We have been to Discovery Cove now six (maybe 7?
) times. Half the time with a cabana, half the time without. Half the time doing the dolphin swim, half the time not.
Cabanas are a wonderful splurge but absolutely not a necessity (and you won't miss one if you don't have one.....seating and shade are both plentiful, and you spend so much time "doing" that you likely won't be in the cabana much anyway). That said, they're a nice meeting point if you have a group .... like two couples or older teens .... and a nice private spot if you have a baby that needs to snooze at some point during the day.
I always say the dolphin swim is a must-do on a first visit. Definitely have the experience once. Picking between the cabana or the dolphin swim would be a no brainer for me: dolphin swim for sure! (and the photo package too, if you can swing it....the pictures are the best souvenir EVER)
Tips: if you want to take advantage of the all-you-care-to-enjoy alcohol, plan to Uber there and back.
If you are doing the dolphin swim, arrive early (7:15 am if possible). That will get you one of the earlier dolphin swims. Afternoon Florida rain showers can often crop up and foul up afternoon swim times.
Visit the aviary as early as possible. The birds will be hungrier and more willing to eat from your hand.
The Grand Reef will be clearer earlier in the morning, before all the snorkelers stir up the sandy bottom. Be prepared, though.....the water is pretty chilly.
Don't plan anything for the evening. You're going to be tired from all day in the water and sunshine.
The warm chocolate chip cookies are AMAZING. Plan to grab some from the snack kiosks in the early afternoon.
The upgraded drink package (in our humble opinion) is not worth the extra $$ unless you are big drinkers. Tried it two weeks ago and was underwhelmed.
I'll post more if anything else comes to mind.