Discovery Cove Tickets: Discounts, Upgrades, What's Included

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort where guests can enjoy animal encounters like swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with rays, and feeding exotic birds operated by SeaWorld. There aren’t many places to buy discount Discovery Cove tickets to avoid paying full price, which is why 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 it may be better to buy SeaWorld multi-park tickets through Discovery Cove instead of through other parks. And, yes, Discovery Cove is open with some modifications in place and 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.

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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 nature and because they always limit attendance to 1300 guests per day 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, measure the price against gate prices to determine if the savings are worthwhile.

Discovery Cove charges a $4.99 resort fee per ticket, a $9.99 service fee per order, and tax for online orders.

Children under age 3 receive free admission. Discovery Cove gate prices vary depending on the season and the day. And you will always save more money purchasing online and in advance. Generally, the gate prices for ages 3 and older are as follows.

Signature Dolphin Swim Package: $249
Signature Dolphin Swim Package – Two Parks (unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica during your vacation): $309-
Signature Dolphin Swim Package – Three Parks (unlimited admission and free parking at SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens during your vacation): $329
Day Resort Admission: $199
Day Resort Admission – Two Parks (unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica during your vacation): $259
Day Resort Admission – Three Parks (unlimited admission and free parking at SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens during your vacation): $279

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What to Know About Multi Park Tickets (Important)

Multi-park tickets that 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 and SeaWorld or Aquatica, I recommend that you take a look at the Two-Park ticket. It’s outstanding value seeing that the price covers three theme parks for just a little more than Day Resort Admission.

Reservations, Health, and Safety

You can read up on the park’s health and safety measures. Face coverings while indoors are recommended, but not required for indoor areas, and proof of vaccination is not required.

Reservations are not required but are recommended as the park limits attendance. It’s recommended to book 2 months in advance during the summer or near a holiday.

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 lockers, wetsuits, towels, snorkeling gear (including prescription goggles by request), showers and changing facilities, animal-safe sunscreen, and much more to enjoy 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 served at Laguna Grill and 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, here you can hand-feed and interact with birds up to 4′ tall.

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

Freshwater Oasis: The highlight here is up-close encounters with otters where they and guests can swim side-by-side, separated by plexiglass. Here, you can also take a close look at 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 enhance your day. 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 meeting bottlenose dolphins.

During the 30-minute interactive adventure, you’ll start off in a small group to learn about their care and witness trainer-led demonstrations. Then, each guest will be able to have their own personal interaction with the dolphins. Children must be age 6 or older.

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

SeaVenture: This is an underwater walking tour where you’ll wear a dive helmet to explore underwater and interact with schools of fish and gentle rays, sort of as if you were scuba diving. Children must be age 10 or older.

Shark Swim: Daring swimmers can safely swim with about 20 sharks in their habitat accompanied by an expert aquarist.

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

Premium Drink Package: For an extra $40/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.

You can find slight discounts on multi-park tickets through Undercover Tourist.

Discovery Cove – day Resort Package (three parks)

Includes Day Resort Admission to Discovery Cove plus unlimited admission across 14 consecutive days to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, plus free self-parking. Price: starting at $171.80/ages 3+

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discovery cove – Day Resort with Dolphin Swim Package (three Parks)

Includes admission and Signature Dolphin Swim Experience at Discovery Cove plus unlimited admission across 14 consecutive days to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Water Park. Price: starting at $195.95/ages 3+

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Discovery Cove – Ultimate day Resort Package (four Parks)

Includes Day Resort Admission to Discovery Cove plus unlimited admission across 14 consecutive days to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, plus free self-parking. Price: starting at $185.61/ages 3+

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discovery cove – ultimate Day Resort with Dolphin Swim Package (four Parks)

Includes admission and Signature Dolphin Swim Experience at Discovery Cove plus unlimited admission across 14 consecutive days to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica. Price: starting at $209.76/ages 3+

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Florida Resident Discounts

Florida residents receive a year-round 20% off discount on all Discovery Cove tickets and packages.

There’s a special tab on the tickets page where residents can secure this offer, but don’t forget to check other park offers because they might be lower.

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

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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 for Southern California members but there are for other parts of the United States. There are discounts for members of AAA South.

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 the time of this writing, the program offers former military personnel and up to three guests, discounted rates on Day Resort Admission and Signature Dolphin Swim Package. 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.

Is Discovery Cove open?

Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida reopened on June 11, 2020.

What safety measures are in place?

The park encourages all guests to wear face coverings indoors, and guests do not need to show proof of vaccination before entering the park.

What should I bring to Discovery Cove?

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

Kids in diapers are required to 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 will need to bring a photo ID. Kids under the age of 18 attending without their primary guardian(s) will need to 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?

Through its Waves of Honor military salute program, Discover Cove offers discounted tickets to both military veterans and active-duty members. The program provides discounted admission to Discovery Cove, along with 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 with their troop ID on the Discovery Cove site.

Is there an Amex cardholder Discovery Cove discount?

Discovery Cove does not offer an official Amex cardholder discount through its website. However, make sure to scan the web for any 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 is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide, like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai, that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).