By Peter Covino
Lifestyles Editor

Discovery Cove is a fun day, but it is pricy.

SeaWorld Orlando just made the day of swimming with dolphins and more a bit easier on the pocketbook. Effective immediately, a day at Discovery Cove now includes unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park.

“This new offer is incredible for guests because it allows them to explore Discovery Cove for the day and also enjoy SeaWorld and Aquatica during their Orlando vacation, so they can experience the amazing animal connections that all of our parks deliver in their own way.” said Toni Caracciolo, Marketing Vice President for SeaWorld Parks & Resorts. “It also solidifies the Discovery Cove reservation as a true, all-inclusive package,” she added.

Discovery Cove is very much a tropical paradise, with its swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with rays and tropical fish, sandy beaches and more. The admission price also includes breakfast and lunch, snacks and drinks throughout the day.

And opening later this summer at Discovery Cove is Freshwater Oasis, where guests can wade, relax and come face-to-face with new animals -- playful otters and curious marmosets.

The new admission policy  gives guests unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica for 14 consecutive days, including the new live 3D 360 journey at TurtleTrek.

Starting at $229, Dolphin Swim Day Resort Packages at Discovery Cove now include:

Reserved dolphin experience.

Unlimited access to signature experiences includes:  The Grand Reef, free-flight Explorer’s Aviary, Serenity Bay, Wind-Away River and coming soon Freshwater Oasis

Freshly prepared breakfast and lunch plus snacks throughout the day.

Beverages all day long, including sodas, water and alcoholic drinks.

All swim gear (mask, snorkel, and swim vest or wetsuit), towels, locker, sunscreen and other first-class amenities.

All day self-parking at Discovery Cove.

A complimentary photo portrait of guest and their party upon entry to park.

A pass for 14 consecutive days of unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica in Orlando before, during or after Discovery Cove visit.

For reservations and to learn more, visit DiscoveryCove.com or call 877-434-7268.

Rock the Universe

Tickets are already on sale for Universal Orlando’s annual Christian music festival, Rock the Universe, returning Sept. 7-8.

Guests can purchase a weekend ticket which includes admission to both nights of the event and three days admission to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.  This ticket will only be available through Aug. 31, 2012 and will not be sold at the park entrance. Tickets are $109 (group tickets of 10 or more are $99.99).

Other options include a two-night ticket ($84.99) and one night ticket, ($52.99) in advance. Prices do not include tax. For all ticket options go to www.RocktheUniverse.com.

This year’s line-up features some of the most popular names in Christian rock.  More than a dozen hit bands will take the stage, including Skillet – awarded a Billboard Music Award for “Top Christian Album” in 2011; four-time Grammy-nominated band Newsboys; rock group Switchfoot, which has sold millions of albums worldwide; and three-time Dove award winner Jeremy Camp.

Most of the attractions at Universal Studios will be open during the event.

Free movies

If the thought of a long, hot summer with the kids has already got you depressed, you can keep cool with free movies on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Enzian Theatre in Maitland. There is a $5 admission for the films Saturday and Sunday.

This is a nice selection of classic and recent films, that even adults should like.

Movies include the fantasy favorite Jason and the Argonauts (1963); Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988); The Goonies (1985); Charlie Chaplin’s legendary The Gold Rush (1926) and one of the most visual animated films of the past decade, Spirited Away (2002). Spirited Away is the new 10th anniversary edition, shown in a new 35mm print.

Weekday screenings are on select dates, once a week at 3 p.m. Weekend screenings are at usually at 1 p.m.

For a complete schedule of films and screening times go to  enzian.org.