DC trip report for 3/31/06

[hemispheredancer]

All I can say is AWESOME!!!! Arrived around 745 and we registered and picked DD swim time for 1205. We had our pic taken and meandered over to SeaHorse Lagoon and found a few chairs under an umbrella. We then went to get our wetsuits and my vest and staked out 2 small lockers. After getting all situated we went over to the aviary and played with some feathered friends. I had 3 perched on my shoulder and 1 feeding out of the dish. There are some beautiful birds in there! We went back and got our "special" suncreen on. A little goes a LONG way. We did the coral reef and took some underwater pics. The water there is pretty chilly but you get used to it. DS was whining he was cold so we got out and DD and I made our way over to the Sting Ray lagoon for a feeding. Boy those sure feel slimy! DD arrived on time for her swim prep and was in the cold lagoon about 20 minutes later. We were able to perch ourselves on the rocks and take some pictures. She absolutely loved her swim. She was with Diego. The assistant asked us if we wanted to get in a photo with her and Diego when the swim was over. We gladly accepted!! After her swim we had lunch. DH had the grilled salmon and said it was really good. DD and DS had chicken strips. I had the grilled chicken with some roasted potatoes. The food was better than I expected. The snacks that were offered were plentiful and you could get as much as you wanted when you wanted. I think both kids had 2 Shamu bars a piece that day. After lunch we did the lazy river and grottos. DH, DS, DD went back to the aviary and I just laid on the hammock and relaxed for a while. The whole day was so relaxing and laid back. There was no rushing around or crowds. We did notice we were the minority there. There were lots of Brits at DC that day!! We packed up and hit the gift shop/photos and left around 5. We got 2 5x7 and 1 8x10 and the swim DVD. I believe the DVD was $70 and the pics were about $40 (total). Now DD is on a mission to save her money to do Trainer for a Day program. That will be quite a while away!

That is the highlights of our day at DC. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I will try to get a pic posted soon.

 

[airhead]

...this place is worth the $$$$!!!!! I'm always surprised at how many people have never heard of DC.

 

[Madmother]

Thanks for posting your TR......we are scheduled for 6/25 and I am soooo looking forward to this. We are going as a tribute to my mom who passed away a few years ago and wanted so badly to "swim" with the dolphhins before she died. Unfortunately, she didn't get that chance, so we are going with Grandma Connie at our side and with her "girls" (grandbabies).

Everything I have seen/researched shows that this should be an awesome day. I especially like the fact that DClimits the number of people that are allowed in.

I was worried about the foods they offer, but you've put my mind at rest.......if all else fails, the girls will have chicken fingers to fall back on. DH and I are somewhat adventursome as far as trying new foods.

So thanks again for the inout....now I'm REALLY looking forward to going.

 

[ShannonRT]

DD and I had Diego too on 3-21-06. He was a very playful companion. We asked lots of questions to the 2 trainers. There are 3 dolphin lagoons with 4 dolphin encounters going on in each one in 30 minute intervals all day long. I believe they said Diego could do up to 8 encounters in one day and is usually willing to do so. We asked his age, which was 8 or 9, and he is pretty low on the totem pole in his "pod" family. Dolphins can live 20-30 years in captivity, so I guess he's just a youngster.

The whole experience was wonderful and VERY interesting. I would love to do the Trainer For a Day at DC, or the Marine Mammal Keeper Experience at Sea World.

 

[Dislifer]

Sounds like a wonderful day! I am looking forward not only to swimming with the dolphins, but having a leisurely day. Let's hope they keep limiting the number of people to a reasonable amount so DC doesn't lose some of it's relaxed atmoshpere.
I do have a question for you hemspheredancer....

When you get there, is it confusing or is it clear what you need to do...where to sign up...what to do...where to do everything...when to do everything...etc. etc.

Thanks!!!

 

[hemispheredancer]

When we arrived we got in line. There are multiple registation terminals. They have someone inspect your bags before registering. They register you and take your picture for your lanyard. You wait in line for the doors to open and then thye give you a brief overview of the park. You walk around a winding path and there are photographers there to take your FREE family photo. You are then able to go stake out your chairs and get your suits/snorkel/mask. It is not so big that you will get lost. You can navigate around pretty easy. Just make sure to remember what your swim time is. I believe it is printed on your lanyard along with the lagoon name. I don't think you will have a problem. There are plenty of people around to ask questions if you have them. Please be sure to post your trip report when you get back.

FYI...there is a little canopy thingy that has 2 email kiosks to send emails to friends/family. You can type in any message and it is sent instantly. DS teacher said hers had a photo of Shamu attached to it.