We spent a full day at Discovery Cove on our last Orlando trip and absolutely loved it. I already know this is something I will intentionally build into future family trips as a rest day. The whole family rated it as a 10/10 experience.

Discovery Cove is one of those places that feels completely different from the rest of Orlando. It is calm, immersive, and surprisingly flexible. You can be adventurous or you can do very little at all, and both choices feel equally right.

I keep describing it this way: it felt like one of the best, all inclusive cruise excursions without having to get on a cruise ship! Everything you need is included, food and drinks are always available, and you can move between experiences at your own pace.

Discovery Cove is located directly across from SeaWorld Orlando and about a 15 minute drive from both Walt Disney World and Universal. Parking is free, which already puts it in my good graces.

What Makes Discovery Cove Different

One of the biggest reasons Discovery Cove feels so peaceful is that they cap attendance at 1,300 guests per day. No matter when you visit, it never feels too crowded or chaotic. The staff is attentive, the spaces feel open, and there is always somewhere quiet to land.

Check in begins at 7:15 am, breakfast starts at 7:30 am, and the water experiences open at 9 am. We recommend arriving around 7 am. There is no benefit to arriving earlier than that, but arriving right around that time gives you first choice of activity times and lets you settle in without feeling rushed. The park closes at 5 pm.

Bring your ID with you, especially if you plan on enjoying adult beverages, as it will be checked at entry.

Unlimited Food and Drinks Included

Let’s start with the part everyone asks about first. Yes, the food really is included, and yes, it is good.

Laguna Grill serves breakfast from 7:30 to 10:30 am with all the classics. Scrambled eggs, sausage, breakfast potatoes, French toast sticks, waffles, fruit, pastries and cereal. It is buffet style, but staff serves the food and portions are generous.

Lunch is available from 11 am to 3:30 pm and offers a wide variety of options. On our visit, that included ceviche, salmon, jerk chicken, burgers, mac and cheese, chicken tenders, salads, seasoned vegetables, fries, and plenty of kid friendly choices.

Two additional snack locations, Hibiscus Hideaway and Blue Bamboo Bar, offer flatbreads, ice cream, ICEEs, soft pretzels, fruit, chips, cookies, and drinks throughout the day.

For those 21 and over who may want cocktails or premium options, you can upgrade to the Premium Drink Package.

Included Experiences You Can Easily Fill a Day With

You truly do not need to add anything extra to have a full, memorable day at Discovery Cove.

Explorer’s Aviary

This surprised me in the best way. Walk through a lush aviary while tropical birds fly freely around you. Small bowls of food are provided, and the birds are not shy. You can continue to get bird food refills!

My best tip is to get here right at 9 am when the birds are most active and hungry. They may land on your arm, your shoulder, or even your head. If you are not a bird person, you may want to skip it, but if you are even a little curious, it is worth doing early.

Wind-Away River

This is our favorite lazy river anywhere. It winds through caves, waterfalls, rainforests, and beaches. There are no inner tubes, but they provide pool noodles. Some sections reach up to eight feet deep, so grabbing a noodle or life jacket is a good idea, especially for kids.

Snorkels, goggles, wet suites and life jackets are all provided at no extra cost. Water shoes are helpful because the bottom can be rocky and depth changes quickly. The water is heated when it is cold outside!

Personal note: I floated this river three times, seven months pregnant. Being it this water was the best I have felt in a LONG time 🤣 I didn’t wear water shoes and was fine, but I still wanted to mention it because some people will prefer to have them!

Serenity Bay

If your ideal day includes doing very little, this is your spot. Lounge chairs, hammocks, and warm freshwater make this a perfect place to relax between activities. The flamingos even take a stroll across the beach around 9:15 am, which feels delightfully random and very Discovery Cove.

The Grand Reef

This is one of the most impressive included experiences. Snorkel through a massive reef filled with colorful fish, rays, and reef sharks. Life jackets and snorkel gear are provided, and animal experts are nearby to answer questions. It feels adventurous without being overwhelming.

Personal Note: Everyone in the Grand Reef is required to wear a life jacket. Again, being in this water felt incredible on my 7 month pregnant hips… but life jacket sizing was complicated, to say the least. It all worked out though and I wish I was back there now!

Freshwater Oasis

This area is home to otters, marmosets, and rotating animal encounters led by caretakers. We watched the otters be fed while floating in the water. It is educational, interactive, and great for kids who love animals.

Everything You Do Not Have to Worry About Bringing

Discovery Cove does an excellent job of covering the details.

Included amenities:

Large lockers for all your belongings
Showers with toiletries and hair dryers
Towels throughout the park
Animal safe sunscreen
Wetsuits and vests in all sizes
Life jackets for all ages
Snorkeling gear including prescription goggles
Unlimited food and drinks
Complimentary self parking

If you plan to snorkel or do animal encounters, a wetsuit is recommended. The water is cooler, especially in the Grand Reef, and the extra layer helps.

Personal Note: I did not attempt to squeeze into a wetsuit while pregnant, but my kids wore them. They had no trouble finding the right size and enjoyed them!

Upgrades and Add Ons Worth Considering

You can have a wonderful day without upgrades, but some of the add ons are truly special.

Dolphin Swim

This is the signature experience and for good reason. In small groups, you meet and swim with a dolphin, learn about their behaviors, and get professional photos. Kids must be at least six years old and 42 inches tall, and reservations are required.

SeaVenture

An underwater walking tour using special helmets that allow you to breathe normally while submerged. You walk along the ocean floor surrounded by fish, rays, and sharks. It is unlike anything else we have done.

Cabanas and Day Beds

Cabanas offer shade, privacy, snacks, drinks, and a dedicated space to relax. Day beds are a more budget friendly option if you want a guaranteed comfortable spot for the day.

Personal Note: We booked a private cabana and it MADE the trip. Having a private place to retreat to with our own locker and mini fridge was great for this exhausted girl. I took a nice nap here and would imagine this will be a necessary upgrade when I come back with a toddler.

Animal Trek, Ray Feeding, Flamingo Mingle, Shark Interaction

Each of these offers a more intimate, guided animal experience with limited availability. If your family loves animals, these are worth looking into early as they can sell out.

We did the Animal Trek, where we met an anteater and a sloth!

Tips for a Great Day at Discovery Cove

Arrive around 7 am for the best activity selection.
Visit the aviary right at 9 am.
Plan no more than two major add ons in one day.
Use the provided sunscreen and start with a small amount.
Bring a waterproof camera if you have one.
Start the lazy river before 4 pm to complete the full loop.
Stay hydrated and take breaks.
This is an excellent option for multigenerational trips.

Discovery Cove feels like a pause button on an Orlando vacation. It is immersive without being exhausting and exciting without being chaotic. If you are looking for a true rest day that still feels special, this is one I would not hesitate to recommend.

Contact your Travel Grown Planner to book Discovery Cove!

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Why Discovery Cove Is My New Must-Do Orlando Rest Day