DC or Epcot Living Seas

[Richard Bruvofetc]

Hello All,

We're visiting Orlando next year and would like to have a "dolphin" experience. We're (myself, DW and DD aged 12) torn between Discovery Cove and Epcot's Living seas. Have any of you been to both of these venues, and if so, could you tell us what the +ives and -ives are of both venues?

 

[MsMoneyPenny]

I think you have to decide whether you'd like to spend a day or a few hours. If you're looking for a full day's attraction then DC would be better. You get to do lots of fun stuff at DC, or simply veg out on a lounger, have a nice lunch included and of course the highlight is the swim with the dolphins. If on the other hand you're interested in something a bit more 'educational' and 'behind the scenes' with more focus on the dolphin interaction, then the Disney tour would be better. I'm lucky in that I have experience both and they were both excellent in their own way, but I felt that I received more time and interaction with the dolphins doing the Disney tour, which was what I wanted.

 

[wicket2005]

I have not experienced either yet, booked for Discovery Cove this year. However, from what I have read if you want to spend more time with the dolphins then the Epcot attraction would be better. If you want a dolphin experience and experience an alternative type of park then Discovery Cove would suit. Remember you only get to spend about 30 minutes with the dolphin at DC and you are in a group of 8 people.

We plumed for DC because of the other attractions it has plus being able to experience a restful day away from the crowds.

 

[kcodd]

I was planning a trip to DC (four of us) but have not heard about Epcots Living Seas before. Can anyone tell me a bit more about it, prices and booking procedures please?

Thanks
Kathleen C

 

[~Piglet~]

I have been to Discovery Cove (last week) and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. As Wicket says you only get about 30 minutes interaction with a dolphin, ending in a tow back to shore. But you can spend time watching them with other groups throughout the day and with their trainers in an ajacent pool, especially if you choose a sun lounger near to the dolphin swim area.

Beside the dolphin swim I found DC a great place to relax, go for a swim, snorkel or just sit and enjoy the surroundings, and the food was lovely too.

 

[Miffy2003]

Here's some info on Dolphines in Depth from the Dis:

Dolphins in Depth: Here's your chance to get up close and personal with a playful Dolphin. You’ll first explore the backstage areas where these amazing mammals are cared for and learn about the research being conducted at Epcot’s Living Seas pavilion. After this portion of the tour, you’ll enter into waist deep water to interact with these fascinating creatures. You’ll receive a photograph with the dolphin, refreshments and a T-shirt. PLEASE NOTE: No swimming or SCUBA diving is required. No cameras or jewelry are permitted and expectant mothers cannot participate. The dolphin determines the level of interaction.

 

[MazdaUK]

I was thinking whether to do DC next time (yes, I keep saying it even if DH says 10 years - believe me, water wears down the stone! ) but while it would be great for DH and elder DS (possibly even younger DS by then) I can't swim so would kust have to eat and drink all day - not a problem but an expensive way of doing it However if you don't need to swim at Epcot then that would be great as I could join in too!

 

[wicket2005]

Keep wearing him down, you have got to go back there before 10 years have gone by.

I think DC caters for non swimmers by giving them jackets which float. The only bit where you perhaps would normally swim is when the dolphin tows you back to shore. I am sure you could float out and be towed back safely. The rest of the experience is just done standing up and getting the dolphin to do tricks. It would be a shame for you to miss out on the experience.

Why not learn to swim? Could be very useful if you were ever on a boat and it sinks.

 

[MazdaUK]

Believe me, I did try (7 terms of "Ducklings" at the local swimming pool, each term everyone learning except me ). Trouble is can't see without glasses and its very difficult to swim wearing them - AND I hate getting splashed. Both DH and DS(11) can swim and lifesave so I'll just stick by them

 

[arieliwish]

If you know your eye prescription, discovery cove has prescription goggles that you can use free - they swipe your card just in case you don't hand them in at the end of the day and they will charge you. I can't see past the end of my nose so this was great - I did keep my specs handy though, didn't fancy having lunch in goggles!

My prescrip is -4.5 and -5 so they gave me a pair of -4.5 and they were fine.

Life jackets are available and the only bit of swimming is just prior to the dolphin towing you back in. There are also floats around that you can use for the other pools without fish.

 

[crim1978]

Hi all

Taking a trip to WDW next year, this time taking whole family for the first time.

Various Family members can't afford / swim so Discovery Cove is out of the question (that said we did it last vists and it is by far the highlight of any holday).

Two questions:-

Where can I find info on the Epcot living seas "Dolphins in Depth" thing and how much does it cost / how far in advance do I have to book it????

As always, any informaton / advise is appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Crim

 

[Miffy2003]

It's still quite pricey Crim, and you only get 3 hours I think whereas DC gives you all day.

A behind-the-scenes experience for Guests interested in learning more about the dolphins and research at The Living Seas, as well as those wanting to increase their awareness and appreciation for dolphin counterparts in the wild.

Expectant mothers may not take the tour.

You must be at least 13 years old to attend and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult.


Wetsuits are provided but your must bring your own swimsuit. You will be in water up to your waist for about 30 minutes.

Offered Mondays through Fridays at 9:45am and lasts approximately 3 hours.

The $150 cost includes a photograph with the dolphin, refreshments, and a T-shirt. Theme park admission is not required or included. Tour begins near the outside Guest Relations window.

Disney provides showers, shampoo, towels, soap and the wetsuits and booties. No swimming required. No cameras or video taping is allowed. Dolphin interaction is NOT guaranteed. It is the dolphin's choice to participate in the research sessions as well as the interactions.

 

[MazdaUK]

That's really good having prescription goggles available! My prescription is quite high though (can't remember off the top of my head).

Younger DS is not yet 6 so looks like the Epcot swim will have to wait. What is the lower age limit on DC, does anyone know?

Mind you, if DH sticks to his "10 years time" plan age won't be a problem

 

[wicket2005]

Believe me, I did try (7 terms of "Ducklings" at the local swimming pool, each term everyone learning except me ). Trouble is can't see without glasses and its very difficult to swim wearing them - AND I hate getting splashed. Both DH and DS(11) can swim and lifesave so I'll just stick by them

Glad you tried. I don't like getting splashed too and especially hate having water go up my nose.

 

[MsMoneyPenny]

Hi Crim,

I've copied a previous reply I did below which I hope will help.

"I think you have to decide whether you'd like to spend a day or a few hours. If you're looking for a full day's attraction then DC would be better. You get to do lots of fun stuff at DC, or simply veg out on a lounger, have a nice lunch included and of course the highlight is the swim with the dolphins. If on the other hand you're interested in something a bit more 'educational' and 'behind the scenes' with more focus on the dolphin interaction, then the Disney tour would be better. I'm lucky in that I have experience both and they were both excellent in their own way, but I felt that I received more time and interaction with the dolphins doing the Disney tour, which was what I wanted."

The cost works out to around £80 and you have to pay upfront with a credit card. As the tour is only once a day Monday-Friday and has a maximum of 8 people it's really best to book as soon as you can. (I booked a year in advance).

You will need to call WDW Tour office (open 7 days a week) and their number is 001 407 939-8687.

 

[DUDE]

Disney’s Dolphins In Depth is an in-depth, behind-the-scenes experience to learn more about the dolphins and research at The Living Seas, as well as to increase awareness and appreciation for their counterparts in the wild. Most importantly, you will meet them up close and personal, in the water! You are guaranteed to get wet, and most likely splashed, by our resident dolphins.

It is our hope that we will educate guests with valuable information that will provide a better understanding and a heightened appreciation for these marvelous creatures.

Duration: 3 hours

Location and Time: Meet at 9:30a.m. Monday through Friday, guests will be greeted at the Guest Relations window outside the main entrance of Epcot. Tour starts at 9:45 a.m.

Restrictions: Guests must be at least 13 years old to attend this program. (Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult)
Wetsuits are provided but guests must bring their own swimsuit. Guests will be getting in the water up to their waist for 30 minutes. (No swimming or SCUBA diving during the interaction)

Cost: $150 per person; includes a photograph with the dolphin, refreshments, and a T-shirt. Theme park admission is not required or included.

**Note: no cameras or video equipment allowed. Expectant mothers are very strongly discouraged from participating. It is the dolphin's choice to participate in the research sessions as well as the interactions.

Discounts:

DVC, Annual Passholders, Military, AAA Diamond Card, Birnbaum Coupon 15%
Packages:

Platinum Plan
For more information and reservations call (407) WDW-TOUR (407) 939-8687.

All prices include tax.
Program itinerary, content and prices are subject to change without notice.
Program may be subject to cancellation to meet the dolphin's needs

 

[Richard Bruvofetc]

Okay, we've decided on DC.....

I know its another ten and a half months to go but could somebody give us some advice?

DC opens at 9.00am. Should I arrive at 9.00am or are there going to be 1,000 people queuing to get in at that time?

Also, how do they schedule your swim with the dolphin? Do you get allocated a time slot in the day, then go off and do your own thing until that time?

 

[cazzie]

We did DC in April and it was superb. I hadn't heard of the Epcot one until I read this post. The good thing about DC is that it is the whole day with lunch included. Everything was provided and the staff were fantastic, nothing seemed to be too much trouble. You do only get 30 mins in the water with the dolphin although in our case we had longer as our dolphin Rascal decided he would rather go and watch Thelma (his lady friend by the look of it) but they do not force the dolphins to stay with you they just make up the time. We watched others in the afternoon having their dolphin swim which then gave me a chance to take some photos. I suppose if you wanted to do more with the dolphins you could always be trainer for the day it cost more but I think you have more time with them ( you would have to check it out as I am not sure ). My only complaint would be that a day is not long enough. We watched the video when we got back and I don't think I stopped smiling the whole time.


We arrived at Sea World at about 8:30 where we phoned (there is a special phone by the trolley stop) and were picked up straight away. There are plenty of staff when you arrive who will tell you what to do or answer any questions.

 

[Richard Bruvofetc]

Cazzie,

Many thanks for the reply.

Another question. How did you manage with the videoing? With all of us in the water at the same time I was wondering how to get photos and videos done.

 

[cazzie]

Richard, they don't allow you to take your camera or camcorder with you when you go for your dolphin swim. They actually take photos and video it themselves and you can then go and look and buy them if you want to. We purchased a couple of photos and the video because I knew I would regret it when I got home if I didn't and now I am really glad I did.

To be honest it didn't bother me I suppose some people may get annoyed as it is an extra expense. The half hour flies by and there is so much going on I am glad I didn't have to worry about taking pictures. What we did do is go back later and watch others having their swim and took plenty of pictures of the dolphins then.

Hope this helps.