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.
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.👍
@@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👍
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
We have enjoyed Discovery Cove a few times. Coming from Canada it is certainly a beautiful tropical paradise. You feel like you’re in your own world for a day and worth the cost. I will say to be aware of the waterfalls, going into and out of the aviary. They are very strong (to keep the birds within).
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 😅
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!
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😊
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.
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.
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
We went 20 years ago on our honeymoon and it’s still an amazing memory. So glad we spent the $$$ and the time. And, honestly? If there were more attractions like this? We would participate, like a smallish Disneyland or Potterworld private park. We would have to save but, we would do it. Oh, and do this when you’re youngish, when you feel good and nothing can ruin your day.
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 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
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
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
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)
I love your vids. They give a great overview and comment on what I want to know, such as... is it really a good bang for the buck? I plan to go here soon.
I was there last week, and my kids said it was their favourite day of the two week trip to Orlando (where we visited all the main parks). I can’t say I enjoyed paying $266 for some mediocre photos though.
@@TheFrugalBrit Thank you so much for your reply. Very happy that your family had a great time. We have done dolphin experiences in the Caribbean before and feel no need to repeat or do the photo package. What is included in the base price and will be fine for us. Just two adults. We are about 2 hours away and plan to go in that first week of December when it is low season at the parks but the weather is great and the tickets are only $139. We stay at the Universal hotels since they are a good bang for the buck. PS we will be heading to London and up to Scotland in about three weeks. Really appreciate your well produced and informational videos. Thumbs up!
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
@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. 👍
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 😊
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!
@@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
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.
Well I'd imagine it would be okay since most of the time is spent in the water, and at least the dolphin and SeaVenture experience will have chilly water because you have to wear the wet suits.
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.
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.
@@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 RU-vid & change this policy.if I own a dolphin resort I would make it free to take your own photos & watch the others fail
Yes I would also be at least at first! The good thing is, though, there is only one area in this day resort with sharks and you don't have to go in if you do not want to, you can even just look at them through the glass. It may be fun, though, to try something new and face your fears! I bet they're nice and and it'd be a fun experience
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
