Discovery Cove is unlike any other park in Orlando. It is not a traditional theme park with rides and crowds. It is an all-inclusive “day resort” limited to about 1,300 guests per day.
It feels like a VIP private island. You can swim with dolphins, snorkel with thousands of tropical fish, and float down a warm river, all without waiting in a single line.
Crucial 2025 Booking Info
- You Must Book in Advance: Because they limit the number of guests, Discovery Cove often sells out weeks or even months in advance, especially for summer and holidays. You cannot just show up at the gate and buy a ticket.
- Check for “Florida Resident” Deals: If you live in Florida, they often have special discounted rates during slower months (like September or January).
What Does “All-Inclusive” Mean?
Discovery Cove is expensive, but that is because almost everything is free once you are inside.
- Food & Drinks: Unlimited breakfast, lunch, snacks, ice cream, coffee, and soft drinks all day long.
- Alcohol: Select beer and wine are included for free for guests 21 and older. (You can pay extra for a “Premium Drink Package” with mixed cocktails).
- Gear: They provide wetsuits, snorkel masks, snorkels (you get to keep the snorkel), towels, and lockers for free.
- Parking: Self-parking is free.
- Sunscreen: They provide special “animal-safe” sunscreen that you must use.
Here is a detailed guide to budgeting for tickets, packages, and extras at Discovery Cove. You can replace the shorter “Tickets and Prices” section in the previous draft with this one.
Tickets and Prices
Discovery Cove is the most expensive park in Orlando, but it offers the most value because it is all-inclusive.
It uses “dynamic pricing,” which means the price changes every single day based on demand. A Tuesday in November might cost $180, while a Saturday in July might cost $450 for the exact same experience.
1. The Two Main Ticket Packages
When booking, you must choose between these two base options for everyone in your group.
Day Resort Package (No Dolphin Swim)
- Includes everything in the park (snorkeling, food, drinks, aviaries) except the dolphin interaction.
- Price Range: Typically between $170 and $350+ per person, depending on the season.
Signature Dolphin Swim Package
- Includes everything in the Day Resort package PLUS one 30-minute dolphin interaction.
- Price Range: Typically between $250 and $450+ per person.
- Crucial Age Rule: Children must be at least 6 years old to do the dolphin swim. If you have a child ages 3–5, you must buy them the “Day Resort” package.
2. The Massive Bonus: 14-Day Park Access
Almost every Discovery Cove ticket includes a huge bonus that makes the high price worth it.
- Standard Inclusion: Your ticket usually includes 14 consecutive days of unlimited entry to SeaWorld Orlando AND Aquatica Orlando.
- Upgrade (“Ultimate Package”): For roughly $30–$50 extra, you can add Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to your 14-day pass. Furthermore, this upgrade usually includes free general parking at all three of those other parks (SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens) for those 14 days, which is a massive savings.
3. What is Included for FREE?
Unlike other parks where you pay for every little thing, once you enter Discovery Cove, you can put your wallet away.
- Food & Drink: Unlimited hot breakfast, hot lunch, snacks (chips, warm pretzels), ice cream, coffee, soda, and bottled water.
- Alcohol: Select beers and wines are free for guests 21+.
- Gear: Use of wetsuits or swim vests, snorkel masks, and towels. You also get a brand-new snorkel that you can keep as a souvenir.
- Amenities: Lockers, “animal-safe” sunscreen, and self-parking are all free.
4. Optional Add-Ons (Things You Pay Extra For)
- Premium Drink Package (~$40/day): If you want full liquor cocktails (like mojitos or piña coladas) instead of just beer and wine, you must buy this upgrade.
- SeaVenture (~$49–$89): An underwater walking tour wearing a dive helmet.
- Cabanas (~$300–$800+): Private shaded areas with reserved seating. These are expensive but sell out quickly for large family groups who want a dedicated “home base” for the day.
Opening Hours & Best Time to Arrive
Discovery Cove operates differently than a standard theme park. It is a full-day experience that starts early.
1. Typical Daily Schedule
- 7:15 AM: Check-in begins. The park opens, and hot breakfast starts serving immediately at Laguna Grill.
- 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast is served. This is the best time to eat, get your wetsuit, and find a lounge chair on the beach.
- 9:00 AM: The waterways open. You can enter The Grand Reef, Wind-Away River, and freshwater areas.
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Lunch is served at Laguna Grill.
- 5:00 PM: The waterways close and the park day ends.
2. Why You MUST Arrive Early (7:15 AM – 7:45 AM)
Since you paid a lot for this ticket, arriving early is crucial to getting the best value.
- Scheduling Your Swim: Dolphin swim times and SeaVenture times are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis when you check in. If you arrive late (like 10:00 AM), you might get stuck with the last dolphin swim of the day at 4:30 PM.
- Best Beach Spots: There are plenty of chairs, but the best spots—shaded chairs right in front of The Grand Reef—are taken by the people who arrive right when check-in opens.
- Maximize Food: Arriving early lets you have a full, relaxed breakfast before you even get wet.
Must-Do Experiences (Included with admission)
- The Grand Reef: This is the highlight of the park. It is a massive man-made snorkeling lagoon filled with thousands of real tropical fish and giant rays. You can swim right next to them. It is safe, clean, and incredible.
- The Freshwater Oasis: A warmer, shallow area where you can wade in the water next to a playful family of otters (separated by glass).
- Explorer’s Aviary: You can walk into huge bird cages where hundreds of tropical birds fly freely. They will land on your arms and eat specially provided food right out of your hand.
- Wind-Away River: This is not a normal lazy river. It is a slow, deep river that winds through rocky caves and waterfalls. It varies in depth, so weak swimmers should wear a life vest.
Optional Add-Ons (Cost Extra)
- SeaVenture: You put on a heavy dive helmet that lets you walk along the bottom of The Grand Reef. You don’t need scuba certification. It takes about an hour. (Minimum age: 10).
- Private Cabanas: You can rent a private shaded area with comfortable chairs, a stocked fridge, and a dedicated attendant. These are very expensive (often $300+) but popular for large groups.
3 Essential Tips for Discovery Cove
- Arrive Early for Breakfast: Check-in begins at 7:15 AM. Arriving early means you get first pick of the lounge chairs on the best beaches, and you can eat a full hot breakfast before getting in the water.
- Don’t Wear Jewelry: You cannot wear any loose jewelry, watches, or big earrings in the water for the safety of the animals. The only exception is usually a wedding band. Leave valuables at home or in the free lockers.
- Try Snorkeling Early: The Grand Reef is clearest in the morning before hundreds of people have kicked up the sand. Go there first thing after breakfast for the best views of the fish.