Pugsly
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2002
- Messages
- 928
Pre-Trip Report
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Tuesday, September 27th
We have our alarm set for some hour one should never set their alarm for when on vacation. And once again, the alarm fails. Luckily, we manage to wake in time to ready for a once in a lifetime opportunity.
We arrive at Discovery Cove at straight on 8:00 and it doesnt take us long to check in and have our IDs made. Oddly enough, they cant find my name in their reservation system, but do find Keiths. We even had them check for me using Keiths last name (since everyone assumes were already married). Instead I am known as Sharon (and my birthdate). Strange.
Our first stop is breakfast, which consists of scrambled eggs, bacon, breakfast potatoes, French toast sticks, coffee and orange juice. Thank goodness there were no mashed potatoes as we now have to squeeze in to our wetsuits (which we opt for instead of the vests). We explore a bit before settling into a couple of lounge chairs alongside one of the dolphin lagoons.
Our swim time is 9:45 and at that time, we make our way to the Starfish Cabana for orientation. We ended up watching a couple of films as they were having some issues getting the dolphins to cooperate (and go into the swim lagoon). Also while waiting, we had an interesting Q&A session with one of the trainers, who shared with us, her journey in becoming a trainer.
When we hit the 72º water in the lagoon, we were certainly glad we opted for the wetsuits! Today, our group was playing with Latoya, a 28-year old female dolphin. The trainers taught us various hand motions resulting in Latoya acting or making certain noises. We were able to rub her back as she swam in front of us. And we took turns giving her a kiss. All the while, the photographers snapped pictures. One note about the photographers for our group: to me, it seemed like they were standing behind us and Ive never known a camera to take pics of a persons front, when the photographer stood behind them. The trainers, however, moved us into the perfect position for the necessary shots. The group next to us had a very entertaining trainer, who managed to attract not only their assigned dolphin, but several other dolphins who apparently loved to play with him at one point, the group had 3 dolphins to play with! Next up: our swim with our dolphin. After putting one hand on her dorsal fin and the other on her flipper, Latoya glided us back to group. I have one HUGE grin on my face! Latoya bid us adieu with a splash. All-told, we spent about 30 minutes in the water and it was quite the experience.
Afterwards, we traded in our wetsuits for vests and headed to the lazy river. The floaties are strewn on the beaches so if you find one, just grab and go and we enjoyed a relaxing float. Initially, we tried to (mistakenly) swim against the current; it didnt take long to realize we were in for one heck of a workout if we continued on this way. Be warned: the lazy river takes you under a couple of waterfalls. You also float through (under) the aviary, which we found very relaxing. The depth ranges from a few feet to 8 feet deep at points.
Back to the lounge chairs for a bit of a lay out, before we decided it was time for lunch. I had the Beach Burger and Keith had the pulled pork sandwich. His was good enough and mine was only edible (and thats all I have to say about that). We both opted for the cheesecake for dessert and were less than thrilled after the first bite. He went back for carrot cake (yummy!) and I grabbed the rice krispie treats, which were a bit on the stale side.
A word about todays crowds. Of course, only 1000 guests are allowed in each day (there were definitely not 1000 people here this day) and most of the lounge chairs (near the Starfish Cabana) were empty. So we really didnt find it necessary to get everything done early. I did find it interesting that there were dolphin swims going on all day long, in all 3 of the lagoons.
After lunch, we returned to our lounge chairs and I could barely finish one page of my book before I was snoozing. And shortly thereafter, I could hear snoring from the lounge chair next to mine so knew Keith had followed my lead.
It wasnt blazing hot this day but we were under an umbrella, so maybe it was.
.
I have no idea what time we awoke, but decided to head to the reef for some snorkeling. We decided it may have been a bit premature to ditch the wetsuits the temperature in the reef is the same as in the dolphin lagoons. Eek! Unfortunately, Keiths snorkel was busted, which meant for shorter bits of time with his face in the water (he couldnt be bothered to trade his in). We enjoyed viewing all that the reef had to offer.
At one point, we swam to the shark viewing area, then around the bend, and popped up right next to a trainer. Within minutes (or maybe it was seconds), there was a swarm of rays around us as they knew the trainer was there for only one reason: lunch! We were able to pet many of them as they bumped against us (their barbs have been trimmed). At one point, one ray was flapping against Keiths chest, likely because others had crowded around and there was little room for the rays to get out of the circle of onlookers. I actually think theyre kinda cute little buggers.
By this time, our interest in Discovery Cove was waning, so we decided to call it a day. All in all, this was a very enjoyable experience and one Im most certainly glad that we did.
Back in the room, the comfy bed calls out to us and we quickly answer. Funny I hated being made to take a nap when I was a small child (always too much fun to be had!), but as an adult, I find I dont have nearly enough nap time.
When we awake, we decide we should find something to eat and venture to Crossroads where we decide to give Johnnies Hideaway a go. I keep telling Keith we are completely under-dressed, but it really didnt matter they put us in a corner, probably to hide us from the rest of the patrons. We decide to split the 28-oz. Porterhouse steak (which comes with you guessed it garlic mashed potatoes) and select a very nice bottle of wine. Salads precede dinner, and we have to say these were unlike any salads weve eaten before: iceberg lettuce, with beets, hominy, olives, and underneath, potato salad. Interesting is about the most polite way in which we could describe it. The steak was good, if a bit different than the way we are used to having them (we come to the conclusion that everything is just a bit spicier in Texas, and maybe in San Antonio in particular). Medium-well in Texas is described as cooked, with a thin line of pink. I think medium-well in Florida is described as barely audible mooing.
Afterwards, we contemplated a game of mini-golf, but it was nearing 10:00, so instead we opt for a walk through the outlet malls (yes, again but this time I think it is in an effort to walk off those mashed potatoes). We return to the resort around 10:45 to secure a reasonable parking spot.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Tuesday, September 27th
We have our alarm set for some hour one should never set their alarm for when on vacation. And once again, the alarm fails. Luckily, we manage to wake in time to ready for a once in a lifetime opportunity.
We arrive at Discovery Cove at straight on 8:00 and it doesnt take us long to check in and have our IDs made. Oddly enough, they cant find my name in their reservation system, but do find Keiths. We even had them check for me using Keiths last name (since everyone assumes were already married). Instead I am known as Sharon (and my birthdate). Strange.
Our first stop is breakfast, which consists of scrambled eggs, bacon, breakfast potatoes, French toast sticks, coffee and orange juice. Thank goodness there were no mashed potatoes as we now have to squeeze in to our wetsuits (which we opt for instead of the vests). We explore a bit before settling into a couple of lounge chairs alongside one of the dolphin lagoons.
Our swim time is 9:45 and at that time, we make our way to the Starfish Cabana for orientation. We ended up watching a couple of films as they were having some issues getting the dolphins to cooperate (and go into the swim lagoon). Also while waiting, we had an interesting Q&A session with one of the trainers, who shared with us, her journey in becoming a trainer.
When we hit the 72º water in the lagoon, we were certainly glad we opted for the wetsuits! Today, our group was playing with Latoya, a 28-year old female dolphin. The trainers taught us various hand motions resulting in Latoya acting or making certain noises. We were able to rub her back as she swam in front of us. And we took turns giving her a kiss. All the while, the photographers snapped pictures. One note about the photographers for our group: to me, it seemed like they were standing behind us and Ive never known a camera to take pics of a persons front, when the photographer stood behind them. The trainers, however, moved us into the perfect position for the necessary shots. The group next to us had a very entertaining trainer, who managed to attract not only their assigned dolphin, but several other dolphins who apparently loved to play with him at one point, the group had 3 dolphins to play with! Next up: our swim with our dolphin. After putting one hand on her dorsal fin and the other on her flipper, Latoya glided us back to group. I have one HUGE grin on my face! Latoya bid us adieu with a splash. All-told, we spent about 30 minutes in the water and it was quite the experience.
Afterwards, we traded in our wetsuits for vests and headed to the lazy river. The floaties are strewn on the beaches so if you find one, just grab and go and we enjoyed a relaxing float. Initially, we tried to (mistakenly) swim against the current; it didnt take long to realize we were in for one heck of a workout if we continued on this way. Be warned: the lazy river takes you under a couple of waterfalls. You also float through (under) the aviary, which we found very relaxing. The depth ranges from a few feet to 8 feet deep at points.
Back to the lounge chairs for a bit of a lay out, before we decided it was time for lunch. I had the Beach Burger and Keith had the pulled pork sandwich. His was good enough and mine was only edible (and thats all I have to say about that). We both opted for the cheesecake for dessert and were less than thrilled after the first bite. He went back for carrot cake (yummy!) and I grabbed the rice krispie treats, which were a bit on the stale side.
A word about todays crowds. Of course, only 1000 guests are allowed in each day (there were definitely not 1000 people here this day) and most of the lounge chairs (near the Starfish Cabana) were empty. So we really didnt find it necessary to get everything done early. I did find it interesting that there were dolphin swims going on all day long, in all 3 of the lagoons.
After lunch, we returned to our lounge chairs and I could barely finish one page of my book before I was snoozing. And shortly thereafter, I could hear snoring from the lounge chair next to mine so knew Keith had followed my lead.
It wasnt blazing hot this day but we were under an umbrella, so maybe it was.
.
I have no idea what time we awoke, but decided to head to the reef for some snorkeling. We decided it may have been a bit premature to ditch the wetsuits the temperature in the reef is the same as in the dolphin lagoons. Eek! Unfortunately, Keiths snorkel was busted, which meant for shorter bits of time with his face in the water (he couldnt be bothered to trade his in). We enjoyed viewing all that the reef had to offer.
At one point, we swam to the shark viewing area, then around the bend, and popped up right next to a trainer. Within minutes (or maybe it was seconds), there was a swarm of rays around us as they knew the trainer was there for only one reason: lunch! We were able to pet many of them as they bumped against us (their barbs have been trimmed). At one point, one ray was flapping against Keiths chest, likely because others had crowded around and there was little room for the rays to get out of the circle of onlookers. I actually think theyre kinda cute little buggers.
By this time, our interest in Discovery Cove was waning, so we decided to call it a day. All in all, this was a very enjoyable experience and one Im most certainly glad that we did.
Back in the room, the comfy bed calls out to us and we quickly answer. Funny I hated being made to take a nap when I was a small child (always too much fun to be had!), but as an adult, I find I dont have nearly enough nap time.
When we awake, we decide we should find something to eat and venture to Crossroads where we decide to give Johnnies Hideaway a go. I keep telling Keith we are completely under-dressed, but it really didnt matter they put us in a corner, probably to hide us from the rest of the patrons. We decide to split the 28-oz. Porterhouse steak (which comes with you guessed it garlic mashed potatoes) and select a very nice bottle of wine. Salads precede dinner, and we have to say these were unlike any salads weve eaten before: iceberg lettuce, with beets, hominy, olives, and underneath, potato salad. Interesting is about the most polite way in which we could describe it. The steak was good, if a bit different than the way we are used to having them (we come to the conclusion that everything is just a bit spicier in Texas, and maybe in San Antonio in particular). Medium-well in Texas is described as cooked, with a thin line of pink. I think medium-well in Florida is described as barely audible mooing.
Afterwards, we contemplated a game of mini-golf, but it was nearing 10:00, so instead we opt for a walk through the outlet malls (yes, again but this time I think it is in an effort to walk off those mashed potatoes). We return to the resort around 10:45 to secure a reasonable parking spot.
