Discovery Cove in Orlando is a theme park, but it's an unusual theme park in that it has lush greenery, sandy beaches and offers the unique opportunity for visitors to interact with marine life and experience things in a tactile way. Discovery Cove is part of the Sea World family of parks and is one of many theme parks and hotels in Orlando that offers programs and accommodations for assisting families traveling with a child with disabilities.
All-In-One Pricing
Discovery Cove ticket prices are higher than many other theme parks, but ultimately offer good value in the long run when considering that everything is included in the price of the ticket. Once guests enter the park, they can put their wallets away and enjoy complimentary amenities for the entire day that include breakfast, snacks, drinks and a hot lunch. One can also include a seven day pass to one of the other Sea World parks in the area. The ticket price also offers visitors unique opportunities to interact directly with dolphins, stingrays and other sea creatures.
No Crowds
Seclusion is also a benefit of the ticket prices, as the park is able to limit the number of guests in the park per day to approximately 1,000. This will be particularly helpful to families traveling with children with developmental disabilities, autism or other sensory issues because they will not have to face the overwhelming and overstimulating situations that can often occur for children at crowded theme parks. The limited numbers also mean there are no long lines, eliminating one more potential pitfall for some children.
Accommodations at Discovery Cove
Right from the moment a parent makes a reservation for their family to attend Discovery Cove, they should let the reservation specialist know about what a child’s particular needs are in order to fully enjoy the park and all of the different experiences it offers. These specifications can be placed in the family’s reservation and will therefore alert employees to those needs when checking in or participating in the dolphin interaction.
When the trainers at the dolphin interaction are informed of special requests or needs, they can then take the time to go over with parents how the dolphin interaction can work best for the child and also match-up children with dolphins who might interact well with them given their physical, sensory, emotional or intellectual challenges. This can be particularly helpful for children with developmental disabilities or autism who may have a fear of animals or not be used to interacting with them.
Discovery Cove offers accessible changing and companion bathrooms that can be very helpful when needing to assist a child with the restroom and changing in and out of swimming clothes and wet suits.
Those with limited mobility can be accommodated in the dolphin experience and various wading areas of the park, including through the help of a personal assistant. Discovery Cove also has special wheelchairs on hand that have oversized tires and are designed for outdoor use, such as on the beach at the park.
Discovery Cove is a special place that can be thoroughly enjoyed by a special child.
Kathleen Curry - As a self-professed travel guru Kathleen Curry has spent many of her days and future retirement savings on travel. She has worked in the ...
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