Park Spotlight: Discovery Cove

Your Orlando vacation isn’t complete without seeing some of the best theme parks this great area has to offer. We’ve blogged about our favorite attractions and the best waterparks before, but today we’re highlighting a really special place: Discovery Cove. This spectacular attraction has been voted as TripAdvisor’s Top Amusement park in not only the whole United States, but in the entire world. The best part, though, is that Discovery Cove is just 5 minutes from your Casiola vacation home at Vista Cay Resort!

Intimate Experience

Discovery Cove is a unique, all-inclusive experiential park in Orlando. No more than 1300 guests are allowed in on any given day, making this the most calm and crowd-free park in the area. This reservations-only attraction has something to offer for everyone, including their signature 30-minute dolphin swim. There is a resort-style pool to splash and play in, and tons of animal attractions to keep the whole family busy all day.

Tip: Arrive Early

While the park doesn’t officially open until 8:30 a.m., the reservation-only feature allows for guests to check in early, sometimes as early as 7 a.m. By checking in early, you can get all the details you need during a welcome talk, get your snorkels and fins ready, and enjoy a complimentary breakfast (see tip #2)!

Grand Reef

The central attraction of this great park, the Grand Reef offers a plethora of experiences for the whole family. You can snorkel with colorful tropical fish and live manta rays. Marine habitats house sharks safely behind glass that you can swim up to, making you feel like you’re right next to them. There are tons of trails and bridges to small islands and grottos for more marine life marveling.

Freshwater Oasis

The newest attraction at Discovery Cove, Freshwater Oasis allows guests to come face to face with adorable otters and marmosets. You can wade in the cool, shallow waters and float along trails under the rainforest-themed canopy.

Tip: Enjoy Breakfast
Don’t eat before arriving at the park. This tip sounds like it’s going against any park adventure you’ve had before, but for good reason! Discovery Cove’s all-inclusive structure includes a complimentary breakfast at the Laguna Grill offers light breakfast fare, including fruit, muffins, eggs, and bacon, all included with your park reservation. You don’t find this at nearly any other park, so take advantage of the good eats!

SeaVenture

An innovative adventure awaits under the sea at Discovery Cove’s SeaVenture. This unique experience allows guests to wear special helmets that provide a constant flow of oxygen, and you and your fellow guests are led on an underwater walking tour of the different areas of the resort. You will come face to face with all kinds of marine life, without the need for a bulky tank or hard-to-use mouth regulator.

Serenity Bay and Wind-Away River

Bask on the beach in the Florida sun at Serenity Bay, Discovery Cove’s expansive freshwater pool. You’ll never think of swimming anywhere else again! The Wind-Away River is the ultimate in relaxing water attractions. Meander along the gentle currents under brisk waterfalls and lush landscaping. Don’t forget to look down and see all kinds of amazing things below the water’s surface!

FREE Extras!

Discovery Cove takes the theme park experience to a new level, working hard to make sure you have everything you need for your amazing adventure. Don’t miss any of these things that are included with your Discovery Cove experience:

Breakfast (see tip #2)
Beach towels
Snorkels
Life vests
Wet suits
Goggles
Pool noodles
Sunblock
Complimentary photo – get your photo taken early in the day to avoid “water hair”. Pick up the pic before you leave as the lines to get photos at the end of the day can get long.

Discovery Cove offers a day of amazing fun and a lifetime of memories. By booking your Orlando vacation at Casiola vacation homes, you can be just minutes from this amazing theme park! Contact us today to learn how to create the most amazing vacation ever.