Discovery Cove Frequently Asked Questions

6000 Discovery Cove Way
Orlando, FL 32821

Since Discovery Cove limits attendance, it is highly recommended you make a reservation for your visit. Also, if you are planning on visiting during the summer or near a holiday, you should book your reservation at least two months prior to your intended visit to ensure availability as these timeframes tend to book early. Once you have made a reservation, you simply check in on the date of your visit. All you need is your name, confirmation number, and a photo ID for those guests over the age of 18.

Discovery Cove rates vary seasonally. Check the packages and pricing page to see the most up-to-date rates during the travel dates of your choice. Florida residents can save year-round on admission by visiting our Florida pricing page.

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. For information on overnight accommodations, please see our Hotel Packages options.

Guests of all ages are welcomed at Discovery Cove. Children must be 6 years of age or older and at least 42 inches tall to swim with dolphins. Children ages 6-12 must be accompanied by a paying adult who is also participating in the dolphin swim experience. This policy was established to ensure the cognitive and physical stature of the child. These factors are taken into consideration to ensure children are able to interact in a group social setting, accept instructions, and understand the trainer. Also, the physical size of the child is taken into account since he/she will be in water that is approximately 3 feet deep with large, powerful animals. Unaccompanied minors must be at least 14 to participate in the Ultimate Animal Experience program with an accompanying adult in the park with paid admission.

Since children are able to participate in all of the park's activities, we do not offer a children's rate, however, toddlers age 2 and under do receive complimentary admission.

The Day Resort Packages at Discovery Cove are all-inclusive. Therefore, admission includes the use of lockers, wetsuit, towels and mask during your stay, free parking at Discovery Cove, shower amenities, souvenir snorkel, food, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and select beers and wines, access to the Explorer's Aviary, The Grand Reef®, Freshwater Oasis®, Serenity Bay,  Wind-Away River, and Flamingo Point. Our guests select in which activities they would like to participate. At this time, we do not offer customized packages for guests who chose not to participate in selected activities.

Yes, you can add visits to our other Florida parks. When you book your day, you'll have the option of adding a two or three park ticket to your package, valid at any combination of our theme parks: SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. All visits must be used within a 14 consecutive day window of your day at Discovery Cove.

Need a ride to Busch Gardens? Enjoy free bus shuttle service to Tampa, learn more.

Even for non-swimmers, Discovery Cove has plenty to offer. Not only can you relax on the white sand beaches or one of our many hammocks, but we have an Aviary full of exotic birds to hand feed. More importantly, however, we do provide life jackets so you can enjoy the waterways as well. The devices are designed to keep you afloat, so you would still be able to snorkel with the fish in The Grand Reef® or take a journey down our Wind-Away River. The lifejackets can even be worn in the dolphin lagoons!

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.

We understand you’re looking for flexibility in your vacation planning. That’s why we’ve enhanced our booking policy so that you can easily shift reservations you’ve made, up to 48 hours prior to your reservation date. To accommodate this, we will allow one complimentary date change prior to your visit, pending availability. Further changes to your itinerary will be provided for a nominal charge of $50 per change. Bookings made within 14 days of original reservation date will be booked at the original rate. Bookings made outside of that time will be subject to change based on seasonal rates for the new date chosen. If you decide to cancel more than 30 days prior to your original reservation date, you will receive a 100% refund. Please contact us at 407-513-4600 or [email protected] to make adjustments. If you booked through a ticket provider, please contact them directly.

*Group booking policies may differ.

To review your reservations online, please click here. To ensure compliance with reservation procedures; however, all changes must be made through the reservations center toll-free at 407-513-4600 or for international guests at 001 (407) 370-1280.

In the event a named tropical storm or hurricane approaches Orlando, Tampa, or a guest's hometown, the parks will reschedule or refund any vacation package and/or individual park tickets booked through SeaWorld Vacations, Busch Gardens Vacations, DiscoveryCove.com, SeaWorld.com, Aquatica.com, BuschGardens.com, or the call center. The parks will not apply any cancellation or change fees for this service. For additional Discovery Cove information call 407-513-4600.

Please click here for information regarding hotel packages.

Discovery Cove offers various packages that include visits to SeaWorld & Aquatica, and/or Busch Gardens Tampa. Guests that have already purchased a Discovery Cove reservation that includes additional parks, do NOT have to make additional reservations for those parks. The guest can simply use their Discovery Cove reservation confirmation/admission voucher from the time of booking, or the barcode on their Discovery Cove lanyard and proceed directly to the turnstiles.

Please click here for more information about Special Occasion Packages.

Plan to check in by 7:00 a.m. in the Guest Reception Lobby, your dolphin trainer will meet you promptly at 7:15 a.m.

Yes, Discovery Cove is available for private functions and night parties. For more information, please email Group Event Sales at [email protected] or click here for more information.

Discovery Cove is the ultimate group adventure! Whether a field trip, youth group or a family reunion, our reservations team can help answer your questions and book your larger party. For support, contact Group Sales at [email protected].

To receive emails about Discovery Cove click here.

Discovery Cove is pleased to offer active military and veterans special pricing for Discovery Cove. Please visit our military discounts page for additional information. 

Members of active military duty and as many as three (3) direct dependents can receive complimentary admission to one of our sister parks. Please visit wavesofhonor.com for more information.

Discovery Cove offers a variety of challenging careers in fields such as guest service, animal care, operations, food service, landscaping and marketing. Visit www.seaworldjobs.com or call the employment hotline at 407-363-2600 for details. Also, for more information regarding a career in Animal Training, check out our career resources page.

For more information on your Promo Gift Card, visit https://mycardterms.com/seaworldpromo/

NO. Discovery Cove and all SeaWorld parks are opposed to these drive hunts in Japan and elsewhere. No animal in our collection is from a drive hunt. The overwhelming majority of marine mammals in our parks were born in our parks. In fact, it is a violation of U.S. law to bring an animal collected in that manner into the U.S. To learn more about SeaWorld® and Discovery Cove® visit http://seaworldcares.com/.

From the West (Lake Buena Vista/Tampa):
Take I-4 East (toward Orlando) to exit 71. This is the SeaWorld exit.
Bear right onto Central Florida Parkway when exiting ramp.
The entrance to Discovery Cove is on the right hand side of Central Florida Parkway, past the sign for SeaWorld Orlando.

From the North (Downtown Orlando, Universal Studios, Sanford, Deland):
Take I-4 West to exit 72 (Beachline Expressway/FL-528/Airport).
Once on the Beachline, take the first exit (International Drive).
Make a left onto International Drive.
Make a right onto Central Florida Parkway at the third traffic light.
The entrance to Discovery Cove is on the left hand side of Central Florida Parkway.

From the East (Cocoa, Cape Canaveral, Titusville Area):
Take FL-528 (Beachline Expressway) west to the International Drive exit.
Make a left onto International Drive.
Make a right onto Central Florida Parkway at the third traffic light.
The entrance to Discovery Cove is on the left hand side of Central Florida Parkway.

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. If you’re participating in 3 or more add-on experiences during your visit to Discovery Cove, please plan to arrive by 7:00 a.m. for check-in and proper scheduling of your day. For individual add-on experience check in times, click here.

If you’re participating in 3 or more add-on experiences during your visit to Discovery Cove, please plan to arrive by 7:00 a.m. for check-in and proper scheduling of your day. For individual add-on experience check in times, click here.

Please click here to view the map of Discovery Cove.

Self-parking at Discovery Cove is complimentary, however parking admission at our sister parks is not included unless your reservation includes the Ultimate package. In this case parking at SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is included with your Discovery Cove package. If you would like to add a parking package to your reservation, please contact our Guest Reservations Center at 407-513-4600.

Guests should bring their own swimsuits, and, if they choose, water socks or rubber pool shoes, hat, sunglasses and cover-up or dry clothes. Guests participating in the Ultimate Animal Experience program are required to wear footwear during some portions of their day. Discovery Cove provides all guests with swim vests and/or wetsuits. With the exception of watches and wedding bands, Discovery Cove guests may not wear jewelry, for the safety of the animals.

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 beverages are provided with admission to Discovery Cove, no other food, beverages or coolers are permitted. Guests may wish to bring books and magazines, a music player with headset or similar items to help them relax on the beach, and a camera to catch all of their special moments.

Guests may use their personal cameras and recording devices throughout the park, with the exception of the Dolphin Lagoons, Flamingo Mingle, and Shark Swim (for the safety of our animals and your photo equipment). We do allow other party members to take photos and video of the interaction from our beach areas. In addition, we provide photographers to capture your memories. Photography packages vary in selection and pricing.

Discovery Cove offers special prescription masks in various strengths on a first come, first serve basis.

Discovery Cove Orlando provides United States Coast Guard (USCG) Type III life vests in a variety of sizes and Type II for infants free of charge throughout the park. Only USCG Type II or III life vests may be worn; floatation devices such as noodles, swimmies, in-suit floatation devices, personal swim rings/floats and boogie boards are not permitted.

Personal life vests that are in good condition and clearly marked approved by the USCG - Type II, III and V may be worn at Discovery Cove Orlando if approved by our staff.

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).

In order for our team to best serve you and ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience, we ask that you please read and understand ALL of the important information below.

What To Do: Upon arriving at Laguna Grill please proceed to the Exit and ask to speak with a Supervisor or Chef in order to discuss the severity of your allergens and determine a meal that will be safe for you.

Offering of Specialty Items: Our Park offers several allergen friendly prepackaged items for your special dietary needs. Please contact [email protected] if you wish to address specific dietary needs.

Cross Contact: Not all of our meal facilities are free from cross contact. In order to ensure your meal is safe, please discuss the preparation process for your meal with the supervisor as you place your order to ensure no cross-contact takes place.

Tips for a Safe Trip: Follow these tips to allow us to best serve you and ensure a safe and great dining experience with us!
• Always ask for a supervisor upon arriving at a meal facility.
• Visit meal facilities during non-peak hours or ahead of meal time so that you can be efficiently assisted and served.
• Always ask about cross-contact potential.

This information is provided for informational purposes only by SeaWorld Parks &Entertainment, Inc (SEA). Neither SEA, its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, suppliers, vendors, and/or employees assume responsibility for sensitivity or allergy to any food product or ingredient provided by or in our parks.

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 407-513-4600.

YES! Discovery Cove welcomes service animals. According to federal and state law, a "service animal" is defined as a dog or miniature horse that is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual's disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under state or federal law. Service animals may access all areas of Discovery Cove with the exception of the Aviary, The Grand Reef®, Serenity Bay, Wind-Away River, Freshwater Oasis, and Dolphin Lagoons. Service animals are prohibited from entering these areas due to safety reasons, the nature of these attractions, and the presence of other animals. However, attended service animals are welcome to wait at least 30 feet from the water's edge of these areas. Service animals are the responsibility of the owner and cannot be left unattended at any time. Discovery Cove Team Members are not permitted to take care of, supervise, transport or take custody of service animals at any time. As another option, those guests wishing to do so may utilize the boarding facilities that are available at the Pet Care Center at SeaWorld for a minimal fee. Guests are responsible for maintaining control of their service animal at all times. Service animals must be leashed, tethered or harnessed at all times, unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the guest's disability prevents the use of these devices. In which case, the guest must maintain control through voice, signal, or other effective controls. Service animals must be housebroken and waste cleanup is the responsibility of the guest. Please advise the Discovery Cove Team Member at check in upon arrival if an Animal Rest Area is needed for access throughout the day. If a service animal poses a direct threat to the safety or well-being of other park guests, employees or animals, or if a guest is unable to maintain effective control of a service animal, the guest may be asked to remove the animal from Discovery Cove. On these very rare occasions, the guest may board his/her service animal at the SeaWorld Pet Care Center (or make other off-premises arrangements) and may continue to enjoy Discovery Cove without the animal.

We do not place restrictions for expectant mothers; the decision is left up to each individual. However, guests should take the following into consideration: the day will involve swimming with water depths ranging from 3 feet to 15 feet. In addition, if you have chosen to participate in the Dolphin swim experience it will be with a live animal weighing in excess of 500 pounds. The experience will involve up-close activities such as kissing and touching of the dolphin, along with being towed 12 feet through the water while holding onto the dorsal fin of the dolphin. Therefore, we do ask that you consult a doctor prior to your visit. Please ensure that you explain the nature of the interaction and activities to receive a proper assessment.

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment suggests that visitors 14 and younger be accompanied by an adult when visiting Discovery Cove.

• Minors 15-17 visiting alone must have parent or legal guardian sign "Authorization to Treat" forms before allowing park entry. This form can be downloaded and completed in advance, please click here for more information.

• All Minors participating in the Dolphin Experience must have any and all release forms signed by a parent/legal guardian over the age of 18.

• Any guest under the age of 18 participating in the SeaVenture experience must have liability waiver signed by parent or legal guardian after watching the instructional video.

All participants or their legal guardians are required to sign a Liability Release Form before experiencing the Dolphin Interaction. For more information on waivers, please click here.

All lost and found items will be held for 90 days. If you’ve left items behind, please email our Guest Relations team at [email protected] with the following information:

• Full Name

• Full Address

• Lost Item details including date and possible location of park where the item was last seen. Please provide as much detail as possible including the brand name, color, size material,

Weapons including knives are not permitted to be taken into the park.

Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas as indicated on the park map.

Discovery Cove is not responsible for fire, theft, damage or loss of vehicle including articles left within.

Discovery Cove reserves the right to refuse admission or ask anyone to leave the park that is not in compliance with these rules.

Your presence in the park constitutes your consent to be photographed and/or recorded while in the park. You irrevocably grant SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc., and its affiliates, assignees, licensees and successors the right to use your image, voice and likeness in all forms and media for any purpose whatsoever throughout the world, in perpetuity, without any limitation or compensation. In addition, no photos, videos or other recordings taken by any park attendee may be used for any commercial purpose, gain, or other exploitation for profit without the express written consent of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc.