?
GregLaura S
Gainesville, VA57 contributions
I am pretty sure you can buy individual photos but they add up and it is likely easier to just go with the photo package. I would think purchasing just one package would be the way to go as they will photograph you and your partners individual encounters with the dolphins, so you can just split up the pictures between the two of you. I also think they will give you the ability to digitally download the photos, so you and your partner should be able to get all the photos for the both of you. Hope this helps. Have fun Discovery Cove is an amazing experience.
Hello,
my family is planning to visit Discovery Cove in January,
If we booked our day at discovery cover on January 18th, With the Day Pass + 3 Parks package
Can we Start using the Other Parks Pass and start visiting Seaworld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica a week before Our discovery cove date on January 11th ?
And what would the process be like for this?
Do we just print out our Discovery Cove confirmation and Bring it to the other Parks?
Thank You for taking the Time to Help me!
ILoveAddieRyli
Martin, TN99 contributions
I think you can use the other passes 10 days before or after the scheduled discovery cove. Your Discovery Cove ticket should have a separate page with a barcode to use at the other parks
If I buy a swim with dolphins package, does that get me into the rest of sea world?
Thanks
GregLaura S
Gainesville, VA57 contributions
If you book your hotel through the Discovery Cove website, they have package deals that include admission to Discovery Cove as well as Sea World. The Sea World tickets are good for the length of stay or 7 days. We visit annually and always book through the Discovery Cove website. There are numerous hotels that are less than a mile from both Sea World and Discovery Cove.
How do I print tickets for our reservation ?
cndirector1
New Holland, PA216 contributions
After you pay you should receive an email with the bar code. You can save this to your phone and use that or print the email with the bar code.
Hello all
How long can you swim with the Dolphins?
Thanks in advance for your answers
Leemoore2008
Leeds, UK167 contributions
Hi I think the dolphin swim is about 20 minutes
Kernow-skipper
Falmouth, UK2 contributions
How much space do the dolphins have, like maximum depth they can dive to and maximum distance they can swim?
Christopher S
2 contributions
The ‘on stage’ dolphin lagoon is quite large - that’s the area where the Signature Dolphin Swim takes place. Guests only enter the front edge of that area, and guests do not go out in to the depth of the tank - only the ledge area. Overall, the tank area is about four times the size of what a large water park wave pool would be. It encompasses multiple acres of water surface area - in addition to the holding,
Treatment, and training tanks that are out of view of guests. As far as depth, I believe the majority of the tank area (not the wading potion) is 12ft deep.
I hope that helps!
Leemoore2008
Leeds, UK167 contributions
How long is the shark dive and do you get a designated time or can you choose a time to work around your day?
cndirector1
New Holland, PA216 contributions
The Shark swim was about 45 minutes to 1 hour. You will be told what time to meet. We did ours late morning. There were 2 parts to the Shark Swim. 1. We were in our wet suits with our masks and snorkels, they gave us gloves to protect the sharks from the oils in our skin. The shark handler brings a shark, tiger, to where you are sitting and you have the opportunity to touch the shark. After that then we were able to snorkel over the shark tank and see a variety of sharks.
Nadinerivers1974
Halstead, UK21 contributions
Day beds are they worth it please ?
2cas1
Huntsville, AL2 contributions
No not really. You have so many options of where to sit. We didn't really sit much at all. it was just a place for us to meet from time to time. You will have so much fun exploring and enjoying the various swimming options you won't use the day bed much at all. If shade is what you want they have umbrellas and lounge chairs for free that provide that. Get there early and claim some by an umbrella.
Hll h
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
hi I wanna join 25th but dunno where to come how to meet I dont have a usa line so the place and the time shall be precise
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Claim your listingDiscovery Cove - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Discovery Cove
- Discovery Cove is open:
- Fri - Mon 7:15 AM - 5:30 PM
- Hotels near Discovery Cove:
- (0.44 mi) Element Orlando International Drive
- (0.44 mi) Aloft Orlando International Drive
- (0.54 mi) Tryp By Wyndham Orlando
- (0.47 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld
- (0.51 mi) SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
- Restaurants near Discovery Cove:
- (0.29 mi) Ginther's Swirls Ice Cream
- (0.22 mi) Dine with Orcas
- (0.28 mi) Flippers Pizzeria
- (0.17 mi) Dockside Pizza Co.
- (0.35 mi) Thai Thani
- Attractions near Discovery Cove:
- (0.14 mi) Sesame Street
- (0.37 mi) Mako
- (0.72 mi) Orlando Spa Oasis
- (0.83 mi) The Escape Effect
- (0.31 mi) Abstract Orlando