Discovery Cove is one of those Orlando experiences that most visitors to the area never get around to, and they consistently regret skipping it once they finally do. The all-inclusive tropical resort attraction limits daily attendance, includes virtually everything in one admission price, and creates an environment that feels genuinely removed from the theme park energy surrounding it. For eight years, the experience has been limited to daytime operations. That changes this summer. Paradise Nights is returning after an 8-year hiatus and runs on select nights from June 5 through August 8 as a separately ticketed after-hours event.
How the Evening Works
Check-in begins at the Discovery Cove Reception Center at 5:30 p.m. with complimentary parking included. Guests 21 and older can verify their age to receive included beer and wine service throughout the event. Happy hour at Serenity Bay follows from approximately 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. and includes a welcome cocktail or mocktail, beachside views, access to Blue Bamboo Bar, and select animal ambassador appearances. The front and left portions of the park are accessible during the event, but the back section, including the Grand Reef, is closed.
Dinner at Laguna Grill follows happy hour with an open-air buffet under the stars, assigned seating, included beer and wine for guests 21 and older, and dessert offerings after the meal. The centerpiece of the evening is a live dinner show structured around four themed acts inspired by Earth, Air, Water, and Fire, described by Discovery Cove as a sensory journey featuring music, movement, and performance.
What Is Different From Summer 2018
Guests who attended the original Paradise Nights in 2018 should go in with updated expectations because the 2026 version is a meaningfully different event. The dolphin presentation that ended the 2018 event is not part of the return, with Discovery Cove noting that dolphins and other animals are enjoying evening downtime during Paradise Nights. The waterways are fully closed during the event, with no swimming or snorkeling available. Pricing has also increased significantly, with adult admission now starting at $117 compared to $65 in 2018.
The Sloth Encounter Add-On
The most exclusive new addition to Paradise Nights 2026 is the separately priced sloth encounter available as a premium add-on for $59 per guest. The experience includes priority check-in and a behind-the-scenes encounter with sloths, with availability capped at only 10 guests per night across the entire event. That number is not a soft limit. It is a hard cap that makes this one of the most genuinely exclusive animal experiences currently available anywhere in Orlando. Anyone interested in the sloth encounter should book it at the same time as their Paradise Nights ticket rather than waiting to add it later.
Key Logistics Before You Book Your Summer Trip
Daytime Discovery Cove guests who also have Paradise Nights tickets on the same date do not need to leave the park between experiences. onsite showers and changing rooms are available, and check-in for the evening event begins at Guest Services near the main gift shop at 5:30 p.m. The daytime Premium Drink Package does not carry over into Paradise Nights, and a separate evening package must be purchased for upgraded beverage service beyond the included beer and wine.
Paradise Nights is capacity-controlled, and advance reservations are strongly recommended. Same-day availability may be checked at Reception or Guest Services, but sellouts are entirely possible given the limited nature of the event. Pricing starts at $117 for adults, $53 for children aged 3 to 9, and is free for infants 2 and under with a reservation.
The event runs select nights from June 5 through August 8. It has been 8 years since Discovery Cove offered anything like this after dark, and based on the demand already building around the announcement, it is not going to be available for long before nights start selling out.
