Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
stadiums have splash zones, specified areas where you're likely to be drenched with
ice-cold saltwater by whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Finally, Sea-World has three of
the best coasters—
Journey to Atlantis, Manta,
and
Kraken
—in Florida. If you're a
coaster lover, be on hand before park opening and ride all three rides as soon as the
park opens.
DISCOVERY COVE
ALSO OWNED BY SEAWORLD
, this intimate park is a welcome departure from the hustle
and bustle of other Orlando parks. Its slower pace could be the overstimulated fam-
ily's ticket back to mental health.
The main draw at Discovery Cove is the chance to swim with an
Atlantic bot-
tlenose dolphin
from among the 45 here. The 50-minute experience (30 minutes in
the water) is open to visitors age 6 and up who are comfortable in the water. The ex-
perience begins with an orientation led by trainers and an opportunity for participants
to ask questions. Next, small groups wade into shallow water to get an introduction
to the dolphin in its habitat. The experience culminates with two to three guests and a
trainer swimming into deeper water for closer interaction with the dolphin.
LILIANE
With a focus on personal guest service and one-on-one animal
encounters, Discovery Cove admits only 1,200 guests per day.
Other exhibits at Discovery Cove include the
Grand Reef,
the
Freshwater Oas-
is,
and the
Explorer's Aviary.
Snorkel or swim in the Grand Reef, which houses
thousands of exotic fish as well as an underwater shipwreck and hidden grottoes. The
Freshwater Oasis is a swimming and wading experience where you can get up close
and personal with otters and marmosets. In the Explorer's Aviary, you can touch and
feed gorgeous tropical birds. The park is threaded by the
Wind-Away River,
in which
you can float or swim, and dotted with beaches that serve as pathways to the attrac-
tions.
