Orlando has something for every taste imaginable. If there’s one place in the world that truly can cater for every need and whim, this is it. For a destination that is inland, it certainly has a lot in the way of water, and one place which appears like a mirage in a very hot desert, is Discovery Cove.
Part of the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment group, Discovery Cove is akin to a tropical castaway island, just off a main road. You truly will feel as though you’ve been transported to another world, where cares don’t exist, life is laid-back, and nothing could ever feel stressful again.
Orlando is hugely popular for Disney alone, and flights heading over the Atlantic are plentiful. I visited Discovery Cove during the first week of November, and the weather that particular year was perfect for a day in a wetsuit in the sun, especially as the water is heated to a lovely, mild temperature.
Florida is cheaper these days, compared to a few years ago, but it’s possible to cut costs even further, meaning more dollars to splash in the sunshine state. Airport parking really is a cost saving service that will not only mean the dollars remain in your pocket, but stress is reduced, thanks to the control of getting from A to B entirely at your feet. I have used Gatwick Airport parking with HolidayExtras.co.uk on numerous occasions, and will continue to do so. I’ve always been quoted a fantastic price, and the service is second to none. Here’s another little tip of the trade. You can often combine parking with an on-airport hotel and get it for the same price! If you’re flying from the north check out the deals on Manchester Airport hotels from Holiday Extras, you can thank me later!
Your pre-booked day at Discovery Cove is on an all-inclusive basis, meaning all food, drinks and snacks are included in the price of your ticket. This isn’t just any old food either, no, the food in the park is simply delicious and very plentiful. I had a tasty lasagne and salad, followed by key lime pie. Yum yum indeed! Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks throughout the day are on offer, including hot chocolate, soft drinks and water whenever you feel the need. It really is worth every penny for the food alone!
You’ll spend your day in a wetsuit, and if you’re not the greatest swimmer, or indeed a non-swimmer like me, don’t worry, as you’ll be provided with a life jacket for reassurance and safety. Sun-cream is provided, and you must wear this and not your own, to protect the marine-life in the park.
So what can you do? Well, snorkelling, lazy river, sunbathing on the “beach”, chilling out in the heated, realistic tropical “sea”, feeding the many colourful species of birds in the aviary, feeding the rays in the ray pool, and of course, my personal favourite, swimming with a dolphin.
This is an added extra which you must book at the time you reserve your ticket, at an extra cost, and it is worth every single penny, and then some. Interaction with a dolphin is fantastic, swimming with one is a moment you’ll never forget. Again, if you’re a non-swimmer, you can still do this, because I did! The staff are wonderfully supportive, and you’ll be in shallow water the whole time. I still class my swim with Aries the dolphin, the single most memorable moment of my life to date.
I left Discovery Cove smiling, but also feeling sad I had to leave. Remember those cost cutting ideas, such as Edinburgh Airport parking, and there’s no reason why you too can’t swim with dolphins and chill-out on a tropical island.
By Olivia GrilHey Folks! I'm Olivia from California, United States. I'm a blogger, travel lover, I can travel anywhere, whether it's a new place or already visited. I love meeting new people, clicking photos of every movement, and documenting my adventure. I also, write about travel, travel movies, the best places to visit, etc. Read my stories.
