Considering DC for a 7 and 9 yr old...

[KAPTink]

We're going on a non-Disney Orlando trip. I'm considering Discovery Cove, but not sure what ages would be good , esp. for dolphin encounter. Anyone have experience?

We're def. going to SW and maybe to Busch Gardens, but haven't decided exactly yet.

Can anyone shed some light? DC seems expensive, and I was going to skip, but I keep hearing that it's pretty cool. Help me out, please!

 

[dananbethany]

7 and 9 sound perfect. My daughter was 9 when we did the dolphin swim. If you can, by all means, I highly recommend going to Discovery Cove!

 

[kirbydog48]

We were just there on Friday 4/25. It was a wonderful day for myself, DH and DS8. The river is great to just meander and learn how to snorkel. The ray pool is totally great...these creatures are so otherworldly! The dolphin encounter is just great. My son, who has ADHD, asked about 20 questions, and the 2 trainers who were with our group were so great with him, gave him a few special jobs, etc. If your kids like animals, I think it's a do-not miss experience. Yes, it is a lot of money to shell out, but think of what you get...continental breakfast, as much lunch as you want, unlimited snacks plus budweiser, and 7 days at either Busch Gardens or Seaworld. Feel free to PM me if you have questions.

Liz

 

[KAPTink]

Thanks for your reply! My son, 9, also has ADHD, and can talk details with adults for literally hours on end. I'm glad to hear the trainers were good with your son. I think both of my children would like the dolphin encounter, but I'm thinking they might be weirded out about the stingrays. Are there 'creatures' in the river? Are there any areas for water play and swimming w/out sea life?? My daughter loves dolphins and water, but her love of other sea animals just insn't there.

 

[kirbydog48]

Thanks for your reply! My son, 9, also has ADHD, and can talk details with adults for literally hours on end. I'm glad to hear the trainers were good with your son. I think both of my children would like the dolphin encounter, but I'm thinking they might be weirded out about the stingrays. Are there 'creatures' in the river? Are there any areas for water play and swimming w/out sea life?? My daughter loves dolphins and water, but her love of other sea animals just insn't there.[/QUO


The river is chlorinated fresh water and VERY warm with no creatures. It's cool to swim by the aviary and look up from the water at all the cool birds. There is a ray lagoon with smaller rays that you just wade in; the water is very shallow and there was a naturalist to answer questions. My son did okay there. Then there is a huge coral reef where you can snorkle and there are beautiful fish and HUGE rays. DS totally freaked out there, so he spent the rest of the time in the river and on the beach. The river is great for casual swimming. There is a gentle current so you can just drift along (the vest adds boyancy). They also have lifejackets and noodles to rest on while you float.