Discovery Cove Orlando
Seaworld opened Discovery Cove in July 2000. It is still Orlando’s only all-inclusive day park. For a one off charge enjoy most attractions plus unlimited food, beverages, sun tan lotion and towels. Don’t come to Discovery Cove expecting thrills. The focus here is on relaxation and the animals.
Basic Information
Discovery Cove Orlando
A few facts on Discovery Cove at Seaworld Orlando. For more information on the attractions please scroll to the bottom of the page.
Vital Stats
Park Size:
22 Acres
Demographic:
Families
Annual Visitors (2019):
473,000 (Estimated)
Average Daily Visitors:
1,300 (Restricted)
Address
6000 Discovery Cove Way
Orlando
FL, 32821
Good To Know
Attendance at Discovery Cove is limited to around 1,300 people per day. If you want to visit you must reserve your place as far in advance as you can. For peace of mind you can cancel up to 30 days before and receive a full refund or amend your dates.
Discovery Cove Orlando Location
Discovery Cove Orlando Reception
Discovery Cove Orlando
Statistics
Million Gallons Of Water throughout the park
Animals in The Grand Reef inc. over 20 sharks
Annual Marriage Proposals with the help of a dolphin
Pumps with 560 tonnes of filtration equipment
Miles Of Underground Piping
Discovery Cove Orlando
Photo Gallery
A small selection of images of Discovery Cove Orlando
Discovery Cove Orlando
Guide Map
Download the Discovery Cove map to get an idea of the park layout before you arrive.
If you would prefer, you can view the interactive online park map on the Discovery Cove website
Hassle Free
OPG Premium
Not sure where to begin? Let a travel professional handle the planning so you can get on with enjoying your day.
Discovery Cove Orlando
Experiences
Dolphin Lagoon
Your reserved dolphin swim will be in the huge Dolphin Lagoon in the center back of the park. Don’t worry, you won’t able to miss it. Be prepared for cooler water than you may be used to in Serenity Bay.
Explorer's Aviary
One thing these birds aren’t is shy in this free flight aviary walk and swim through experience. If you’re averse to up close feathered encounters consider floating through on Wind-Away River.
Wind-Away River
Grab a noodle and float away in Discovery Cove’s own “lazy” river. It gets up to 8ft deep in parts but the views are breathtaking. Don’t worry animals you see are separated from the river
Freshwater Oasis
Wade and swim next to Asian Small Clawed otters with viewing above & below the water line in a stunning rainforest setting. The island is also home to playful marmosets.
Serenity Bay
Relax the day away on the golden sand, lounge on a sunbed or grab a hammock between cooling dips in the clear freshwater pool. The water is heated to a balmy 85 degrees.
The Grand Reef
Grab a snorkel and goggles (adults are blue bags, kids are yellow) and be amazed as you make you way through almost a million gallons of tropical water filled with 10,000 fish.
Discovery Cove Orlando
Insider Tips
Is It Really All You Can Eat?
Yes and no!
Breakfast hours are 730 am to 1030 am while lunch is available from 11 am until 330 pm. There is no need to reserve your table, just walk in when you get hungry. You could go early and then again before it closes if you like.
Look out for snack stations dotted around the park if you get the munchies.
For those over 21, beer and wine are also included. Remember the drinking age in Florida is 21 and up and they are very strict on it!
For $40 you can get a premium drinks package which includes unlimited cocktails and spirits as well as craft and domestic beers and a wider choice of red and white wines. You can also pay individually for a premium drink if you don’t want to splash on the full drinks package.
Are All Attractions In Discovery Cove Included?
Not quite, there are a number of up-charge experiences you can purchase to enhance your day.
The dolphin swim is the headline draw here but you can book a ticket without the swim if you prefer.
Seaventure – From $49
Descend to the bottom of the Grand Oasis pool in Seaventure, a 25-minute walking tour around a tank filled with tropical fish. You can touch some animals all while learning fun facts from an animal care expert through your oxygen helmet.
Shark Swim – From $129
Why not swim with over 20 sharks while you’re here. You need to be over 10 to enjoy this one. No cameras are allowed but family can take photos of you from a viewing spot. Professional photographers are also on hand to capture the action.
Flamingo Mingle – From $59
This early morning tour lets you get up close to Discovery Cove’s flamingoes. Head to the shore to feed them before wading in the water. Again, for the safety of the animals, there are no cameras allowed but family members can take photos of you from a distance or you can purchase a photo package from one of the professional photographers.
Ray Feeding – From $59
A limited number of guests are allowed to don a wetsuit and wade with Cownose and Southern Stingrays as well as thousands of tropical fish. You’ll need to set aside 2 hours for the whole experience but you’ll be in the water for around 45 minutes.
Animal Trek – From $79
A private 30-minute behind the scenes tour of some birds and small animals habitats with an animal care specialist. The animals you see will vary now the tour has been cut from 90-minutes to 30-minutes.
This experience operates at the same time as the shark swim so you’ll need to decide which experience is more important.
Trainer For A Day – From $199
For any budding zoologist why not shadow the animal care specialists. You’ll get an uber-exclusive second interaction with the dolphins, feed fish in the Grand Reef, meet birds and small animals as well as a private session in the otter habitat. You need to be over 6 to enjoy this experience.
Other Upcharge Experiences
Rent a private cabana for a day from $199 while day bed rentals start from $79.
Whats The Water Like?
Animals come first in Discovery Cove. You may find that the water in some of the animal habitats is cooler than that in Serenity bay. It’s a little shocking at first but you soon get used to it and in the summer you’ll be in the pools more than out of them with the humidity!
Pool temperatures are 85F-86F (30C) for Serenity Bay, Freshwater Oasis and Wind-Away River. Dolphin Lagoon and The Grand Reef are maintained at 76F-77F (25C).
One thing about swim attire so you are aware; you may be able to swim like Adam Peaty but you are still going to need to wear either a wetsuit or swim vest while in any water in the park. This helps lifeguards identify everyone in the pools. You can work on your tan lines when you’re out of the water!
