Although it’s an all-inclusive theme park that provides most amenities for the day, there are still 9 things not to forget to bring for yourself and kids at Discovery Cove. Here’s my list of things to pack when you’re wanting to travel to Discovery Cove with your kids.
When we first decided to visit Discovery Cove Orlando with the kids, I hadn’t realized how much was being provided. As I started preparing the week before we left, I was gathering all our swim gear and stressing over whether or not the stroller and our hands would be able to carry everything into the park. I envisioned a the stroller basket jammed full of snacks and bags hanging on the stroller handle. Of course, I also saw myself carrying my toddler in the baby carrier which would likely end up strapped to the stroller as well.
As our trip got closer, I realized it wasn’t feasible for me to carry everything I had planned. Even with my dad’s help, I knew it was going to be too much to keep track of. So, I began to look for what Discovery Cove actually provided, to see what I could get away without taking. As luck would have it, there wasn’t much I actually needed to pack for the kids at Discovery Cove!
I was surprised by what Discovery Cove provided with the cost of entry. And, I was grateful that all of what is provided really helped offset the cost of entry.
S0, before I tell you what you should pack for kids at Discovery Cove, let’s, first, start with what’s provided with your admission.
- Animal safe sunscreen
- Towels
- Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and Drinks
- Wet Suits – shorties or vests
- Snorkel Gear
- Soap & shampoo in the shower stall
- Lockers – at no charge for holding personal belongings
- Some alcoholic beverages
- Floating vests and pool noodles
- Beach chairs
Should you decide to bring your stroller, you’ll exchange it at the entrance for their stroller (at no charge) which is equipped with tires for the beach sand.
You are asked not to bring food, drink , and flotation devices into the park. This really lightened my load when packing the kids for our day.
9 Must Haves for Yourself and Kids at Discovery Cove
Ultimately, I learned this trip wasn’t a smart move with my little ones and I should wait to visit Discovery Cove when kids are older. But, having done it, I felt I needed to share that I felt what I packed was spot on.
The amount of things provided by Discovery Cove leaves you with very little to pack for kids! Aside from all they provide, you should still bring the following items for your adventure with kids at Discovery Cove:
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Sunhat kids” cloak=”n” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ivsvabasaan0a-20″]Sunhat[/easyazon_link]
- [easyazon_link keywords=”Sunglasses kids” cloak=”n” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ivsvabasaan0a-20″]Sunglasses[/easyazon_link]
- Swimsuit (if you don’t wear it in) & extra swimsuit for younger kids or toddlers if they have an accident
- Extra change of clothes
- Diapers – I’m a huge fan of [easyazon_link identifier=”B01EKZO7NG” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ivsvabasaan0a-20″ cart=”n” cloak=”n” localize=”y” popups=”n”]these[/easyazon_link]
- Swim Diapers – we use [easyazon_link identifier=”B00WG76LQW” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ivsvabasaan0a-20″ cart=”n” cloak=”n” localize=”y” popups=”n”]disposable swim diapers[/easyazon_link]
- Wipes
- Plastic bag to separate wet clothes/swim suits
- Underwater camera – [easyazon_link identifier=”B007PVDPW2″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ivsvabasaan0a-20″ cart=”n” cloak=”n” localize=”y” popups=”n”]this one is a great deal[/easyazon_link] if you don’t want a disposable!
BONUS #10 – Water shoes! We kicked off our flip flops and swapped them out for [easyazon_link keywords=”water shoes kids” cloak=”n” locale=”US” localize=”y” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”ivsvabasaan0a-20″]water shoes[/easyazon_link] so that we could enjoy the park without the worry of losing shoes while keeping our feet protected in and out of the water!
Towels are available throughout the park as well as in the bathrooms. Not having to tote towels really saved room in our bags making for a fairly easy trip in and out of the park.
If you rent a cabana during the day, you have a large private locker to hold your belongings and a cooler and snack chest that are refilled throughout the day. In fact, I never had to run to any of the snack stations for myself or the kids. If you have food allergies, you alert your cabana host who will gladly bring you loads of extra snacks as well. Finally, there are sand toys available for the kids in the cabanas, so if you need to take a break, they’ll still have something to keep them entertained.
Should you choose to rent a cabana, bring some extra cash to tip your cabana host. I promise, they’ll earn it!!!
If you can help it, leave jewelry at home (especially if you’re doing the dolphin swim).
Generally speaking, you can get away with packing very little for yourself kids at Discovery Cove in Orlando. But, these are what I believe to be items you need to keep everyone safe and comfortable during your adventure.
