Discovery Cove: Orlando’s Premier All‑Inclusive Theme Park Guide
Discovery Cove is the only all‑inclusive theme park in Orlando that blends a water‑park experience with wildlife encounters, gourmet dining, and a carefully curated, low‑crowd atmosphere. Every ticket covers meals, activities, and a day of adventure—so you simply arrive and relax.
What Is Discovery Cove?
Discovery Cove invites guests to explore nature trails, pristine beaches, a grotto that opens into a tropical rainforest, and an underwater cave. Its all‑inclusive model means that every adult or child’s ticket covers freshly prepared meals, snorkel gear, towels, and more.
The park’s signature attraction is the dolphin swim, a separate booking that offers several encounter options. Because Discovery Cove limits the number of visitors each day, wait times are minimal and families enjoy plenty of open space.
It is also a Certified Autism Center, making it a welcoming, sensory‑friendly destination for families of all needs.
All‑Inclusive Vacation Packages
Discovery Cove offers several package options:
- Theme‑Park‑Only Package: Includes Discovery Cove tickets plus unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando.
- Extended Package: Adds unlimited admission to Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, and Aquatica.
- Hotel Package: Select a signature dolphin swim or day‑resort experience, receive one free night at a SeaWorld partner hotel, park admission for your stay, and reserved show seating at SeaWorld.
Activities at Discovery Cove
Beyond the beach and the Wind Away lazy river, the all‑inclusive admission covers three animal experiences:
- Explorer’s Aviary: Feed and interact with hundreds of colorful birds.
- Freshwater Oasis: Swim with Asian clawed otters and visit Marmoset Island.
- Grand Reef: Snorkel with tropical fish, stingrays, and reef sharks. Basic snorkel gear is supplied.
Optional add‑ons include:
- Trainer for a Day: Behind‑the‑scenes access, private animal sessions, and an exclusive dolphin session.
- SeaVenture: Walk along the reef bottom in a modified scuba mask and watch fish feed.
- Shark Swim: Experience a reef habitat swim guided by a Discovery Cove aquarist.
Dolphin Swim Experience
The dolphin encounter lasts about 30 minutes in the water, preceded by a 10‑minute land‑based orientation and Q&A. It can be added to your ticket; simply ensure the ticket wording includes “Signature Dolphin Swim Package.” You can upgrade by phone after purchase.
Swim times are scheduled at check‑in. Arrive a few minutes early for orientation. After the lesson, each guest receives a personal dorsal‑fin tow back to shore, adjustable to the guest’s comfort level.
Meals & Beverages
All tickets include unlimited food and drink. Breakfast is served from 7:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The main dining area, Laguna Grill, hosts a large buffet, while snack and refreshment kiosks offer chips, pretzels, and beverages. Alcohol is also available.
Included Amenities & Extras
Discovery Cove’s all‑inclusive model covers:
- Free parking and locker access
- Fresh towels, wetsuits, vests, outdoor and private showers, and changing facilities
- Animal‑safe sunscreen (no external sunscreen allowed)
Families can also rent a cabana—available in three tiers—providing a private terrace, lounge chairs, towel service, a mini‑fridge, and a snack basket. Cabana rental is ideal for larger groups seeking a dedicated space.
