Amenities
The admission packages to Discovery Cove are all-inclusive. Therefore, admission includes the use of lockers, wetsuit, towels and mask during your stay, free parking, shower amenities, souvenir snorkel, complimentary entry photo, continental breakfast, lunch, all drinks and snacks, access to the Explorer's Aviary, Tropical Reef, Serenity Bay, Wind-away River, a 14-Consecutive day pass to either SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, or Aquatica.
Water Temperature
The temperature of the pools remains constant throughout the year. The fresh water Serenity Bay and Wind-away River are maintained around 86 F (30 C). The salt water dolphin pools, and Tropical Reef are 77 F (25 C).
Outside Food Policy
Since a meal is provided with admission to Discovery Cove, no other food, beverages or coolers are permitted.
Dietary Needs
The Culinary Operations Team at Discovery Cove recognizes the importance of all aspects of food safety especially those challenges the guests with food allergies encounter when dining out. On the day of your visit, you are welcome to visit the Laguna Grill early in the day to discuss personal needs with one of the chefs.
Discovery Cove does provide Kosher meals. In order to ensure they are prepared to order, guests are asked to visit Laguna Grill 45 minutes prior to their anticipated lunch time.
Discovery Cove does provide Vegetarian options for guests. It is suggested you make these requests prior to your visit.
Guests with Disabilities
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 1-877-557-7404.
Emergencies
The park is dotted with fully certified lifeguards, but any nearby attendant should be your first stop in an emergency. A first-aid station is located near the Tropical Gifts shop not too far from the front entrance.
Getting Oriented
Discovery Cove does not hand you a paper map as other parks do. Since the park is quite compact, there’s really no need. The main axis of the park is a paved walkway, with lockers, changing rooms and restaurant to your right (as you walk from the main entrance) and the beach, lagoons, and river to your left. It’s hard to get lost but, just in case, mosaic tile maps called “Points of Discovery” are dotted about on low-slung rocks to help you get your bearings.
Lockers & Changing Rooms
Lockers are free and plentiful. There are two locker locations. There is one near the Dolphin Lagoon and another between the dolphin and stingray pools. You will be directed to a locker location depending on the time of your arrival, but if you have a preference it will most likely be honored. Both locker areas are next to spacious and well-appointed changing rooms complete with showers, extra towels, hair blowers, and toiletries.
Money
The best way to handle money at Discovery Cove is not to. The laminated ID card you receive on arrival bears a bar code that can be linked to your credit card. If you prefer the old-fashioned way, all the shops and refreshment stands accept cash and credit cards.
Sunscreen
Don’t bother lathering yourself with sunscreen prior to your visit. You’ll just be asked to shower it off. Discovery Cove provides its guests, free of charge, a special “dolphin-friendly” sunscreen. Take care when applying it, because a little goes a long way. It doesn’t seem to disappear as readily as most commercial sunscreens, so if you use too much you’ll look a bit like you’ve dipped your face in flour. If you like it, you can pick up more in the gift shops.
