Day 8 - Discovery Cove

Ang1e

Mouseketeer
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Sep 16, 2002
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This Really is the Trip of a Lifetime Day 8

The Cast


Me – Ang 34
DH – Enz 43
DD – Gabriella 11
DS – Gianni 8

21 October 2004

Discovery Cove


Set the alarm for 7am for the big day ahead.

I wandered over to the foodcourt to get my mug of coffee and then we all had brekkie in the room. We’d bought a few bakery items at the Earl of Sandwich last night to have. Just for a change I had my cinnamon and raisin bagel with cream cheese :teeth: .

Off we set to go to Discovery Cove! I was so nervous about this – I woke at 4am in a panic! I do not like to touch animals. Most of our friends have cats, dogs etc and they have to keep them away from because I’m petrified of them. So why the heck have I spent all this money to get into a pool of cold water with a dolphin :confused3

Check-in was easy. A quick photo for everyone’s id card and a swipe of the credit card for all day charging.

We were shown to our changing rooms then had a choice of wet vests or suits. Enz went for a suit straight away. The kids and I decided to have vests. We didn’t like how they fitted so we changed to the suits instead. Gabs’ suit was too small so she asked for the next size up, she was given 2 sizes up and to be honest is was too big on her but she kept it because the lady handing them out looked like she’d had enough of us by this time :blush:

After practising with our snorkels and goggles, we had a short swim in the lazy river. It was then time to make our way to the Seahorse Cabana for our pre-dolphin interaction talk/video. Well if comments like ‘dolphins are just like sharks, you have to be careful with them’ didn’t have me running out screaming nothing would! Having said that I was sitting there with my head in my hands laughing hysterically!

10:10 – What the heck am I doing?!

We were in a group with another family of 4 from Oxford. Our 21 month old dolphin was called Marea – and I can only say that I take it all back – what a wonderful experience! As soon as I got in the water and Marea cam near me I felt so calm and excited!

I can’t believe I touched/kissed/stood anywhere near a dolphin!

As Marea is a baby she couldn’t pull us for the swim so an older dolphin, Diego, had the honours.

Gabs was asked if she’d like to help with the training of Marea by being pulled by her. It was so cute because Marea literally came to a standstill and had to be coaxed to the finish.

After the interaction we were taken to look at our photos. There was no pressure to buy and once it’s explained to you how you can choose your photos & video, you’re left to it. We had 7 photos on a CD and the video. We would have loved to have bought more photos but at $15 each we had to stop somewhere! Total cost $202.00.

We snorkelled around some more then had lunch (which was included in the admission) at 1pm. The selection was quite good and fresh. We were all feeling rather sleepy after lunch so had a little rest! After much nagging by Gianni we all dragged ourselves from the sun loungers and went for a dip in the reef with the rays and the fish. Big mistake!! The high salt content in the water sent Gianni absolutely wappy because of his eczema – he couldn’t get out fast enough and stood under the fresh water shower for ages.

We all headed for the showers at about 3.30. The shower and changing facilities were excellent. My only criticism was that in our changing room there was only 1 hairdryer working – as only a few people were leaving at this time it wasn’t much of an issue but I imagine it must have been a pain later on.

We stopped at the Premium Outlets so Gabs could buy some jeans and a belt – those dollars were really burning a hole in her pocket!

We ate at the Olive Garden close to Crossroads – another 1st for us. Lovely fresh food and very quick service. Gianni and Gabs had macaroni & cheese. Enz & I shared a mixed grill – chicken & steak – and salad. Total cost $45.

It was now time to hit Pirates Cove for mini golf. We played here a few time last holiday and we really couldn’t help but return this trip. Total cost $36. For the first time EVER, I won :Pinkbounc

Well, another tiring day for us all. My itinerary says that we should be heading to Blizzard Beach tomorrow as it’s closing for re-hab. However, Gabs & I are still rather sore from sitting on the beach on Tuesday so it’s back to the planning.
 
I've still to finish my Discovery Cove report but we loved it - it is such an amazing experience. Well done you for getting up the courage to do it. Bet you're glad you did.
 
what a brilliant day :) ive swum with dolphins and its a fantastic experience
 

Enjoyed reading your report ~ Thanx for posting.

We had a fab time at DC.
 
It is a fantastic experience. I know what you mean about it being calming. I felt a little bit apprehensive but once you are in the water it was so relaxing (and cold). Somehow it is different being in the water with them.

I enjoyed reading your report.
 














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