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Discovery Cove — Amusement Parks in Orlando

Discovery Cove

4.7(12,932)4.7 out of 5 stars, 12932 reviews Orlando, FL

About Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure, allowing families to enjoy animal encounters and aquatic experiences without the typical theme park crowds.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Families looking for a relaxing day away from traditional amusement parksParents wanting a safe and educational environment for childrenAll ages, with activities suitable for young children to adultsDolphin swim experience is particularly engaging for older children and teens

Why families love it

  • All-inclusive meals, snacks, and beverages including delicious chocolate chip cookies and soft pretzels
  • Opportunity to swim with stingrays and schools of fish in a safe environment
  • Meticulously maintained facilities and attentive staff
  • Low crowd levels due to controlled reservations
  • Relaxing lazy river experience
  • Cabana rentals for relaxation and storage

Insider tips

  • Arrive by 7:30 AM to maximize your day and enjoy all activities
  • Purchase the digital photo package online before your visit for better pricing
  • Visit the aviary first thing to feed the birds before they get too full
  • Consider upgrading the drink package for adults for a more enjoyable experience

Good to know before you go

  • Visiting during peak holiday seasons when crowds may be larger
  • Skipping the early arrival to avoid missing out on popular activities
Crowds
Controlled reservations help maintain low crowd levels, making it less hectic compared to larger theme parks
Value
Prices are perceived as high but considered worth it for the all-inclusive experience. Digital photo packages are cheaper when purchased online. No hidden costs reported.
Food
All meals and snacks are included, with specific mention of standard buffet fare
Safety
Staff presence throughout the park ensuring safety during animal encounters

What parents say

Sarah Webster
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"Worth every penny. Sure, the price seems high...but it was literally worth every penny. It made our entire vacation. You feel like you're on your own island. We decided to rent a cabana since there were 6 of us. It wasn't necessary ,but definitely gave us a safe spot to throw our stuff and it was out of the sun and when we just wanted to relax for 20-30 minutes before going to the next adventure it was perfect. The reef was incredible. You are swimming with sting ray and hundreds of fish. It was awesome. Our kids loved it and felt very safe. The winding river was so relaxing and peaceful. We r"

2 weeks ago

Anita Robinett
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"I researched reviews before booking and Discovery Cove did NOT disappoint! We signed up for the dolphin experience and the digital photo package (cheaper to purchase online before your visit versus day of AND you get great photos so you have the memories, on a USB drive and they email you a link to download them as well). They control reservations daily so it wasn’t over crowded at all. Highly recommend getting there at 730 AM and staying until close (5PM). They provide everything! Snorkel gear, towels, sunblock (they require you use theirs because it is safe for the animals). The snorkeling w"

2 weeks ago

Karyn Martin
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"Absolutely amazing experience! We wanted a day of relaxation that the whole family could enjoy. And that is exactly what we got. The food was excellent, staff was knowledgeable and very present, and the park itself was super clean. The snorkeling experience was awesome. Plenty of opportunities to upgrade, but we chose not to do so. And still had a fabulous time. Highly recommend this park. If you want a low-key tropical inspired day. Easy. Very relaxing. Animal encounters that were included were special and informative."

in the last week

Reviews sourced from public Google data.