Discovery Cove Orlando

This is quite some experience of interaction with marine animals, but without the hassle of zoos or any other place in Florida. Overall, the cove consists of 6 parts: a pool, dolphin interaction area, saltwater reef, ray pool, "river" (extension to the pool that goes around the entire place), and the aviary. Pool and river are there if you're tired, the rest is a must-see-and-touch. Must note great customer service: coffee and juice in the morning, your picture taken, great lunch, masks and sunscreen to wear. Yes, it's expensive, but well worth it. more

If you are planning a trip to swim with the dolphins be prepared to spend about $200 a person. Although it is well worth it. You get here and get your ID card which tells you where to be and what time to be there to go swim with the dolphins for 30 minutes. The rest of the day is yours you get a picture taken when you get there to pick up as you leave. You also get a meal included with your visit which to my surprise was decent. There are several things you can do while you anxiously wait to swim with the dolphins. They have a ray pool that you can go to and a reef of fish to swim across. You can also go see some parrots. When you swim with the dolphins you cannot bring a camera so be prepared to dish out money for PICS if you want them. I think I paid about $100 for five PICS of a CD with a copyright release. I had a great time and would do it again if the opportunity arises. more

Yes, it's expensive. Especially with the dolphin experience. We cut that part out, and that made the entire thing affordable - I'm so glad we went even like that! As you come in in the morning, they have complimentary coffee and juices sitting out at the entrance; while you are walking in, there's a photographer to take your complimentary picture (and a good one). They offer as much SFP lotion and towels as anyone might want, you get masks for snorkeling and wetsuits, the showers are equipped with everything (and you WILL want to use those after swimming in salty water). Food at lunch is plentiful and pretty good, considering it's a zoo. Regarding animals experience - do try to get in on the feedings: they feed rays randomly through the day (with raw fish, which the fishes in the same pool also try to get - I got bitten slightly), and birds in the aviary - almost constantly. The reef snorkeling is gorgeous, you'll want an underwater camera. They do sell them for $20 in the shop, but if you can get a postcard referral (they give 2 per person as you are exiting the park, so if you don't have friends who went, just ask anyone leaving a day before you go), this will be free! more