Discovery Cove, Orlando, anyone been?

[Rhiannon]

Just wondered is it worth the entrance fee?

What is there to do apart from swimming with the dolphins?

Thanks. R

Sorry Rhiannon - never been. it's quite a new place isn't it? I think you can pay one amount, and not choose to swim with the dolphins, or another (much higher) amt to swim, which gives the impression there must be other things to do, else why else pay a good entrance fee, if not to swim?
We went to Florida a few years back, and went down to the Keys. Found a fantastic place there - the 'Dolphin Research Centre' in Grassy Key (think it was featured when Tamsin Outhwaite wam with dolphins for that TV prog. Tho' this is too far to jaunt if you're staying in Orlando, if anyone does go down that way, its well worth a visit. Lots of educational stuff about dolphins in the wild etc, and watching the dolphins playing around, then the chance to swim if you wanted. An unforgettable experience, and made better cos it wasn't very touristy, if you know what I mean

Thanks leese, just remembered I'd posted this question! R

We went last Easter and had a fabulous day.We snorkelled in a large lagoon,swam with rays, sunbathed in quiet little coves,visited a tropical fish pool,and there was an aviary which you could swim through or walk in.The highlight was the dolphin swim which i did with my 2 daughters (9 & 14).My husband watched and photographed us.Lunch is included.We would all like to go back. Try www.discoverycove.com.

But what if we didn't swim with the dolphins, DD will be only 5 next time we go so she can't. Is there enough to do for the day?

It reminds me of a joke I heard.
"We had a great time in SeaWorld, had a fish dinner, we ate the underachievers!"

Went there last year (without kids). DH didn't do the dolphin swim. TBH the highlight of our day was hours standing in the ray pool, having them all swimming round us. (& feeding them with shrimps).
It's laid out like a beach- you get loungers- then there is the ray pool, another fish-free pool & a deep one with fish, a river that goes through the aviary, & the dolphin area.
We spent ages in the aviary hand feeding the birds too. It's fab. I'd go again but we just can't afford it!