Discovery Cove Orlando FULL TOUR & REVIEW | TIPS
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- Опубліковано 4 чер 2024
- This is my full tour and unbiased review of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment's all inclusive Discovery Cove Orlando waterpark, where guests can interact with a range of marine animals, including bottlenose dolphins, amongst an assortment of Discovery Cove's beaches, waterfalls and rainforest landscape.
As part of the tour, we'll be be covering the dolphin swim, the explorer's aviary, the wind-away river, the freshwater oasis, the grand reef, and the Laguna Grill all inclusive buffet restaurant.
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - INTRO
00:35 - WHAT IS DISCOVERY COVE?
00:59 - PARK LAYOUT
01:15 - ENTERING PARK
01:52 - LAGUNA GRILL BREAKFAST
02:11 - LOCKERS & WET SUITS
02:37 - GRAND REEF
03:45 - DOLPHIN LAGOON
04:42 - HIBISCUS HIDEAWAY
04:55 - LAGUNA GRILL LUNCH
05:35 - SERENITY BAY
06:02 - WIND-AWAY RIVER #1
06:25 - EXPLORER'S AVIARY
06:57 - WIND AWAY RIVER #2
07:06 - FRESHWATER OASIS
07:28 - WIND AWAY RIVER #3
07:49 - BLUE BAMBOO BAR
08:22 - REVIEW
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I´m a quadriplegic from Brazil, I went there many many years ago and it went one of the best days of my life. Staff is not allowed to assist handicapped guests like transfer chairs, lift or whatever, as it is in any park, they r accessible but if u r not able to use the attraction and u need assistance, u probably shouldn´t use it. Well, I went w my gf and to enter in the water we need some assist, a lifeguard, Brian, saw that n helped us to put me in the water and he spent all the day with me swimming n assisting me inside the coral pool n w the dolphins, it got me very emotional till today, best experience ever, it was 2006.
That is a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it. I needed to hear something nice
Blessings to you ❤️
We were there in September last year for the first time, I have to say, it was one of the best days of our lives. I will never forget it. The food, the staff members, the animal interactions, a few beers, great weather. Everything was absolutely perfect. It is expensive, but for a once in a lifetime, or at least once a decade, it’s well worth it.👍
I’m planning another trip for next year 😁
@@TheFrugalBrit we will be going back to Orlando in October 2025. Gatorland and the space centre for the first time, and the new universal park….hopefully! And we will try and fit in at least one water park. 2 weeks just isn’t enough time! Love your vlogs👍
I think considering everything the price is not bad especially given that food and drink is included. It is beautiful there.
@@stargazer2019I think so 2
I have questions are the hotel not on the property
I go about 3 times a year… my favorite place! Buy the tickets during Black Friday.. they are 50% off
Indeed that’s a great tip!!
Do they limit to when you can go?
Thank you!!!!
Best review of Discovery Cove I’ve seen. Always wanted to do this but never have. Now I’ve watched this I definitely want to book it. Looks like a lovely luxurious day to get away from the hustle and bustle of the main parks
You should book it 😁
My wife and I just did this for our 20th Anniversary. We had an amazing time, loved that you got to enjoy the whole place at your own pace and it was all inclusive. Was shockingly very affordable as well. Will bring the whole family in a year or two for sure.
Ahhh can’t wait to watch this!
Your videos have a better production quality than any of the official marketing. Clear, concise, no messing around. Perfect.
After seeing this, we are definitely going to be booking a day on our trip in September, but you have to book for a specific date. Does the facility close down if storms roll in? Can tickets (likely bought from one of the UK sellers) be moved to another day in case of inhospitable weather?
Thank you for that! Re storms and ticket refunds, that’s a great question. I don’t know the answer, but I’d check with the seller and with the park. My guess is they would try and give you a ticket for another day rather than a refund, but might be worth pushing for a full refund if you’re only there for a limited amount of time.
Definitely worth a visit, a once in a lifetime experience. We upgraded with a package that included a cabana and the photo package - expensive but worth it when looking back.
One of the best way to spend time in Orlando. We have been several times now and love it. Just about everything is included in the price, Sea World runs specials throughout the year and while fun it doesn’t run you down like other theme parks might. We did have the dolphin encounter we purchased and a thunder storm rolled in. After an hour of trying to wait it out we were given a voucher to come back for our encounter. Luckily I also plan a couple of days of rest, like using the hotel amenities or going up the I drive, so we were able to go back. When we did they assigned us a time and told us to just enjoy the park, so we essentially got another whole day with no extra expense. This has become a must do for our family when we visit Orlando.
I did wonder what would happen if the weather prevented the dolphin experience!
We had been to Orlando 8 times previously but never manager to stretch to Discovery Cove until this year ... Incredible day ... We all loved it :-)
The excitement I get when I see a new upload on this channel is unreal 😂!! So underrated
😁😁
I’d love to go here someday. Sounds amazing.
Absolutely love DC. The video is wonderful, certainly won't be the last time I will view it. ☺️
Thanks for the upload
Thank you Jennifer! I’m hoping to go back again next 😁
Thank you for this video!
Very welcome 😁
Amazing video , great footage and very informative thank you for this !
Going in May! So excited! 😊
Informative, precise, and great quality. Excellent video!!!
Outstanding again 👌
Thank you, Hope you’re doing well! Need to catch up on your new series 😁
I had the best day of my life here as an 8 year old (genuinely!). Love looking at footage of it to bring back the memories.
😁
Me and my sister are going next week we can’t wait looks amazing!
Thanks for your review! I’ve been waffling about going for a few years now! But it does seem like it would be a nice relaxing day away from the busy theme parks.
It really is! 😁
Great review. My family is definitely going this summer
Your videos are always gorgeous and look professionally done. Big thumbs up from the USA! 👍💖
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 😁
Well done , great video 👍
Love your videos they are great
Thank you! 😁😁
Can't wait! going for my birthday in 3 weeks.Thanks for a great review.
Hope you get spoilt on your birthday 😁
@@TheFrugalBrit Thanks!
Great content ❤
Excellent video as usual, typically balanced and informative. I had an amazing day at DC during my last trip from London in August last year. Was such a relaxing day, felt so different to the hectic Disney/Universal days. I did the dolphin swim - a great one time bucket list experience but not something I’ll do when I go again. My experience with the food was very positive tbh, particularly the salmon which was really good. I paid for the cocktail upgrade - money well spent, the cocktails were delicious and the $40 price is very reasonable. I’d expect to pay + $20 for a cocktail in a bar in Orlando so the 4 cocktails that I had at DC was very good value (my friend didn’t pay for the upgrade so I cheekily got him his own from the different bar since you’re only allowed to order one at a time per bar location).
I’ve earmarked DC as my relaxing, middle of the trip day next time I go. On the subject of my next trip, I’ve pencilled in May 1st 2024…am I right in thinking that’s a decent time to go in terms of crowd level and weather?
Thanks for your videos.
Thank you Charlie! Yeah didn’t go for the salmon. Yeah May is a decent time to go, although I think slightly busier in recent years. I go with the family in May every year.
In Florida, school tends to get out in the last 1/2 of May. So I would shoot for 1st half if you want less crowds.
Watching all videos these days... SUPER SUPER ELABORATE!
😁
Can’t wait for the Busch Gardens video!
😁👍
Good video thank you!
Absolutely loooved DC on our 1st visit last December ❤ my favourite park now to relax & thoroughly enjoy the snorkelling and swimming. The food was ok during our visit and definitely won’t complain as it’s included in the price (the pizza was yummy!) it was table service when we went as Laguna grill was being refurbed but there wasn’t much choice unfortunately. We bought the 4 picture package for $99 and then I just took a photo of each one on my phone to upload onto social media, avoiding the more than double cost for the digital versions 😅
Yeah that’s a good idea!
I love that park i when there 5 years ago I'm going again in April this year I'm stopping not far from it can't wait I booked the swimming with the dolphins this time
Going back here for the 4th time i would recommend anyone going to orlando to try discovery cove is such a nice friendly place to visit and a wirld away from the typical theme park
I’m going to Discovery Cove for the first time this year and I’ve been feeling really nervous about it, but this video has put me at ease and now I can’t wait! Thank you😊
Hope you have a great trip!
Can’t wait to go
😁
Have been 3 times now is by far the best value for money in florida great review a little bit harsh regarding the food although not brilliant it is more than edible with a good amount of options
August 2023 great experience 1st time in America
Love it seems like a great place to relax. How was the selection for the upgrade drinks? Also the food isn’t free it’s all in the ticket price. Just like the parking etc It’s just a good value
I'm sorely tempted to suggest this to my partner - it would very much be a "once in a lifetime experience", and our whole holiday mantra is about "experiences". Yes, it's expensive for a single day, plus we would have to get an Uber - I hope that they would be operating earlier in the day to get us there for opening!
You’ll be fine with Uber, it’s a very lucrative place for drivers to work, so they’ll be out all hours.
This is such a good review, One of the best experiences we did in October 19, going back in September this year and got such a good deal for the swim and SW parks. The only thing I didn’t like was the price of photos! We were $200 last time and we literally only have 1 in a frame 🙈 it was a waste getting the full package.
Yeah I was pretty outraged with the price of photos.
Love your channel
Sir, I’m not seeing your link in the description for those upgrades you briefly mentioned.
When you said don’t leave your food unattended it reminded me of the last time I went when I ran away from the table because a pretty big came up to me and it stole all our food (I was 9)
Great review - I love Discovery cove and consider it a must visit when I'm in Orlando. Its a pleasant break from the chaos of the theme parks and I find the day passes so quickly when relaxing there. Appreciate you cant cover every last detail in the video, so just a couple of additional tips for anyone thinking of visiting - I'd say the experience at discovery is at the mercy of the weather a lot more than the other parks, as you pretty much cant do anything apart from the bird aviary or seeking shelter in the event of a storm. I've experienced a storm during my last visit which lasted a large part of the afternoon, many guests left but we decided to sit it out at the bar and therefore had an hour or so in a practically empty park at the end of the day as a reward which was such as memorable experience.
The other thing to note is you cant use regular sun screen in the lagoons as it can harm the wildlife, they provide wildlife safe sunscreen at the lockers - I found the changing areas surprisingly small so they can get a little busy at the end of the day as everyone is leaving, but I found the changing areas further from the entrance are quieter.
Prescription lens snorkeling goggles are available on a first come, first served basis at guest services for anyone with poor eye sight who would otherwise need glasses to enjoy the tropical lagoon.
I totally agree with your comments about the food - the quality isn't great, but at least the selection on offer is pretty good so I find there is something to suit all tastes even if it is fast food / canteen quality. I find I just have to resist the temptation to grab enough to feed 3 people when you don't have to pay!
Thank you for that, very useful!
That is the one thing that worries me, having to pick a date so far in advance, esp going in August when you can almost set your watch to the afternoon thunder storms. And if there’s lightning within 10mi at water parks, and resort pools they close down.
With the price of tickets I’d want to get a full day in.
@@susanmeredith4957 yea that can be a challenge, particularly as the day goes past so quickly at discovery cove thsy you won't want to miss a minute of it! They only tend to close the pools if there is lightening in the area i believe rather than for rain - its may be possible to try and time your lunch with the afternoon storms that time of year, but certainly something to be mindful of when visiting!
Thank you for putting this together. We also got the deal in January but are currently only planning on going to discovery cove. Any recommended places to sit etc? We prefer to stay away from people so this is going to be our perfect mid holiday break between Disney and universal.
You’re welcome! I’d don’t have seating tips here really, partly because the lounge chairs won’t get used up. Depends where you wanna spend most of your time.
Super a regarder
Thank you 😁
Great video! Is it "unbearable" during the summer?
I would recommend paying for the dolphin visit, and DEFINITELY check out the grand reef, then check out the wind away river, and head back up out to the dry aviary entrance to feed birds
👌
I wish they offered like a special special annual pass. This is one of my most favorite places and I did NOT want to leave.
That would be awesome, but unlikely I think.
We also did this a few years ago. The dolphin we had too a liking to my son and apparently was "full of beans" that morning. As a result, our group was still in the water while the other groups finished their meet and greets. We had the whole lagoon for an additional 15min and our dolphin decided to show off with a private show. Amazing experience. As for the photos, you do not have a choice if you want pictures of the experience. The photographers and groups stand strategically so you cannot take pictures from the shoreline.We opted in for the picture package and most of the pictures still hang in our home today.
Thanks for sharing Gordon. The pictures do look great in all fairness.
How many was the pictures
i wouldnt call the food gourmet as they do. But considering its included with the price of admission, along with beer and wine, its a great value as average food like burgers and hot dogs will cost you a ton of money at normal parks. As well, $40 for an all you can drink signature drink package is a great deal if you intend to drink several. Those drinks at typical bar prices range #10-$15 each
Great look at DC. Very accurate but we didn't find the food that bad - low expectations maybe - you do that in these places. 🙂
Yeah that’s fair. Thanks for watching 👍
Fantastic and informative review. My son is about to turn five and is obsessed with sea life of all kinds. We live near the park in the greater Orlando area so it’s not a far trip but I was wondering about his age/level of swimming experience. Did you see any kids that seemed to be five years old there? Is there a limit or recommendation for children of that age? Perhaps he is not quite old enough yet. Thanks!
I went with my little boys years ago and it was a great day. They do have vests which will keep them afloat. As the pools changed a bit over the years I think they kept a shallow zone. You can do the lazy river and feed the birds. Lots of fun and a great experience which you'll treasure all your life.
Btw they have great sales on Black Friday 😊
I’m dying to take my daughter here one day ❤
I’ve just been there we did the dolphin swim and we got a very long dolphin and we had one of the first dolphins since 2000 when it opened his name was Capricorn
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Have been several times and highly recommend to anyone who hasn’t been. I last went in November 2022 and they were refurbing Laguna Grill. The breakfast was horrendous and for me personally inedible. Lunch was better but still poor so I agree with your comments about this. Will give it a miss now for the next few visits to Orlando.
Food wasn’t great but I had a great time. Will be checking for deals in November 😁
Hi. Just wondering where everyone purchased their tickets for the best deals? I'm travelling from the UK and wondered is it worth booking through a website like undercover tourist.
Great video and now I need to book quick.
I would go for attraction tickets, or floridatix. They usually do great promotions around Black Friday if you can hold out until then 👍
@TheFrugalBrit Thanks. Just been looking. It's just over £1000 (3 Park 14 days) for the 4 of us in August. I've left it a bit late, but we're definitely doing it.
Thanks for the quick response and the videos are brilliant for someone like me who has no idea what to expect and plan. 👍
@@damianwillitts6924 yeah that’s not too bad for august, don’t think the big deals usually cover the summer for DC.
As always, your review is top notch. We keep wanting to try Discovery Cove. It looks amazing. The ticket prices are understandably high but the add on costs for the experiences and then the crazy high cost of the photo package makes me think maybe not.? It looks stunning though. I understand why cameras are not allowed because safety for the Dolphins, etc but then they rape your wallet with the purchase price of the phot package. I'm sure we will try it at some point but the cost will prevent going several times like we would want to.
Yeah I agree with these points. Worth waiting until Black Friday for a deal I think.
Good afternoon,
In September I will go to Discovery Cove, we will swim with the dolphin. Is it necessary to know how to swim? Is it possible for those who don't know how to swim to do this activity (swimming with dolphins)?
So you're not allowed to record on a camera or anything? Do they take pictures we buy or something if you do that package?
If you pay for the package, they’ll take photos for you. Is that what you mean?
If a person could find a great deal like you had then this would be a great experience. Not that it's bad anyway, but a little pricey. The photo package price is crazy. Doesn't sound like the dolphin experience is really worth it, to me anyway. The food doesn't look horrible, especially as it's free, pretty much on par, quality wise, with what we have usually found at Seaworld/Busch Gardens. Overall, If I found a good deal I'd enjoy spending a day here. Looking forward to your Busch Gardens review. We really enjoy Busch Gardens and really miss the things that have have gone away over the years, especially the safari ride they had. Thanks for another great video.
Yeah I was annoyed they took that safari thing away? You have to pay for a different iteration now.
We are going in June. Is it packed there?
It’ll be busier than usual, but they do limit the capacity. You’ll have a great time 😁
Went there 4 years ago it was a good experience and much cheaper back then. The only thing i disliked was they didn't let us take pictures by our phone and charged crazy amount for their photography.
Yeah the pictures pricing is outrageous.
What did you use do your phone didn’t get wet ?
I use a waterproof phone case.
What would you say is the best park in terms of the marine and water parks ?
We are going to discovery cove tomorrow but me and my nine year old love sea world. Just buy the package with discovery cove and do the water park and everything for a few days. Try to get the Hilton Orlando with its own lazy river - not cheap but the package deal suits us
While I wouldn’t say the food is premier high end it is def good and several choices. Yeah I think you were being a little harsh on your assessment of the food. Some things are better than others but if you’re expecting food like it was individually made that won’t happen for price you pay. They’re preparing food for some 2000 guests. Only way to make food for that many people is the way they do it. Been there about 12 times and haven’t been disappointed by the food or the park in general. Some things I would see different but overall great time every time
How much all this tour cost?
When I went a few weeks ago, my snorkel would get water in it every time I put my face in the water even though the top of my snorkel was no where near the surface of the water. It would get very annoying when I couldn't enjoy the reef because I couldn't stay under for more then 30 seconds without my snorkel filling up with water.
Umm...maybe ask for a new snorkel???
Absolutely wonderful place was there last week for a dolphin experience with my Mrs and kids, however to anyone reading this comment make sure you apply your own sunscreen before going as what they provide is animal friendly and SPF30 but it WILL burn you as it's rubbish stuff. Other than this, the place is amazing and would definitely return sometime in the future.
Sooo...you don't mind polluting the water with the chemicals that are bad for the wildlife. About right.
First
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Sadly, this park just was not at ALL disabled-friendly, so we were never able as a family to experience it, even though it seems wonderful (my wife is pretty-much confined to a wheelchair due to Cerebral Palsy)…this was very much up to your usual high standards, so thank you for sharing this with us!
Sorry to hear that, what would you say is the best disabled friendly park?
@@TheFrugalBrit in our experience, it’s actually California Adventure! My wife has not had any trouble on any of its attractions over the years…as for a Florida park, probably Epcot
Didn't look too crowded do you remember when you went?
I went in February 👍
Im confused on why the pictures would be so expensive... they would make much more money in the long run by making them affordable!
Yeah but for how much?
Surely, the food is better than school cafeteria quality
Looks great, expensive though. You mention that the food and drink is free. Surely the money you spend on the ticket covers the food and drink. Definitely not free. Great video though.
Can we pet any of the fish if they swim close to us?
And…are we allowed to kiss a dolphin?
Can you take your own photos or do you get forced to use a official photographer.?
The latter 😡
But you can take photos of the dolphins, just not when you’re in the water doing the experience.
@@TheFrugalBrit no surprise there bet they change an absolute fortune for them
@@TheFrugalBrit if they let you take your own photos they would get more business..it’s a shame they don’t keep up with comments on UA-cam & change this policy.if I own a dolphin resort I would make it free to take your own photos & watch the others fail
The coffee yes but your definitely off on the food.
My friends are telling me the same 🙈
We were going to book this plus the dolphin swim last year but it was just too much on top of everything else we paid for
However randomly went on Attraction Tickets in January and couldn't believe my eyes when I seen the offer they had! Messaged my husband he said lets book it! 😁
I’ve never heard of attraction tickets! Let me go look!
Sounds like we got the same offer! Hoping for something similar next year 😁
@@TheFrugalBrit Yeah! Fingers crossed 🤞
Can u stay the night at discovery cove
im gonna be scared of the sharks
I think they should switch to Pepsi.
Do you work for pepsi? 😉
@@TheFrugalBrit No, but the only reason why I said that is because I wanted Pepsi to have a presence in one of the big 3 Orlando theme parks.
240 dollars for a picture? You already have to pay a bunch to get in.
Feels like its cheaper just to go scuba diving in the ocean.
Yep...and see nothing.
Admire the quality and professionalism of your videos. I’ve made positive comments in a number of your other videos about Orlando parks. It’s a real shame then that this video appears to make light of, and even endorse, swimming with captive dolphins. Unfortunately videos like this just help normalise the practice. Would be good if you’d be prepared to provoke the debate by calling out the questionable training methods and living conditions of these animals to help people decide if it really is something worth adding to their bucket list.
Appreciate the candour Rob. I’m considering doing a video to cover the controversies of SeaWorld.
Anyone that goes here should be ashamed of themselves. Those dolphins are forced day in day out too give people rides on there backs just to make surenthey get fed! Disgrace!!
If you're swimming with captive dolphins in 2023, then you really need to educate yourself on this terrible industry. Anyone supporting this should remove their video. Appalling.
Tuff luck, i guess youll never swim with dolphins LOL
Look into this. It is really cruel. @@V1cii916
Going in September ive told my partner we aren't going but ive already booked a cabana and underwater experience to surprise him ... we swam with the dolphins in 2019 and tbf i kinda wish i hadnt because i dont know if its cruel or not. Each to their own compared to seaworld the dolphin lagoons are much better. However id still go there just because your on holiday in florida and this is the closest your getting to a tropical paradise in orlando. They also used to do massages but dont know if thats stopped since the pandemic. The lazy river gets 8ft deep so i would 100% grab a floating device straight away because they get taken and held on to all day. Discovery cove is owned by seaworld.
Discovery cove food is better than the shit we have here in the UK. If I could get away with not eaten the pish we have here in the UK I would. Over here in this shitty UK green salad is definitely NOT GREEN. Most of the crap is very bland. Disgusting. So yes the food in discovery cove is a million per cent better than the crap we have here in the United Kingdom