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Discovery Cove packing list, in the order you'll actually need it

Four stages, from the phone calls you make two weeks out to the bag you carry through the turnstile. Check things off as you go — your progress saves in this browser, no account needed.

Discovery Cove packing list

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October trip · 3 days in the park · driving

Oct trip 3 days in the park 2 adults · 1 child Driving Water park dayNighttime fireworks

Because of your dates

Mid-October is warm but manageable, with storms rolling through some afternoons. Sun cover matters more than cooling gear.

Highs near 87° 40% afternoon storms 9 miles walked a day

Carry these through the gate

Your park bag

These do the most work on a day like this. Tap any photo to see it on Amazon.

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Waterproof phone pouch

Touchscreen-friendly, floats

I need this →

Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF 50

Won't sting eyes on a water slide

I need this →

Underwater-safe sunglasses strap

Floats if it comes off

I need this →

Beach towels

The park's rental towels are thin and cost extra.

I need this →

Collapsible Cooler Bag

Folds flat in a suitcase

I need this →

Ziploc bags

For wet swimsuits, phones on splash rides, and leftover snacks.

I need this →

Sunscreen stick, SPF 50

No spray ban issues, no drip

I need this →

Refillable water bottles

Fits standard stroller cup holders

I need this →

Lightweight backpack

Soft-sided, under the park's size limit, with a pocket you can reach …

I need this →

Fan Favorite

Pin trading lanyard

Breakaway clasp for kids

I need this →

Glow bracelets

Enough for the whole group

I need this →

What first-timers wish they'd known

It feels relaxing, but the sun and water can still drain you

Arrive early and settle in

Discovery Cove is designed as a full-day experience, and arriving early gives you more time to enjoy the waterways, animal experiences, and quieter areas before the day gets moving.

Reapply sunscreen after the water

You will spend a large part of the day swimming, snorkeling, or floating. Even with reef-safe sunscreen available, reapplying after extended time in the water is important.

Take advantage of the slower pace

This is not a park where you need to rush from attraction to attraction. Build in time to float, eat, rest in the shade, and enjoy the included amenities instead of trying to fill every minute.

Worth buying before you go

In the suitcase

Order these two weeks out. Buying them once you're there costs about triple.

Small bills and a card holder

Fits a front pocket

I need this →

Water shoes

Drains water, grips wet concrete

I need this →

Cheaper the Better

Flip-flops

For the walk between your car and the locker room.

I need this →

40% storm chance

Ponchos, not umbrellas

Packs down to a fist, reusable

I need this →

You may already own these

Nothing to buy — remember to pack them!

Do this, not buy this

The jobs that matter before you leave.

Carry through the gate

Waterproof phone pouch — A dry bag is bulky. This clips to a swimsuit and still unlocks with your thumb.

Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF 50 — Reapplies fast between slides. Regular sunscreen washes off in twenty minutes here.

Underwater-safe sunglasses strap — The current at the wave pool takes sunglasses whether you meant to swim in them or not.

Beach towels — The park's rental towels are thin and cost extra.

Collapsible Cooler Bag — Loose ice isn't allowed, but ice packs are. Keeps drinks cold until noon.

Ziploc bags — For wet swimsuits, phones on splash rides, and leftover snacks.

Sunscreen stick, SPF 50 — A stick reapplies in a queue line without a mess. Do faces every two hours.

Refillable water bottles — Free refill stations are all over the park. Bottled water at the counter is not free.

Lightweight backpack — Soft-sided, under the park's size limit, with a pocket you can reach …

Pin trading lanyard — Free entertainment in every queue line. Cast members trade with anyone.

Glow bracelets — For the nighttime show, at roughly a tenth of the in-park price.

Small bills and a card holder — Ride lockers and a few carts take cash. Leave the full wallet in the room safe.

Water shoes — Pool decks get hot enough to burn bare feet by early afternoon.

Flip-flops — For the walk between your car and the locker room.

Ponchos, not umbrellas — Umbrellas are useless in a crowd and half the rides won't let you carry one.

You already own

Swimsuits — Pack one you don't mind chlorine fading.

A hat — Most of this is outdoors with no shade.

A change of dry clothes — For the ride home — nobody wants a wet car seat for an hour.

Snacks for the line — Whatever you already have in the pantry works fine.

Do this

Check the locker rental price online — Some water parks let you reserve ahead and skip the gate-day line.

Download the park app — Wait times and closures post there first, especially for wave pools.

Check the weather the morning of — Water parks close rides for lightning fast, and re-open just as fast.

Check park hours for your dates — Hours shift by season and some evenings are ticketed events that close the park early.

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