Discovery Cove551

This hidden gem is frequently overlooked for its parent park, SeaWorld Orlando, and all of the offerings from the Mouse at Disney. But for a truly calm theme park experience, add Discovery Cove to your itinerary.

The main draw, and the most advertised, is a reserved swim with a bottlenose dolphin. While the swim itself is relatively short, there's plenty more to experience at Discovery Cove. In other words, don't think of it as one long dolphin swim, or you will be disappointed.

The staff are friendly and personally check guests in upon arrival. And - a truly unique quality - the park actually limits the number of guests to 1000 per day within the park. You won't find crowds or have anyone push to the front of the line to snorkel with the rays and exotic fish, and that's a real relief after a few days at other parks.

Kids are drawn to the tropical aviary, where you can touch and feed hundreds of colorful birds, and the whole family can enjoy the beautiful beaches within the swimming areas.

Every package experience includes a continental breakfast, lunch, plus all snacks and beverages throughout the day. Packages also include a seven-day pass to SeaWorld, so the high ticket price really does ultimately redeem itself. Florida resident discounts are also readily available.

Children must be at least six years old to swim with the dolphins; a non-dolphin swim package is available for little ones.