Discovery Cove is AMAZING!

[scrappinmom]

Just back from our trip...We were at DC on Friday March 27th. It was amazing. I was hemming and hawing about the money...holy cow, it was completely & totally worth every penny.

We arrived early - 8:15ish - checked in, got our Dolphin Swim time - we requested early afternoon - our time was 11:55. Perfect. We walked in took a few pictures...& went to eat a little breakfast. Plenty of fruit, cereal, bagels, pastries, oatmeal, juice,coffee, tea, yogurt...Once we finished we went off to change. Asked for vests/wetsuit and changed.

First we went into the lazy river/pool to get the kids used to the whole snorkel thing...there was a DC staff member there teaching folks how to snorkel so we all did that...then we were off...we had an amazing time just swimming & looking & playing around. Swimming thru the Aviary there were several birds perched near the water to look at & "talk to". The water was very warm...I would say easily 85 degrees.

Then we wandered over to the coral reef/fish water. This water was a whole lot colder than the other! AND I forgot to tell the kids it was saltwater....eek....so after that mishap, we started exploring...WOW it was amazing. My 9 yr old was a bit freaked out by the fish swimming between her legs...but over all just a wonderful time.

We then went over to the stingray pool. They had a baby born just that morning,so while we couldn't touch the newborn, it was neat to watch...The stingrays were plentiful.

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We just played around in the 3 areas until it was time for our dolphin swim.
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These are some of the pics on the Picture disk we bought there...I have many more on my camera but haven't downloaded them yet.

Anyone have any ?

[czycropper]

Thanks for posting.

I'm taking my DDs on Sunday, May 24th and I can't wait. My DDs are little fishes so I know that they'll have a great time.

Couple of questions - how were the wetsuits? I'm a size 14/16. How long did you stay? I'm also trying to set up dinner with family before going back to where we're staying in the Tampa area.

TIA!

[scrappinmom]

Couple of questions - how were the wetsuits? I'm a size 14/16. How long did you stay? I'm also trying to set up dinner with family before going back to where we're staying in the Tampa area.

TIA!

oldest dd & I opted for the vests...which were fine,youngest got a wetsuit, which she loved....she said it was really comfy all day, until we had to peel it off of her ofcourse!

I did see plenty of people in wetsuits, I just knew I'd have to "p" too many times! hahahah (gotta love free beer)

We stayed until 5:30 & then showered & left by 6:15...although I have to tell you we were REALLY REALLY tired...we had planned on going to DTD for dinner...& opted to head back to the hotel & grab a counter service instead.

[Tinks1984]

Chris, I'm so glad that you and your girls had a good time! Looks like you had loads of fun! :goodvibes I told you that you'd enjoy it and there was nothing to worry about!

About the wetsuits to the other poster, I'm a size 16 and was quite happy in a full wetsuit all day, it was very comfy until late on in the day when it did rub a little around the collar.

Enjoy!

[dolphingirl47]

What dolphin did you interact with?

dolphingirl47

[cswtmom]

Thank you for sharing your trip with us :thumbsup2
Can't wait to see more photos of your trip
We are going to Discovery Cove on April 22, 2009, and we can't wait :banana::yay::woohoo::cheer2::jumping3::bounce::fl ower1::fish::flower::wave::jumping1:

[scrappinmom]

What dolphin did you interact with?

dolphingirl47

We had C.J. - he was quite the cutie!

[ellenmiele]

We'll be at DC on April 13th. What snacks are available during the course of the day (other than bfast and lunch)? Is there coffee/tea at bfast? What "free" beverages are offered during the day? And as far as the beer goes, it it just Budweiser or other beers too? Are there plenty of "pool" towels? Lastly, I read on the DC website about sunscreen - they provide one that's safe for the dolphins and other fish. yes? Do they actually give you a tube of it and if not, is it available around the park to reapply thruout the day? THANKS!

[scrappinmom]

We'll be at DC on April 13th. What snacks are available during the course of the day (other than bfast and lunch)? Is there coffee/tea at bfast? What "free" beverages are offered during the day? And as far as the beer goes, it it just Budweiser or other beers too? Are there plenty of "pool" towels? Lastly, I read on the DC website about sunscreen - they provide one that's safe for the dolphins and other fish. yes? Do they actually give you a tube of it and if not, is it available around the park to reapply thruout the day? THANKS!


Let's see there was chips (Lays brands), hot pretzels, slushies, pepsi products of all kinds, ice cream bars, fruit bars, bananas, apples. Yes coffee/tea all day long, beers...hmm..I can't remember but there were at least 4 different ones to choose from (we only drank the bud light).

more pool towels than you will ever need.

They give you a small sample of sunscreen...and you can purchase more. There were 6 of us, we had enough for the day. We just opened one packet at a time. I did see people with kids using the regular old sunscreen and no one said anything to them, so I'm not sure if you could bring your own or not. I need special sunscreen for my scalp/hair (thank you Lupus)...& I asked if I could use that & they said yes.

[jpeppers]

I loved the Michelob Ultra!!!!!!

[dolphingirl47]

We had C.J. - he was quite the cutie!

Now I know why I thought I recognised him. I have never actually interacted with CJ, but I swam with his sister when I did my Trainer for a Day at Seaworld San Diego. They look so similar. CJ is one very special dolphin.

dolphingirl47

[scrappinmom]

Now I know why I thought I recognised him. I have never actually interacted with CJ, but I swam with his sister when I did my Trainer for a Day at Seaworld San Diego. They look so similar. CJ is one very special dolphin.

dolphingirl47

That's one part of the interaction I wish they taped....our trainer told us SO many cool things about dolphins and CJ I'd rather listen to that on the DVD than the music.

I believe CJ is the one dolphin that was born from 2 different types of dolphins (dolphingirl47 - I'm sure you know the types! I don't)...his mom was a bottlenose and his dad something else. But he's unique in color (He's darker than the others), and he has teeth like his dad not his mom so he has more than a "regular" dolphin.

It really was amazing, completely worth every single penny spent.

The Shedd Aquarium here in Chicago is starting a new program to train with the Belugas this summer, oldest dd has already asked to do it for her bday. I was a little skeptical as it's $300+ but aftter Discovery Cove, I can't wait to sign her up!

[scootch]

Thanks so much for sharing your pics and your day. We dont' go till November. REally excited about it. I got a discovery cove barbie type doll for my daughter for her birthday last week. Thanks again.

[NHMickeyLvr]

Great pics. I went on the 1st, was putting together my trip report, and found out you must have 10 posts to put up pics, so here's number 8.

[NHMickeyLvr]

The place is amazing, we had Iggy and Coral for our dolphin swim, pics coming soon. There's 9.

[NHMickeyLvr]

Jeez, I hate hijacking a thread, but I just spent an hour uploading and typing, I have to get my 10. There, that should do it. :rolleyes1

[Tillikumtrainer]

CJ is a common/Bottlenose dolphin hybrid your lucky to have swam with him he's also the "star" of the Discovery cove commercial..

[the_princess]

Lovely pics.... I really want to do DC again, it's amazing!!!!

[dolphingirl47]

That's one part of the interaction I wish they taped....our trainer told us SO many cool things about dolphins and CJ I'd rather listen to that on the DVD than the music.

I believe CJ is the one dolphin that was born from 2 different types of dolphins (dolphingirl47 - I'm sure you know the types! I don't)...his mom was a bottlenose and his dad something else. But he's unique in color (He's darker than the others), and he has teeth like his dad not his mom so he has more than a "regular" dolphin.

It really was amazing, completely worth every single penny spent.

The Shedd Aquarium here in Chicago is starting a new program to train with the Belugas this summer, oldest dd has already asked to do it for her bday. I was a little skeptical as it's $300+ but aftter Discovery Cove, I can't wait to sign her up!

As you rightly say, CJ's mum Jenny is an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin.
His dad is a Common Dolphin. I was lucky enough to see wild Common
Dolphins near Catalina Island on one of our trips to Southern
California. They are much darker than Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins
(depending on how the light reflects off them they almost look steel
blue) and have a very distinct stripe.

If you can afford to do the Beluga programme, I would definitely
recommend it. I did the Marine Mammal Keeper Experience at Seaworld
Orlando twice and as part of this I had the chance to interact with
Belugas. This is truly amazing.

dolphingirl47

[sluggozmom]

Thank you so much... I loved your report, and the pictures are awesome!!!!

[scrappinmom]

CJ is a common/Bottlenose dolphin hybrid your lucky to have swam with him he's also the "star" of the Discovery cove commercial..

As you rightly say, CJ's mum Jenny is an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin.
His dad is a Common Dolphin. I was lucky enough to see wild Common
Dolphins near Catalina Island on one of our trips to Southern
California. They are much darker than Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins
(depending on how the light reflects off them they almost look steel
blue) and have a very distinct stripe.

If you can afford to do the Beluga programme, I would definitely
recommend it. I did the Marine Mammal Keeper Experience at Seaworld
Orlando twice and as part of this I had the chance to interact with
Belugas. This is truly amazing.

dolphingirl47


Thank you! I'm printing out both of your replies...so I can add them to our scrapbook (when I get that far!).

Both of my girls have asked for prints of CJ & them...for their lockers, one wants a mousepad, the other wants a frame on her desk. You know, this was their 7th and 8th trip to disney & they've only asked for pictures of them & their favorite characters maybe once or twice....but they are STILL talking about DC, to their friends, their teachers, everyone that will listen. I'm so glad I decided to do it. I know it's expensive, and i did think about it for a long time...but it was so worth it.

I hope everyone that's going soon has an amazing time as well :goodvibes

[chimo2u]

To swim with the dolphins has always been a dream of mine :) We are headed back to the World Sept. 1-12 and I am seriously considering adding a day to DC for my family. It will break up the 10 disney days a little, and I will be able to do a swim with the dolphins like I have always dreamed. My husband would do the normal day without the dolphin swim, and I think both my boys want to try the dolphin swim (they are 13 and 17). I am curious as it says transportation is provided if you book a all inclusive day? How would you suggest we get to DC from Disney World? as we have no car. We will be staying at AKL resort.
Any advice you could give would be wonderful. It is expensive, but it is also the last trip most likely to Florida, so probably a once in a lifetime opportunity to do this!
Marie

[jmurphy625]

Scrappinmom, can you tell me what package you had? My son is 10 and not a strong swimmer (and never been snorkeling)--but he's my animal lover. Do they have lifevests?

Can you explain how it works? Did you buy tixs for a specific day? or time?

I'm worried about them spending the such a long day out in the sun (end of June) What do you do while you're waiting for your swim time? How long were you able to stay in the pool?

Thanks so much

[scrappinmom]

To I am curious as it says transportation is provided if you book a all inclusive day? How would you suggest we get to DC from Disney World? as we have no car. We will be staying at AKL resort.
Any advice you could give would be wonderful. It is expensive, but it is also the last trip most likely to Florida, so probably a once in a lifetime opportunity to do this!
Marie

Marie - I too thought "gosh that's a whole lotta money"...but seriously it is worth every cent! I n ever would have believed it if we didn't experience it. I'm not sure about the transportation part, as we had a car.

Scrappinmom, can you tell me what package you had? My son is 10 and not a strong swimmer (and never been snorkeling)--but he's my animal lover. Do they have lifevests?

Can you explain how it works? Did you buy tixs for a specific day? or time?

I'm worried about them spending the such a long day out in the sun (end of June) What do you do while you're waiting for your swim time? How long were you able to stay in the pool?

Thanks so much

We did the dolphin swim package for all of us. My girls are both good swimmers, it's ME that's not. & I was a little intimidated by the pools...especially the salt water one. BUT it was so amazing, that I just threw on a life vest & did it...yes I was a tad bit embarrased to have on a life vest...but was thrilled to not have missed anything. Your son will be fine, I would stay with him though....there are tons of staff & lifeguards around & I felt perfectly safe....While we were waiting for our swim time, we swam in the freshwater pool/river/aviary, did the stingray lagoon, swam in the "reef" pool, and had lunch/snacks. It was March for us, so sun wasn't a problem...although I have Lupus, so I'm really not supposed to be in the sun...so I was very consciouis of that. There are umbrellas to sit under which is what I did. The aviary is mostly shaded so you could easily spend an hour there. We really didn't have very much out of the water time...my girls loved the reef pool and the stingray pool and we spent a great deal of time there. I would suggest getting your kids a water camera...my kids took some amazing underwater pics..& that kept them in the water a lot more as well.

The one bit of advice I can give you guys is to NOT plan to do something after your day at DC. I thought - Oh we'll go back change, maybe hit DTD. NOT - we were SOOOOO tired! We got a snack & basically vegged out in our room & were asleep before 9pm!

I hope you guys have great trips!

[czycropper]

Scrappinmom - from your name, I'm assuming you're a scrapper. Have you scrapbooked any of the pics from DC? I would :love: to see some if you have.

I can't wait till we go in a month. It has been really hard not telling my DDs of the surprise trip to Florida and much harder not saying anything about DC :rotfl:

My eldest DD just asked me why she can't dance at the Memorial Day Tour of Somerville Bike Races near us which she does every year with her dance school - I just said we have plans and not to ask many questions :rotfl2: Then this weekend my DH said that he was going to do our powder room and she just shot me this look "like what's going on" but didn't say a word!

[scrappinmom]

Scrappinmom - from your name, I'm assuming you're a scrapper. Have you scrapbooked any of the pics from DC? I would :love: to see some if you have.

I can't wait till we go in a month. It has been really hard not telling my DDs of the surprise trip to Florida and much harder not saying anything about DC :rotfl:

My eldest DD just asked me why she can't dance at the Memorial Day Tour of Somerville Bike Races near us which she does every year with her dance school - I just said we have plans and not to ask many questions :rotfl2: Then this weekend my DH said that he was going to do our powder room and she just shot me this look "like what's going on" but didn't say a word!


hahah - uh - no...haven't even printed them ! I can tell you though...that they do have a scrap kit there...it's the Creative Imaginations stuff...I don't remember the price...but I bought 2 of everything! I have 214 pics to scrap from our trip. I also saw all the DC scrapbook stuff online at scrapyourtrip.com, she has all the same stuff they had there. You are going to have an amazing time! It's a scrappers dream! I can't wait to scrap them...but I have wayy too many other things "in line" first...I was lucky last year and took a solo trip to DL (my first) and met a friend & got to go to Club33, I am just starting to work on those pages now....

[czycropper]

OH NO! I'm in big trouble if they have the scrapbooking stuff there to buy :lmao: I have a lot of other things to do before I get to this upcoming trip but I'm the type that likes to buy the stuff. I still haven't finish our June 2008 Disney/Universal trip and we just got back from Williamsburg & Busch Gardens - I'm never caught up on vacation photos!

[hohoz]

The Shedd Aquarium here in Chicago is starting a new program to train with the Belugas this summer, oldest dd has already asked to do it for her bday. I was a little skeptical as it's $300+ but aftter Discovery Cove, I can't wait to sign her up!

What is going on at the Shedd? I live in Palos Hills and I am looking for something for DD8 to do for her 9th B-day. I was thinking of a long weekend to Discovery Cove or US/IOA in early December. We decided of not having a big party just going away just the 3 of us.

[Dolphina]

a lot of these programmes coming up these days! even in germany you can do something similar like that now!! :thumbsup2

[mmmears]

Thank you so much for posting this review and the photos. It's really helped me make my decision to go to Discovery Cove!:goodvibes

[inkkognito]

How deep is the water for the dolphin swim? Can you stand throughout the whole experience, or do you ever go into water over your head?

[Dolphina]

the water is waist deep, as faw as I know. the only time you're not standing is when you swim with the dolphin!

[ToriPeanut]

I had a grea time at discovery cove too! i loved the idea of free food all day! and it was soo much fun swimming and going through the aviary!!

The wait for the dolphin swim was frustrating, but worth it. I recommend anyone to check it out:lovestruc

[cswtmom]

How deep is the water for the dolphin swim? Can you stand throughout the whole experience, or do you ever go into water over your head?

We went to Discovery Cove on April 22, 2009. You are in waist deep water most of the time but when you have the swim part with the dolphin you will be in the water that is over your head !!!. They do ask you if you can swim. My ds (23) did have to help his young sister (8 years old) still afloat for her swimming turn. You could also wear a life jacket if needed.
Discovery Cove is such a wonderful place :woohoo:, I wish I could live there :lmao::lmao:.
Have a great time !!!

[DisneyFairytale]

Those are incredible photos. They gave me goosebumps. Thank you so much for sharing. I would love to plan to swim with dolphins if I could. I will definitely try it out when I fly down.