The Delights of Discovery Cove
Go one- on- one with dolphins at this resort- like theme park THERE ARE NO CROWDS, NO LONG LINES OR FAST- PASS TURNSTILES. INSTEAD YOU MAKE A RESERVATION, PARK FOR FREE AND ENJOY AN ALL- INCLUSIVE DAY AT A PRIVATE BEACH- LIKE RESORT LEARNING ABOUT MARINE
Ihave always enjoyed taking the kids to visit Orlando’s theme parks, but only recently, did our family make the trip to Discovery Cove. Located on the SeaWorld property, this park is a pleasure for those seeking a more i ntimate, hassle- free theme- park experience. There are no crowds, no long lines or fast- pass turnstiles. Instead you make a reservation, park for free and enjoy an all- inclusive day at a private beach- like resort learning about marine life and creating a lasting family memory.
Even though we spend a lot of time boating, the opportunity to actually swim with dolphins, sharks and stingrays was a first for our children. To make a full day of it, we arrived at Discovery Cove at 7: 30 a. m. sharp. We were told to bring only swimsuits and water shoes; everything else would be provided. True to their word, the staff at Discovery Cove even provided the sunscreen, specially formulated to be marine life friendly. While you can bring your own mask and snorkel, the ones provided were good quality, and there were even prescription masks of various strengths for those who needed them, like me.
Our family was scheduled for the first session to swim with the dolphins, so we bypassed other guests and joined those being fitted for wet suits. Both visitors and trainers wear wet suits over swimsuits; this is to protect the dolphins from distraction and injury since buckles or snaps on swimwear material can scratch their skin.
Each 30- minute dolphin session has four groups with about 10 people per group. They’re spread out along the cove to avoid overcrowding. We went over the safety protocols with the trainer and listened as the staff answered questions. Our youngest daughter asked, “How long do dolphins live?”
“About 20 years in the wild, but in captivity, almost double that,” the trainer responded. He went on to say that SeaWorld no longer captures wild dolphins or orcas, but has its own breeding program.
Finally the trainer gave a hand signal and across the lagoon a smooth gray torpedo shape raced over to join our group. “Wow, dolphins are much bigger when you’re in the water with them,” our 17- year- old observed.
“This is Alpha,” the trainer said. “He’s actually bigger than most others here, just over 7 feet and 550 pounds.” Despite
Alpha’s size, he was gentle. Everyone had time to touch, admire and talk with the dolphin. Then finally at the end of our session, Alpha allowed us to ride in from the deep end to the beach by holding his smooth dorsal fin. I couldn’t help but think of my youth growing up watching Flipper save Bud and Sandy. The kids did not want to leave the lagoon, but there was still much to see and we had the rest of the day to explore the park.
So having built up an appetite, we hit the complimentary breakfast buffet and then headed for our reserved beach cabana. The cabana was the only additional cost beyond our entry fee, and it was well worth the cost because it provided a great view of the Grand Reef and shade from the sun. You can always tell a true Florida native by how we covet shade.
In the Grand Reef, we swam with schools of stingrays, all de- barbed for safety, and enjoyed seeing sharks and eels up close. A protective glass divider
kept the swimmers from any real peril. The illusion of danger is a staple in all Orlando theme parks; the Grand Reef is no different. After 20 minutes of yelling at my kids not to touch the fire coral, I soon discovered the red was just rubber applied over fake coral rock. The many colorful reef fish, however, were authentic.
My husband stayed in the cool of the private cabana soaking up a good read, while my daughters and I walked to the Explorer’s Aviary. Here we were
surrounded by hundreds of colorful birds from parrots to toucans that fly freely, with an occasional surprise landing on your head. Next to the aviary was the Wind- Away River, a freshwater ride down a mini Amazon River. Relaxing in floating chairs, we drifted through a rain forest with waterfalls and caves.
Before we left, we had one last thrill: Sea Venture. At this new addition to Discovery Cove, we put on pressurized dive helmets and walked along the bottom of the “sea,” looking up at the rays and schools of fish passing above. The idea of a diving bell helmet dates back to one of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions and was best promoted by Jules Verne’s 20,000
Leagues under the Sea. We wrapped our day by 5: 30 p. m., and although it had only been one day, our Discovery Cove memories will last a lifetime.
Discovery Cove, 877- 557- 7404, discovery cove. com Hilary Hemingway is Ernest Hemingway’s niece. She has worked as a writer and director in TV and film and published five books. Her latest screenplay, Hemingway
and Fuentes, co- written by and starring Andy Garcia, is in pre- production.