I am tagging along with my dh later this week on his business trip to Orlando. We are going without kids, so I dont want to go to any of the Disney World parks without them. We plan to experience that as a family when our youngest is a bit older (he is only 4yo). I am planning to go to Discovery Cove and Sea World. Has anyone ever been to Discovery Cove? Was it worth the time and money? Did you like it? I love to snorkel / swim / scuba dive. Do they offer any type of scuba diving here??? Or is it strictly a snorkel park?

I know what to expect from Sea World as I have been to the one in San Antonio and loved it.

Thanks in advance for any tips about either park. Is there a place in Orlando where we can buy discounted tickets?

Is there anything else in Orlando that my dh and I should look into doing? I have never been there before so I am not sure what there is to do other than all of these parks! I am sure there is alot to do.

Thanks again!

By Melissa on Monday, August 2, 2004 - 09:43 am:

It is so great, we just went in May. No scuba just snorkeling and swimming with the Dolphins.
It is so relaxing and not crowded, lunch was included and great. Yes it is expensive but I believe you get free admission to sea world too.
Get there when it opens. But it is totally the opposite of the hustle and mad rush of the Parks.
I loved it! Call them now for tickets as it sells out fast, they have a website.

By Debbie on Monday, August 2, 2004 - 09:48 am:

Conni, we went to the City Walk at Universal last year. There are some great restraunts and shops. It is before the entrance to Universal, so you don't need a ticket to get in. Also, if you like clubs, there is Pleasure Island. I think it is around $20.00 for access to all the clubs. Also, you can go to Downtown Disney for free. There are shopping and restraunts here too.

I have never been to Discovery Cove, but I have heard it is very nice. I can't really think of anything else. We always go with the dks, so we don't do many "grown up" things. Have a great time. I am sure whatever you do will be lots of fun.

By My2cuties on Monday, August 2, 2004 - 09:48 am:

There is a really good church down there in the heart of all the theme parks called....Faithworld. My dh and I watch it over the internet every Sunday morning before going to our church. The Pastor at Faithworld is Clint Brown. Our heart is in Florida. And my dad lives in Boca Raton, ever heard of it? Hope you have fun We will be going down in November for a leaders conference, be sure and let me know if you find any other great places.!

By Sunny on Monday, August 2, 2004 - 01:02 pm:

Conni - Will you post your experiences if you do decide to go to Discovery Cove? I am planning a trip for August, 2005 to Disney and we are planning to go to Discovery Cove for a day, as my 12 year old wants to swim with the dolphins and I have heard so many good things about it.

Melissa, how far in advance did you make reservations? I want to book Discovery Cove after I make reservations at Disney (within the next month, hopefully) and am hoping I have enough time to get the date I want.

By Conni on Monday, August 2, 2004 - 01:41 pm:

Major bummer! I never even thought about reservations. lol I looked up Discovery Cove online and they are booked up this week. sniff sniff...

Otherwise I would have been happy to post about my experience Sunny! lol I may go there one morning and see if they had any cancellations.

Thank you so much everyone for your input! Debbie I will look into what you mentioned. I am going to look up the church mentioned above too. Thanks again!

By My2cuties on Monday, August 2, 2004 - 04:55 pm:

The webpage for the church is www.clintbrown.net If you wanted it. Good luck and I hope you have fun.

By Melissa on Tuesday, August 3, 2004 - 08:04 pm:

We booked our res. in Jan for May. DH is a very anal planner though. I think you'll be fine Sunny, that far in advance and the cancelation policy was pretty good til up to a month before I think. Beware the video and the pictures they take of you with the dolphins is expensive but how can you not buy it. I'll try to post dd with her dolphin if I can.

By Sunny on Tuesday, August 3, 2004 - 11:22 pm:

Thanks Melissa! I tend to get a little anxious until I know everything is set. My son is really looking forward to it and I don't think I'll relax until the plans are made! LOL

By Lorebunde on Wednesday, August 4, 2004 - 02:10 pm:

Yes, we went last July. It was fun. Food was excellant! Swam with the dolphins which dh taped. Snorkeling (which I'm not very good at)
but very much fun. Also got the free tickets to Seaworld but didn't get to use them. I think they had to be used within a week. I wish I bought the tape as ours came our lousy but we did purchase pics. Sorry about the reservations, maybe another time.