25 Years of Discovery: Celebrating a Quarter Century of Unforgettable Moments

This summer, Discovery Cove® is turning 25, and we’re making waves with a celebration as unforgettable as the memories we’ve helped create since opening our tropical gates in 2000.

Nestled in the heart of Orlando, Discovery Cove was designed as the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle. From the very beginning, this all-inclusive day resort stood out with a promise: fewer crowds, more connection, and a tropical setting that feels worlds away from the ordinary. Over the past 25 years, millions of guests from all 50 states and 164 countries have experienced just that. Whether swimming with dolphins, celebrating milestone birthdays, or saying “I do” on a white-sand beach, guests of all ages have connected and shared special moments on our grounds.

At Discovery Cove, every day is a choose-your-own-adventure paradise. Guests can snorkel among thousands of tropical fish and rays, float through lush landscapes on Wind-Away River (recently crowned the #1 Lazy River in America by USA Today 10Best), hand-feed vibrant birds in Explorer’s Aviary, and meet unique animals like sloths, flamingos, and sharks. And it’s all included – meals, snacks, beverages (hello, poolside cocktails), snorkel gear, wetsuits, and even sunscreen.

But the experience doesn’t stop at relaxation and awe-inspiring encounters. Discovery Cove is also home to more than 235 species and has raised nearly $1 million for wildlife conservation through partnerships with organizations like the Guy Harvey Foundation and Audubon Florida. That means your day in paradise helps protect the planet, too.

To mark its milestone, Discovery Cove is throwing a fan-fueled 25th Anniversary Celebration – and you’re invited. From now through July 27, follow @DiscoveryCove on Instagram for a chance to win weekly prizes, including all-inclusive Dolphin Swim Packages, and a grand prize getaway for four with premium animal encounters like SeaVenture or the Flamingo Mingle.

As Park President Brad Gilmour puts it, “Discovery Cove was founded on a different kind of theme park experience – one that’s intimate, immersive, and all-inclusive. As we look to the next 25 years, our promise remains the same: unforgettable experiences in a place where nature and connection thrive.”

With accolades like the Good Housekeeping 2025 Family Travel Award, Newsweek’s #1 Best Animal Encounter in Florida, and the Highest-Rated Theme Park in the U.S. (based on Google and TripAdvisor reviews), Discovery Cove isn’t just a destination, it’s a tradition. A moment in time that brings families closer, sparks wonder and reminds us to slow down and savor the magic around us.