Spending a day at Discovery Cove in Orlando

Planning your holiday in Orlando can be overwhelming due to the multitude of attractions available. However, there's no need to worry! At Debbie's Villas, we have devised a convenient guide to help you plan your visit to Discovery Cove. This cheat sheet will ensure that you experience all the remarkable features of this immense theme park.

Planning your trip to Discovery Cove

Before you go, it’s important to ensure you choose a day for your visit. Tickets are priced at a daily rate, so some tickets may be more expensive than others. Ticket options include standard swim, non-swim, ultimate and ultimate swim. Here’s our breakdown of the different options available:

Discovery Cove Package Non-Swim – Park entry and 14 Day admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica, use of lockers, wetsuit, towels and shower amenities, all-inclusive food and snacks

Discovery Cove Package Dolphin Swim – Park entry and 14 Day admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica, use of lockers, wetsuit, towels and shower amenities, all-inclusive food, and snacks with a 30-minute dolphin swim

Discovery Cove Ultimate Package – Park entry and 14 Day admission to Busch Gardens, SeaWorld and Aquatica, use of lockers, wetsuit, towels and shower amenities, all-inclusive food and snacks.

Discovery Cove Ultimate Package Dolphin Swim – Park entry and 14 Day admission to Busch Gardens, SeaWorld and Aquatica, use of lockers, wetsuit, towels and shower amenities, all-inclusive food and snacks with a 30-minute dolphin swim

Swim times are allocated on arrival so get there as soon as possible.

Although you need to prebook your Discovery Cove day (non-changeable), you can still activate your SeaWorld, Aquatica or Busch Gardens tickets with the ultimate package option before or after your Discovery Cove visit, providing it is within the year it’s purchased.

More ticket info can be found on our tickets page.

Busch Shuttle Express Services

As Busch Gardens is a little further out, customers can go to various pick up points to make use of the Busch Shuttle Express (from locations such as SeaWorld) to make travelling to and from the park that little bit easier.

When to book your Discovery Cove Trip

We would recommend fitting in your visit to Discovery Cove towards the beginning of your holiday as you will need to get there very early. This choice also conveniently aligns with any potential jet lag you may experience, ensuring a smoother transition into your adventure.

With swim tickets being allocated on a first come first serve basis, we recommend getting to Discovery Cove around the time it opens.

Eating at Discovery Cove

All tickets are inclusive of food and drinks excluding cocktails which are at an additional cost. Breakfast is on arrival until 10:30am, Lunch 11am – 3pm and dinner thereafter with snacks available throughout the day.

Discovery Cove can cater for all types of dietary needs. When you first arrive ask to speak to the food staff who will advise on what they can prepare for you.

Dolphin-friendly sunscreen

It is important you are not wearing sunscreen before your visit to Discovery Cove as the park provides Free Dolphin friendly sunscreen included in your ticket. This is to ensure you are not causing any harm to the mammals.

Accessibility at Discovery Cove

There are many different services and products available to help cater your individual needs at Discovery Cove. It is important you speak to guest services to get these in place. Here are just a few of the serves and items available.

• Prescription goggles • Beach wheelchairs and pushchairs • Certified Autism centre • A ride assistance pass • Quiet rooms (also available at SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens)

We hope you enjoy your trip to Discovery Cove and would love to hear how your visit went. Let us know on (socials plug) and don’t forget to tag us in your photos on Instagram!