1. You can swim with dolphins.

There aren’t enough words to fully describe how awesome this is, so I’ll just tell you what your options are. When you purchase a ticket, you have the option of buying a dolphin swim package or buying a day package. A dolphin swim package comes with an assigned time (based on a first come, first serve arrival basis the day of) to do your dolphin swim and you will need to plan your day around that. A day package means your whole day is basically free of scheduling and you can do whatever you want. The drawback, of course, being no contact with the dolphins, but you can still watch from the shore.

2. Alcohol.

Let’s just get down to brass tax: We all know that an open bar is the ultimate draw. From beer on draft and in bottles to cocktails or a single serving of wine in the cutest tiny cup that you’ve ever seen, they’ve got what you’re looking for. I don’t think I need to say any more on this subject. I hope you’ll be as lucky as I was and will be an honorary first recipient of a freshly installed Land Shark Lager on draft.

3. It's all inclusive.

Let me say that again: IT’S ALL INCLUSIVE. You pay the ticket price for your package and what you have chosen to add on. That’s it. There are no parking costs, no equipment rental fees, and you eat and drink all you want for the whole day. You basically find yourself on an island oasis in the middle of Orlando. The only things you will need money for are any souvenirs or photos that you choose to purchase. The breakfast and lunch are available in the Laguna Grill while drinks and snack options are available throughout the park. Ticket prices seem to vary depending on the time of year and how far ahead you book. Also, you can’t get tickets from another source like you can a regular park.

4. Crowds are not an issue.

I don’t know about you, but I hate it when people get in my personal bubble. If you’ve been to a theme park at some point in your life, then you know how awful they are when it comes to crowds, especially the Disney ones. Discovery Cove is like none of those places. Even though every park has a maximum occupancy number, Discovery Cove’s is much lower than what you’re used to. There are probably fewer people there than at a local fair, and the only line I’ve ever stood in is the one to get food and drinks.

5. Special events.

Whether you’re going for a family vacation, a birthday or a proposal, there are different ways to customize your day. You can have a buoy delivered by a dolphin with a special message written on it during a dolphin swim. I'm not going to lie, though, I might be a little biased for a Discovery Cove Proposal. If you’re not doing a dolphin package, you can rent your own private cabana to celebrate in!

6. The cabanas.

Each private cabana is different and will have a view that varies by location. When you rent a cabana, you have a private locker, a stocked fridge, lounge chairs and table, and toys for any children (or adults!) to play in the sand. We even had a hammock. Plus, you have an attendant who keeps you stocked with alcohol, soft drinks, water, snacks, towels and anything else you might need throughout your day. They even deliver the family picture that is taken when you arrived right to your cabana.

7. There is something for everyone.

If you can’t swim, that’s what life jackets are for! Half of the people in my group didn’t know how to swim, and they still had the best time! If there are people in your party who just don’t like to get in the water, there are things they can enjoy like the relaxed environment, watching the dolphins, the aviary, lounge chairs, playing in the sand, hammocks, the food and the drinks!

8. The facilities.

If you’ve ever been to a water park, pool or beach, you know that most of the time, you wind up covering your car seats with towels and hoping for the best on the ride home. Since you’re assigned lockers at Discovery Cove, none of your clothes will be wet or sandy when you leave. You can also use their showering facilities that are stocked with towels, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and bags to take your wet clothes home in.

9. The equipment.

Need prescription goggles so you can actually see things underwater? Check. Need a life jacket? Check. Forgot your sunscreen? Check. Need a snorkel? Check. Oh, and you get to keep that snorkel when you leave. So technically you get to take home a free souvenir on top of your family photo. Has anywhere ever given you a free souvenir that you’ll actually use again, besides that pen you got from that one place?

10. The wet suits.

If you’re body conscious or uncomfortable in a swimsuit, this is great for you. At Discovery Cove, everyone is required to wear a wet suit or a vest over their swim suits in the water. Most people keep them on for the entire day whether they’re in the water or not. Just about everyone is wearing the exact same thing and too busy having their own fun to care about what you have on. Just make sure you’re using sunscreen or you may leave with an odd tan.

11. Trainer for a day.

If you’re interested in marine life, you have the option for what is called a trainer for a day package, which is what I did the first time I went. Not only do you get everything that comes with a general admission, you shadow a trainer throughout the day and get a behind the scenes tour. You’ll learn how the animals are cared for, get up close and personal with them, and feed them. You get more interaction time with the dolphins and other animals, can have any questions answered, and you can see what a career involving marine life would really be like. You also get a special experience during your dolphin swim that doesn’t come with the regular package, along with some take home souvenirs.

12. Seaventure.

Have you ever wanted to go scuba diving but don’t have the time or money? With Seaventure, you put on a helmet and spend time walking on the floor of the grand reef with beautiful creatures swimming all around you and even some sharks through glass. How many times can you do that without needing to take lessons and be certified? Plus at a $59 add-on fee, it’s definitely more cost-efficient than paying for certification classes, equipment, and then finally scuba diving would be. This option is perfect if you want a scuba diving experience but aren’t interested in making it a full-time hobby.

13. Your ticket includes more than you think.

When you check in that morning, your picture is taken for an ID badge that will be your ticket. Your ID will be on a lanyard and be your map for the day. It will also take the place of your ID should you choose to get any alcoholic beverages, but that’s not all this badge is good for. Not only does it double as a souvenir, but it is also your ticket to the other parks that come with your admission to Discovery Cove. A 14-day unlimited entry ticket to both SeaWorld and their water park, Aquatica, are included. You can also add on a ticket to Busch Gardens in Tampa for $25; and if you’re not interested in driving there, you can catch the bus at SeaWorld for free! I would recommend scheduling Discovery Cove early in your trip. If not, you’ll need to print out paper tickets at home if you want to visit the other parks before Discovery Cove.

Really, don’t take my word for it, just go.

It’s worth it, especially for a special occasion. I promise you won’t be disappointed!