Anyone ever do the Dolphins in Depth?

[MontanaCowgirl]

Has anyone ever swam with the dolphins at this Epcot special attraction? Do you have to know how to swim? I know that may sound like a dumb question but if you can wear a lifevest...
I know no jewelry is allowed but they don't mention if you need to know how to swim or not.

Thanks!!!

 

[jkovick]

We did this in Sept 2001. It is a great ,educational experience. You learn about dolphins and dolphin behavior in a relaxed classroom setting for the first half of the program. Then everyone changes to wetsuits and get in the water for about 45 minutes. You stand on a platform at the top of the Living Seas aquarium. You don't actually swim with them, but you get a few minutes each of interaction time with them as well as group interaction. The whole thing is video taped. We loved it!

 

[Eeyore1954]

You don't actually swim with the dolphins at DID. The tour includes learning about dolphins and their behaviors, some video, and then you pull on a wetsuit ( ) to go meet the dolphins. After a backstage tour, you go to the top of the Living Seas to a platform area. You step down into the water on another platform -- it's not too deep. I remember it hit my hips, maybe a little higher and I'm about 5'9" tall. The water was very cool and brisk.

The dolphins choose whether or not to come over -- they are not forced to come to the group. Usually they do. You can meet them and learn some commands. You don't swim around the area. (There is another tour for certified divers.)

I think the best day to go is Monday. The dolphins have no outside contact with people all weekend (except the trainers and staff), so they seemed very anxious to come over and meet us. By Friday, meeting people is sort of "old hat."

Reserve your spot well in advance. The tour is limited to 8, I believe.

** If you want to truly swim with dolphins, check out Discovery Cove at SeaWorld.

 

[mickey2001]

I have done both Disney and Sea World with the dolphins. Disney was a great experience being at the top of the main tank with two friendly dolphins. However, I must say Sea Worlds program is incredible!!!! You don't have to be a swimmer , and there is so much to do for a whole day. Lunch served on china with silver ware. Bath houses with lockers, bird section with small animals, and the best part a swim with a dolphin. IMO it was the best thing I ever did! An experience of a lifetime that was worth the extra money over Disneys program. I still enjoyed Disney, however Sea World was a far superior experience!!!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Originally posted by mickey2001
I have done both Disney and Sea World with the dolphins. Disney was a great experience being at the top of the main tank with two friendly dolphins. However, I must say Sea Worlds program is incredible!!!! You don't have to be a swimmer , and there is so much to do for a whole day. Lunch served on china with silver ware. Bath houses with lockers, bird section with small animals, and the best part a swim with a dolphin. IMO it was the best thing I ever did! An experience of a lifetime that was worth the extra money over Disneys program. I still enjoyed Disney, however Sea World was a far superior experience!!!

How much dolphin time did you get at Disney vs. Discovery Cove? I know that DC is a whole day experience but only part of the time is scheduled for a dolphin swim. Did you get photos or a videotape from Dolphins in Depth?

 

[MontanaCowgirl]

I knew my fellow posters would come through! Thank you all so much for clarifying this program. I will definitely do the WDW one...can you share where you call to make the reservations? Might consider Sea World also... but the next trip... this one is just for WDW!

Thanks!

 

[justhat]

How far in advance can you book the DW Dolphin program? We're planning to do it on our honeymoon next June and we want to be sure to get a spot. Also, about the Sea World Program, is it more than just dolphins? I've never heard of it (haven't been to Sea World since i was 8) but it sounds great so maybe we'll try that one too!