Dicscovery Cove in December?

[ScarletFire]

We're thinking about it; December 30. Any experiences? Is the water heated? We've been to DC before and loved it.

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[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Our first visit to DC was on January 1st, 2012.

We had SUPER weather. An amazing day all around.

The water is most definitely heated. The water temps are kept consistent throughout the year, so they will warm them in the winter months and cool them (thinking specifically of the dolphin pool) in the summer months. This info courtesy of the trainer who oversaw our dolphin encounter.

There were electric heaters around the dining area where you could stand under and dry off very quickly, so you could be drier (and warmer) while you ate.

Our high temps were in the low 70's .... definitely great weather for the winter ! But Mother Nature being as she is, you could also get a pretty chilly day.

 

[ScarletFire]

Wetsuits? Are they complimentary? Will we need them for the Grand Reef? Weird question: How much of your body does a wetsuit cover?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Wetsuits? Are they complimentary? Will we need them for the Grand Reef? Weird question: How much of your body does a wetsuit cover?

Wetsuits and vests are provided for all guests at no charge .

You need to wear either a wetsuit or a vest while in the water attractions (Grand Reef, dolphin swim, lazy river, and Freshwater Oasis). The Grand Reef is one of the cooler waters at the park (warmer than the dolphin pool, but colder than the Freshwater Oasis and the lazy river) so you will likely want the wetsuits there unless you are visiting in the summer months when the air temperatures are much warmer.

The wetsuits they were distributing on January 1st, 2012 had t-shirt style sleeves and a knee-length leg. But I have read from other Disers that full body wetsuits (with longer sleeves and a full leg length) are also available on colder days. I personally can't confirm that though.

 

[ScarletFire]

Thanks!

I'm wondering how far in advance I should reserve December 30. We want the day package only; no dolphin swim. I'd like to know the 10 day forecast first. I notice on the DC website all dates beginning July 23 are still available; yesterday is was beginning July 22,

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Thanks!

I'm wondering how far in advance I should reserve December 30. We want the day package only; no dolphin swim. I'd like to know the 10 day forecast first. I notice on the DC website all dates beginning July 23 are still available; yesterday is was beginning July 22,

To get the best rate, I would book as soon as possible. Prices generally go up (sometimes substantially) as availability decreases. Your visit falls within a very busy travel period for Orlando, so that date might fill fairly quickly.

We always book DC for the beginning of our trip. Then if weather causes havoc to our vacation plans, we can move our visit date to later in the week (pending availability, of course) for no charge as DC allows one free date change per reservation. So far, we haven't had to make any changes on either visit, but it was a relief to know we had that option if necessary.

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

To get the best rate, I would book as soon as possible. Prices generally go up (sometimes substantially) as availability decreases. Your visit falls within a very busy travel period for Orlando, so that date might fill fairly quickly.

We always book DC for the beginning of our trip. Then if weather causes havoc to our vacation plans, we can move our visit date to later in the week (pending availability, of course) for no charge as DC allows one free date change per reservation. So far, we haven't had to make any changes on either visit, but it was a relief to know we had that option if necessary.

So should I book for June now? I am concerned because we usually go to Orlando end of June and it rains often. This doesn't bother us at WDW, but not sure how this will work at DC.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

So should I book for June now? I am concerned because we usually go to Orlando end of June and it rains often. This doesn't bother us at WDW, but not sure how this will work at DC.

Its a tough call. If it were me, I would book now to secure the best price possible on the tickets (in the event that they go up). But I know rain is always a concern. We have been lucky on both of our visits and Mother Nature was super kind....however, its a crap shoot!

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

Its a tough call. If it were me, I would book now to secure the best price possible on the tickets (in the event that they go up). But I know rain is always a concern. We have been lucky on both of our visits and Mother Nature was super kind....however, its a crap shoot!

The weather the end of June is basically hot & humid and a thunderstorm in the afternoon. I just want to get my money's worth especially because DC is so expensive.

 

[Disneyqueendenmark]

Wetsuits and vests are provided for all guests at no charge .

You need to wear either a wetsuit or a vest while in the water attractions (Grand Reef, dolphin swim, lazy river, and Freshwater Oasis). The Grand Reef is one of the cooler waters at the park (warmer than the dolphin pool, but colder than the Freshwater Oasis and the lazy river) so you will likely want the wetsuits there unless you are visiting in the summer months when the air temperatures are much warmer.

The wetsuits they were distributing on January 1st, 2012 had t-shirt style sleeves and a knee-length leg. But I have read from other Disers that full body wetsuits (with longer sleeves and a full leg length) are also available on colder days. I personally can't confirm that though.

I just wanted to add that when I visited DC - December 24 2012 - they had the full body wetsuit.
I first had the t-shirt and knee lenght, but later in the day I was getting cold, so I just asked for a full body wetsuit. My cousin changed from wetsuit to west and my mother changed to a dry t-shirt/knee lenght wetsuit, so she didn't get too cold wearing the cold and wet one while we were eating lunch. So I can confirm that they have the full body suits and that you can get which ever you like and change during the day! (But of course I don't know if they offer the full body everyday.)
We also had temperatures in the lower 70s. As I remember it, it was a bit windy and cloudy, but didn't think about it. The water was hot and nice - the grand reef was too cold and salt for me, but I also did it after spending the entire day in the lazy river and freshwater oasis which have pretty warm water (especially lazy river!)

Hope you'll have a wonderful day af DC! And hope that the weather is warm and nice!