I think my most favourite day of our trip had to our day at Discovery Cove.  It’s such a relaxing haven away from the busy theme parks!  Visitor numbers are restricted here so it never feels very crowded.  You have lots of space to rest and unwind!

There is still plenty to do if you choose to partake in it.  But no judgement from me if you want to chill in a hammock all day!  You do You! Just make sure you leave occasionally so you don’t miss out on the warm cookies and refreshing Banana Fanta slush.

We have visited lots of different attractions in our time but nothing quite like Discovery Cove.  It really is a tropical paradise, so peaceful and idyllic.  An ideal attraction to ease into your holiday after the long flight to Orlando.  You don’t want to overdo it on your first full day, so Discovery Cove gets your holiday off to a great start.  We did arrive early, but we were still on UK time, so it suited us perfectly!

Swim with A Dolphin

Amanda and Jacob the trainers introduced us to Thelma at the Dolphin Lagoon.  She was 28 years old and a grandmother.  She was living in the Sand Dollar pod with her grandkids.  Dolphins are social animals so its good to see that they have plenty of company here at Discovery Cove.

The dolphins seemed so healthy and happy, they are fed restaurant quality fish and receive first-rate medical care.  If a dolphin doesn’t feel like interacting with the guests, they are free to leave.  But they seem to enjoy showing off, splashing in the water and entertaining everyone!

The ocean is a dangerous place sadly, lots of dolphins are being harmed by the pollution in the sea.  There is so much plastic and chemical and oil spills.  Discovery Cove educate people to make changes before its too late for the animals in the wild.  It’s about time we all took responsibility for the future of the planet and stopped blaming places that are trying their best to help.

Eat And Drink to Your Hearts Content

I love that when you arrive you can tuck into a tasty breakfast, then top up on snacks and drinks, stop for a leisurely lunch and continue eating and drinking until you leave!  There was lots of choice, everything was appetising.  I had the Grilled Churrasco Steak and soon cleared my plate.  Arrive hungry so you can really do it justice!

As a mum it was nice to have a day out without worrying about my children constantly demanding snacks!  They could just go up and help themselves, I lost count of the number of Rice Krispies treats they devoured…  anything for an easy life when on holiday!

It’s not just the food and drinks that are included either all your equipment is provided too!  Towels, snorkels, wetsuits – just pack your swimwear and your good!  It makes everything seem so much more relaxed!

Walk Underwater

SeaVenture is a bookable extra, it costs from £43 each.  But the look on my youngest’s face when he left the water having done SeaVenture was everything!  He was chattering animatedly about it all, including the things he saw during his little walking voyage under the water!  He held a sea urchin and a starfish and loved watching the fish being fed.

My eldest said they all swarm around in a frenzy, so it’s VERY exciting!!!  It’s things like this that really make a holiday special.  How often do you get to experience something like that?

The diver wrote signs underwater so he could communicate with the group as they made their way around the route.  Everyone had also learnt some hand signals in the safety briefing so they could make themselves understood.  I think that gave my youngest confidence as initially he was a bit nervous.

Sadly, I couldn’t take part in the activity as I am asthmatic, but I had a good view of the divers above the water who kept checking the air supply, making sure everyone was safe.  It seemed well organised and very factual.  The boys learnt that ants, coconuts, vending machines and selfies kill more people each year than sharks.  I did spend the rest of my holiday viewing vending machines with suspicion!!!

However, I love that when you book the SeaVenture SeaWorld donate $2 to UK wildlife charities.  I think its wonderful that so many charities benefit from the money you spend at SeaWorld Parks.

Say Hello to A Sloth

Luey the sloth was adorable.  If you can splash out and book the Animal Trek!  When you’re on the trip of a lifetime you don’t want to miss out on anything.  Meeting my spirit animal was something I will never forget.  But even if you don’t visit Animal Trek, certain animals (including an armadillo and sloth) can be seen at the Conservation Kiosk (located by Freshwater Oasis) at certain times throughout the day. Times are shown on a board by the kiosk so you can plan it into your day.

Swim With The Rays

The Grand Reef is included in your ticket price and was my boys favourite part.  They liked the freedom to swim alongside giant rays and fish.

There are staff in the water making sure that the rays aren’t disturbed when they are resting, but when they are swimming you are welcome to touch their velvety backs.  I have no doubts that SeaWorld Parks really do care about the animals in their attractions.  The water is very cold as its what suits the creatures living there, remember we are just guests, this is their home so listen to the staff and pop on a wetsuit or just keep swimming to stay cosy!

Discover An Underwater Cave

What a way to spend your time when you’re in the Wind-Away River.  Take it easy in the gentle waters.  The kids loved the underwater cave, the waterfalls and the friendly lifeguard who very quickly showed them how to squirt water with their hands!  They thought that was hilarious.  You can make the most of the laid-back pace whilst the kids still have lots to keep themselves occupied.

Feed Tropical Birds

I loved meeting all the beautiful birds in the Explorer’s Aviary.  Some of the birds are endangered and Discovery Cove are part of a species conservation programme.  Again, SeaWorld Parks are making sure they help safeguard the future of threatened animals.

It’s so sweet having one of these delightful bird’s land on you to nibble on the contents of the feeding tubs.  I plan on coming straight back here next year, the mornings are a good time when the birds are ready for breakfast!

See Playful Otters

My two boys just love being in the water.  But we all enjoyed watching the otters and marmosets at Freshwater Oasis, it gives you something interesting to see.  The otters are such characters, very mischievous but entertaining to watch!

Walk Alongside Flamingos

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the flamingos enjoying their daily morning walk!  What a wonderful sight to see.  I am sure the flamingos enjoyed stretching their legs just as much as all the Discovery Cove guests relished the opportunity to see them pass right by them.

Chill Out In A Hammock

The hammocks are so big the whole family can fit on them!  This is about the only time my youngest sat still!  Discovery Cove was one big adventure and he needed to explore it all!

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment provided us The Discovery Cove Ultimate Package which provides an all-inclusive day at Discovery Cove and a 30-minute dolphin interaction and swim. As well as 14 days unlimited access to SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens. This package includes free unlimited parking at all parks. It’s currently available at www.seaworldparks.co.uk from £202pp*. For more information, head to www.seaworldparks.co.uk.

*Price correct as of 21.08.19.

If you are planning a trip to Florida, reading my SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica reviews will give you a good idea about what to expect!