How to Buy Discount Discovery Cove Tickets

Learn more about Discovery Cove tickets to get the most out of your day at this Orlando, Florida all-inclusive day resort & theme park.

Last updated: December 11, 2025

Katie Dillon

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort operated by SeaWorld where guests can enjoy animal encounters like swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with rays, and feeding exotic birds. There aren’t many places to buy discount Discovery Cove tickets to avoid paying full price, so I’m glad you’re here.

I’ve listed a few authorized sellers below who offer cheaper admission. However, I also want readers to understand that buying SeaWorld multi-park tickets through Discovery Cove may be better than buying them through other parks. And, yes, Discovery Cove is open with some modifications in place and is one of the best Orlando attractions.

I only recommend authorized ticket sellers and trusted methods, and may be compensated should you make purchases using the links in this post. I strive to eliminate the need to search for promo codes, coupons, special offers, and other online deals that do not work.

Shortcut to the Most Popular Ticket

Signature Dolphin Swim Package

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Discovery Cove Tickets: Gate Prices & Available Direct Discounts

The best place to buy Discovery Cove tickets is usually directly through the park, which often offers online promotions.

This is likely due to the resort’s all-inclusive model and its daily limit of 1300 guests to maintain an exclusive environment.

Two snorkelers swim through tropical fish in the Grand Reef at Discovery Cove. — Snorkeling through The Grand Reef

Admission Prices

If you find Discovery Cove discount tickets, compare them to the park’s online prices to see if the savings are worthwhile.

Discovery Cove adds a $4.99 resort fee per ticket, a $9.99 service fee per order, and applicable taxes when tickets are purchased online through the park.

Children under age 3 receive free admission. Discovery Cove prices vary by date and season, but you’ll always save more by booking online and in advance. As a reference, the current online prices for guests ages 3 and older are:

Signature Dolphin Swim Package: $170.68
Signature Dolphin Swim Package + 2 Parks (unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica during your vacation): $212.80
Signature Dolphin Swim Package + 3 Parks (unlimited admission and free parking at SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens during your vacation): $226.80
Day Resort Package: $144.80
Day Resort Package + 2 Parks (unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica during your vacation):$186.90
Day Resort Admission+ 3 Parks (unlimited admission and free parking at SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens during your vacation): $200.90

SHOP TICKETS

What to Know About Multi-Park Tickets (Important)

Multi-park tickets, which you can buy through the other SeaWorld Entertainment parks, do not include Discovery Cove. But Discovery Cove’s multi-park tickets include unlimited admission to other SeaWorld parks for 14 consecutive days after the first activation of your pass.

If you plan to visit Discovery Cove, SeaWorld, or Aquatica, I recommend purchasing the Two-Park ticket. It’s an outstanding value, covering three theme parks for just a little more than Day Resort Admission.

Booking two months in advance during the summer or near a holiday is recommended. You’ll purchase a date-specific ticket.

What’s Included in Your Discovery Cove Ticket

The nice thing about a day at this Orlando theme park is that so much is included with park admission.

Helpful Amenities

Guests have access to a range of amenities, including lockers, wetsuits, towels, snorkeling gear (with prescription goggles available upon request), showers, changing facilities, and animal-safe sunscreen, all designed to make the most of their day. Parking is free, too.

Food and Non-alcoholic Drinks

From breakfast to lunch, guests enjoy unlimited, sustainably sourced food and non-alcoholic beverages at Laguna Grill and at refreshment spots throughout the park. Of course, you can pay extra for gourmet coffee drinks, and a selection of beer and wine.

Fun Park Experiences

These up-close animal interactions make this theme park one of the best things to do in Orlando with kids.

Guests touch a ray underwater in the Grand Reef. — The Grand Reef

Explorer’s Aviary: Home to over 250 exotic birds, you can hand-feed and interact with birds up to 4′ tall here.

The Grand Reef: This is where you can swim and snorkel with thousands of tropical fish and rays that live among the coral reefs, inspired by reefs from around the world

Freshwater Oasis: The highlight is up-close encounters with otters, where guests and otters can swim side by side, separated by plexiglass. Here, you can also closely examine the resident marmosets on their island playground.

Serenity Bay: Swim in the 85-degree pool with a sandy bottom and beach. Don’t miss the flamingos who walk through every morning.

Wind-Away River: This one is for lazy river fans. Let the tropical currents carry you past beaches and waterfalls, through the aviary, and even an underwater cave. (They’ll provide you with a flotation device.)

Popular Upgrades

Of course, there are also ways to make your day more enjoyable. These are some of the most popular upgrades, but there are more.

A family poses with a bottlenose dolphin in the water at Discovery Cove. — You can swim with dolphins (face coverings are required now)

Swim with the Dolphins: One of the best things to do at Discovery Cove Orlando is to meet bottlenose dolphins.

During the 30-minute interactive adventure, you’ll start in a small group to learn about their care and witness trainer-led demonstrations. Then, each guest will have the opportunity to interact personally with the dolphins. Children must be at least six years old.

Guests with dive helmets look at fish underwater during the SeaVenture experience. — SeaVenture experience

SeaVenture: An underwater walking tour. You’ll wear a dive helmet to explore underwater and interact with schools of fish and gentle rays, similar to scuba diving. Children must be 10 or older.

Shark Snorkel: Daring swimmers, accompanied by an expert aquarist, can safely swim with approximately 20 sharks in their habitat.

Private Cabanas: Retreat to your cabana, featuring chaise lounges, towels, a refrigerator stocked with drinks, and a locker to keep your valuables secure.

Premium Drink Package: For an extra $45/guest, you can have unlimited signature cocktails, wine, and beer to sip during your day on the resort.

Multi-Park Ticket Discounts Through Undercover Tourist

A couple takes a selfie with a sloth on Animal Trek. — A sloth hanging out on Animal Trek.

Undercover Tourist offers slight discounts on multi-park tickets. Other SeaWorld Parks that can be visited with a multi-park ticket include SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Some examples:

Discovery Cove – Day Resort Package – Three Parks
Discovery Cove – Day Resort With Dolphin Swim Package – Three Parks
Discovery Cove – Day Resort With Dolphin Swim Package – Four Parks
Discovery Cove Only – Day Resort Package – 1 Park

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Florida Resident Discounts

Florida residents receive a year-round 40% off discount on all Discovery Cove tickets and packages.

There is a dedicated tab on the tickets page where residents can access this offer. However, don’t forget to check other park offers, as they may be lower.

SHOP RESIDENT TICKET DEALS

Discovery Cove Tickets + Hotel Vacation Packages

Search your dates across multiple hotels to enjoy extra savings in a vacation package. Admission to Discovery Cove is guaranteed when booking through Discovery Cove at Official Hotel Partners and Hotel Partners.

Official Hotel Partner packages include extras such as complimentary parking at SeaWorld and Aquatica, 10%-40% off packages (depending on the time of year you purchase), and priority entry.

SHOP VACATION PACKAGES

AAA Discount Tickets

A parrot flies onto a guest's arm in the Aviary. — Interact with birds in the aviary.

Check with your local AAA branch to see if they are offering Discovery Cove discount tickets. The offers vary by region.

For example, there are no offers or coupons available to Southern California members, but they are offered to members in other parts of the United States. There are discounts for AAA South members.

Military Discount Tickets

The park offers discounted Day Resort Admission and Signature Dolphin Swim, active duty military personnel, and up to three direct dependents through the Waves of Honor program.

Veterans and Retirees are also offered discounted rates from time to time. At this time, the program provides former military personnel and up to three guests with discounted rates on Day Resort Admission and the Signature Dolphin Swim Package, which is available through December 31st, 2025. Additionally, you can always refer to their Waves of Honor program page for the most up-to-date promotions and more information.

FAQs About Discovery Cove, Orlando, Florida

Flamingos walk past a couple on the beach at Discovery Cove. — The morning flamingo walk.

What should I bring to Discovery Cove?

You will need to bring a bathing suit appropriate for a family environment. You’ll also need some dry clothes, whether you wear them or pack them.

Children in diapers must wear a waterproof diaper cover or swim diapers. They can provide swim diapers, but for the best fit, I would bring the ones you know already fit your child.

Adults ages 18 and older must bring a photo ID. Kids under 18 attending without their primary guardian(s) must bring a waiver. Bring a credit card for incidentals.

What Not to Bring

Less is more. Leave jewelry, other valuables, and flotation devices at home.

Can I bring my own food and beverages?

No. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

What other SeaWorld parks are in or near Orlando?

Multi-park tickets purchased directly through Discovery Cove can include these SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment theme parks:

SeaWorld Orlando
Aquatica Orlando
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Adventure Island Tampa (open seasonally)

How far is Discovery Cove from Walt Disney World?

Discovery Cove Orlando is about 4 miles from Walt Disney World. It should take you just over 10 minutes by car to get there.

How far is Discovery Cove from Universal Orlando Resort?

The distance between Discovery Cove and Universal Orlando Resort is about 7 miles, and it should take less than 15 minutes to get there by car.

Is there a Discovery Cove veterans discount?

Discovery Cove offers discounted tickets to military veterans and active-duty members through its Waves of Honor military salute program. The program provides discounted admission to Discovery Cove and discounted rates on the Signature Dolphin Swim for military personnel and up to 3 guests. To qualify for this promotion and view the offer, veterans must log in to the Discovery Cove site using their troop ID.

Is there an Amex cardholder Discovery Cove discount?

Discovery Cove does not offer an official Amex cardholder discount through its website. However, you can scan the web for recent discounts or updated deals.

Is there a Discovery Cove teacher discount?

No, Discovery Cove is not currently offering any teacher discounts.

How do you buy Discovery Cove Orlando tickets?

Need a place to stay? See our reviews of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando and Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World.

Learn also how to buy discounts:

*Photos are courtesy of Discovery Cove Orlando

Katie Dillon

Katie Dillon is the founder of La Jolla Mom, a trusted travel resource for exploring San Diego—both with kids and without—and for luxury hotel stays worldwide. A professional travel advisor and former expat in Hong Kong and London, she’s uniquely qualified to review hotels with the discerning eye that comes from years of living in a Four Seasons. A San Diego local for over three decades, she’s active in the tourism community, a certified San Diego destination specialist, and a longtime member of attractions like the San Diego Zoo and LEGOLAND California. Her readers benefit from exclusive hotel privileges, verified theme park ticket discounts, and booking tools that simplify planning.