Discovery Cove

[hdmass]

We are planning a trip to Orlando for the week after Christmas (crazy, I know). I was looking at Discovery Cove for a day and I'm wondering if the air temp will be too cold at that time of year. It is expensive, so I would hate to spend the day shivering!

We are also hoping to spend a day at Cape Canaveral and maybe a 1/2 day at Gatorland. Haven't figured out which Disney parks will be doable, it sounds like the crowds are daunting! Our two girls are 6 and 9.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Sea Six]

Too cold for me to get wet that time of year!

 

[amanven]

You have maybe a 1 in 5 chance of getting a nice warm after Christmas week in Orlando. Last year was that 1 in 5 year as it was quite nice until just after New Years. As for the crowds at the parks, there is nothing you can do except keep your expectations of what you can see and do at the parks low. Much of your time will be consumed dealing with the crowds. I know a lot of people with kids travel during the week after Christmas because kids have school holidays and families can get together but I seriously wonder if between the mega crowds, the Xmas week price gouging and the pretty good odds of getting less than ideal weather if Orlando at Xmas is worth the price.

 

[Numismatist]

You have maybe a 1 in 5 chance of getting a nice warm after Christmas week in Orlando. Last year was that 1 in 5 year as it was quite nice until just after New Years. As for the crowds at the parks, there is nothing you can do except keep your expectations of what you can see and do at the parks low. Much of your time will be consumed dealing with the crowds. I know a lot of people with kids travel during the week after Christmas because kids have school holidays and families can get together but I seriously wonder if between the mega crowds, the Xmas week price gouging and the pretty good odds of getting less than ideal weather if Orlando at Xmas is worth the price.

X2

But the do go out of their way to compensate by decorating the place like crazy...

 

[hdmass]

Thank You

Thank you for your replies. I admit, I did get carried away when I was able to exchange into SSR. I was hoping that since they cap the admission at Discovery Cove, it might be a nice experience without all of the crowds. I am trying to stay positive, fortunately, my girls are excited about going, but they are not super disney fans so, some time at the park and some time at the resort. Also, being from NE, it will hopefully be warmer than what we have!

 

[itradehilton]

We did discovery cove, but in June. It was great not having the crowds. To me it was worth it for a once in the lifetime experience.

 

[matbec]

We did Discovery Cove in early March. We arrived at the earliest check-in time possible and it was cool - they even had those outdoor patio heaters out for guests - but it soon warmed up for us. While I can't say that neoprene is the most flattering thing I've ever worn it kept the chill off somewhat.

Later in the day, after the dolphin encounter and lunch, we shucked the full body suit, exchanged it for just the vest and we were fine. We stayed all day, and left just before closing. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We all agree that it was absolutely one of the most amazing, memorable things we've ever done in Orlando!

Enjoy!

 

[longtimer]

Loved It

We were at Discovery Cove in July. It was the best experience we have ever had at a park - far better than Disney, Sea World and Busch Gardens. Admission is limited to a certain number of guests and everything is paid for - including beer! Pix are VERY expensive. If you have to have them, buy the least expensive package for which you the CD and print your own.
FYI - the water in the dolphin and shark pools was VERY cold - even in July, so I can't imagine what it would be like in December.

 

[hdmass]

Thank you again

for all of your responses. I was thinking that if I can take the girls back to the cabana to dry off between a swim and lunch or the aviary, they should be ok. One of my daughters is very thin and will happily wear fleece on the beach. I suppose heavy cover-ups will be in order!

I am still leaning towards doing this. It really seems like a unique experience for them and us.

I don't really see other trips to Orlando in our future (but I have been wrong many times before!)

 

[longtimer]

If you don't think you'll be back to the Orlando area, then definitely do Discovery Cove. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience. Though it's quite costly, you will be glad you went. In the summer, our Discovery Cove tickets included 14-day admission (but not parking) at Sea World or Busch Gardens, Tampa. If you have limited time, I recommend Sea World since it's right across the street from Discovery Cove. Since it's close, you don't have to spend the whole day there and break up your time over two or three days. If you decide to take the Busch Gardens option, there is a free shuttle for Discovery Cove ticket holders. Keep in mind, though, there's one run in the morning and one in the late afternoon. So unless you drive (it's about an hour away - and you will still have to pay for parking), it can be a VERY long day.