Discovery Cove
Fancy swimming with dolphins? How about feeding rays? Plan an RV road trip for your family’s marine lovers to Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida.
Event information
Any RV road trip to Florida is likely to be a memorable experience for visitors. After all, it’s the Sunshine State. However, when you book tickets to Discovery Cove, you can expect it to be even more so.
Discovery Cove is a theme park in Orlando that allows you to interact with marine life. It’s also the sister park to Aquatica Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. Swim, play, talk, and touch the bottlenose dolphins, and even explore the free-flight aviary with hundreds of tropical birds.
At any one time, 1,300 guests stream through Discovery Cove. They get to enjoy the grand reef, heated tropical river runs, and various bodies of water containing marine life with which you can interact. The best part about a trip to Discovery Cove is that you get to choose your experiences.
Go snorkeling with the fish and rays, swim with the dolphins, or hand-feed the tropical birds. You can even sunbathe on the white sand beaches bordering tropical lagoons while indulging in unlimited food and drinks as part of your ticket. Discovery Cove really does offer an unforgettable experience for visitors.
But the fun doesn’t have to end once you exit Discovery Cove. Time it right and the music lovers in your travel group can also attend the Electric Daisy Carnival Orlando in November. There are also state parks near Orlando, FL, to explore, not to mention other theme parks like Gatorland under ten miles from Discovery Cove.
Get ready for an RV road trip to the Sunshine State, and create fun family memories to last a lifetime at your Orlando RV park.
Tickets
What tickets you buy for Discovery Cove can ultimately depend on the experience you wish to have there. Various all-incorporated packages are available for every member of the family. Swim with the dolphins for around $200, or book a day resort admission from $150.
Tickets come with parking costs included, not to mention options to upgrade to become a trainer for the day, swim with the sharks, or hire a cabana. It’s crucial to book weeks or months in advance to ensure the activity you wish to do is available upon your arrival in Orange County.
Explore Discovery Cove RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
The journey to Orlando, Florida, can be equally as exciting as the experiences you have in Florida. From the various state parks bordering the city to the many easy-driving roads with sightseeing opportunities along the way, there’s a lot to enjoy.
However, given the popularity of the roads into and out of Florida, it’s worth relying on a traffic aid during your travels. FL511, for example, will allow visitors to be aware of congestion and expected arrival times as they come from main highways and interstates like I-4. Visitors can then access Discovery Cove from Discovery Cove Way.
Parking areas
Parking costs are incorporated in a visitor’s ticket, but available spaces tend to be for standard vehicles and campervans. Those traveling with a trailer, Airstream, or similar, may like to arrange alternative parking in advance. Some locations may partner with public transportation. Fortunately, if you are without your big rig during the day won’t mean you are without options.
Public Transportation
Public transportation options are plentiful for anyone wishing to visit Discovery Cove, as well as other attractions like Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Discovery Cove offers buses and taxis for those who want to visit sister amusement parks and attractions like SeaWorld Orlando. Otherwise, buses, taxis, and rideshare service providers are in regular operation around Discovery Cove and the wider Orlando area.
Where to stay
Onsite
Anyone looking for top RV parks and campgrounds near Orlando, FL, will likely find them with no trouble at all. The trick is to book months in advance to avoid missing out on your preferred location. Set your sights to within 50 miles of Discovery Cove to enjoy a wide variety of primitive RV camping destinations and luxury campgrounds.
Nearby
Orlando has no shortage of RV campgrounds near Discovery Cove. However, given how much of a tourist hotspot this amusement park is, it’s worth booking the one you prefer months in advance. Orlando / Kissimmee KOA is under ten miles from Discovery Cove, while Florida Camp Inn Campground is within 20 miles. Travelers in a campervan, Airstream, Sprinter, or similar, will enjoy being able to find somewhere to stay with an RV near Discovery Cove.
Getting around
The best way to get around Discovery Cove, upon arriving in a tow vehicle or by public transportation, is on foot. Clearly-marked pathways connect the many areas of Discovery Cove, not to mention tropical beach areas. Wear your most comfortable footwear and leave those scooters, bicycles, and carts in your vehicle.
What to pack
Clothing
Any trip to the Sunshine State will require summery attire like shorts and t-shirts. However, a little more thought should go into clothing for a visit to Discovery Cove. Bring a swimsuit with rubber pool shoes or water socks. A hat, dry clothes, and sunglasses can also ensure your comfort. Swim vests and wet suits are provided.
For the safety of the animals, it’s crucial not to wear any jewelry, so store those necklaces and bracelets safely away in your motorhome.
Gear
Packing for an RV road trip to Florida can require a lot of planning, but make sure you spare a thought for the items that are needed (and those that are not permitted) at Discovery Cove. All beach chairs, towels, masks, and snorkels are provided. There is no need to bring your own diving equipment, food, beverages, or coolers. All food and drinks are offered as part of your ticket price. However, while you sun yourself in the beach area, a music player with earphones, magazines, and cameras are allowed.
Health & Safety
Health and safety planning is essential for any visitor to Florida and Discovery Cove. Prescription medication, bug spray, and first aid kits can prove convenient for exploring attractions like Lake Louisa State Park.
There will be no need to bring your own sunscreen to Discovery Cove. This will be provided as particular brands are necessary for animal safety.
Where to eat
Cooking
When you collect your RV rental in Florida, review what cooking supplies are included. Propane cookers are often a part of rentals, and these are perfect for preparing hearty stews, chowders, and other meals. Some Orlando RV campgrounds also have communal kitchens, and may even allow the use of campfires for snacks like camp tacos. If you didn’t stop for groceries along the way to Orlando, then pull up to the grocery store within a three-mile drive of Discovery Cove.
Restaurants
After a full day of swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove, or nature walks at Moss Park, there’s every chance your travel group would have worked up a hunger. Fortunately, eateries are abundant within a short driving distance of Discovery Cove. Whether you feel like takeout, Thai food, or fresh Florida seafood, Orlando dining establishments deliver.
Vendors
Something quite unusual but enjoyable about Discovery Cove is the dining situation. Unlike many other amusement parks that allow you to line up at vendors and pay for delicious food, your food purchases are included in your ticket price. Enjoy unlimited food and beverages while you navigate the many fun things to see and do.
Safety
Security
The Discovery Cove team wants to make sure all visitors and animals are safe. Therefore, they provide security screening at the gate. They ask that you don’t bring weapons, anything damaging or dangerous, and any outside food, beverages, and coolers.
If you require assistance at any time, security guards and members of staff are available to help. Outside of Discovery Cove, help can be found at the nearest sheriff’s office within two miles.
Weather
Orlando, Florida, has a humid subtropical climate. Visitors can often expect heat and rain from May until September, and warmth and dryness from October until April. No matter what time of year you visit, however, it’s always worth checking a weather app. By doing so, you can know whether your trip to Discovery Cove or other attractions like Magic Kingdom Park will be blessed with sunshine or rain.
Medical
A fully trained team is available to help with any minor injuries sustained at Discovery Cove. All you have to do is approach a staff member for help. However, RV-goers with first-aid kits can also take care of minor injuries on their travels.
In the event of an emergency, dial 911. The closest medical facility to Discovery Cove is within 13 miles. You can also pick up additional supplies for your first-aid kit within four miles.
