Give the gift of paradise this holiday season with a trip to Discovery Cove.

If someone were to blindfold you and drop you in the middle of Discovery Cove, you would never believe you were in the heart of Orlando, Florida. It’s a peaceful, lush, relaxing paradise and the only all-inclusive style resort in Orlando.

Now is the perfect time to book. During the Blue Friday Sale, you can save over 40% on both the Dolphin Swim package and Day Resort package. Plus, both packages include unlimited admission for 14 days to SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Days begin early at Discovery Cove, and you wouldn’t want it any other way. There is so much to see and do; you’ll never want to leave. I know I didn’t.

Even with a wide variety of activities to do throughout the day, you’ll never feel rushed or discouraged by crowds. I think that’s what I loved most about Discovery Cove. They limit the number of guests each day, so you’ll never have to wait in line or fight over beach chairs. It’s so refreshing and something everyone should experience when they are in Orlando, whether you are visiting on vacation or local.

Let’s dive in, shall we.

Amenities included with your Discovery Cove visit:

Don’t worry about packing your bags for this tropical getaway. Mostly everything you will need is provided such as lockers, shower and changing facilities, fresh towels, animal-safe sunscreen, snorkeling gear, and wetsuits and life vests. You also have access to lounge chairs and hammocks throughout the park. A wide-selection of complimentary food and beverages are also available throughout the day. Yes, even select alcoholic beverages are complimentary. Sit back, relax and sip on a pina colada.

Dolphin Swim

What an incredible experience being near these playful animals. Not only are you in the water with them, but you get to swim with them, feel their smooth skin, feed them and even pucker up for a kiss. It’s an experience of a lifetime and one you’re sure to never forget. During this experience, you will be assigned to one dolphin and two trainers. The trainers will share with you how dolphins play, interact with each other and how they train. They are also happy to answer any questions you may have. If you are a dolphin lover like me, you won’t want to miss this experience. It’s a highlight for sure.

This experience is available by reservation only.   Make sure you add it when booking your day at Discovery Cove.

Snorkel with tropical fish and stingrays

I could have spent all day swimming in the Grand Reef. Stingrays glide beneath you and tropical fish swim in and out of the colorful reefs.  Included in admission, you are free to swim in the Grand Reef for as long as you like. This is also where the stingray feedings occur. You’ll also get a glimpse of sharks from the reef, but don’t worry, they are safely on the other side of the glass window.

Calling all thrill seekers for this one. You can actually go beyond the glass and get in the water with these fascinating creatures and even have the opportunity to feel their rough skin. After a meet-and-greet with a shark, you have the chance to swim with them. It was a little intimidating at first watching as blacktip sharks quickly swam by me, but after a while, I realized they weren’t even fazed by me, so I let my guard down. What an amazing experience. This activity is an upgraded experience and space is limited. Make sure you book early if you want a chance to get up close to sharks.

Aviary

Want to make some fast friends? Head to the aviary and grab some bird seeds or fruit and these guys will be swooping in for a nibble. I’m not usually a bird person, especially when they come flying in fast, but I couldn’t help but fall in love as they swooped in or landed on my shoulder. Apparently, my hair would make good nesting material. Good to know.

Freshwater Oasis

And if you think the birds are cute, just wait until you come face-to-face with playful otters. They have the trainers wrapped around their little fingers. I was lucky enough to see a feeding, and it was one of the funniest experiences of the day. One otter hoarded all the food for himself, while his unsuspecting friends begged in the corner for more.