View Full Version : Discovery Cove Agenda
stingray
21 Apr 07, 07:06 PM
Hi All
We have decided to do Discovery Cove. After reading what the park has to offer it looks like a full day needs to be planned. Can dibbers who have experienced this day give me some ideas to get the most out of it. The park closes at 17:30 and I want the kids to enjoy it as much as possible. I would hate to find out later that we never managed to do this or that? What have you done to get the best out of your visit
Many Thanks
Hi
When you arrive you'll be allocated a time for your dolphin experience so you'll need to make sure you're at the cabana in time for that, allow about an hour for the dolphin swim.
Within Discovery Cove there are three main things to do - the lazy river, the fish pond (for want of a better way to descibe it) and the bird aviary.
You'll want to make sure you do all of these, where you can swim with the fish there is a window underwater where you can see sharks, there is also a sting ray pool next to it which you can paddle in.
Most of all don't miss the free drinks and snacks throughout the day. You should have plenty of time to do all of these at least a couple of times.
The main thing with Discovery Cove is that it's a really perfect relaxing day, don't over-plan it, instead I'd recommend taking it as it comes. Most of all enjoy it!
i would advise.
getting there about 15 mins before it opens, checkin, which is like a hotel checkin. you will all have your photos taken and have ID cards issued (you may have your ID checked at this time) also you will be given the option to charge your credit card to your id card (we always do this and that way you can lock your wallet away) also a swim time will be allocated.
then you will be introduced to a staff member where you will be invited to have your photo taken as a group (this is the freebie photo you will collect at the end of your day) this staff member will show you around and take you to the locker area and you will be issued with snorkle, goggles, and life vest/ wet suit.then its up to you. All food and drinks are included in the price so next would be breakfast time.
keep an eye on the clock and be at the cabanna (they tell you which one) at least 5 mins before as they always seem to start early.
once the swim is over then the hard sale on DVD video and photos, you can refuse if you wish.
but the rest of the day is yours to do what ever you want. lazy river (not much of a current)
paddle with stingrays (with the stings removed)
snorkle with fish (many different types)
sunbath
shopping
Bird avairy
there is loads of things to do and see and its a nice relaxing day as they only allow 1000 people in so its never packed
oh i forgot you get lunch. Snacks and drinks all day
we always leave around 4pm (i am usually well cooked by then)
julesk
21 Apr 07, 09:19 PM
Sounds fab - can't wait!! But I'll have to :(
Disney_time
21 Apr 07, 10:27 PM
You have to do the pools in a certain order as they get warmer (or colder). I prefer to start in the colder one and work up to the warmest.
I think the coldest one is the fish pond, then the ray pond, and then the aviary/lazy river. If I've got the order wrong, I'm sure someone will come on and put me right.
You don't have to do it that way, it's just that I would never have gone into the fish pond after the heat of the lazy river - it's really cold.
You can have breakfast too which they serve up to 11ish. Also the last time we were there it seemed that they were still serving lunch well after 3pm, so you could have and early lunch and a late one too if you were hungry!
There is a tent/gazebo thing which is often bypassed on the way to the beach. There is usually a guide inside who will answer questions about the animals, birds and dolphins, also computers where you can look things up and send e-postcards back home
A tip from another dibber - if you are not staying too far away get a taxi there and back so you can partake of the free beer.
Armanaleg
21 Apr 07, 10:39 PM
We got there about half an hour before it was due to open (far less traffic on the road than expected :erm: ). Not a problem as they were already letting people in and sorting out the ID's etc. This meant we could have the first session dolphin swims. (We had been advised to have this early in the day as the dolphins get tired and don't want to play later - don't know how true this is as they looked like thay were having fun all day long.) After the dolphin swim and the sales pitch for the photos/DVD etc (we bought quite a few - not cheap but well worth it IMHO), then the day was our own. Even though its a long day we somehow managed to miss out on the aviary :erm:
Suppose this means we'll have to have a return visit at some point ;)
I hope you enjoy the day, we all felt it was one of the best days of our trip.
Even though its a long day we somehow managed to miss out on the aviary :erm:
:) my first time there I missed the Aviary as well! We were having such a good time in the pools we completely forgot about it until we'd left! LOL
stingray
21 Apr 07, 11:08 PM
Hi Dibbers
Thanks for your replys. Looks like it will be a day to remember. One last question , it relates to the ID. Do we need to take picture ID with us ie Passports ? or is this just DISCOVERY COVE providing you with their own ID.
pvbmb01
22 Apr 07, 07:30 AM
Hi Dibbers
Thanks for your replys. Looks like it will be a day to remember. One last question , it relates to the ID. Do we need to take picture ID with us ie Passports ? or is this just DISCOVERY COVE providing you with their own ID.
You take your own ID (e.g. passport) to proove you are who you say you are, and then you are issued with an ID card from Discovery Cove, which has your picture on it, your name, the date, and the time and place of your Dolphin Swim (ours was on the 13 October 2005, 12.40pm at the Sand Dollar Cabana!) ... It's a lovely little keepsake, I've got mine hanging up in the kitchen!! You also use the ID card for your meals as well, they just scan it at the tills (think it shows that you've a meal or something on their computer systems!!)
Think the thing to remember with Discovery Cove is relax, forget about the world and just enjoy yourself ... it's one of the first thing we booked when we decided we were going back to Florida (well, we didn't decide it - I kind of 'gently pushed' DH in to going back!!!) xxxx
grumpybri
22 Apr 07, 05:13 PM
Did someone mention free beer. I think different travel plans to DC are needed. :grin: :grin: :grin:
yes there is FREE BEER, i am not sure if there is a limit, as i never drink on hols myself
dizzyliz54
22 Apr 07, 06:00 PM
You take your own ID (e.g. passport) to proove you are who you say you are, and then you are issued with an ID card from Discovery Cove, which has your picture on it, your name, the date, and the time and place of your Dolphin Swim (ours was on the 13 October 2005, 12.40pm at the Sand Dollar Cabana!) ... It's a lovely little keepsake, I've got mine hanging up in the kitchen!! You also use the ID card for your meals as well, they just scan it at the tills (think it shows that you've a meal or something on their computer systems!!)
Think the thing to remember with Discovery Cove is relax, forget about the world and just enjoy yourself ... it's one of the first thing we booked when we decided we were going back to Florida (well, we didn't decide it - I kind of 'gently pushed' DH in to going back!!!) xxxx
Is it just the Adults that have to produce ID? I don't want to carry all our passports, but DH and I have our photo drivers licience. Thought we'd just produce them and the kids would be OK. If you get my drift. Thanks
well he is a tip then for ID. we have scanned our passports (in B+W) the shrunk them down to credit card size the printed them off and laminated them, now they are the ideal size to fit in a purse or wallet. if you are wondering we were asked several times last year for ID (mostley when using our credit cards) and even though most looked at them strangly when i explained what i had done all said that the ID was acceptable and what a great idea to shrink them down for ease of carrying and protection against the elements (and the water rides)
pvbmb01
23 Apr 07, 08:09 PM
well he is a tip then for ID. we have scanned our passports (in B+W) the shrunk them down to credit card size the printed them off and laminated them, now they are the ideal size to fit in a purse or wallet. if you are wondering we were asked several times last year for ID (mostley when using our credit cards) and even though most looked at them strangly when i explained what i had done all said that the ID was acceptable and what a great idea to shrink them down for ease of carrying and protection against the elements (and the water rides)
ooooh, that's a good idea, I might pinch that from you (I've already photocopied the passports anyway) but never thought about laminating it! :thumbs-up
Only the adults need id , i think it is more for the alcohol .
ooooh, that's a good idea, I might pinch that from you (I've already photocopied the passports anyway) but never thought about laminating it! :thumbs-up
you suprize me Shelly using one of my ideas ;) ;) ;) ;)
Did someone mention free beer. I think different travel plans to DC are needed. :grin: :grin: :grin:
Following on from this - does anyone know the rough cost of a taxi from Pop century to DC? Also can we get 7 people - 4 adults and 3 kids in one taxi or will we need 2?
KES' DH
Helen uk
24 Apr 07, 10:50 AM
We used mears shuttle and it was $15 return each last year if that helps.
Loonypie
24 Apr 07, 11:34 AM
I've copied and laminated our driving licences - would they be accpeted too do you think?
i dont see why not, its got a photo (assuming you have the new ones) of you and you details hasnt it
We used mears shuttle and it was $15 return each last year if that helps.
thanks alot
tinacooper
26 Apr 07, 02:47 PM
discovery cove is not really that big so im sure you will not miss any thing.
it all depends on when you dolphin swim is ours was within 30 minutes of getting there and a nightmare it was so rushed and freezing cold ( we were not that keen on dc !!)
it is suppose to be a day of relaxing so i would not worry about what to do first just chill and enjoy.
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