When you live in paradise, a place others dream of visiting, it’s all too easy to overlook some of the best our state has to offer. When it’s a short drive away, putting it off for another day or when family visits next year becomes second nature. It’s understandable. The demands of regular life become the priority. But it’s important to set aside time to reconnect with friends and family and explore the state we call home.
At the top of your list should be one of Florida’s best-kept secrets, Discovery Cove, part of United Parks & Resorts and right across the street from SeaWorld in Orlando. While its sister park gets most of the attention, those that set aside a day to explore what it has to offer are very pleasantly surprised. “Truly, there is nothing like it. It’s not a theme park. The best way to describe it is, if you’ve ever been on a cruise, it’s like that one day you’re on a private island. We are the only all-inclusive day resort in Florida,” explained Crystal O’Hea, Vice President of Marketing for Discovery Cove Orlando.
And it truly is all-inclusive. The experience includes breakfast, lunch and unlimited snacks and drinks all day. The wetsuits and snorkel equipment at The Grand Reef, a 1-million-gallon saltwater habitat, are also included. They even include the animal- safe sun block, towel service, lockers for your belongings while you explore, and fully equipped showers and changing rooms to clean up at the end of the day. “We really pride ourselves on this carefree experience. You show up with a bag and what you want to change into before you leave, and everything else is taken care of,” O’Hea explained.
You notice the differences before you even arrive. You don’t buy tickets – you make a reservation. Because in a sea of crowded theme parks, one thing Discovery Cove offers is exclusivity. Attendance is limited for both the benefit of the guests as well as the many animals that call Discovery Cove home. The end result is something truly special. From the moment you arrive along the winding path through lush landscaping, to check-in at the main entrance and stroll into your paradise for the day, you are immersed in a slice of tropical luxury.
That feeling of luxury surrounds you all day. The staff to guest ratio is noticeably high. Any needs are quickly dispatched. Above all, Discovery Cove offers the luxury of options. Everyone can have the experience they want. Those who want to relax in a lounge chair by the pool and simply soak in the environment will have ample locations to choose from. Those who want to be active all day meeting dolphins, swimming and snorkeling with rays and fish, exploring the free flight aviary or searching for otters near Monkey Island will enjoy their day jam packed of activities. “You’re not carrying your wallet around. You’re not waiting in line. You’re not racing to a showtime. It’s at your own pace,” O’Hea shared.
Where Discovery Cove truly shines is in the opportunities to interact with animals. “The experience our guests receive in park is fully immersive. If you go to a zoo or an aquarium, you’re an observer of an animal’s environment. Here at Discovery Cove, you’re in the environment,” O’Hea explained. For those exploring with kids, it’s an incredible learning experience. In every environment, there are several zoological experts ready to answer questions and help everyone get more out of the experience. “You could be snorkeling and there’s an aquarist right there with you, who’s going to go under with you and point out fish and tell you where they live in the natural world, what’s special about it, what unique features they have. You leave really energized about what you’ve what you’ve experienced,” O’Hea added.
Above all, what guests take away from their time at Discovery Cove is the opportunity for connection. Whether it’s a once in a lifetime animal encounter or the opportunity to slow down and connect with family over shared experiences, it’s a place to build memories that last a lifetime. In this limited-access, all-inclusive oasis, you’re not fighting crowds or racing to the next attraction. You’re free to simply be together. Discovery Cove invites you to slow down and rediscover what it feels like to truly connect, both with the natural world and with the people you love most.