The Ultimate Spring Break Guide to Discovery Cove
March 15, 2021
With spring break right around the corner, we know many of you are trying to plan your day at Discovery Cove. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide. If you’re not already familiar, Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort where you and your family can enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel with thousands of tropical fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds, and unwind on pristine beaches. With no lines throughout the park, you can enjoy the adventure at your own pace.
First, let's start with what’s included in your day:
Gear and Facility Use: Changing facilities, swim vest or wetsuit, snorkel gear, flotation devices, lockers, and towels. Private indoor and public outdoor showers are also available.
Sunscreen: A specially formulated sunscreen safe for all our animal habitats is provided at all locker areas.
ID card: A personalized Discovery Cove ID card with the option to set up in-park charging. This will include your times for any upgraded experiences you purchased.
Next: Let’s talk about what you need and don’t need to bring with you.
Credit card: For an optional in-park charge account.
Clothing: Bathing suit and a set of dry clothes. Please note that Discovery Cove is family-friendly, therefore we ask that appropriate swim attire be worn throughout your visit. Children in diapers are required to use waterproof protectors or swim diapers (can be provided if needed).
Completed Waivers: Waivers are needed for any minors (under 18 years of age) in your party not visiting with their parent or natural guardian. Waivers can be accessed here.
Outside food and beverages: No outside food or beverages are allowed in. This includes alcohol and coolers.
Flotation devices: This includes noodles, swim fins, and sand toys.
Now let’s get to the ultimate guide to a great day!
You’re going to want to get here early to check in and make your way to Laguna Grill for breakfast. At Discovery Cove, all-inclusive means you never have to worry about paying for meals! Our allergy-friendly meal offerings cater to visitors with specific dietary needs and restrictions. We are also proud to say our healthy food comes from sustainable sources. For our guests over the age of 21, we offer select beer and wine with all packages. You can find a full menu here.
The Grand Reef
Whether it’s your first time snorkeling or you’re an avid diver, you can enjoy the wonders and beauty of The Grand Reef. See beautiful tropical fish and rays in our stunning coral reef habitat while working on your snorkeling skills! The Grand Reef is perfectly built for all adventurers to explore.
Signature Dolphin Swim Experience
Get ready to become part of the pod at the best place to swim with dolphins: Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida! Once you arrive, you'll receive a time for your interaction with dolphins—leaving the rest of your visit to simply enjoy your day in paradise.
The signature dolphin swim experience begins with your group meeting a dolphin in one of our crystal-clear swimming areas. Next, one of our animal care specialists will teach you all about dolphin habits, behaviors, and communication abilities, as well as the relationships they build with these incredible animals on a daily basis. After that, each group member will get a chance to interact with a dolphin individually and learn about that dolphin’s personality through behaviors.
Explorer’s Aviary
Discovery Cove is home to one of the most iconic aviaries in the United States. You can venture beyond the beaches and waterfalls and enter a hidden treasure, the Explorer's Aviary, where an inspiring natural habitat sings with the rhythm of wings and the melodies of birdsong. Watch as hundreds of colorful birds fly above and around you. Feel your heart soar as a feathered friend glides in to meet you and nibble fruit from your hand.
You will also hear from our animal care professionals about the species that call Discovery Cove home, learning how many of the birds are part of a species survival plan and what you can do to help impact their future in the wild.
Freshwater Oasis
Freshwater Oasis features wading adventures and face-to-face encounters with playful otters and curious marmosets. Designed with a rainforest canopy above and sparkling-clear springs below, it’s a place where you and your family can relax, explore, and find endless discoveries. You can also see the newest additions to our otter family, Emmie and Binx.
If you’re looking to relax, grab a seat in our Sunken Terrace and enjoy a refreshing cocktail or beverage as you soak up the sun.
Serenity Bay
Slip into relaxation at Discovery Cove’s tropical resort pool, Serenity Bay. Enjoy the scenic palms and tropical atmosphere of this beachfront paradise. Go for a swim in the pristine 85-degree pool or simply enjoy the sparkling serenity of this fabulous freshwater bay.
This is the perfect place to spend the afternoon, relaxing and listening to the sounds of paradise before you drift into Wind-Away River.
Wind-Away River
Ride the soothing currents of a tropical river as it winds past sandy beaches, into our aviary, through a dense rainforest, beneath the rocky terrain of cascading waterfalls, and through an underwater cave. Glance down as you travel and take in the wonders that exist beneath the surface of the crystal-clear water.
Additional Experiences (nominal fee and advance reservation required)
If you’re returning to Discovery Cove for your second or third visit, you might want to check out some of the upgrade experiences we have.
Animal Trek
Experience a private tour alongside our Ambassadors that takes you behind the scenes with up-close opportunities to meet birds and small mammals. Get close to a variety of bird species including macaws, parrots, and many more. Click here for more details.
ALL-NEW Flamingo Mingle
Get ready for an unforgettable early-morning experience with Discovery Cove’s expert aviculturists as you meet, mingle with, and help feed our famous Caribbean flamingos.
This exclusive, intimate opportunity begins and ends with a private stroll that will make you feel like you’re part of the flamboyance (what a gathering of flamingos is called!). You’ll flock to a sandy shore to feed the beautiful birds one-on-one before wading in the cool reef waters together.
Space is limited, so click here to start planning your morning “flamingle” today!
Private Cabana
Reserve your own private space, tucked within lush landscaping and overlooking tranquil waterways. A Discovery Cove cabana is the perfect way to enjoy seclusion and relaxation in paradise. We have three cabana options, and you can learn more about them here.
Upgraded Premium Drink Package
Raise a glass to great memories when you upgrade to a Premium Drink Package. Enjoy a full selection of unlimited alcoholic beverages throughout your day, from your favorite mixed drink or frozen cocktail to a glass of wine, bottle of beer, or one of our signature creations. Our expert bartenders are prepared to craft the perfect concoction just for you.
Must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcohol. Valid proof of ID required.
Now that you have the ultimate guide to spring break at Discovery Cove, how will you choose to enjoy it? Unlimited memories are waiting to be made here at Discovery Cove Orlando. Tag us in all of your moments on social media using #discoverycove for a chance to be featured on our channels.
First, let's start with what’s included in your day:
- Swimming with dolphins (available with a Signature Dolphin Swim Package)
- Snorkeling with thousands of tropical fish and rays
- Hand-feeding hundreds exotic birds
- Up-close animal viewing
- Winding rivers and waterfalls
- Unlimited food and drinks (including beer and wine!)
- White-sand beaches and tropical lagoons
- Wetsuits and snorkel gear
- Towels and animal-friendly sunscreen
- Complimentary parking
Gear and Facility Use: Changing facilities, swim vest or wetsuit, snorkel gear, flotation devices, lockers, and towels. Private indoor and public outdoor showers are also available.
Sunscreen: A specially formulated sunscreen safe for all our animal habitats is provided at all locker areas.
ID card: A personalized Discovery Cove ID card with the option to set up in-park charging. This will include your times for any upgraded experiences you purchased.
Next: Let’s talk about what you need and don’t need to bring with you.
WHAT TO BRING TO DISCOVERY COVE
Photo ID: Identification needed for each party member 18 years and older (e.g. driver’s license or passport).Credit card: For an optional in-park charge account.
Clothing: Bathing suit and a set of dry clothes. Please note that Discovery Cove is family-friendly, therefore we ask that appropriate swim attire be worn throughout your visit. Children in diapers are required to use waterproof protectors or swim diapers (can be provided if needed).
Completed Waivers: Waivers are needed for any minors (under 18 years of age) in your party not visiting with their parent or natural guardian. Waivers can be accessed here.
WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME
Jewelry: For the safety and well-being of our marine friends, please do not leave valuables unattended/unsecured. Park is not responsible for lost, missing, or stolen property. (Wedding bands are acceptable.)Outside food and beverages: No outside food or beverages are allowed in. This includes alcohol and coolers.
Flotation devices: This includes noodles, swim fins, and sand toys.
Now let’s get to the ultimate guide to a great day!
Unlimited Food and Beverages
You’re going to want to get here early to check in and make your way to Laguna Grill for breakfast. At Discovery Cove, all-inclusive means you never have to worry about paying for meals! Our allergy-friendly meal offerings cater to visitors with specific dietary needs and restrictions. We are also proud to say our healthy food comes from sustainable sources. For our guests over the age of 21, we offer select beer and wine with all packages. You can find a full menu here.
- Breakfast at Laguna Grill is available from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- Lunch at Laguna Grill is available from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Grand Reef
Whether it’s your first time snorkeling or you’re an avid diver, you can enjoy the wonders and beauty of The Grand Reef. See beautiful tropical fish and rays in our stunning coral reef habitat while working on your snorkeling skills! The Grand Reef is perfectly built for all adventurers to explore.
Signature Dolphin Swim Experience
Get ready to become part of the pod at the best place to swim with dolphins: Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida! Once you arrive, you'll receive a time for your interaction with dolphins—leaving the rest of your visit to simply enjoy your day in paradise.
The signature dolphin swim experience begins with your group meeting a dolphin in one of our crystal-clear swimming areas. Next, one of our animal care specialists will teach you all about dolphin habits, behaviors, and communication abilities, as well as the relationships they build with these incredible animals on a daily basis. After that, each group member will get a chance to interact with a dolphin individually and learn about that dolphin’s personality through behaviors.
Explorer’s Aviary
Discovery Cove is home to one of the most iconic aviaries in the United States. You can venture beyond the beaches and waterfalls and enter a hidden treasure, the Explorer's Aviary, where an inspiring natural habitat sings with the rhythm of wings and the melodies of birdsong. Watch as hundreds of colorful birds fly above and around you. Feel your heart soar as a feathered friend glides in to meet you and nibble fruit from your hand.
You will also hear from our animal care professionals about the species that call Discovery Cove home, learning how many of the birds are part of a species survival plan and what you can do to help impact their future in the wild.
Freshwater Oasis
Freshwater Oasis features wading adventures and face-to-face encounters with playful otters and curious marmosets. Designed with a rainforest canopy above and sparkling-clear springs below, it’s a place where you and your family can relax, explore, and find endless discoveries. You can also see the newest additions to our otter family, Emmie and Binx.
If you’re looking to relax, grab a seat in our Sunken Terrace and enjoy a refreshing cocktail or beverage as you soak up the sun.
Serenity Bay
Slip into relaxation at Discovery Cove’s tropical resort pool, Serenity Bay. Enjoy the scenic palms and tropical atmosphere of this beachfront paradise. Go for a swim in the pristine 85-degree pool or simply enjoy the sparkling serenity of this fabulous freshwater bay.
This is the perfect place to spend the afternoon, relaxing and listening to the sounds of paradise before you drift into Wind-Away River.
Wind-Away River
Ride the soothing currents of a tropical river as it winds past sandy beaches, into our aviary, through a dense rainforest, beneath the rocky terrain of cascading waterfalls, and through an underwater cave. Glance down as you travel and take in the wonders that exist beneath the surface of the crystal-clear water.
Additional Experiences (nominal fee and advance reservation required)
If you’re returning to Discovery Cove for your second or third visit, you might want to check out some of the upgrade experiences we have.
Animal Trek
Experience a private tour alongside our Ambassadors that takes you behind the scenes with up-close opportunities to meet birds and small mammals. Get close to a variety of bird species including macaws, parrots, and many more. Click here for more details.
ALL-NEW Flamingo Mingle
Get ready for an unforgettable early-morning experience with Discovery Cove’s expert aviculturists as you meet, mingle with, and help feed our famous Caribbean flamingos.
This exclusive, intimate opportunity begins and ends with a private stroll that will make you feel like you’re part of the flamboyance (what a gathering of flamingos is called!). You’ll flock to a sandy shore to feed the beautiful birds one-on-one before wading in the cool reef waters together.
Space is limited, so click here to start planning your morning “flamingle” today!
Private Cabana
Reserve your own private space, tucked within lush landscaping and overlooking tranquil waterways. A Discovery Cove cabana is the perfect way to enjoy seclusion and relaxation in paradise. We have three cabana options, and you can learn more about them here.
Upgraded Premium Drink Package
Raise a glass to great memories when you upgrade to a Premium Drink Package. Enjoy a full selection of unlimited alcoholic beverages throughout your day, from your favorite mixed drink or frozen cocktail to a glass of wine, bottle of beer, or one of our signature creations. Our expert bartenders are prepared to craft the perfect concoction just for you.
Must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcohol. Valid proof of ID required.
Now that you have the ultimate guide to spring break at Discovery Cove, how will you choose to enjoy it? Unlimited memories are waiting to be made here at Discovery Cove Orlando. Tag us in all of your moments on social media using #discoverycove for a chance to be featured on our channels.