My Dreams Come True at Discovery Cove
Okay, I don’t even know how to begin to describe the awesomeness that is Discovery Cove. Spending half a day at this wonderful park in Orlando, was part of the #RockYourVacation FAM trip. While I received these opportunities for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Discovery Cove Orlando – Dolphins
Perhaps I should first let you know that I have wanted to swim with dolphins since I was about 4 years old. I had a couple chances on various family vacations, but was never allowed to do so… thus fueling my desire, naturally. I am also a total animal/nature freak. So, Discovery Cove is pretty much my version of Heaven.
I was super excited to learn that Discovery Cove is home to 47 dolphins! Many of them were born on site and I was incredibly impressed with their habitat and how their trainers interact with them. You see, the dolphins really run the show. They have complete control over their decisions and only “perform” if they feel like it. At any time, they have access to a “time-out” area where they can go chill if they are getting over stimulated. Because they are naturally social creatures, they rarely utilize this area; but I thought it was so cool that they have that option. Plus, it made me feel even more special that these awesome creatures actually want to be spending time with us!
After speaking with the trainers we learned a lot about the dolphins’ behaviors and personalities. They are so much like people! One of the alpha females is just like a career woman. She’s never had any babies and spends her time running the pod and making sure all her pod mates are in check. While some of the other females are totally stay-at-home moms. They are watchful mothers and have very unique parenting strategies. Some moms are very laid back and keep an eye on baby from a distance, while others never leave baby’s side. Again, the coolest part about Discovery Cove is that these dolphins have the freedom and space to behave as they please with minimal human persuasion.
Why you should make Discovery Cove part of your family vacation…
- Your ticket also includes unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark for the duration of your trip
- For an additional $25, you can add Busch Gardens Tampa to that list
- The food is not only outstanding, but it’s all you can eat, ALL DAY
- Because reservations are required, there are never over-crowding issues
- This is a place where your family can learn and have experiences of a lifetime–it’s truly priceless.
- Here’s the full list of what’s available
Oh, and did I mention, the food is all included? Because, seriously, wow. Just wow. It’s freaking delicious and there are so many options! I opted for a lighter healthy meal, but totally went back for some epic desserts.
Discovery Cove – SeaVenture
The snorkeling is fantastic. You get to hang out with enormous sting rays and glide along with some really neat fish. But, if that’s not cool enough, you can get a little deeper and try walking on the bottom with SeaVenture. After about a 15 minute information session, you are given a helmet that allows you to breathe naturally while walking underwater. I am slightly claustrophobic so I was a little weary, but found this to be totally awesome. I was completely comfortable the whole time. To get the real feeling and to see some fun animations from the trip, check out my Google+ Posts and all my videos on Instagram!
There are 19 sharks in the tank right next to you so you can safely get face-to-face with these gorgeous creatures! The diver that’s underwater with you uses a magnetic message board to give you interesting facts about the animals while you’re walking around down there.
Fun.
From start to finish, everything about this experience is fun. You don’t even realize how much you’re learning along the way! I cannot wait to bring my kids to Discovery Cove! I think my daughter will probably make it her life’s mission to work there! (Did you know they even offer internships there?!) 😀
Silly Kas… she is fun anywhere and everywhere!
Check out this awesome feeding frenzy! So many fish IN YOUR FACE! 😀
Wasn’t it amazing? Loved hanging out with you and the rest of our gang (and the dolphins!) Great post!
I love dolphins! I’m so jealous! Lol! What an amazing place. It looks like you guys had a blast! My 2 nieces would love this place. Thanks for sharing 🙂
What a cool experience! I’m glad the dolphins are given so much freedom. I’ve also wanted to see dolphins up close since I was young. Getting a chance to do this would be epic!
I think dolphins are amazing animals as well. I thought Discovery Cove looked so interesting! I’m a little jealous that Shelley got to go instead of me! Just kidding!
I would love to go her with my family. Awesome experience to swim and be up close and personal with the dolphins. And the snorkeling is something I always to do, so much to learn too! Love this.
We almost went there last year while we were in Disney, but just ran out of time. It looks like so much fun!
Incredible, this is one spot I have to visit when i go there next. Have to!!
Oh wow, I have to go there! I’m so glad the dolphins can call time out whenever they like. Thanks for sharing!
I want to go to Discovery Cove!!! Swimming with dolphins sounds dreamy!
I am checking this out! We go to Orlando usually once a year but always do the Disney thing. My kids would LOVE to swim with dolphins!
My goodness this would be the trip of a lifetime. I have a few fears of some of this but when your with others I think that is the best way you can’t say NO haha 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
This is my kind of place! Looks amazing! Love that pretty peacock!
Okay, I am so super-jealous and have to plan a trip soon for my whole family..> WOW… what total fun you had! Thank you so much for sharing and I loved the photos and videos!
Oh man, this reminds me of Flipper the Dolphin! How cool is it that you got to play with one?
What a cool adventure!
That seaventure is especially cool to me! You had the neatest experiences!
Wow, I am absolutely amazed by Discovery Cove! This is definitely a place I would like to visit!
Now this is plain awesome!!! that looks like so much fun, and how neat you got to kiss a dolphin!!!!!!
That looks like sooo much fun! Thanks for sharing!
wow what an amazing experience! I have heard great things about Discovery Cove and now I can see why!
What an amazing adventure. Looks like you had a blast. This is something I’d love to do. It would be a dream come true for me and my family too. Thanks for sharing about your adventures. Love the pic of you kissing the dolphin.
Not only does this looks fun, but I love how interactive it is too!
I want to go to this place and swim with the dolphins and get to eat all that I can eat all day. The food looks delicious, and the dolphins are so adorable!
OK this would be heaven! I love everything about it! LOVE the dolphons, I can only imagine how wonderful and magical that would be. I want to go!