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Posted on October 25, 2017 by Dolphin Man — Leave a comment

Discovery Cove – Dolphin Swimming in Orlando

Orlando, Florida is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. When you think of Orlando, you typically think of theme parks. After all, this is home to some of the greatest amusement parks like Epcot, Universal Studios, Aquatica Orlando, Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Legoland.

But all of these theme parks are based on make believe, on things and adventure that aren’t real. If you’re looking for a real adventure – head to Discovery Cove, where you can swim with the dolphins in Orlando. Talk about magic!

Discovery Cove - A magical place — Discovery Cove – A magical place

Live a Dream and Swim with Dolphins

Dolphin Cove offers visitors a variety of programs that allow them to get up-close-and-personal with these amazing creatures. One of the most popular programs is the Dolphin Swim Experience.

This is an awesome one-on-one encounter that you will never forget. You’ll first learn all about dolphins – how they behave and communicate in the wild. Then you’ll wade into the beautiful dolphin lagoon where you’ll meet your new friend, the highly-intelligent and playful bottlenose dolphin.

After your initial meet-n-greet where you’ll be able to hug and kiss your new friend, your 30-minute interactive adventure will really take off when you experience a dorsal fin ride. Hold on tight as your friend pulls you around the deeper end of the lagoon. You’ll feel like you’re flying!

For very young children or those guests who are not strong swimmers, there are also dolphin encounters that take place entirely in shallow water. No matter which Discovery Cover dolphin program you choose, you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime!

Play Well – Eat Well

Of course, at some point during your day, you’re going to notice that all of this adventure has made you and your group very hungry. But not to worry because a day at Discovery Cove Orlando includes delicious meals, snacks and beverages.

Depending on when you arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to grab a hearty breakfast of freshly prepared pastries and muffins, fresh fruit, juices, coffee and more. You’ll also notice that throughout the park, snack stations have been positioned so when you need a bit of energy, you can grab something on the go.

Lunch is served daily between the hours of 11am and 3pm and offers delicious entrees such as:

· Bacon Beach Burger
· Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Served over a bed of fried rice
· BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich Served with French Fries and Corn Cobbette
· Seaside Club Sandwich Ham, Turkey, Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, and Onion on baked bread
· Chicken Tenders Served with choice of French Fries or Corn Cobbette
· Island hot Dog Served with French Fries
· Home Made Macaroni & Cheese

And make sure to save room for desert because you’ll be tempted by chocolate chip cake, cherry cheesecake, carrot cake and assorted pastries. It’s okay, live a little. You’re on vacation AND you’re burning a lot of calories on this adventure.

Also, if anyone in your group has special dietary needs and requires vegan, gluten free or dairy free menus, they are available upon request.

Other Exciting Activities

After you’ve had a delicious lunch, you’ll no doubt want to experience more adventure. Luckily, Discovery Cover offers more.

Shark Swim

If you thought getting up-close and personal with dolphins is an adrenaline rush, just wait until you stare a shark in the face! You’ll start with a training and learning session, then will have the opportunity to swim freely alongside several species of sharks in deeper water. Don’t worry, there’s no great white sharks here, so though you’ll be thrilled with this experience, you’ll also be perfectly safe.

Ray Feeding

If you get to the park early enough you can help the trainers feed the resident stingrays! You’ll also have the opportunity to feed thousands of vibrant tropical fish their morning meal before you head out on a private, guided swim of Grand Reef.

SeaVenture

There are those who want to swim underwater, and then there are those who would rather walk underwater. Well, you can do just that with SeaVenture, The Grand Reef’s innovative experience that lets visitors take an underwater walking tour in a diving helmet. You’ll be able to walk around and breathe while exploring the amazing underwater landscape and animal life. Without question SeaVenture is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and one you won’t soon forget.

As you can see, Orlando is indeed a magical place to visit. If you’re looking for the thrills of your life, be sure to make time on your vacation to explore Discovery Cove and get up-close-and-personal to some amazing animals!

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Posted on December 14, 2016December 13, 2016 by Dolphin Man — Leave a comment

The Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Discovery Cove

When considering a vacation destination that offers a chance to swim with Dolphins, you would not think Orlando, a landlocked region of the sunshine state, would be one of your best options. But you’d be wrong, because Discovery Cove, located in Orlando, offers one of the best Orlando swim with dolphins experience and so much more.

You get an all-inclusive experience including the chance to interact with many animals, eat and drink until your heart is content, and relax and be pampered by an attentive staff. After visiting Discovery Cove many times, I have come up with my Top 10 insider secrets.

1. Get there early

The expression, “The early bird gets the worm” is true here. When you purchase a ticket at Discovery Cove, you don’t get a set time but a confirmed day. The spaces are on a first come, first served basis. So, if getting a swim time before lunch is important to you, you want to get there early. Otherwise, you will have to take the last swim times in the late afternoon. Also, if you have little ones, you might need to split the swim times, so mom can go with one child and dad go with another. The only way you can do those things is to get to Discovery Cove Early. The doors open at 7:30am.

checking_in_discovery_cove — Checking In at Discovery Cove – Early Bird gets the Worm

2. Split up your times

If you want to take photos of each other, I would recommend splitting up your swim times. This way one person can take photos of your group and the other person can take photos of you during your dolphin interaction. Note: the professional photographers can take much better photos than you can, but it’s always nice to have a choice if you’re on a tight budget. Photos can cost $100 and up.

split_up_your_group_times_discovery_cove — Split Up Your Session Times

3. Stay at a SeaWorld approved Hotel

Orlando has many choices for hotels, but if you stay at one of the Sea World-approved hotels, you will get many perks at Sea World, like special amenities for the shows, speedy check in at gate, close proximity to Discovery Cove and Sea World, free shuttles to the parks, and even a free souvenir cup.

4. Enjoy the extra activities at Sea World

Your admission to Discovery Cove includes admission to Sea World and Aquatica, 14 days before or after your admission date. So why not enjoy all that Sea World has to offer, like some really exciting VIP tours? The Frozen VIP Tour gives you a chance to meet and touch seals, Beluga whales, and a huge walrus. This 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour is memorable and provides a ton of great photo ops.

beluga_whale_behind_the_scenes — Extra Activities at Sea World

5. Cool off at Aquatica

Aquatica was one of those blessings to have included during the super-hot summer month of August. My children and I spent all day in the water and stayed chilled out even though it was 90 degrees plus. The waterslides and pools were so much fun. Many folks don’t take advantage of this bonus park. Again, you have 14 days before or after to use this park pass.

aquatica_orlando_-_cool_off_here — Cool Off at Aquatica

6. The Lazy River is a blast

The lazy River at Discovery Cove is really fun. You can grab a water noodle and start at one end of the river and move around the park. This river is usually not very crowded and a great way to relax for 20 – 30 minutes. The gentle manmade current pushes you through the river so no swimming is required and you pass a bird sanctuary, a long cave, waterfalls and beautiful gardens.

7. Did anyone say open Bar?

At Discovery Cove, all your meals are included, including breakfast and lunch. But a nice surprise is that all of your drinks and snacks are also included. When I mean drinks, that includes beer, wine and frozen drinks like strawberry daiquiris and pina coladas. They have a tiki bar set up and you can go there any time during the day for a nice cold one. Be careful, it is easy to get really drunk and you don’t want to drive.

open_bar_discovery_cove — Friendly Service at the Open Bar

8. Choose your spot wisely

Once you get to the park, you’ll be given lounge chairs and then it’s time for you and your family or friends to hunt for and claim your spot. Do you best to find a spot that offers shade and is close to the open bar and food and to where you’ll be swimming with the dolphins. If you want less crowds, set up camp near the Lazy River side. The chairs go quickly, so the early bird gets the worm and lounge chair.

chairs_are_everywhere_discovery_cove — Choose Your Chair and Make a Home Base

9. Plan a full day

I highly recommend that you spend the full day (from 7:3am to 3 – 4pm) at the park. I know it sounds like so many hours but it will fly by because you are enjoying the dolphins, the food and drinks and all the amenities. It’s almost like being on a cruise ship but on land. Why not take the entire day to relax and have fun?

10. Tick Tock watch the clock

The only thing that is a little stressful, and I really do mean only a little, is making sure to be on time for your dolphin swim. When you check in at the gate, you will get a swim time. There are clocks everywhere with in the park, so know where your clock is so you are not late for your swim. That is another reason why I like doing my swim early, so I don’t have to look at the clock anymore and just relax the rest of the day.

set_your_watch_to_clock_dicovery_cove — Know Your Swim Time

Hopefully this Top 10 list will make your experience at Discovery Cove Orlando even better. Wait, I do have 1 one more tip, if you plan to come to Discovery Cove, makes sure to make your reservation early! You can make your booking right here on Dolphin World with real time availability. After all, your vacation only comes around once each year, so you want to be sure it’s as stress-free as possible. Have fun!

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Posted on June 15, 2016October 18, 2019 by Dolphin Man — Leave a comment

What to See and Do in Beautiful Daytona Beach – A Summer Treat!

Snorkeling with the Dolphins in St Augustine

If you’ve never been to Daytona Beach, Florida before, you may be wondering what it’s like. Most people think of Daytona as “that place where the NASCAR races happen,” or “where spring breakers go to drink and be annoying.” But Daytona Beach is a lovely destination that has much to offer any traveler. Whether you’re someone who just wants to spread your towel on the beach for a week and catch some rays, or swim with the dolphins in St Augustine or catch some fish out in the deep blue waters off the coast, you’re sure to find something fun to do.

Here are some cool attractions we highly recommend:

Come on In, the Dolphins Don’t Bite

Have you thought about swimming with dolphin near Daytona Beach? Well in near by St. Augustine you do this, you can spend 30 minutes in the water with your new watery friends and get to pet, hug, and play with them. St. Augustine is not too far away, only 40 minutes by car on historic A1A road.

How Sweet it is!

On those days when it’s maybe too hot out or you need a break from all that fun in the sun, why not head over to Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory for a free guided tour through their chocolate-making process. Listed as one of the top 10 sweetest attractions in the U.S., Angell & Phelps is not to be missed if you love chocolate.

Feel Like You’re Flying

Daytona Beach Parasail lets you experience the feeling of soaring over the ocean. You don’t need any special skills and you can choose flights that are either 800 feet high or 2,000 feet high. You can also choose whether you want to fly solo or with one or two other people. Total trip including boat ride lasts about 45 minutes, and they’re sure to be some of the most thrilling 45 minutes of your life.

Parasail_Daytona_Beach — Flying High Parasailing in Daytona Beach

The Must-See Daytona 500 Experience

Located right outside Daytona International Speedway’s fourth turn is the high-tech and action-packed Daytona 500 Experience. There’s so much here to do we don’t even know where to begin. Visitors can design their own digital race cars and then take them for a video test drive. You can experience what it’s like being in the pit as you try and change a tire while you’re timed! And when you think you’re ready, get into the driver’s seat and race against your family and friends in the Daytona 500 simulation experience. There’s also a new NASCAR 3D IMAX Experience narrated by actor Keifer Sutherland that shows behind the scenes action on the track of a real race.

Daytona_Experience — The Daytona 500 Experience is # 1

Get a Hole-in-One the Hard Way

There’s mini golf and then there’s adventure mini golf. Forget windmills and clown heads, try getting that little white ball in the hole when you’re dealing with streams and waterfall and mountainous terrain. Oh, did we mention the live alligators? If you’re looking for fun and adventure all in one place, check out Congo River Adventure Golf.

You Can’t NOT Have Fun Here

The Daytona Lagoon is a very cool water park that also has laser tag, go-karts, mini golf, rock climbing, an arcade and one of the coolest attractions ever called the High Ballocity, which is a multi-tiered play area filled with over 50,000 foam balls! There is also a thrill ride called the Phoenix which whips you back and forth and up into the sky very fast, not for the faint of heart.

Get Up Close and Personal to a Dinosaur

And not where you imagine. Stroll through the beautifully lush Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens which used to be the spot where Bongoland, a 1940s theme park once was. Within all the lovely tropical plants are life-size dinosaur statues which are a hit with kids of all sizes.

Wekiva River Paddle with Lunch

Experience nature from the comfort of a guided paddle trip down the iconic Wekiva River. Witness alligators, birds, turtles, deer and various reptiles through your journey. This guided journey puts you in front of Florida’s glorious natural habitat.

Wekiva_River_paddling — The peaceful and beautiful Wekiva River

Best Western Aku Tiki Inn – A Nice Place to Stay in Daytona Beach

Best_Western_Daytona_Beach — Best Western Aku Tiki Inn Daytona Beach

With a stay at Best Western Aku Tiki Inn in Daytona Beach Shores, you’ll be on the beach and minutes from Congo River Golf – Daytona Beach and close to Boardwalk Amusement Area and Pier.
This beach resort is within close proximity of Hawaiian Falls Mini Golf and Andrinopoulos Park.Make yourself at home in one of the 132 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. < More Hotel Information >

Your Daytona Experience and Feed Back

We would love to hear from you and what you did in Daytona Beach. Did you do any of these activities that we have listed here? What places do you recommend to go stay in or eat at? In fact we are so interested in hearing what you have to say that we will entice you to comment, the first 5 comments will receive a $5 Amazon Gift card by email. The only thing we ask that you comment has something to do about Daytona Beach and your stay there or the nearby area.

There really is so much to see and do in Daytona Beach, and most likely you won’t get to see everything you want to on your first visit, which means you’ll just have to come back again and again!

Posted on May 5, 2016October 19, 2019 by Dolphin Man — Leave a comment

Have a Blast Visiting Orlando’s World-Famous Theme Parks and Dolphins!

Known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” Orlando is a destination where both the young and the young at heart can play, explore, activate their imaginations and make memories that last a lifetime. With new theme parks being created often and new rides and attracting being installed at some of the classics, there is always something new and thrilling to be discovered.

Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove came up with a brilliant idea: Restrict guest access to only 1,300 visitors per day. This makes it feel more like an exclusive resort than it does a crowded theme park. Here you can enjoy memorable interactive experiences with dolphins, sting rays, sea otters, tropical fish and exotic birds. Another genius idea the park had was to make the admission fee all-inclusive, so once inside you never have to worry about food, towels or snorkeling equipment.

Islands of Adventure

Universal brings you “Islands of Adventure,” a theme park where some of your favorite movie experiences come to life. Your kids will absolutely love wandering through the world of Hogwarts at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Feel like huge scares? Then experience the thrilling raft ride past the enormous dinosaurs on the Jurassic Park River Adventure. And for a surreally good time, head for Seuss Landing where your children can meet their favorite Dr. Seuss characters, then continue on to the Marvel Super Hero Island and fly through the air on one of its many attractions.

Epcot

Epcot started out as a theme park to showcase the latest in innovation and in the years since its opening it has become one of Orlando’s largest and most popular theme parks. After taking days to explore all that Epcot has to offer, you’d never guess it is only 305 acres large. There’s an aquarium, a promenade around a manmade lagoon, 11 different pavilions celebrating the nations of the world and numerous educational and imaginative attractions like the famous Spaceship Earth.

Aquatica Orlando

Aquatica Orlando seems to have been created by the imaginations of children instead of adults. It’s one of those destinations that have thought of everything. Combining the very best of an aquarium, zoo, water park AND amusement park, Aquatica offers 38 slides and 84,000 acres of white sand beaches that have private cabanas you can rent, so you and your family could spend days here and never tire of it. Did we mention the Dolphin Plunge ride – a clear tube water slide that winds you through the Commerson’s dolphin habitat!

LEGOLAND Florida

Whether you like LEGOS or not, LEGOLAND is about as cool a theme park as you’ll ever visit. The park features 50 rides plus outstanding shows and attractions spread out over 150 acres. Designed for children between the ages of 2 and 12, LEGOLAND is a great destination for those families traveling with little ones. But don’t expect to leave the park without stopping by the Big Shop to bring some new LEGO toys home with you.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom

Perhaps the most beloved park in all of Orlando, the Magic Kingdom is where dreams really do come true. No trip to Orlando would be complete without visiting and meeting Mickey and all of his pals, or riding the many charming rides based on Disney classic movies. Visitors to the park can enjoy Main Street USA, Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Tomorrowland and Fantasy Land.

Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios brings all of your favorite movie characters to life. Whether you’re in your 40s and want to experience the thrill of meeting E.T., or 4 and want to experience the thrill of meeting Shrek, the park is a destination where every age of imagination is brought to life.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney Animal Kingdom has taken the concept of a zoo and elevated it to something extraordinary; of course that’s what Disney does with everything it creates. Take your family on an African safari without ever leaving Florida and see real live giraffe and elephants and over 1,500 animals representing 250 species. Take a raft ride down the Amazon or ride a train through Mount Everest – this park is beyond fun and thrilling!

SeaWorld Orlando

If you’ve ever dreamt of meeting Shamu, the world’s most famous killer whale, then head to Sea World where you can also meet and watch all kinds of underwater life like sea lions and otters. You can hop on one of their many thrilling rides and roller coasters and catch some funny live action shows as well.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

How to get into show business without ever really trying, that’s what the Hollywood Studios offers visitors. Get a behind the scenes look at Hollywood by enjoying live stunt shows, animation galleries, a backlot tour and a plethora of thrilling rides and attractions like Twilight Zone’s Tower of Terror.

After reading about all of these amazing theme parks, you’re probably realizing that Orlando is indeed the most magical place on Earth and are booking your trip right now.

Need a Places to Stay?

The Gaylord Palms Resort and Spa is a breathtaking resort with 4.5-acre glass atrium & tropical gardens and near many theme parks. It is located a half-mile mile from Walt Disney World Resort (Disney’s Maingate East), this resort is near the Arabian Nights Dinner Show and Downtown Disney Area. SeaWorld, Universal Studios Florida, and Pointe Orlando shops are within 10 miles. Gaylord Palms Resort and Spa features 2 pools, 5 restaurants, live gator feedings, and nightly entertainment. And to top it all off, this resort has a 20,000-square-foot health spa which includes 25 treatment rooms, a fitness facility, and a full-service salon. Doesn’t this place sound perfect for a getaway?

Insider Secrets

We would enjoy to hear any of our reader’s insider secrets, if any of you have traveled to Orlando and want to share some of your travel experiences there. For example, Where did you stay and how did you like it? Did you find any interesting restaurants or attractions that you enjoyed and want to write about? How did the locals treat you? Please share your experiences below in the comment section. Our community of avid travelers and dolphin lovers would like to hear what you did and your travel advice.

Posted on January 12, 2016February 22, 2016 by Dolphin Man — Leave a comment

Touch & Feed VIP Private Tour in Miami

Private and Behind the Scenes Touch and Feed Program

Imagine a private guided tour through a tropical paradise full of amazing marine and land animals, where you get to touch, feed, and play with them, all while having your memories captured by photographers. Well, imagine no longer because we have just the program in Miami!

Book Your Touch&Feed VIP Online Now >>>

Once you arrive, you will be greeted by your friendly tour guide and photographer who will be leading you around the park throughout your day. First stop is the Reptile Nursery where you can meet a leopard gecko, bearded dragon, and other reptilian creatures! Then, you’ll head over to the tortoise and bird exhibit where you will have the chance to pet and hold a red-footed tortoise and a beautiful white cockatoo.

Ages 3 Year Old and Up

Next stop is the stingray pool where you will have the unique opportunity to touch and feed stingrays – safely!

Next stop is the manatee exhibit, where you will have the chance touch and feed the amazing sea cows! Then your tour guide will lead you to the sea turtle habitat where you will learn about the rescue effort to save turtles who are harmed in the wild while you toss them some yummy green lettuce for them to munch on.

Pet and Feed the Wonderful Florida Manatees

Your last stop will be the fantastic Flipper dolphin show! Not only will you get to witness the amazing jumps and tricks that the dolphins are able to do, you will also have the chance to meet the performers after the show!

Group Photo with the Well Cared for Dolphin

After your VIP tour, your tour guide can give you advice on which shows to catch and the times they are offered! And as you exit the park, you can view and purchase your awesome photos from your tour to share with your friends and family! These tours are limited to only 6 persons, so book your Touch & Feed VIP in Miami tour early!

Get a Kiss from a Sea Lion & Friend

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