Discovery Cove Orlando in Orlando, FL

What time does Discovery Cove Orlando open?

Discovery cove is a full day adventure with operating hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. Check-in begins at 7:15 a.m. Dolphin interactions begin as early as 8:00 a.m. and will fluctuate seasonally.

When should I arrive?

Discovery Cove is a full day adventure with waterways open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. Please plan to arrive between 7:15 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Dolphin interactions begin as early as 8:00 a.m. and will fluctuate seasonally. Breakfast begins at 7:30am to 10:30am and the waterways are open from 9am to 5:00pm. You can arrive anytime, but we suggest arriving early to take full advantage of the park. They will serve lunch from 11am to 3:30pm.

How will I know my Swim with the Dolphin time or SeaVenture Dive time?

At check-in, they will assign you a time for your dolphin experience and SeaVenture. Times are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the age requirement to swim with the dolphins?

Children must be 6 years or older to swim with the dolphins. Ages 6-12 must be accompanied by a paying adult who also is participating in the dolphin swim experience. All children under 18 years old must have a liability waiver signed by an adult.

What is the age requirement for SeaVenture?

Children must be 10 years or older to participate in SeaVenture. Ages 10-13 must be accompanied by a paying adult who also is participating in the SeaVenture experience. All children under 18 years old must have a liability waiver signed by an adult.

Does my child 2 years and younger need an admission ticket?

They are free, but an infant ticket will need to be added to the order.

How long is the dolphin swim experience?

The in-water dolphin experience is 30 minutes long. Beforehand, there is a short orientation session (10 minutes) led by Discovery Cove's expert Dolphin trainers to discuss safety and offer an opportunity for participants to ask questions. Next, small groups wade into the shallow water of the Dolphin Lagoon for the in-water experience with the dolphins. After the water experience, guests can view photographs and video of their interactions and talk about their experience with trainers and other participants.

How long is the SeaVenture experience?

The in-water experience is 20 minutes long, while the entire program take 45 minutes including the orientation.

How much is parking?

Self-parking at Discovery Cove is complimentary, however parking admission at our sister parks is not included.

Can my child enter the park without an adult?

You must be 15 years old to enter the park without parental supervision. Parent or Legal Guardian must sign "Authorization to Treat" forms before allowing park entry.

What should I wear to the park on the day of my program?

Guests should bring their own swimsuits, and, if they choose, water socks or rubber pool shoes, hat, sunglasses and cover-up or dry clothes. Discovery Cove provides all guests with swim vests and/or wetsuits. They will also provide you a locker. With the exception of watches and wedding bands, Discovery Cove guests may not wear jewelry, for the safety of the animals.

What is the parks maximum occupancy?

The park restricts attendance to about 1,300 guests per day and so is able to provide a more intimate, resort-like experience.

What do I need to bring with me to Discovery Cove?

Discovery Cove provides a mask and snorkel, towels and beach chairs. Guests may use their own masks and snorkels if they prefer, but may not bring any other diving or swimming equipment into the park. Discovery Cove will also provide guests with a sample of specially formulated sunscreen that is safe for use in the animal habitats. Since meals, snacks and drinks are provided with admission to Discovery Cove, no other food, beverages or coolers are permitted. Guests may wish to bring books and magazines, a CD or mp3 player with headset or similar items to help them relax on the beach, and a camera to catch all of their special moments.

Are cameras allowed?

Guests may use their personal cameras and recording devices throughout the park, with the exception of the dolphin lagoons (for the safety of our animals and your photo equipment). We do, however, allow other party members to take photos and record video of the interaction from our beach areas. In addition, we provide photographers and videographers to capture your memories.

Are prescription masks available at Discovery Cove?

Discovery Cove offers special prescription masks in various strengths (near-sighted: -1 through -8 and far-sighted: 1 through 8) on a first come, first serve basis.

Are wet suits provided?

Yes. While in the water, we do require guests to wear either a wetsuit (short or long depending on the season and guests preference) or a swim vest. This ensures our lifeguards are able to see guests as they swim underwater, thus, enhancing safety. *Sizing ranges from toddlers through 18XL.

Is the park accessible to disabled guests?

Discovery Cove can accommodate guests with disabilities who are able to maneuver themselves with limited assistance (or with the aid of a personal assistant) during their dolphin experience and in the various wading locations. Discovery Cove also offers specially-designed outdoor wheelchairs with oversized tires for easy maneuvering on the beach. The wheelchairs are not self-maneuverable and guests will need assistance operating them. Wheelchairs can be reserved by calling the park in advance.

Are pets allowed?

Only service animals are allowed.

Can I visit SeaWorld or Aquatica before I visit Discovery Cove?

If you have purchased the ticket that includes the sister parks, your reservation includes a 14-day pass to SeaWorld and Aquatica, SeaWorld's Waterpark in Orlando. You must use it consecutively with your visit to Discovery Cove, either before, after, or a combination of both. Your personalized ID card issued at Discovery Cove will serve as your ticket if you decide to visit your selected sister parks after your reservation date. However, if you plan on visiting SeaWorld or Aquatica prior to your Discovery Cove date, simply present your voucher and photo ID for each member in your party at the front gate guest relations.

What happens if it rains?

Afternoon showers are common during the summer months in Orlando. Water Activities will still continue during rain storms and the park does not offer refunds for weather. You may reschedule if offered by the park directly due to a closure, but refunds will not be offered.

What happens if I need to cancel?

The park has a very strict cancellation/change policy that must be done 31+ days in advance. No changes or cancellations can be made after the date has passed, no exceptions.

If Discovery Cove is a Day Resort, does that mean this includes an overnight stay?

Discovery Cove is a day resort as it is an all-inclusive day where meals, drinks, gear, and activities are included once you check in for your day of discovery. This does not include an overnight stay.

What is the temperture of the water in the pools?

The temperature of our pools remains constant throughout the year. The fresh water Serenity Bay, Freshwater Oasis and Wind-Away River are maintained around 85-86 F (30 C). The salt water Dolphin Lagoon and The Grand Reef® is maintained around 76-77 F (25 C).

Will I be required to wear a face covering?

Consistent with CDC guidance, Discovery Cove Orlando recommends that guests wear face coverings while indoors. Discovery Cove Orlando reserves the right to require guests to remove and replace face coverings that are deemed offensive, or tend to provoke, shock, or offend the community or any group.