SEARCHDay Out With The Kids

Discovery Cove

Write a Review Orlando, Florida All ages, with specific age requirements for some enhanced experiences like the Sloth Encounter (ages 6+). Verified•Theme Park

Last reviewed May 2026 by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards

Overview

Everything you need to know about Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive, reservation-only day resort in Orlando, Florida, and it feels nothing like a traditional theme park. Operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment (United Parks), it limits daily attendance so guests can swim, snorkel, and relax in an uncrowded tropical paradise. The signature experience is wading into Dolphin Lagoon for a hands-on, in-water encounter with a bottlenose dolphin, but the day is built around so much more.

Guests snorkel among thousands of tropical fish and rays in The Grand Reef, hand-feed exotic birds inside the free-flight Explorer's Aviary, drift past otters and marmosets in Freshwater Oasis, and float the tropical Wind-Away River. White sand beaches at Serenity Bay and resident flamingos at Flamingo Point complete the escape.

One price covers nearly everything: a freshly prepared breakfast and lunch, unlimited snacks, select beer and wine, wetsuit and snorkel gear, towels, lockers, animal-safe sunscreen, and free parking. Most packages also bundle 14 days of unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica. A Certified Autism Center with flexible booking, Discovery Cove is a serene, splurge-worthy alternative to Orlando's bigger parks, best booked weeks ahead for peak dates.

Beyond the parks

More to explore

Water parks, dining districts, and other places to enjoy across the resort.

Dolphin Lagoon
Area

Dolphin Lagoon

6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821

The heart of Discovery Cove, where small groups wade into a tropical saltwater lagoon for an up-close, hands-on encounter with bottlenose dolphins. Expert trainers guide a short orientation before the 30-minute in-water experience, which can include touching, kissing, and a gentle dorsal-fin tow.

Rides and slides

Swim with Dolphins
Swim with Dolphins
Family
Animal Swim Experience
Height: 42 inches (age 6+)
The signature Discovery Cove experience. After a short trainer-led orientation, small groups wade into the lagoon for a 30-minute in-water encounter with a bottlenose dolphin, including touching, a kiss, and a gentle dorsal-fin tow. Included only with Signature Dolphin Swim packages.
The Grand Reef
Area

The Grand Reef

6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821

A sprawling, million-gallon snorkeling habitat woven with coral formations, hidden grottoes, and a sandy beach entry. Guests float among thousands of tropical fish and glide over gentle rays, with shallow zones for beginners and deeper channels for confident swimmers.

Rides and slides

The Grand Reef Snorkel
The Grand Reef Snorkel
Family
Snorkeling Habitat
Snorkel a million-gallon tropical reef filled with thousands of colorful fish and gentle rays. Beach-entry shallows suit first-timers, while deeper grottoes reward stronger swimmers. Provided snorkel gear and life vests make it accessible to nearly everyone.
SeaVenture Underwater Walk
SeaVenture Underwater Walk
Family
Add-on Underwater Tour
Height: Age 10+
An add-on guided walking tour along the floor of The Grand Reef wearing a dive helmet that keeps your face dry, surrounded by fish, rays, and views into the shark habitat. Booked separately for an additional fee.

Where to eat

Hibiscus Hideaway
Hibiscus Hideaway
Snack
The Grand Reef
A poolside spot for flatbread pizzas (BBQ chicken, margherita), chips, Icees, and fresh fruit, open 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Full bar service also available.
Explorer's Aviary
Area

Explorer's Aviary

6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821

Three large free-flight aviaries home to hundreds of exotic birds, from tiny finches to large parrots and toucans. Guests step inside to hand-feed the birds, with ambassadors on hand to help and to share facts about each species.

Rides and slides

Hand-Feed the Birds
Hand-Feed the Birds
Gentle
Animal Encounter
Step inside three free-flight aviaries to hand-feed hundreds of exotic birds, from tiny finches to vivid parrots and toucans. A calm, all-ages walk-through with ambassadors ready to help nervous first-timers.
Freshwater Oasis
Area

Freshwater Oasis

6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821

A lush, rainforest-style wading experience where guests glide past curious marmoset monkeys and swim up to underwater viewing windows to watch playful Asian small-clawed otters. Warm 85-degree water and shaded waterfalls make it a relaxed, all-ages retreat.

Rides and slides

Freshwater Oasis Wade
Freshwater Oasis Wade
Gentle
Wading Experience
Wade and float through a shaded rainforest lagoon, gliding past curious marmoset monkeys and swimming up to underwater windows to watch playful otters. Warm, shallow water makes it ideal for families and relaxed exploration.
Tropical Lagoons
Area

Tropical Lagoons

6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821

The resort's relaxation zone, blending the white sand beaches of Serenity Bay, the 1,600-foot Wind-Away River winding past caves and waterfalls, and Flamingo Point, where Caribbean flamingos roam. Lounge chairs, hammocks, and warm lagoons set the pace for the day.

Rides and slides

Wind-Away River
Wind-Away River
Gentle
Lazy River
Float the 1,600-foot tropical river as it winds past beaches, caves, waterfalls, and lush rainforest, even drifting beneath the aviary. Depths range from 3 to 8 feet, with life vests available throughout.
Serenity Bay Beach
Serenity Bay Beach
Gentle
Beach and Lagoon
Relax on white sand beaches and slip into a warm, 85-degree freshwater lagoon. Lounge chairs, hammocks, and shaded cabanas (upgrade) make this the resort's signature spot to unwind between adventures.
Flamingo Point
Flamingo Point
Gentle
Animal Viewing
Stroll a serene habitat that is home to a flock of Caribbean flamingos. A scenic, photo-friendly stop included with admission, with optional Flamingo Mingle encounters available as an upgrade.

Where to eat

Laguna Grill
Laguna Grill
Quick Service
Tropical Lagoons
The main dining hall serving an included, freshly prepared breakfast (7:30 to 10:30 a.m.) and a gourmet lunch (11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). Menu spans burgers, salmon, jerk chicken, wraps, salads, kids meals, and desserts, with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Blue Bamboo Bar
Blue Bamboo Bar
Bar/Lounge
Tropical Lagoons
A relaxed bar offering complimentary beer and wine plus grab-and-go snacks like warm pretzels, cookies, chips, and Icees. Premium cocktails and liquor available at an upcharge or with the Premium Drink Package.
Grab-and-Go Snack Stands
Grab-and-Go Snack Stands
Snack
Tropical Lagoons
Complimentary snack stations placed throughout the resort, stocked with warm pretzels, cookies, chips, whole fruit, bottled water, Coca-Cola products, coffee, tea, and Icees.

Plan your stay

Plan your stay

Hotels, resort-wide dining, tips, practical info, and videos to help you plan the trip.

Tips and hacks

  • Book early for peak dates

    Daily attendance is capped, so summer and holiday visits can sell out. Reserve at least two months ahead, and consider quieter weekdays for the most relaxed experience.

  • Arrive between 7:00 and 8:30 a.m.

    Check-in opens at 7:15 a.m. and waterways open at 9:00 a.m. Arriving early secures good dolphin swim and add-on times, which are assigned first-come, first-served at check-in.

  • The dolphin swim is a separate package tier

    Only Signature Dolphin Swim packages include the in-water dolphin encounter. A non-dolphin Day Resort package is cheaper but skips the lagoon, so choose carefully when booking.

  • Your package likely includes SeaWorld and Aquatica

    Most packages bundle 14 consecutive days of unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica, and you can add Busch Gardens Tampa. Use your Discovery Cove confirmation to enter, no extra reservation needed.

  • Pack light, almost everything is provided

    Wetsuit, snorkel gear, life vests, towels, lockers, and animal-safe sunscreen are all included. Bring a swimsuit, dry clothes, photo ID, and a credit card for souvenirs.

  • Only animal-safe sunscreen allowed

    To protect the animals, you must use the specially formulated sunscreen provided at restrooms. Regular sunscreen is not permitted in the habitats, so shower before entering animal areas.

  • Leave the jewelry and outside food at home

    Jewelry (except wedding bands) is banned for animal safety, and no outside food, drinks, coolers, or flotation devices are allowed. All meals and snacks are already included.

  • Add-ons book up fast

    SeaVenture, Shark Swim, Ray Feeding, and the Ultimate Animal Experience have limited slots and specific check-in times. Reserve in advance and arrive early to lock them in.

  • Great for non-swimmers and all ages

    Life vests, shallow beach entries, the aviary, and the lazy river mean strong swimming is not required. Toddlers age 2 and under enter free; children pay the same all-inclusive rate as adults.

  • Florida residents and military save

    Florida-resident pricing and active military or veteran discounts are offered year-round. Check the dedicated offer pages before booking at the standard rate.

  • Reserve a cabana for a home base

    Private cabanas and day beds (upgrade) give larger groups a shaded, lockable spot to regroup between adventures, especially valuable on hot summer days.

  • Flexible booking up to 48 hours out

    You can shift a reservation up to 48 hours before your date, with one free date change; cancel more than 30 days out for a full refund. A hurricane policy also covers named-storm disruptions.

Know before you go

Tickets and pricing

All-inclusive Day Resort packages start around $189 per person in low season and run higher (often $200 to $290+) for dolphin swim packages and peak dates; prices vary seasonally. There is no separate child rate; toddlers age 2 and under are free. Florida resident and military discounts are available.

Reservations

Reservation-only resort with capped daily attendance. Book ahead online or by phone at 407-513-4600; on the day you simply check in with your name, confirmation number, and a photo ID for guests 18 and older.

What's included

One price covers breakfast and lunch, unlimited snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, select beer and wine (21+), wetsuit, snorkel gear, life vests, towels, lockers, animal-safe sunscreen, Wi-Fi, and a souvenir snorkel. Most packages also include 14 days of SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica admission.

Parking

Complimentary all-day self-parking on site. Parking at sister parks (SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens) is included only with Ultimate packages.

Hours

Open daily; waterways run roughly 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with check-in from 7:15 a.m. Plan to arrive between 7:00 and 8:30 a.m., earlier if doing multiple add-on experiences.

Dining hours

Laguna Grill breakfast 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. and lunch 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Hibiscus Hideaway pizza 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; bar service 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options available.

Accessibility

A Certified Autism Center. Offers beach wheelchairs with oversized tires (reserve via 407-513-4600), accommodates guests who can maneuver with limited assistance, and welcomes service animals in most areas (excluding animal habitats).

Age and swim requirements

Dolphin swim requires guests be age 6 and at least 42 inches tall; ages 6 to 12 must be accompanied by a participating paying adult. SeaVenture and shark experiences require age 10+. Non-swimmers are accommodated with life vests throughout.

Location and contact

6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821, off Central Florida Parkway near SeaWorld Orlando (I-4 exit 71/72). Reservations and guest services: 407-513-4600.

Frequently asked questions

Discovery Cove Reviews

Trusted by millions of US families every year

Find and book unforgettable family days out across the USA with confidence.