Ultimate Beach Day at Discovery Cove
August 29, 2017If you ask a Floridian how to get to the beach, most folks will give you directions to the Atlantic Coast or Gulf Coast, but on National Beach Day, there is only one beach I want to be on, and it’s right here in Orlando at Discovery Cove.
Whether you’re local or visiting the area, it’s important to know what you’re getting out of your beach day in Florida. Here are few ways a Discovery Cove beach day blows a typical beach day out of the water:
How to prepare: what to bring?
Typical Beach Day: Your packing list includes: chairs, towels, umbrella, toys, snorkel, goggles, binoculars, sunscreen, cooler full of drinks, snacks and/or lunch. Hopefully your car has room for everything and everyone.
Discovery Cove Beach Day: Your packing list includes: yourself, your swimsuit, and your reservation letter. That’s it, the park honestly has everything! Not only does Discovery Cove have countless loungers that you don’t have to drag to and from your car, but there are even hammocks for an afternoon nap.
Wetsuits, goggles, and snorkels are available throughout the day to make the most of the amazing water habitats. Each restroom and changing room is stocked full of towels to use during your visit and shampoo and conditioner for when your day of fun is done. The park even provides special animal-safe sunscreen, so you don’t have to worry about returning home with a sun burn for a souvenir.
Starting your day: getting there is half the fun, right?
Typical Beach Day: After battling traffic to the coast, now you must attempt to find a parking spot that is both under $25 for the day and less than a mile from the actual beach. Once you find the sand, good luck finding a spot, because everyone loves the beach and everyone beat you to it.
Discovery Cove Beach Day: Located right next to all of your favorite fun things in Orlando, Discovery Cove is ready for adventure when you are and parking is included in your reservation. Don’t worry about finding a spot on this beach because the park limits the number of guests who visit each day to maintain an exclusive resort vibe. Upon arrival, you’ll check in with a friendly host who will inform you all about the park, answer questions about your day, and show you where to get breakfast, which brings me to…
Fuel for fun: what’s for lunch?
Typical Beach Day: If you packed a lunch, you’re probably learning the true meaning of sandwich. If you didn’t pack a lunch, hopefully you packed your wallet for expensive waterside dining.
Discovery Cove Beach Day: Freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included in your reservation. From French toast and bacon in the morning to pulled pork and Key lime pie in the afternoon, there’s something for everyone.
Go ahead and eat a second lunch if you want to, it’s YOUR dream beach day. Leave the cooler at home, because your drinks are included too, even alcoholic beverages for those over 21 years of age.
Animal Adventures: who will you meet?
Typical Beach Day: If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a dolphin’s dorsal fin through your binoculars. If you’re unlucky, a flock of seagulls may steal your cheese puffs.
Discovery Cove Beach Day: You’ll definitely see dolphins at Discovery Cove, and if you book the dolphin swim experience, it might be the most magical moment of your life. You’ll find other swimming pals in the Grand Reef, like massive stingrays, hundreds of tropical fish, and even SHARKS. At Discovery Cove, you’re actually encouraged to feed the birds at the Explorer’s Aviary, home to more than 250 exotic birds.
The End Result: what do you have to show for your beach day?
Typical Beach Day: Probably a sunburn and a car full of sand.
Discovery Cove Beach Day: Life-long memories of breathtaking animal encounters, a belly full of delicious food, and Instagram-worthy photos for weeks.
But that’s not all! Your Discovery Cove reservation includes 14 days of unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark. That’s TWO WEEKS of coasters, waterslides, and MORE amazing animals – what more could you want?
Well, if you’re a Florida resident – the deal is even sweeter. All Florida resident reservations made for the fall or winter include unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica through January 31, 2018, including SeaWorld’s amazing Halloween and Christmas events.
So what are you waiting for? Your ultimate beach day is just a click away.