Discovery Cove - Orlando

[Hypnotique]

I was looking around at Discovery Cove and found that this just might be the thing for me to go visit. Seems they have a lot of unique experiences that you can participate in and have a memory from to last you a lifetime. Does anyone have any experience at Discovery Cove as well as tips that would help me out when I do go and visit?

Hypnotique

[45ish]

Yes, this does sound like an amazing place to visit. Can you imagine swimming with dolphins? That definately would be an experience of a lifetime.

You have to be at least six years old to participate in this particular event, but thats not unreasonable in my opinion. I dont think you'd have gotten me out their with dolphins when I was six years old.

The swimming with dolphins is even offered to individuals that are physically handicapped. They do this in an area of water that isnt very deep. To me that seems like an awesome experience being up close to the animal in shallow water.

[Hypnotique]

Yes, I would love to swim with the dolphins, I know that's something I wouldn't ever forget even though I do seem to forget a lot of things. The age limit isn't a problem either, at least they are trying to keep it safe and not scare the little kiddies enough to where they're running straight back to the hotel or resort. Also, the handicapped option is truly showing that companies don't forget about people that have disadvantages, instead they're helping them gain this priceless experience. I am glad to see them showing heart in their business strategy. This is definitely an experience of a lifetime one could never forget.

[quinda]

Wow, that sounds like a wonderful experience.

Do they let people who aren't handicapped, but can't swim, go into the shallow water? My niece hasn't learned to swim yet, but I think she would love this if she gets to go.

[theresa]

When I visited they did allow some non-swimmers to go into the pool for photo's with the swimmers. So I guess if you ask they'll let you.

The cynic in me would say it helps them sell more photos.

[45ish]

Wow, that sounds like a wonderful experience.

Do they let people who aren't handicapped, but can't swim, go into the shallow water? My niece hasn't learned to swim yet, but I think she would love this if she gets to go.

Oh, I guess they could allow her to do that in the safe zone. I mean if you are "paying" for it I'm sure they won't mind letting her in there. Its funny you mention that as I was wondering myself if I could go in the handicapped zone even though I'm not wheelchair bound. I feel it would be a more intimate encounter to the experience. I'm not trying to sound greedy, I just thought it would be more fun to be able to see the animal in the shallows of the water.

I do recommend that everyone learn to swim before travelling to a new place where swimming may be a major activity during your trip.

[quinda]

Thanks for the responses theresa and 45ish. They probably do want to sell more photos, but I'd say thats good business sense not greed! Why alienate customers just because they can't swim.

It probably would be best if she learned before the trip, however her school is useless and instead of being supportive and encouraging her they're singling her out for not being able to swim, which is making the situation worse, so we don't want to push it too much.

[paterson00]

Discovery Cove is awsome!!!! Evein if you dont swim with the dolphins its an amazing day out. They let just 1000 people in the park each day to keep it feeling intimate and it really does feel intimate. YOu can swim all day with stingrays, coral reef fish, go into the aviary to feed all the birds which arereally tam and we even met a baby deer in the aviary. Its expensive but worth it. If you are going there JUST to swim with the dolphins then there is a better deal to be had for an overnight stay in the florida keys for a tiny bit more which includes a bbq on the beach at sunset, seeing miami, going to an alligator farm and then out on an airboat plus all of your travel laid on on a coach with fiilms to watch while travelling. Its great. They both are

[coolkid14]

I went to Discovery cove not long ago. This park is definatly one to visit. My memories will allways be with me. Although the avary was not so impressive but it was still quite good. Swimming with the dolphins is brilliant.

[cabanaman]

I just visited a month or so ago. I actually loved the aviary - it took me completely by surprise that so many of the birds will fly up to you and just sit on your wrists/shoulders/head when you feed them. I also really enjoyed swimming in the reef - but the dolphins were definitely a highlight of my day.