Discovering Discovery Cove

Admit it, when you think “upscale” Orlando isn’t the first city that comes to mind. Instead, cheap motels, overpriced fast food and long theme park lines are what a lot of folks think of. (And they’re often correct.)

But there’s more. Even the luxury-minded traveler, as I noted in a recent story, has a reason to visit Central Florida.

It turns out Orlando also has at least one upscale theme park. It’s called Discovery Cove, and I had the opportunity to experience it for myself earlier this week.

Think of Discovery Cove as SeaWorld with a butler — and without the fences.

Everything at the park is hands-on, whether it’s a saltwater pool teeming with tropical fish or the dolphin experience, where you actually get to take the plunge with Flipper.

As an experienced diver, I had a “been there” attitude about being so close to the fish. But then I waded out into the pool and watched a who’s-who of the ocean pass by. Rays. Angelfish. Parrotfish. Best of all, my kids could see these magnificent creatures up close without having to gear up.

The highlight was swimming with the dolphins. I’ve done several dolphin “experiences” before, but have never been taken for a ride by one. I’ll never forget the name of my dolphin (Rascal) or the feeling of being carried through the water while holding his fins.

Truly remarkable.

There are several other things that set Discovery Cove apart from the other theme parks. A low staff-to-guest ratio makes you feel as if you’re staying at The Four Seasons. The number of visitors is capped at 1,000 per day, so it’s completely uncrowded even when it’s at capacity. And you never see a bill, because food and drinks are included in your visit.

All this fun comes at a price: $279 per person for the dolphin package.

Full disclosure, here. My family has season passes to SeaWorld, of which Discovery Cove is a part. We were invited to check out the property as part of a media tour.

We’ll be back as paying guests, though. I promised my son Aren to take him swimming with Rascal when he turns six next year. We also missed the aviary on our first visit, so we’ll have to come back to see that.

Discovery Cove is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that isn’t for everyone or for every budget. But for vacationers who want a Ritz-Carlton kind of theme park experience while they’re in Orlando, it’s a great choice.

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

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