Photo TR: Discovery Cove 'The Grand Reef' Grand Opening

[jedimaster1227Open Up Happiness]

So today I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to represent Theme Park Review at the grand opening of The Grand Reef at Discovery Cove in Orlando. For those of you that don't know, Discovery Cove is a "boutique park" featuring an all-inclusive admission (save for a few offerings) with the included experiences being the attraction of the park. No rides. No shows. Just a lush park with some beautiful animals, some amazing reefs, a wonderful lazy river, a very large aviary and unlimited food and drinks included with your admission! The park is known for its signature offering, a "swim with the dolphins" experience, but that wasn't why we were invited to the park. The park's capacity is limited to preserve the intimate feel of the experience as well, lending credence to the isolated environment that truly feels like nothing else found in Orlando, let alone the continental United States.

The Grand Reef is a new experience built on a previously-undeveloped expansion pad featuring sting rays, tropical fish and even some sharks. The Reef is built with different levels to accommodate for the different guests. The shores of this walk-in pool are friendly for the younger guests and are a common place for the sting rays to be fed en mass. Deeper in are some crevices and "coral" reefs (artificial coral is used in the reef) where the many fish populate and at the bottom are some of the larger rays.

Another section of The Grand Reef is segmented by thick, curved panels of glass, separating the guest from the tank with the sharks. This tank will soon be used for a new offering known as SeaVenture, a dry-for-wet diving experience that requires no certification to enjoy. This offering, while requiring a separate fee, is not yet ready for guests, but is expected to open within the next month or so.

Having never been to Discovery Cove, I took some time to explore the park as a whole, and I loved everything that I saw. The place is a relaxation paradise, but has plenty for the active guest to enjoy. I practically swam the entire park and then went back to walk it again twice over in the three plus hours that I was there.

Oh, and if I have to make one recommendation for a special treat offered at the park's many snack bars, get yourself a lemon slushie. You'll thank me later...

[jedimaster1227Open Up Happiness]

(Continued)

[JimmyBoMr. October]

Awesome pictures Adam. That place looks amazing and I can't wait to experience it. The lemon slushies look so freaking delicious.

Awesome underwater pictures!

Jimmy "We need water in Arizona right now!" Bo

[MooseWhy do I still have a donkey title???]

This looks like an absolutely amazing addition to the park.
How was the water temperature?

[RollerCoasterSmiDumbTums]

I think this is hands down the most beautiful thing in an amusement park I have ever seen, in fact I may even go so far as to say it is the most beautiful man made thing I have seen. Great trip report...

[Drachen77Can I park my donkey here?]

I am incredibly jealous of you! I have always wanted to go and reading this trip report only re-energized me. I checked out the website and it is quite expensive to go (Packages start at $199!) but there seems to be a ton of stuff included. You get tickets to one of the other parks in the area (Aquatica, SeaWorld, BGT) included. Food (including breakfast, lunch, snacks, and BEER!) is also included along with all the gear and sunscreen you need. Parking is included and most of the adventures you saw him doing. The dolphin swim is extra which is kind of bunk, but I guess they probably want to reduce the numbers of people with the dolphins.

After seeing this trip report, Discovery Cove is officially on my Bucket List.

[SharkTumsSite Admin]

^You also have to be a certain age to swim with the dolphins so this gives families with different age children the chance to still at least go to the park instead of having a set age to even enter the place.

[jedimaster1227Open Up Happiness]

How was the water temperature?

The Grand Reef was definitely a little chilly at first, but you get used to it within minutes of being in the water. It was cold compared to a heated pool, but normal for an animal tank, like you'd reach into at SeaWorld.

As for the rest of the park, The River is heated and I'd probably say the water was closer to 82 degrees... Needless to say, we spent a good deal of time there!

[dragonskeepA donkey is a domesticated member of the Equidae or horse family.]

Great report. It made me want to go. I think Florida residents get the dolphin package as well for the 199.00 dollars

[PufferfishEurofighters are Red Dawn Awesome!]

Amazing report, I've always wanted to know what this place was like and now I only want to get there even more so. My aquatic animal enthusiast side is wondering though, was the spotted eagle ray in the main reef or was it secluded in the shark tank? If it was actually in the main reef consider my ticket bought!