DD's DC secret is out so I can finally ask my ??! #1 - tell me about videos and pics

[Barb D]

Now that 10yo DD (aka AmoDolphin) finally knows she's going to DC (did she mention that she burst into tears when she found out?) I can finally post my many questions!

#1: I signed myself up as a non-dolphin-swimmer so that I could videotape her. But now I understand that DC does a video. How much does it cost, how long is it, and what exactly do they get on the tape? Does it include the whole session with the dolphin, or just the actual swim? If I were to do the swim with her, would we both be on the same tape? Same questions about the professional pictures...how many? How much $$? Bottom line, should I do the swim and go with their video and pics, or should I stand on shore and take my own?

 

[twotoohappy]

Absolutely swim with her!!!!!!!

The first half hour of the tape is an overview of DC. The next 20 min. is your whole pod's dolphin adventure. So yes, you and your dd will both be on the same tape.

The tape was 60- and was a good deal

pics - around 15 for each 5x7 or you can get the cd with 10 - 20 pictures on it for about 10 dollars per pic.

I swam with my dd (twice) and it was incredible. Don't miss out!

We went to the birds first (more active and less poop ...)

Get your pics done in the birds/stingrays with the sloths if they're out. You never know, they could be great.

Plan on spending the day, it's worth it!
And bring an underwater camera too.

any other questions????
Have fun!

 

[essmom]

twotoohappy-tell me more about the disc that has 10 pics. Are they only of your own family? How much is the disc? You said 10 bucks per picture-does it depend on how many pics they got on the disc!!Is the video REALLY worth the money?????I am seriously thinking about buying it if it's really worth it!!!Again is it just our family or the whole pod? Thanks so much!!! Only 76 more days till we go. Also, we are going to DC the 1st full day there.Is that a good plan and thenm we'll do all the parks the rets of the time.

 

[Kevenswife2]

I was there in Nov. and can't remember the pricing for the disc other than 'it was expensive'. Guess it's not bad if you make your own reprints at home. You do get to pick which pics you would like...your own, or a pic of that cute guy in your group.

They have touch screen computers and show all your groups photos. You touch on the ones you want.

I made DC our second full day in FL. If I had to do over I would make it one of the last days. The break would be nice after doing the theme parks. It was so relaxing and enjoyable. I actually felt pampered. EVERYTHING is supplied. Big fluffly towels, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, bags for wet stuff, swimming equipment, nice meal, even a basket of (free) feminine items in the bath house if needed. One thing I would bring is a GOOD lip balm. The salt water made the corners of my mouth raw. Whenever you plan you DC day into your vacation, I think you'll find it to be the BEST vacation day.

 

[twotoohappy]

the pics are (I think) 100- for 10 pics and 200- for 10-20 pics, plus they throw in some nice pics of the birds, dolphins, etc. for free. You get to pick your pics.

The video is very cool. The first half hour shows the whole park and the 2nd half hour is everyone in your pod. I will buy the video when we go again because they do a nice job on filming your pod. I burned mine on dvd when I got home because we're more of a dvd family then a video type, plus I could edit out the other members of my pod

If you want to hear what your dolphin trainer is saying then ask them for no music, if not the "tropical" type music basically drowns out the trainer. The music is nice though.

The pic cd is good if you're planning on getting a lot of pics and it'll save room on your packing. Otherwise I think it was around 15 for each photo/2 keychains, etc.

We can't wait to go back! We'll be trying the sleepover next time


Oh and we'd do DC in the middle of the vacation because it is soooo relaxing and you feel like you're on a tropical island. It's a nice break from the hurry up and let's ride another ride type of day.

 

[essmom]

twotoo happy-thanks so much!! i think we'll definitely get the video and maybe just stick with a couple of good pics with the dolphins. I think we'll keep our slot on Sunday -our 2nd day in Fl!!! They'll be driving me nuts of when we are going if we wait longer in the week.

 

[twotoohappy]

essmom,

and also bring a cheap watch that you can tie to your bag to keep track of your time for your dolphin swim. If you're late/miss it...then you're out of luck
That's the only thing that we'll do differently. It was crazy trying to find out the time all the time. Not all of the guards have watches so you're basically on your own.
Have Fun!!!

Oh yeah, when you do your dolphin swim, I'd leave your masks on shore. You won't need them and they look kinda silly in the pics. They told us to bring them, that we might need them to watch the dolphins swim underwater, but we never used them and there's no place to leave them once you're in the water.

 

[essmom]

Thanks again-twotoohappy!!!