Discovery Cove ticks all the boxes...

Ah, the age old debate when taking the kids away - one half of the parents fancies relaxing, childfree, while the other wants to spend every waking moment with the kids. Can you guess which one I am?

Despite loving your tiny cherubs to bits, it's ok as a parent to want some relaxation, to take it easy and live at least one day in the slow lane - and we have the perfect place for you - and it involves the kids, too.

This only works if you happen to be in Orlando - if you find yourself still sitting on your sofa at home , this won't be quite as easy to jump onboard with. However, there's always a place for planning. Here goes...

We love Florida. We love Orlando. We love Kissimmee. Yes, we are one of 'those' families who find the joy in endlessy visiting the same place but would you believe me if I said that each visit is truly different? And would you believe me if I told you that as a parent you can find peace and tranquility hidden amidst the hustle and bustle of theme parks? Calm in the chaos of all things loud and proud?

Step forward a hidden gem

Step forward a hidden gem that I didn't step foot inside until 2022. Discovery Cove.

Not that it never appealed to me before but more that there never felt time on our previous trips, yet now we plan out fortnight around visiting. It's simply stunning. An oasis of tropical flowers, lush vegetation, beautiful local wildlife and some of the best food we've sampled while in Orlando.

If you're still reading and wondering what it's all about then have a read of my top 10 reasons why you should factor a day here with the kids - like us, you'll wonder why you didn't stop by sooner.

1. The location

   Just 16 minutes in a car from Disney, and around 12 minutes from Universal, it's perfect for with little ones with minimal travelling involved.

   
   

   No car? No problem? We often don't hire a car while in Florida - for us, it's just easier. No gas prices, no parking, no driving on the other side of the road, no insurances and also, lets face it, driving would be my husband's job - and this husband of mine loves himself a Pina colada and minimal stress so a car just isn't our bag.

   
   

   We do fancy a Florida road trip at some point though and a car would need to factor into this of course, but more about that in another blog.

   
   

   If, like us, you'd rather go car-less then book a simple Uber using the app (ours never costs more than round $20 for an XL Uber that accommodates six people from Universal's Cabana Bay) or go like the locals and grab the line 300 or line 350 bus from Walt Disney World. Disclosure - it will take a good 1 hour and 44 minutes, not ideal if your kiddos are younger and restless, but on a budget it's a no-brainer at just $2 each.

   
   

   Also, worth remembering that the time recommendation for arrival at reception is around 7am (yes, that early!) to nab the best time slots for dolphin swims or Sea Ventures (what are they I hear you ask? Stick with me, I'll get there...)

   
   

   You have to weigh up at which point of your holiday you want to visit and there's pros for all - the early start in your break suits jet lagged Brits who are up the crack of dawn on the first few days anyway, whereas planning a day here in the middle of your holiday is a welcome rest bite for the feet and brain.

2. It's all-inclusive!

Where do I begin? If you have a mix of adventurous munchers and fussy eaters then here is where it's at.

The food and drink is on fire! Our family is a real mixed bag of needs - three of us will eat and try anything, the other two are fussy, and one of the adventurous trio though, has a peanut allergy. It can be a lot to find someplace to accommodate everyone, and a place where this mum can truly relax while my peanut allergy suffering son tucks in. After all, it's America and they love peanut butter smothered on everything, and crushed peanuts sprinkled on top of most things.

At DC, I was delighted to speak with chefs who had a very thorough allergy book and personally took me and Myles around the entire buffet, pointing out the very few things he should avoid. I must add that for everything he couldn't have, chef had a delicious alternative so he didn't feel left out. Words can't explain how this feels as a mum.

Orlando isn't best known for it's all-inclusive offerings so DC also feels like a real treat to pay one price and then put your purse away.

First, after check in you head to breakfast, served from 7.30am - 10am and I can't begin to tell you how high my plate was filled! Pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit, French Toast sticks (don't sleep on these!), smothered in lashings of maple syrup. That was just plate one. My other had all the cooked cheesy scrambled eggs and crispy bacon, plus the best breakfast potatoes. All the fresh black coffee, teas, soft drinks and water you can drink is there for enjoying, too.

Later, you're back again anytime between 12pm - 3pm to load up on lunch. Brace yourself - jerk salmon, chickens of all types, burgers, hotdogs, pastas, salads, Caribbean delicacies and pizza - there was nothing you can't find. And puddings and ice cream were also in abundance.

Be smart with your eating here and you'll find that although the park closes at 5pm, you won't need more than a snack later in the evening - if the kids aren't already sleeping that is!

All beer, wine and soft drinks are included too and you can enjoy as much as you fancy throughout the day.

I upgraded to the premium drinks package, costing $50. For me, this was an easy decision. It's a real treat and the large cocktails are well worth the cost - having just a few over the course of your day is more than your money's worth.

Tip - make sure you wander around to different bars to find speciality cocktails. For example I was surprised after enjoying the blue-inspired cocktails at the Blue Bamboo Bar (hello Blue Shark), that the cocktails, in my opinion, were even better at the Hisbiscus Hideaway Bar where all cocktails have a floral theme. Ahem, and complete with edible flower - I'm easily sold!

3. The experiences included

   You pay one price and you enter, it's that simple. There's no pressure or big sell if you want to do nothing more than sunbathe, swim and enjoy the food and drink. Staff come stress free and with no commission for selling - in fact, once you leave reception there's no buying extras. If you change your mind and fancy an experience you absolutely can, but you'll need to wander up to reception - cocktail in hand of course.

   
   

   Also, around the park at dedicated times you can see the flamingo mingle as they wander past, and enjoy animal encounters wirh surprise guests. We met Henry the screech owl, Simon the lesser anteater and a cheeky armadillo. The kids left with the best facts to tell their friends back home.

4. The must-do add ons

   

   

   
   
   

I call them 'must-do' because they're that good - we made memories here that I never thought I'd ever experience and being able to do these things with the kids and to see their little faces light up is worth every penny.

You can 'swim' with dolphins, which is more of a hands-on experience than a swim. The staff are very mindful of their animal's happiness and comfort levels and never ask too much of them. Most are there through injury in the wild or part of rehabilitation and breeding programmes - part of your ticket price actually helps go towards their care and research, too.

You can have photos taken, a little 'chat' with them and learn amazing facts about your individual dolphin with your experienced trainer.

I can't recommend enough the Sea Venture. This underwater walking tour is a little bit different from the norm and any children 10 years or older can take part. Remember, a child here stops at 14, although honestly, prices for an adult are just pounds more expensive, theres's not much in it.

You'll wear a diving helmet and walk 15-20ft underwater surrounded by tropical fish and come face-to-face with sharks (don't worry, they are behind a perplex glass shield, however underwater this is invisible so it's very authentic.)

My personal fave - Mango the pufferfish who followed us like a little, excitable, bright yellow dog. Adorable!

5. Snacks

As if allll that food wasn't enough, this is another win for parents with fussy eaters or grazers. Snacks galore! Back home, we're all sick of hearing 'can I have a snack?' but here, bring it on!

Marshmallow crispies, hot churros (new for 2024), warm baked cookies, soft pretzels, pineapple ice cream (if you know Disney's Dole Whip then I'd say this was identical without the official name) and pizza - yes, pizza - is available by the slushy machines and bars around the resort all day long. Help yourself!

6. Lazy river

   
   

   Fans of a lazy river will delight in the very long and natural option here. Drift beneath caves and under waterfalls, through the tropical aviary and past natural rock formations, beneath the palms. It's literally dreamy!

   
   
   
   
   

   The resort provides foam 'noodles' to hold onto, plus life jackets for anyone who fancies the extra support and honestly, take all the help you can get or your planned relaxing meander in the gentle currents might not stay that way.

It's literally dreamy!

For the most part, I could touch the bottom with ease but every now and again, the depth dropped - with plenty of warning - but still, keep safe and then just unwind.

7. The snorkelling reef

One tip here - go first thing because it's freezing, salt water. Yes, it kills to be in all the same, but at least you haven't acclimatised to the warmer waters of the lazy river yet, making here all the harder.

Kids love it here though - plenty of depth for strong swimmers but equally plenty of shallow bits to stand at, and rocks to lean on, as you peek underwater. All snorkelling equipment is provided. I was impressed with the waterproof cards you can take in with you to help identify which sea creatures you're swimming with. My littlest one loved it in here and of course, she didn't feel the cold like mummy who had cocktail and warm water written all over her!

8. The aviary

   
   
   

   

   
   
   

   Hilariously, this really makes me think of Jurassic Park. You walk through a gate, close it, then another gate, then close it - so there are no escapees, and then you're in.

Grab a little pot of the bird food, hold your hand out and watch the magic unfold. Birds of all shapes, sizes and colours come from every direction, and will land anywhere they see fit - arms, hands, shoulders - head! It's so much fun - the kids found the whole thing hilarious.

Again, this is a nice morning activity when the birds are hungriest however staff are fab at offering different food types over the course of the day to entice them with new flavours. How lovely, they're very own all-inclusive.

9. The staff

We were very lucky to stay in a private cabana on our stay.

This came with our own server (Myles loved to call the lovely Jeff our butler!), endless fresh towels, privacy to change and relax on our own loungers, a private safe, our own fridge with unlimited drinks constantly replenished. We even had a dolphin view and hammock, plus the kids loved the buckets and spades provided.

Staff here are genuinly exceptional. Attentive, helpful, funny (especially at the bars) and incredibly knowledgable, we couldn't fault one.

10. The prices

    If you're thinking of visiting there are some fantastic deals on offer from amazing online ticket providers such as Florida Tix who offer prices from £57pp, or Attraction Tickets who are offering 15% off tickets using code FEBFUN

    
    

    But don't take my word for it, have a look at Discovery Cove's website for more details or take a look at our vlogs from here in 2022 and last year in 2024.