What is the address of Discovery Cove?
6000 Discovery Cove Way
Orlando, FL 32821
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Are reservations required to spend the day at Discovery Cove?
Since Discovery Cove limits attendance to approximately 1,000 guests per day, 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. [back to top]

How much is admission to Discovery Cove?
Please click here to view current package rates. [back to top]

What is the age requirement to swim with the dolphins?
Guests of all ages are welcomed at Discovery Cove. Children ages 6-12 must be accompanied by a paying adult who also is 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. Also, children must be at least 13 years of age to participate in the Trainer for a Day program without an accompanying adult and at least 15 years of age to visit Discovery Cove without adult supervision. [back to top]

Why is the admission rate the same for adults and children?
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 a complimentary admission. [back to top]

Product Inclusions
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-consecuative day pass to either SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, or Aquatica. 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. [back to top]

SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Pass Usage
If your product includes a 14-day pass to either SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, or Aquatica (or if you have the Ultimate package which includes SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica), you must use it consecutively with your visit to Discovery Cove, either before, after, or a combination of both. Your personalized ID card will serve as your ticket if you decide to visit your selected sister park(s) after your reservation date.

However, if you plan on visiting SeaWorld, Aquatica, or Busch Gardens prior to your Discovery Cove adventure, simply present your confirmation letter and photo ID for each party member 18 years or older at their Guest Relations/Services window located at the front gate. At Aquatica, the process is the same should you visit there prior to Discovery Cove, however, the entry is located at the Big Kahuna Entrance just to the left of the turnstiles. [back to top]

Do I need to be a good swimmer to participate in the various experiences at Discovery Cove?
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 Tropical Reef or take a journey down our Wind-Away river. The lifejackets can even be worn in the dolphin lagoons! [back to top]

How long is the dolphin swim experience?
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. At the end, one at a time, guests and a trainer will swim into deeper water for a personal "dorsal tow" back to shore. After the water experience, guests can view photographs and video of their interactions and talk about their experience with trainers and other participants. [back to top]

Changing a reservation
At Discovery Cove, we recognize that vacation plans sometimes change. To accommodate this, we will allow one complimentary date change prior to your visit. Further changes to your itinerary will be provided for a nominal charge of $50 per change. If you have to change or cancel your reservation, please contact the Discovery Cove reservations center at 1-877-557-7404. International guests, please call 001 (407) 370-1280. [back to top]

Reviewing a reservation
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 1-877-557-7404 or for international guests at 001 (407) 370-1280. [back to top]

Canceling a reservation
If you need to reschedule your Discovery Cove visit, one complimentary date change is allowed, pending availability. Bookings made within 3 days of original reservation date will be booked at the original rate. Books made outside of that time will be subject to change based on seasonal rates for the new date chosen. Please note: If you decide to cancel your Discovery Cove reservation within 30 days of your visit there is no refund. If the cancellation notice is provided more than 30 days from arrival, you will receive a full 100% refund.

* Group booking policies may differ.
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"Peace of mind" Hurricane Policy
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, 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 1-877-557-7404. [back to top]

Could you recommend a hotel in the area close to Discovery Cove?
Please click here for information regarding hotel packages. [back to top]

Where can I find directions to Discovery Cove?
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.
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What are the operating hours for Discovery Cove?
Discovery Cove is a full day adventure with operating hours of 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily. Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. [back to top]

Where can I view a map of Discovery Cove?
Please click here to view the map of Discovery Cove. [back to top]

How much is parking?
Self-parking at Discovery Cove is complimentary, however, parking admission at our sister parks is not included. If you would like to add a parking package to your reservation, please contact our Guest Reservations Center at 1-877-557-7404. [back to top]

Transportation Information
Discovery Cove provides complimentary transportation to and from SeaWorld Orlando for those guests who do not have their own transportation on the day of their visit. To utilize this service, there is a well-marked phone at the Bus and Taxi drop-off/pick-up station at SeaWorld. Simply pick up the phone to be connected with a shuttle dispatcher.

We also provide complimentary transportation to Busch Gardens Tampa for guests whose Discovery Cove package includes admission to Busch Gardens. For more information, please contact The Shuttle Express at 1-800-221-1339 at least 24 hours in advance. Reservations are not required for this service, but are recommended. [back to top]

What should I wear to the park on the day of my program?
Guests should bring their own swimsuits, and, if they choose, water socks or rubber pool shoes, hat, sunglasses and cover-up or dry clothes. Discovery Cove provides all guests with swim vests and/or wetsuits. Discovery Cove guests may not wear jewelry, for the safety of the animals. [back to top]

What do I need to bring with me to Discovery Cove?
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. This is the only kind of sunscreen that may be used and additional quantities may be purchased in the gift shop. Since a meal is provided with admission to Discovery Cove, no other food, beverages or coolers are permitted. Guests may wish to bring books and magazines, a CD or tape player with headset or similar items to help them relax on the beach, and a camera to catch all of their special moments. [back to top]

Cameras and video recorders
Guests may use their personal cameras and video recorders throughout the park, with the exception of the dolphin lagoons (for the safety of our animals and your photo equipment). We do, however, allow other party members to take photos and record video of the interaction from our beach areas. In addition, we provide photographers and videographers to capture your memories. Photography and video packages vary in selection and pricing. [back to top]

Are prescription masks available at Discovery Cove?
Discovery Cove offers special prescription masks in various strengths (near-sighted: -1 through -8 and far-sighted: 1 through 8) on a first come, first serve basis. [back to top]

What is the temperature of the water in the pools?
The temperature of our 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 Lagoon and Tropical Reef are 77 F (25 C). [back to top]

Wetsuits
While in the water, we do require guests to wear either a wetsuit (short or long depending on the season and guests preference) or a swim vest. This ensures our lifeguards are able to see guests as they swim underwater, thus, enhancing safety.
*Sizing ranges from toddlers through 18XL.[back to top]

Air Temperature

Dietary Needs
The Culinary Operations Team at Discovery Cove recognizes the importance of all aspects of food safety especially those challenges our 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 their personal needs with one of our chefs. Our Culinary Team, like everyone else at Discovery Cove would like to provide you with peace of mind that your day will be as enjoyable, and safe, as possible.

Discovery Cove does provide Kosher meals. In order to ensure they are prepared to order, we ask guests to visit Laguna Grill 45 minutes prior to their anticipated lunch time.

Discovery Cove does provide Vegetarian options for our guests. We suggest you make these requests prior to your visit. [back to top]

Disabled Guests
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. [back to top]

Expectant Mothers
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 Interaction, it will be with a live animal weighing in excess of 500 pounds. The interaction will involve up-close activities such as kissing and petting of the dolphin, and 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. [back to top]

Dolphin Liability Waiver
All participants or their legal guardians are required to sign a liability release form before experiencing the Dolphin Interaction. [back to top]

Where can I find more information about the Special Occasion packages available at Discovery Cove?
Please click here for more information about Special Occasion packages. [back to top]

Private functions
Discovery Cove is available for private functions and night parties. For more information, please call Group Sales at 1-407-363-2264. [back to top]

Youth programs
Discovery Cove is included in three camp programs offered through the SeaWorld Education Department:
Career Camp
Advanced Career Camp
Coastal Career Discovery
For more information on these camps please call 1-866-GO-TO-CAMP (1-866-468-6226), or check out http://www.seaworld.org/adventure-camps/swf/resident/index.htm[back to top]

Student group visits
Discovery Cove is the ultimate field trip for school and youth groups. For youth group reservation information, please contact Discovery Cove Reservations at 1-877-557-7404. [back to top]

Where can I find information about special offers at Discovery Cove?
To receive emails about Discovery Cove click here. [back to top]

Military Discounts
While Discovery Cove doesn't offer direct discounts, you may contact your base's travel office for special pricing at our other Worlds of Discovery. While not all bases offer tickets, yours should be able to refer you to one which is capable of handling your request.

You may also be interested to learn Anheuser-Busch, our parent company, does offer the "Here's to the Heroes Salute" throughout 2009. Members of active military duty and as many as three (3) direct dependents can receive complimentary admission to one of our sister parks. This offer is valid January 1st through December 31, 2009. Please visit herosalute.com for more information. [back to top]

Employment opportunities
Discovery Cove offers a variety of challenging careers in fields such as guest service, animal care, operations, food service, landscaping and marketing. Visit http://www.becjobs.com or call the employment hotline at 1-407-363-2600 for details. Also, for more information regarding a career in Animal Training, check out our career resources page. [back to top]