Insider's guide to Discovery Cove

You might call this a "boutique" theme park. It's serene and lush with an exclusive, immersive wildlife experience that allows guests to take a dip with dolphins, plus interact with other aquatic animals and birds. Reservations are required, and attendance is limited to 1,000 guests per day. The price is hefty -- starting at $269 per person, assuming you want the signature dolphin experience -- but it includes a continental breakfast, a nice lunch, snacks throughout the day, parking, towels, lockers, sunscreen and a souvenir snorkel. Also included: admission to nearby SeaWorld Orlando, the neighboring Aquatica water park or Busch Gardens in Tampa within seven days of your visit.

AGE APPROPRIATE

Guests must be 6 years of age or older to participate in the dolphin swim. Younger children can do everything else in Discovery Cove for about $100 less.

TOO MUCH FUN

Discovery Cove is not to be confused with its sister park, Aquatica, a more traditional water park loaded with slides and thrilling raft rides. Although there are animals at both, you're more likely to zip past them at Aquatica, rather than touch them.

BEST ADVENTURE

The centerpiece of Discovery Cove is the opportunity to swim with a bottlenose Atlantic dolphin. After a brief training session, groups of no more than eight people spend about 30 minutes in the water with the creature. Much of this time is spent in shallow water, so you need not be an expert swimmer to enjoy. But you can venture into deeper water and be towed back to shore while hanging onto your dolphin's dorsal fin.

KEEP ‘EM HAPPY

Theme parks nearby include SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, all of which feature shows, roller coasters and other thrill rides.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Reservations are required, and admission is limited, so plan ahead by several months, especially if visiting during peak periods. Brits, who are big fans of Discovery Cove, sometimes make reservations a year in advance.

AVOID THE CROWDS

Rule of thumb for Orlando: If school's out, expect a crowd. This goes for summer, spring break and winter holidays.

CAN’T MISS

In Ray Lagoon, you wade with the gliding Southern and cownose rays (barbs removed). In Coral Reef, you're floating alongside colorful tropical fish, while barracudas and sharks are tucked safely behind clear partitions. There is no time limit in these areas, and guests can make multiple visits throughout the day.

BARGAIN LODGING/DINING

Discovery Cove is located near International Drive, home of many budget-hotel chains and affordable dining options.

INSIDE TRACK

The park's aviary is sometimes forgotten amid all the diving activities. The free-flight areas house more than 250 exotic birds. Visit early in the day and you're more likely to be greeted by hungry birds, which may land on your finger for a feeding.

--  Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel