Discovery Cove Orlando

Let’s take a trip away from Knott’s Berry Farm to visit what I consider the most beautiful and most relaxing park in America, and possibly the world.   Sea World’s Discovery Cove is a unique and breathtaking day of exploration and total relaxation.  No crowds, no lines, and no rush.  It’s the way a vacation day should be.  More…

Discovery Cove Orlando

Part 3

Food and drinks are included with admission. You get one substantial lunch, which is on par with the quality of food at the nicer restaurants in Sea World, and all you can eat snacks and soda. It’s actually a very nice way to continue the relaxing atmosphere. Eating without paying extra certainly has its benefits.

Water, soda, chips and cookies were plentiful throughout the day.

Merchandise is not included, but the selection was very nice. Even shopping is relaxing as you’re not battling thousands of guests grabbing for the same stuff you are. I spoke with a very nice employee who completely understood how lucky she was to work in such a beautiful and calm environment.

The Explorers Aviary is a bird lover’s paradise accessible on foot or via the Wind-Away River. In the distance is one of two waterfalls you’ll need to swim under to enter or exit the aviary via water. You can walk in on foot, but what’s the fun of that? If you swim in, you can easily get out of the water and relax. There’s no rush here…or anywhere else in the park.

Beautiful birds were everywhere…in the trees and on the ground.

Many zoos have aviaries, but Discovery Cove took theirs one step further by building and aviary you can swim into.

Yours truly enjoying the Wind-Away River. I love this picture and I know exactly how I felt at this moment. Pure joy and absolute peace. The water was warm and comfortable, the park is beautiful and relaxing. Discovery Cove promises memories that will last a lifetime, and they’re not kidding. If you haven’t been to Discovery Cove, by all means make the effort to get out there. It’s a unique experience in the theme park world, and one I’ll never forget.

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Discovery Cove Orlando

Part 2

Swimming with the dolphins is an extra charge but a lot of fun.


Many if not all of the pools have handicap options, including handicap viewing of the dolphin pool.

Lounge with the stingrays.

The coral reef is one of the most incredible spots in Discovery Cove. Wade out in 3 feet of water before swimming out over thousands of fish in water 20-30 feet deep.

Swim out a bit and rest again in shallow water.

You can stay at the top or dive down for a closer view.


This water is quite chilly, but your complementary wetsuit ensures you are nice and comfortable at all times.

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Discovery Cove Orlando

Part 1

My wife and I honeymooned in Orlando, and one of the parks we visited was Discovery Cove. In the months leading up to the wedding, I spent time finding out all I could about the beautiful park. You had to make reservations? Parking, food and beverages were included? They limit attendance to 1,000 people per day? Snorkeling in a coral reef, relaxing in a heated lazy river, swimming with dolphins? The tickets cost how much? We booked months ahead of time and the night before I was like a kid on Christmas Eve. I couldn’t wait to see this amazing park for myself.

Parking locators and park maps are all carved in stone.

The “main gate” is more like a hotel lobby. A host or hostess checks you in, gives you a few pointers, then sends you on your way.


No paper maps here. A map isn’t really necessary, and the paper would just litter the pools.

We quickly realized this wasn’t your typical theme park. No rides, no rush, no crowds…I could get used to this.

Grab a complimentary wetsuit and let’s get going!

Looking out over Serenity Bay and the entrance to Wind-Away River.

Don’t worry about temperature shock when you first get in. The designers of Discovery Cove knew what they were doing when they building Wind-Away river. The temperature of this ultimate lazy river warm and soothing. I’d guess it to be around 80 – 85 degrees!

Put on your snorkel and mask, and swim through the cave to begin an incredibly relaxing adventure.

Is there another park on earth that can offer this?

We had a waterproof disposable camera with us. Even though it didn’t take the best pictures, the shots we did get were very unique. Here you can get a sense of the beauty all throughout Wind-Away River.

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