Discovery cove... any tips for first timers

[tim17]

Wear a full wetsuit not just a vest, the water is bloody freezing except for the lazy river and swim area.

[amandajane10]

You can actually get 3 meals there if you wanted. An early breakfast, early lunch then early dinner.

[boltnaconnell6]

Originally Posted by amandajane10

You can actually get 3 meals there if you wanted. An early breakfast, early lunch then early dinner.

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What time does restaurant close

[Potterer]

I think it closes at 3pm, there is no dinner served, just breakfast till 10.30 (please check times when you are there) and lunch (from 11) so you need to have an early a breakfast as you can, an early lunch then a mid afternoon top up to make the most of the food.

We actually missed the top up, but the snack stands were still open so crisps, pretzels etc were still available.

We were on the elite package and had a cabana and the host told us to fill our bags up to take stuff home. We did.

[b00110908]

Just checking - I went to DC a few years back and I'm sure you got a free photo - is this still the case?

[amandajane10]

Originally Posted by Potterer

I think it closes at 3pm, there is no dinner served, just breakfast till 10.30 (please check times when you are there) and lunch (from 11) so you need to have an early a breakfast as you can, an early lunch then a mid afternoon top up to make the most of the food.

We actually missed the top up, but the snack stands were still open so crisps, pretzels etc were still available.

We were on the elite package and had a cabana and the host told us to fill our bags up to take stuff home. We did.

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I did the same. All the wine and drinks and snacks came back with us.

[dibdobber]

If any of you wear glasses, go to the counter of the first gift shop after check-in and ask for corrective vision goggles - three of us used them last year and they made such a huge difference with the reef pool which was fab and they are free. Some people say a cabana is a waste of money but we got one last time and again it really enhanced the day. its a great day out and if you use the add ons - seaworld, aquatica and busch gardens -then it really isn't not that expensive, relatively speaking.That said, we have never actually made it to Busch!

[scoobydooby]

Whilst many advise the first dolphin swim which I have done as is good for relaxing into the park the rest of the day, if you want the best interaction with the birds try going there first before the dolphin swim. They get fed so much they get less and less interested as the day goes on i think! Also you can only use sunscreen they supply and although you get some free it’s not always enough on a scorcher of a day but you can buy more. The showers get mobbed from just after 4pm. I showered both times at 3.30pm when they hadn’t filled up then spent the last hour sunbathing.

[ConnorD]

If you're also interested, there is a new experience of dining next to the dolphin lagoon (after park close) and having a buffet alongside a dolphin presentation. The official description is "Whether celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just a night out, you can escape to a dinner oasis during Paradise Nights at Discovery Cove. You will spend the evening in a lush tropical environment including live musicians and up-close encounters with the park’s resident animals. Some of nature’s most fascinating ambassadors from South America, Australia, and Africa may be found mingling among attendees before the meal.

Tropically-inspired and sustainably sourced dishes are featured at the all-inclusive buffet on the beach. Entrées include pan-seared salmon, Hawaiian chicken, and a carving station with herb roasted beef. Signature cocktails, beer and wine are also included in the dining reservation."

Prices are at $65 per adult and $19 per child (ages 3 to 9 years old)."

[Jack&LucysMumy]

Originally Posted by dibdobber

If any of you wear glasses, go to the counter of the first gift shop after check-in and ask for corrective vision goggles - three of us used them last year and they made such a huge difference with the reef pool which was fab and they are free. Some people say a cabana is a waste of money but we got one last time and again it really enhanced the day. its a great day out and if you use the add ons - seaworld, aquatica and busch gardens -then it really isn't not that expensive, relatively speaking.That said, we have never actually made it to Busch!

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Ooh this is interesting about the goggles. Do they have a lot of different prescriptions then?