It’s rare that I’m able to loose myself in the moment, let alone feel relaxed for an entire day. So, I enthusiastically said yes when a friend invited me to go to Discovery Cove. I thought, “let’s give this relaxation thing a go!” It’s funny, I know Discovery Cove has been open here in Orlando for awhile, but this was my very first visit. Guess I need to explore my hometown more often.
I didn’t quite know what to expect and thought it might be just a dolphin swim followed by lounging poolside out in the sun. Turns out I was in for so much more.
Girlfriends Getaway To Discovery Cove
I arrived just after sunrise, beach bag loaded with sundries swinging from my shoulder, glamorous wide-brimmed hat shading my face, and flip flops snapping at my heels as I walked to the entrance to meet up with my friend, Ryan. The first thing that struck me was how uncrowded it was, feeling more like a resort than a theme park. We were immediately greeted by our concierge for the day and guided down a shaded pathway through giant bamboo reeds to a restaurant for coffee and breakfast. The only sound in the air was that of birds and a breeze. There was no rush, no big lines to que into, and we were encouraged to go at our own pace and have a leisurely breakfast. When we were ready, our concierge would show us to our private cabana.
A relaxing private cabana in Discovery Cove.
My A-type personality dealt with this the only way it could, by filling up a coffee mug and thumbing through my phone, checking email messages and Facebook. I didn’t know how to relax and just, “be.” But that all changed once we got to the cabana. Tucked away behind lush landscaping was our very own tropical oasis. Awaiting our arrival was a fresh fruit basket, plush towels, and a refrigerator full of beverages. I spied a lounge chair in the shade where I could cozy up to my phone and go for a spin on social media, but our intuitive concierge must deal with A-types like me pretty often as she immediately put us to work at transforming ourselves into “fun” mode. We were outfitted with wetsuits, encouraged to tie back our hair, slather on some sunscreen, and stash our electronics (i.e. phones) in a locker. The only thing I kept in hand was my waterproof GoPro. But other than that, I was disconnected from the world.
We floated around a lazy river, sipped on margaritas while lounging in a pool, watched the wind rustle through the trees while swinging in a hammock, snacked on salty pretzels, took a long lazy lunch, and swam with more fish than I’ve ever seen in the sea.
When we where hungry, we ate. When we wanted to chill out, we got some slushy margaritas. When we were tired, we hung out in the cabana. And when we wanted to cool off, we went for a swim. The whole experience allowed my mind to relax and hush the constant hum of to-do’s way more effectively than a spa ever has. It was a true digital detox and an experience I’ll never forget. What an example of what it feels like? Take a peek at my video, A Day At Discovery Cove.
Discovery Cove is unique in that it’s not a theme park, but more of an all inclusive resort that invites you to relax and play at your own pace. Voted as the #1 park in the entire world by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, hospitality here really has no bounds. All meals, snacks, drinks (alcoholic ones too!), towels, and pretty much anything else you need is included and readily available. It’s true what they say, it’s a vacation from your vacation.
Want to getaway to Discovery Cove with one of your friends? Here’s how …
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED AND THE WINNER NOTIFIED
The Giveaway:
– 2 Dolphin Swim Packages (which would also include visits to SeaWorld and Aquatica Orlando)
– 2 SeaVenture Underwater Dive Helmet Tour
– A Private Cabana At Discovery Cove
– 2 Night Accommodations (partner hotel location TBD)
Here’s how to enter:
1 – In the comments below, tell us who you’d take with you on a getaway to Discovery Cove!
2 – For more entries to win, click on the raffle options below and follow The Travel Bite on Pinterest and Facebook.
3 – SHARE! Share this post with your travel pal and have them answer too! Hopefully they’ll take you if THEY win. 😉
I would take my grandmother – she doesn’t get to relax as much as she deserves to.
My mom was just saying today how much she would love to go there!
I would take my husband – I just had a rare girlfriend getaway. We love dolphins!
Can a lady get a 2 day retreat with her bf after 4 weeks of flight attendant training please 🙂 I’m in the middle of it now and having a “getaway reunion” together would be the cherry on top as I ace my training days and get to service everyone on board!!
I’d take my husband!
I’d take my beautiful daughter Sarah for her 9th birthday. She absolutely loves dolphins. I know she would cherish this experience for ever. This would be an ultimate surprise for my daughter that loves dolphins.
I would take my husband for our first anniversary.
Easy! I’d take my mom and my 2 sisters. Leave the men behind to clean the house and watch the kids ,)
I’d take my best friend from college. She has a high stress job and rarely does things for herself. This would force her to slow down and just breathe without having to worry about taking care of others.
I would either take Marisabel or Kelly. Both fun people to explore with!
my hubby works so hard as a contractor and could use a weekend to relax mind and body. a lazy day filled with a little adventure sounds perfect!
I would take my husband Kenin. He would also need a lesson in unplugging. Making him lock up all his social media would be great for a day (or more) 🙂
I would take my lovely wife Lauren
I would most definitely take Lisa! One of her favorite places!!
Id take my friend Lauren since she told me about this contest.
I moved 2500 miles away from home 4 years ago. I’d bring a long lost friend!
I would take my best friend Stisha! This is the only way we could afford a girl’s getaway!
I would like to take my wife of course, Samantha Weaver.
Great post Rachelle, we do tend to our back yard for granted, don’t we?
I would take my daughter. This sounds like a great mother-daughter experience!
I would take my friend Holly – we love traveling to new places!
I would take my BFF Courtney. Living on opposite coasts means we only get to see each other once a year, and even that is hard now that she has a beautiful little girl. This would be a fun girl’s weekend adventure.
I would probably take my sister – she rarely gets a chance to relax.
I would take my mom, she deserves a vacation!
I would take my recently retired grandma!
I would love to take my husband.
I would take my mom – she was my original girl friend. The end of last year was pretty rough and this is just the kind of adventure she needs to have some fun.
My wife.
I would take my wife, she deserves some rest and relaxation.
I would take my girlfriend that recently had a baby and could use a little r and r
I would take my little buddy Dylan. he just turned 6 so he can finally swim with the Dolphins!!!
My dh!
I would probably asked one of sisters and if they couldn’t go I would ask my sister in law.
I would take my husband– we haven’t had a real vacation since our honeymoon back in 2012.
My Mom because she has taken me on many wonderful vacations.