Can you still pet dolphins at SeaWorld?

[IwasatWDWforamonth]

I find the best interaction is before they start the feedings, they have been more playful during that time,

 

[goofyforlife]

it would be a bit different if they only chained the area off during feeding times, but the gatekeeper said the "chains" were there all day long ( of course we did not go back to see if this was true ), perhaps they do allow people in when feeding is not taking place

we would appreciate if anyone can clear that aspect up for us

I was there last saturday (16th)... The area next to the bait shack was roped off the entire morning until feeding time. Only then could families paying to feed, go into that area. I asked one of the trainers about the new procedure and they said it was because people on the walls were not moving so that people could have a spot to feed the dolphins and the feeders were getting mad.

I totally understand and that also leeds the dolphins to know that people in the feeding area are feeding; people on the other side = no food.

Anyway, We got four trays for our group. (Wish we would have known about the discount cause my dsis had a pass) My 3yo nephew really got a kick out of feeding them his fish. One of the ones we were feeding let us pet him or maybe it was her for awhile.

Great experience the new way...

Last May before the changes...i would try to feed and all the people around me crowded the dolphin to pet him and i didn't get to pet it at all.

 

[jwfla422]

So, did this just change in the last 2 months? Because when we were there in Oct. we didn't find that to be the case. The only areas chained off were for the trainers or for school groups to use to feed the dolphins. I actually think this would be kind of nice because it's true that it can be tough to find a spot to feed them, even when you do buy the food.

 

[goofyforlife]

So, did this just change in the last 2 months? Because when we were there in Oct. we didn't find that to be the case. The only areas chained off were for the trainers or for school groups to use to feed the dolphins.

Not sure when they started it...The trainer (girl in the kayak with the dolphins) mentioned it was a fairly new procedure.

i did notice there was a tour group in that area or maybe preferred pass something group about a half hour before feeding time. (We were there about 45 minutes because they only had one feeding time listed on the board for that day.) They did not have food but got to go into that roped area.

 

[eeyorefan74]

We bought our $5 fish and fed and petted the dolphins on our trip a couple of weeks ago. I agree with the advice to go first thing in the morning so the crowds are smaller. Also a warning. The trainers were telling everyone to make sure their maps, fish trays, etc were out of reach of the dolphins. My DD5 had a new camera we had bought her for Christmas and given to her early for the trip. She leaned in to take a picture or pet a dolphin (not exactly sure which) and a dolphin took it out of her hand and swam away with it. The trainer was able to get the dolphin to bring it back which was pretty amazing, but of course the camera was ruined and she was very upset.